Milk Procurement Sees 5.6 Percent Rise in June, Says Rupala; No Shortage Reported

The Indian government revealed that milk procurement experienced a substantial year-on-year rise of 5.6 per cent in June.

The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, addressed the Lok Sabha, stating that there were no indications of milk or milk product shortages in the country. To ensure a comprehensive overview of the milk situation, the department periodically reviews the current status.

Minister Rupala also disclosed that, based on the information from major dairy cooperatives, the stock of Skimmed milk powder had surged from 1,16,002 tonnes in May 2023 to 1,30,000 tonnes in June 2023.

Moreover, he clarified that the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying does not regulate the procurement and sale prices of milk. Instead, prices are set by cooperative and private dairies, taking into account their production costs and market conditions.

The Wholesale Price Index of fodder has been witnessing a downward trend, starting at 248 in January 2023, dropping to 237.4 in April 2023, and finally moderating to 222.70 in June 2023. The advent of the monsoon season has resulted in improved green fodder availability, further contributing to the dairy sector's stability.

In the preceding fiscal year of 2021-22, India achieved an impressive milk production of 221.06 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT). The collective milk processing capacity of dairy cooperatives reached an impressive 989.43 lakh litres per day.

Overall, the data and statements presented by the government reflect a positive and thriving state of affairs in the Indian dairy industry. With increasing milk procurement, sufficient stock of milk products, and stable market forces governing prices, the country's dairy sector appears to be on a solid front.