India's Ambitious Milk Production Target: Aiming for 300 Million Metric Tons

India, leading global milk producer, targets 300 MMT milk in five years, up from 239 MMT. Since Rashtriya Gokul Mission's 2014 launch, production increased 63.5%. The initiative focuses on genetic upgrades and productivity for sustainable farming, involving 10 crore people, 75% women.

India has emerged as the top milk producer globally and is setting an ambitious target of reaching 300 million metric tons (MMT) of milk production within the next five years. This goal was announced by Union Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, during a session in the Lok Sabha.

Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), launched in 2014 by the Modi government, milk production has surged by 63.5%, with aspirations to boost it by another 15% in the next three years. RGM's primary objectives include the development and preservation of indigenous breeds, genetic enhancement of the bovine population, and increased productivity to make milk production more profitable for farmers, most of whom are women.

The plan aims to promote the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding, broaden artificial insemination coverage, and strengthen the breeding networks, ensuring delivery of services directly to farmers. The scheme also supports the promotion of indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing, targeting sustainable growth in India's dairy sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)