October 13, 2010

India forecasts milk demand surge in next decade

Demand for milk in India is likely to grow up to 180 million tonnes by 2021-22, according to the government's projection.

"The demand for milk has been projected at 166 million tonnes by 2020 and about 180 million tonnes by 2021-22," said Minister of State for Agriculture and Food K.V Thomas during his visit to National Dairy Development Board in Anand, Gujarat state.

He said that to meet this demand, there is a need to increase India's milk production by five million tonnes per year, as against the average of 3.2 million tonnes during the last 15 years.

There is also the need for strengthening infrastructure in animal husbandry and dairy sectors to produce enough milk to meet the growing demand in the country, he added.

"The government is working on a strategic document called the National Dairy Plan (NDP) with a proposed outlay of INR17,371 crore (US$3.91 billion) to improve bovine productivity and substantially increase milk production," the minister said.