India has been the leading producer and consumer of dairy products globally ever since 1998 with a persistent growth. Dairy activities form one of the fundamental segments of the rural Indian economy, serving as a significant source of employment and income.

India's dairy industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world. It's a significant contributor to the Indian economy, with a market size of over US$100 billion.

India has the world's largest dairy herd with over 300 million bovines. In 2021-22, India produced close to 221.1 million tonnes of milk, which is close to 50% more than the US and more than three times as much as China. India is first among all countries in both production and consumption of milk.

The sector is dominated by small and marginal farmers, who own around 80% of the total bovine population in the country

The dairy market in India size reached INR 14,899.8 Billion in 2022. IMARC Group expects the market to reach INR 31,185.7 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% during 2023-2028.

Keeping in view, the Government of India has established various schemes and initiatives aimed at the improvement of the dairy sector. The private participation has also increased over the past few years. Both national and international players are entering the dairy industry attracted by the magnitude and potential of the Indian Dairy Market

Challenges

India has the largest bovine population in the world as blessed with a huge biodiversity of 43 indigenous cattle breeds and 13 Buffalo breeds. However, the milk production per animal is significantly low as compared to the other major dairy producers.

Besides, the Indian dairy sector is plagued with various other impediments like shortage of fodder, poor quality of feed, poor transportation facilities and lack of appropriate cold chain infrastructure. As a result, the supply side lacks in elasticity that is expected of it.

In terms of packaging, there is an additional need for protective packaging for cow's milk due to artificial lighting. Light-protective packaging may be the most effective approach in protecting milk from photo-induced sensory damage.

Despite challenges, one emerging trend in Indian dairying is the growing number of the commercial dairy farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of the metros and big cities.

Emergence of Commercial Farming

Commercial dairy farming in India is undoubtedly playing a significant role in the total milk manufacturing and economy of our country. And approximately all regions of India are appropriate for setting up dairy farming business. Farmers need to learn about better dairy or cattle management, good breeding, balanced diet, preventing disease, primary care and modern farming techniques to get improved production. Keeping good prevention and management system improve dairy farming.

Holistic Growth

As farming and dairy sector share an association owing to the equally connected inputs and outputs, it is significant to promote the two together to move towards holistic growth. It is significant to bring in quality feed material and well-organized feeding techniques, encourage commercialization and automation of dairy farms, expand networks to promote processed food and beverages based on milk, have well managed cold chain amenities to reduce wastage and organize the sector further.

So as to promote these and make sure the all-round development of the Indian dairy industry, we invite dairy companies, investors, packaging and dairy processing machinery manufacturers, cold-chain developers, feeds suppliers, livestock healthcare companies to join us at 15th DairyTech India 2026 from 21-22-23 August, 2026 in Bangalore, India. The event will have co-located show-17th AgriTech India 2026.

DairyTech India 2026 is the best place to become part of the emerging Indian Dairy Industry and promote its further commercialization