According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, India produced a staggering 211.7 million metric tons of fluid milk during the 2024-2025 cycle. This impressive figure makes up 31% of the global milk market, overshadowing the European Union’s 22% share that equates to 150.17 million metric tons. Surprisingly, the United States only accounts for 15% of the world’s fluid milk production. Over the past decade, India’s average production has been 189.05 million metric tons, growing steadily at 2% annually.
When we separate out nonfat dry milk and whole milk powder, it’s interesting to note that these products are primarily generated outside of India. The European Union dominates in nonfat dry milk with an output of 1.4 million metric tons, while New Zealand leads in whole milk powder, producing 1.42 million metric tons.
India’s dairy industry
How did India transform into a dairy powerhouse, and what effects does the dairy industry have on its people? Once a nation grappling with milk shortages, India’s journey changed when Dr. Verghese Kurien launched Operation Flood in 1970. This initiative aimed to boost milk production and uplift farmers’ incomes.
Today, with 211.7 million metric tons of milk, India boasts an enormous cattle population of 307 million, including over 61 million cows that produce milk. Furthermore, many states have implemented laws prohibiting cow slaughter, reflecting the deeply rooted cultural reverence for these animals (via National Library of Medicine).
The number of dairy farmers in India stands around 70 million, supporting approximately one-third of the income for rural households. In stark contrast, the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture revealed that the United States has about 9.3 million milk-producing cows distributed across only 24,000 dairy farms. The European Union, the second-largest milk producer globally, has over 650,000 dairy farmers (via European Parliament), but neither the U.S. nor the EU can rival India’s immense production capacity. The dairy sector continues to play a critical role in the livelihoods of many within India’s rural populace.
