Milk production refers to the process of obtaining milk from dairy animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats, which serves as a vital component of human nutrition and economic activity.

In India, milk production holds significant importance, both as a source of livelihood and as a nutritional staple. India has consistently been the world’s largest milk producer, with total milk production rising from 92.5 million tonnes in 2004-05 to over 230.5 million tonnes in 2022-23, as per government data. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have been the top contributors to this remarkable growth. Uttar Pradesh alone produced over 36.2 million tonnes of milk in 2022-23, the highest in the country. The consistent rise in milk output has been crucial for ensuring food security, generating rural employment, and empowering small and marginal farmers.

The dairy sector also contributes significantly to India’s GDP and is a key driver for poverty alleviation in rural areas. Government initiatives like Operation Flood and schemes promoting dairy cooperatives have strengthened this sector. With growing demand for dairy products in both domestic and export markets, milk production remains a cornerstone of India’s agricultural and nutritional landscape.