Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has announced that India’s share in the global dairy sector is poised to rise to 33% in the years to come. Speaking at the closing session of the 49th Dairy Industries Conference in Gandhinagar, Mr. Shah declared that the government is planning to establish two lakh rural dairies at the Panchayat level across the country. These dairies are expected to contribute to a significant increase in the annual growth rate of the Indian dairy sector, from the current 6.6% to 13.80%.
The minister also emphasized the critical role played by cooperative milk federations in rural economic development and women’s empowerment. He pointed out that nearly nine crore rural families in India depend on the dairy sector for their livelihoods. He expressed hope that the establishment of multistate cooperatives for the promotion of dairy products will lead to a fivefold increase in India’s dairy exports.
According to Mr. Shah, the dairy sector in India is a symbol of a self-reliant India. India is currently the world’s largest milk-producing country, and the government is taking steps to ensure that this position is maintained and strengthened. By encouraging the establishment of rural dairies, the government hopes to support the country’s small farmers and bolster the rural economy.
In recognition of their significant contributions to the dairy industry, Mr. Shah presented the Verghese Kurien award to dairy industrialists and leaders. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the state’s efforts to encourage value addition in the dairy sector, noting that Gujarat exports milk products worth over 1200 crores annually. The conference was also attended by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, and RS Sodhi, Chairman of the Indian Dairy Association.
The three-day conference was attended by a large number of dairy industrialists, cattle-rearing farmers, and cooperative leaders. Discussions focused on ways to promote the dairy industry, encourage innovation, and support small farmers. Participants also discussed the challenges facing the sector, including the impact of climate change, access to financing, and the need for better marketing and distribution channels.
India’s dairy sector is a vital component of the country’s agricultural economy, and the government is committed to supporting its growth and development. The establishment of rural dairies and the promotion of multistate cooperatives are just two of the initiatives being taken to ensure that the sector continues to thrive. With its large rural population and extensive dairy farming traditions, India is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the global dairy industry. By investing in the sector, the government hopes to ensure that India’s dairy farmers can continue to provide a reliable source of nutrition and livelihoods for generations to come.
