New Delhi: India has reported significant growth of 80 per cent in dairy exports, recording earnings of $492.9 million in 2024–25, making the sector a key contributor to foreign exchange in the food segment.

According to official data, the country exported 1,13,350.4 metric tonnes of dairy products during the financial year, reflecting a 77.9 per cent rise compared with 2023–24.

The primary export destinations for Indian dairy products include the United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

India has maintained its position as the world’s largest milk producer since 1998, now contributing 25 per cent of global milk output. The nation’s milk production has increased by 63.56 per cent over the past decade, rising from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239.2 million tonnes in 2023–24. This represents an annual growth rate of 5.7 per cent, compared with the global growth rate of just 2 per cent.

Per capita milk availability in India has also risen by 48 per cent over the past ten years, reaching 471 grams per person per day in 2023–24, up from 322 grams per person per day in 2014–15.

The Union Minister highlighted various initiatives being implemented by the government to strengthen the dairy sector.

The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) is being carried out across the country to support state governments in expanding milk production and processing infrastructure. To assist State Dairy Cooperative Federations, the Centre is also offering interest subvention on working capital loans to help them overcome challenges posed by adverse market conditions or natural calamities.

In addition, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) provides financial support for projects by entrepreneurs, dairy cooperatives, farmers’ producer organisations, private companies, MSMEs and Section 8 companies. This includes investment in dairy processing and value addition, animal feed manufacturing plants, breed improvement technology, animal waste-to-wealth projects, and veterinary vaccine and drug production facilities.

To enhance milk production and bovine productivity, the government is implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous breeds and genetic improvement of the bovine population.

Furthermore, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) aims to promote entrepreneurship and breed development in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery sectors, while also providing incentives to individuals, farmer organisations, self-help groups and state governments for infrastructure creation.

The Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme is also in place to provide prophylactic vaccination against animal diseases, strengthen veterinary infrastructure, improve disease surveillance, and enhance capacity building in veterinary services, the minister added.

 

IANS inputs