Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk producer in the country, followed by Rajasthan, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel. India’s total milk production in 2023–24 stood at 239.30 million tonnes, with cows contributing 53.12% and buffaloes accounting for 43.62% of the output.
Uttar Pradesh is the leading state in India for milk production, with 13.11 million tonnes of cow milk and 24.35 million tonnes of buffalo milk, solidifying its dominance in buffalo-based dairy farming. Following closely is Rajasthan, which produces 14.81 million tonnes of cow milk and 16.79 million tonnes of buffalo milk. Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra are also among the top producers.
Southern states show a different trend, with Karnataka producing 10.59 million tonnes of cow milk compared to 2.83 million tonnes from buffaloes. Tamil Nadu’s dairy sector is even more cow-centric, producing 10.43 million tonnes of cow milk and just 0.25 million tonnes of buffalo milk. Smaller states and Union Territories, including those in the Northeast, contribute far less to national production, often with minimal buffalo milk output.
Buffalo milk, valued for its higher fat content and suitability for producing products such as ghee, paneer, and khoa, plays a significant role in the dairy economies of North and West India. In contrast, cow milk dominates in the South and parts of the East.
The growing dairy sector not only enhances India’s food security but also supports millions of rural livelihoods. Experts believe that with continued technological advancements and region-specific strategies, India’s milk production will keep increasing. This will further solidify the country’s position as the world’s largest milk producer and a significant player in the global dairy market.
