Milk output to surge 5 per cent

Milk production for the current year is on a rise. World's largest milk producing country, India, has produced 91 million tonne (MT) milk last year, expecting 5 per cent increase in 2005-06 to 95 MT. In 2003-04, the country's production was 88.1 MT and per capita availability was 231 gram per day.

For the last 50 years, there has been a consistent growth in milk production till this year. During 1950-51 total milk production was 17 MT and the per capita availability was 124 gram per day. In 1980-81, production rose to 31.6 MT, but the per capita availability was 128.

The scenario changed fast in the next 10 years. Production which had reached 53.9 MT, fuelled the per capita availability to 176 gram per day, according to the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries.

Milk production had increased by 30 MT in 10 years time and the per capita availability was 220.

Uttar Pradesh which is the largest milk producing state, produced 16 MT milk last year. Punjab, Rajastan, Andhra Prdesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra are the states just behind UP in production. Consumption demand is high in all the states across the country owing to the growth in population.

Part of the milk produced in the country is used for making diary products. Some of these products are exported to other countries also. The export is expected to increase in the future.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has drawn up a perspective 2010 plan for Cooperative Milk Unions, with the objective to raise milk procurement and increase cooperative share in marketing of milk and milk products.

In order to ensure maximum economic returns to milk producers and sustain increase in milk production, NDDB has adopted a scientific and integrated approach towards breeding, feeding, health care and husbandry practices.