India is the world’s largest milk producer because of well-established dairy farming. Dairy farming plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions of people in India. India is blessed with a rich agricultural landscape and traditional dairy farming. These factors have contributed to the growth of the dairy industry on a global scale. The country’s dairy industry contributes significantly to its rural economy, with various states taking the lead in milk production. The significant growth in the dairy industry has helped the country meet both domestic and global supply requirements of milk.
1. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has consistently been the leading milk-producing state in India, contributing over 18% of the country’s total milk production. The state is famous for its large cattle population. Uttar Pradesh benefits from extensive dairy farming, especially in regions like Meerut, Bulandshahr, and Aligarh. The state’s infrastructure, including dairy cooperatives such as Parag Dairy, plays a pivotal role in processing and distributing milk across the nation. In addition to this, the UP government has implemented various schemes to help and benefit dairy farmers.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is another major contributor to India’s milk production, accounting for about 12-13% of the total output. The state is famous for its indigenous cattle breeds like the Rathi and Tharparkar, which are well-adapted to the climate of the state. Further, Rajasthan is home to famous dairy brands like Amul and Saras. The dairy cooperatives in the state also help in managing the collection and distribution of milk. The dairy farming sector has seen a significant boost through the Rajasthan Dairy Federation, which supports farmers with technology and financial aid.
3. Madhya Pradesh
Yet another state in India that contributes significantly to milk production is Madhya Pradesh. MP has witnessed rapid growth in most milk production over the last decade, emerging as a top milk producer. The state accounts for about 8-9% of the country’s milk supply. The main reason for the growth in milk production can be attributed to improvements in dairy infrastructure and increased fodder availability. Further, MP government schemes like the National Dairy Development Program have also contributed significantly to the increase in milk production in the state. Cooperative societies such as Sanchi are crucial for ensuring that milk reaches the market efficiently.
4. Gujarat
The fourth state in India that contributed to the blooming dairy industry in India is Gujarat. Just like the previous three states Gujarat also holds a significant position in the dairy sector, producing around 8% of India’s milk. The state of Gujarat is synonymous with the dairy brand Amul, one of the largest dairy cooperatives globally. Gujarat’s dairy industry is highly organized, with modern facilities and strong supply chains. The cooperative movement Verghese Kurien has played a vital role in empowering small-scale dairy farmers and improving their livelihood.
5. Punjab
Punjab, it doesn’t come as a surprise to see Punjab in the list of highest production of dairy in the state. Punjab with its robust agricultural base is also a major milk producer, contributing about 7-8% of India’s total production. The state is well-known for its high-yield dairy farms. The biggest advantage of the state is the favorable climate for cattle rearing. Punjab’s farmers have adopted advanced dairy technologies, including automated milking systems and feed management systems. The cooperative of dairy like Verka plays a crucial role in managing and ensuring milk from small and marginal farmers are marketed efficiently.
Role of India’s Dairy Production in Export
India also exports dairy products to various other countries. The highest exported dairy products are skimmed milk powder, casein milk and cream. These milk products are exported mainly to Bangladesh, UAE and other South East Asia countries.
In conclusions India’s dairy production industry is set to grow continuously. The above five states play an important role in fulfilling nations’ demands. In recent times states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab have set a benchmark in the industry with their innovations and well-organized cooperatives. The states mentioned above are key contributors to the Indian economy and also help the country maintain its position as the world’s largest milk producer.
