India leads global milk production, aims for 300 million metric tons (MMT) in next five years

India, the world's top milk producer, has set a target to increase its milk production to 300 million metric tons (MMT) over the next five years from the current 239 MMT. Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan Singh, announced this goal in the Lok Sabha. Since the government launched the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) in 2014, milk production has risen by 63.5%. It is expected to grow by 15% in the next three years. The minister noted that around 10 crore people are involved in milk production, with women making up 75% of this workforce. The per capita milk consumption in India stands at 471 grams. 

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the RGM to develop and conserve indigenous breeds, genetically upgrade the bovine population, and enhance milk production and productivity. The scheme, which runs from 2021-22 to 2025-26, also seeks to sustainably increase the productivity of bovines and milk production using advanced technologies. It promotes high genetic merit bulls for breeding, enhances artificial insemination coverage, and supports indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing. 

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