From less than five litres per animal in FY14 to around eight litres today, India’s dairy sector is being transformed through better breeds, vaccination, technology and cattle-dung-based income opportunities.
India’s dairy sector is entering a new phase of growth, driven by higher milk productivity, scientific breeding and improved animal healthcare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted that the average milk yield of cows and buffaloes has increased to around eight litres per animal, compared with less than five litres in 2013-14.
This improvement is significant because dairy is not just a source of nutrition but also a regular income stream for millions of rural households, particularly women. Better breeds, vaccination, veterinary services and modern dairy infrastructure have played an important role in this transformation.
A major step in this direction is the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Spread across 127 acres, it is the country’s first dedicated facility for the Kankrej cattle breed. The centre will focus on genetic improvement and advanced reproductive technologies, including IVF and embryo transfer.
It will also support indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Kankrej and Tharparkar, alongside buffalo breeds including Mehsana, Murrah, Banni and Jaffarabadi. Its target is to produce around 25,000 high-quality embryos annually, helping farmers access more productive animals.
India’s livestock numbers indicate that productivity, rather than simply expanding animal populations, is becoming increasingly important. According to the 20th Livestock Census, the cattle population increased from 190.90 million in 2012 to 192.52 million in 2019, while buffalo numbers rose from 108.7 million to 109.9 million.
The total bovine population reached 303.76 million, registering 1.3 per cent growth over seven years. This suggests that improving the productivity of existing livestock is an important part of India’s dairy growth strategy.
However, livestock growth has varied across states. Uttar Pradesh remains a major livestock centre, while West Bengal has emerged as the leading state in cattle population. Between 2012 and 2019, Madhya Pradesh’s livestock population increased from 36.3 million to 40.6 million, West Bengal’s from 30.3 million to 37.4 million and Bihar’s from 32.9 million to 36.5 million.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also recorded significant growth. In contrast, Rajasthan declined from 57.7 million to 56.8 million, while Gujarat registered a marginal decline from 27.1 million to 26.9 million.
These differences reflect varying state-level priorities. While some states have expanded their livestock base, Gujarat has increasingly focused on productivity, breed improvement and organised dairy networks. The state recorded 96.33 lakh cattle and 105.43 lakh buffaloes in the 2019 census, demonstrating its strong bovine economy.
Gujarat’s dairy development also has roots in Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014. During this period, dairy cooperatives, veterinary services and support systems for livestock-rearing families received attention.
The Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, launched in 2007-08, has provided more than 1.96 lakh milch animals to tribal women. It supports animal purchases, insurance, transportation, cattle feed, veterinary treatment and training, helping rural families establish regular income through milk production.
Institutions such as the Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation and dairy cooperatives, including Banas Dairy, have strengthened this ecosystem by connecting farmers with markets, technical assistance and veterinary services. This cooperative approach has helped create a more organised dairy value chain.
At the national level, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on conserving and improving indigenous cattle breeds through scientific breeding. The new Banaskantha centre is expected to strengthen these efforts by preserving superior genetic traits and expanding access to advanced reproductive technologies. Better breeds can improve milk production without requiring farmers to maintain significantly larger herds.
Animal healthcare is another important pillar. The nationwide vaccination programme against diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease aims to protect livestock and reduce productivity losses. According to the Prime Minister, nearly 150 crore vaccine doses have been administered, covering livestock belonging to more than eight crore farmers. Better disease prevention also reduces veterinary expenses and helps maintain consistent milk production.
The government is also promoting income opportunities beyond milk. Two Bio-CNG plants proposed by Banas Dairy at Tharad and Radhanpur will together process 175 tonnes of cattle dung daily. Dung and agricultural waste can be converted into biogas, Bio-CNG and organic fertiliser, creating additional revenue opportunities while supporting cleaner energy and soil health.
The broader agricultural support system complements these initiatives. The Prime Minister highlighted ₹4.5 lakh crore transferred to farmers under PM-KISAN, ₹24 lakh crore paid to paddy and wheat farmers through MSP over 12 years, and substantial expenditure on fertiliser subsidies and crop insurance. These measures strengthen the wider rural economy in which dairy and animal husbandry play an important role.
The next challenge is ensuring that higher milk productivity translates into better and more stable farmer incomes. Improved fodder availability, cold-chain infrastructure, fair procurement prices, veterinary access and modern breeding facilities will be essential.
India’s dairy revolution is gradually moving beyond herd expansion towards a science-driven model that combines productivity, animal health and multiple income streams. Its success will ultimately depend on how effectively these benefits reach small and marginal livestock farmers across the country.
