A third of the world's milk production will soon come from India

India is the world’s largest producer of milk, soon to account for a third of global production. The dairy sector contributes more than a quarter of the country’s agricultural gross domestic product, and provides income to 70 percent of rural households. Rising purchasing power and urban migration are creating a dynamic dairy market, with urban consumers spending more on healthier and more nutritious dairy products. Milk is a crucial component of Indian food consumption, with consumers spending 20 percent of their food purchases on dairy. However, only 20 percent of total milk production is processed professionally, while 34 percent is sold through the informal sector. The rest is used by farmers themselves. Cow’s milk production in India is estimated to reach 102.5 million tons in 2024, up almost 3 percent from last year. Buffalo milk, at 110.7 million tons, is higher in fat and therefore more economically attractive. Domestic consumption of liquid milk will grow to around ninety ...