English
New Delhi, November 27: India’s milk production in 2016-17 rose by 18.81% as compared to 2013-14 while the per capita availability of milk increased from 307 gm/day in 2013-14 to 351 gm/day in 2016-17. The increase in milk production significantly increased the dairy farmers’ income. India’s dairy sector offers numerous possibilities for entrepreneurs across the globe. On the occasion of National Milk Day on Sunday, Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh said that the milk production has increased significantly from 137.7 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 164 million tonnes in 2016-17. Similarly, the per capita availability of milk increased from 307 gram in 2013-14 to 351 gram in 2016-17. Annual growth rate of Milk Production during the period 2011-14 was 4%, which has increased to 6% during 2014-17. The annual growth rate of world milk production has increased by 2% during 2014-17.
Singh termed India as the ‘Oyster’ of the global dairy industry that provides opportunities galore for the entrepreneurs globally. Since last 15 years, India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world. This phenomenal increase is contributed to the several measures initiated by the Government of India to increase the productivity of livestock.
Singh said that Livestock sector contributes significantly towards livelihoods and security net for the landless and marginal farmers. As per a government press release, about 70 million rural households are engaged in dairying in India with 80% of total cow population. The strength of women in Dairy has reached to the 70% of the total work force (about 44 lakh) of which 3,60,000 women are in leadership roles in village dairy cooperatives and 380 women on the boards of Union and State Federations.
The consumption of milk is rising, commensurate with an increase in the purchasing power of people, increasing urbanization, changing food habits and lifestyles and demographic growth. Milk with its varied benefits is the only source of animal protein for the largely vegetarian population of the country. Factors such as increased consumer interest in high protein diets and increasing awareness & availability of value-added dairy products through organised retail chains are also driving its demand. During last 15 years, Milk Cooperatives have converted about 20% of milk procured into traditional and value-added products that offers about 20% higher revenue. This share of value-added products is estimated to increase to 30% by 2021-22.
The Minister said that a National Action Plan Vision-2022 is being prepared to fill the gaps in the infrastructure required to handle the increased coverage and milk production not only to meet the demand of milk and milk products but also to fulfil the objective of doubling the farmers’ income.
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