Overview

• World Milk Day has been observed every June 1 since 2001 by the FAO to honor milk’s central role in diets, economies and rural livelihoods under this year’s “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy” theme.
• India accounts for nearly 24 percent of global milk output, supports more than 80 million dairy farmers and contributes over six percent to its national GDP.
• Disease outbreaks, climate change and surging feed costs caused India’s milk production to fall by around ten percent in 2024–25, highlighting the need for enhanced quality control and disease surveillance.
• Producers are expanding value-added offerings such as fortified milk, artisanal cheese and probiotic beverages while adopting cleaner-label practices to address consumer demand and combat adulteration.
• Industry stakeholders are pursuing low-carbon breeding strategies, indigenous breed conservation and investment in export-oriented brands to sustain growth and global competitiveness.