Although India's dairy sector has performed well in meeting the demand of milk in the country, the milk demand is now increasing at a much faster rate than production. National Dairy Development Board believes that India's milk production should increase to 5 million tonnes per annum.
The demand of milk is estimated to be around 180 million tonnes by 2021-22. "If India wants to meet its burgeoning demand of milk, the domestic production, which grows 2.5 million tonnes annually as of now, has to be increased by 5 million tonnes per annum by enhancing the productivity through holistic approach," Amrita Patel, chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), said at the 38th Dairy Industry Conference in Bangalore.
Apart from higher GDP growth, she attributed increasing income of rural households and hike in salaries of government employees for rise in demand of milk in the country.
While pointing out that dependence on import to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of milk is not a proper solution, she said, “Dairy industry is a source of livelihood for millions of small and marginal farmers. So instead of sourcing milk from overseas markets, we should focus on increasing the productivity, which is quite possible through certain initiatives."
It may be mentioned here that NDDB had drawn up a National Dairy Plan two years ago outlining strategies to achieve the goal of raising milk production in the country. The plan recommends major interventions in two areas. First, the milk production should be doubled over a period of 15 years by improving productivity through genetic improvement of milch animals and optimal use of feed and fodder in order to fully realize the improved genetic potential. Secondly, the share of marketable surplus of the organized sector, both cooperative and private dairies, should be increased from 30 per cent to 65 per cent.