USDA Dairy World Markets and Trade: India’s Milk Outlook
Why in the news
A USDA dairy report projected higher cow milk output and a growing herd for India, while expecting no big rise in its dairy exports.
Cow milk and total milk
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Cow’s milk, 2025 | 103.2 million tonnes |
| Cow’s milk, 2026 (forecast) | 105.4 million tonnes |
| Cows in milk (expected) | 62.5 million |
| Total milk, 2024-25 | 247.87 million tonnes |
- The USDA figure covers cow’s milk only, placing India second to the European Union; counting buffalo, goat and other milk, India is the largest producer.
- Total comes from Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025; buffalo milk’s higher fat explains India’s butter lead.
Key facts
- Output rose 3.58% over 2023-24 and is about 69% above 2014-15; availability is 485 g a day versus a world average near 322 g.
- Top States: UP, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, together 54.09%.
- Dairy gives about 5% of the economy and supports 8 crore+ farmers.
- Abroad: US butter exports up 40%, EU up 10%, New Zealand at a record 22.5 mt.
Exam angle
- India: first in total milk, second in cow’s milk after the EU.