National Milk Day

National Milk Day is observed every year on 26 November. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, revered as the “Father of the White Revolution” in India.

• Celebrations highlight his pioneering efforts in transforming India’s dairy sector into the world’s largest.

India: World’s Leading Milk Producer

• India continues to retain its position as the largest milk producer globally, contributing nearly one-fourth of total global output.
• The country’s dairy sector has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade.

Dairy Sector’s Economic Contribution

• Over the last 11 years, the dairy sector has expanded by 70%.
• It contributes around 5% to India’s national economy.
• Provides direct employment to more than 8 crore farmers, according to National Accounts Statistics.

Women at the Core of Dairy Growth

• Women farmers play a pivotal role in milk production and collection.
• Their involvement makes the dairy sector a strong driver of inclusive and gender-responsive development.

Remarkable Growth in Milk Production

• Milk production rose by 63.56% in the last decade:
  • 2014–15: 146.30 million tonnes
  • 2023–24: 239.30 million tonnes
• This sharp rise reflects improved productivity, enhanced procurement systems, and better market access.

Rise in Per-Capita Milk Availability

• Per-capita availability of milk has surged from 124 grams/day to 471 grams/day.
• This improvement supports India’s goals of nutrition security and dietary diversification.