India’s milk production has surged to 247 million tonnes in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s dairy growth story, according to M L Jat, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Highlighting the sector’s progress, Jat said milk production has grown sharply from just 17 million tonnes in 1950, reflecting decades of sustained policy support, technological advancement and farmer participation.
The dairy sector today forms the backbone of India’s livestock economy, contributing around 65% of total output and nearly 16% to the country’s gross value added (GVA), while supporting the livelihoods of over 46% of the population.
India continues to be the world’s largest milk producer, with states like Uttar Pradesh leading in production and Punjab and Haryana recording high productivity levels. Future demand is projected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting a requirement of 480–606 million tonnes by 2047.
The growth reflects the increasing importance of dairy as a key driver of rural income, nutrition and economic stability.
