Every year on June 1st, the world observes World Milk Day, an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to highlight the importance of milk in global nutrition and recognize the contribution of the dairy sector to economic development, rural livelihoods, and food security.
For India, World Milk Day holds special significance. As the largest producer and consumer of milk in the world, India’s dairy sector is not just a source of nutrition but a backbone of the rural economy. With over 80 million rural households engaged in dairy farming, the country’s dairy industry plays a vital role in livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and employment generation.
Theme of World Milk Day 2025 is Let's Celebrate the Power of Dairy
The Legacy of the White Revolution
India’s journey from milk scarcity to self-sufficiency is a remarkable success story, led by the historic White Revolution in the 1970s. Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of India’s dairy development and the founder of Amul, the revolution transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s leading milk producer.
The creation of cooperative societies, improved cattle breeds, veterinary services, and infrastructure like cold chains revolutionized the dairy supply chain. This movement not only boosted milk production but also ensured that farmers received fair prices and that consumers had access to affordable milk and dairy products.
Milk in Indian Diet and Culture
In India, milk is more than a dietary staple—it’s deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and culinary traditions. From being offered in rituals to being a key ingredient in sweets like kheer, paneer, and lassi, milk holds a place of pride in Indian households.
Nutritionally, milk is a major source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, especially for children, adolescents, and the elderly. The Indian government’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme and other public nutrition programs have increasingly included milk or dairy products to combat malnutrition.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While India’s dairy industry has achieved global recognition, it faces several challenges:
• Sustainability: Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and feed resources are prompting a shift toward climate-smart dairy farming.
• Quality and safety: Ensuring hygienic practices and preventing adulteration are critical for public health.
• Technological modernisation: Small-scale farmers need access to modern equipment, veterinary care, and cold storage to reduce losses and improve efficiency.
• Shifting consumer trends: Urban consumers are exploring plant-based alternatives, and the industry must adapt to evolving dietary preferences.
Celebrating the Future
On World Milk Day, India celebrates not just its success in milk production, but also the farmers, cooperatives, and innovations that make it possible. Events across the country—seminars, milk distribution drives, farmer recognition ceremonies, and school awareness programs—highlight the role of milk in building a healthier, more prosperous India.
As India moves forward, the focus is on making its dairy industry more inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven, while preserving the legacy of cooperation and self-reliance that defined the White Revolution.