Government expands dairy infrastructure, fodder supply, livestock traceability and milk value chains while reinforcing support for farmers through flagship schemes.

Key Highlights

• India’s milk production increased 70%, from 146.31 million tonnes (2014-15) to 248.87 million tonnes (2024-25).
• Egg production rose 90%, reaching 149.11 billion in 2024-25.
• NPDD to strengthen milk procurement infrastructure in Bhind and Datia districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• 1.62 lakh tonnes of fodder seed produced and 204 feed & fodder enterprises approved under the National Livestock Mission.
• 100 fodder-focused Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) established across 19 states.
• Delhi’s milk demand projected to increase from 111 LLPD (2019) to 173.5 LLPD by 2030.
• Bharat Pashudhan database to strengthen livestock traceability and exports.

Government Expands Dairy Infrastructure and Livestock Development to Strengthen India’s Milk Supply Chain

New Delhi, July 28: The Government of India has announced a series of measures to strengthen the country’s dairy and livestock sectors, focusing on milk procurement infrastructure, livestock productivity, fodder availability and supply-chain efficiency to support farmers and meet growing consumer demand.

Responding to questions in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying highlighted the progress made through flagship schemes aimed at modernising India’s dairy ecosystem while improving market access and export readiness.

Milk Production Continues Strong Growth

India’s dairy sector has witnessed significant expansion over the past decade.

According to the government:

• Milk production increased from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 248.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, representing a 70% increase.
• Egg production grew from 78.48 billion to 149.11 billion, an increase of nearly 90% during the same period.

The government attributed this growth to sustained investments in dairy infrastructure, livestock development and farmer support programmes.

Dairy Infrastructure Gets a Boost

To strengthen milk procurement and collection systems, the government is implementing:

• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

Under NPDD, infrastructure has been approved for Bhind and Datia districts in Madhya Pradesh, including:

• Installation of a 3,000-litre Bulk Milk Cooler in Bhind.
• Milk collection infrastructure across 34 Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs) in Bhind and 14 DCSs in Datia.

The government clarified that no proposals from these districts have been received under AHIDF so far.

Focus on Fodder and Feed Security

To address rising feed costs and improve livestock productivity, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) continues to support fodder development across the country.

Key achievements include:

• Production of 1.62 lakh tonnes of fodder seeds.
• Approval of 204 feed and fodder enterprise units.
• Formation of 100 fodder-centric Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across 19 states.

The government said these initiatives are aimed at improving fodder availability while reducing input costs for livestock farmers.

Delhi’s Growing Milk Demand

The Ministry noted that Delhi’s demand for milk is expected to continue rising.

Based on the National Dairy Plan Phase-I study:

• Demand stood at 111 lakh litres per day (LLPD) in 2019.
• It is projected to reach 173.5 LLPD by 2030.

The government stated that current demand is being adequately met through supplies from major dairy organisations including Mother Dairy, Amul (GCMMF), Delhi Milk Scheme (DMS), COMFED, Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and private dairies operating under FSSAI standards.

Officials said no additional intervention is currently required as existing supply arrangements remain sufficient.

No National Livestock Law Proposed

Responding to queries on a National Livestock Development Framework, the government clarified that Animal Husbandry is a State subject, and there is no proposal to introduce a comprehensive national legislation governing livestock development.

However, the Centre will continue supporting states through schemes including:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• National Livestock Mission (NLM).
• Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).

Digital Traceability and Export Readiness

To improve livestock traceability and strengthen export competitiveness, the Department has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to develop the Bharat Pashudhan database.

The platform uses a unique 12-digit Tag ID for livestock, enabling better animal identification, disease monitoring and product traceability.

The government said ongoing investments through AHIDF, NLM and disease-control programmes will help create disease-free zones and enhance India’s livestock export potential.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

The expansion of India’s dairy infrastructure and livestock value chains is expected to benefit the hospitality industry by ensuring a more reliable supply of milk and dairy products for hotels, restaurants, cafés, bakeries and institutional catering. Improved milk procurement, cold-chain infrastructure and livestock productivity can enhance the availability and quality of dairy ingredients used across the foodservice sector.

For tourism destinations, particularly those known for regional dairy products and culinary experiences, stronger value chains can support local food tourism, farm-to-table dining and artisanal dairy offerings. Improved livestock traceability through the Bharat Pashudhan database also aligns with the hospitality sector’s growing emphasis on food safety, quality assurance and sustainable sourcing, strengthening consumer confidence in India’s dairy products.