India has consistently been the largest producer as well as consumer of milk globally. Production of milk in India started as far as 8000 years ago with zebu cows and buffaloes first domesticated, and now, dairy has not only become an intrinsic part of Indian Cuisine, it also connects religion, politics and provides livelihood to millions of people in the country. The rural community-led White Revolution following the Operation Food initiative in 1970s by the government ensured that the dairy industry grew at a rapid rate doubling the milk production in no time. A key member of this White Revolution was Verghese Kurien who founded Amul, a vast dairy co-operative that is today owned by 36 lakh (3.6 million) milk producers.
Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay
India is home to over 60 million cows – nearly thrice more than the entire European Union and produced 187.7 million tons of milk in 2019.
How does India use milk?
- Cuisine: India has numerous diverse cultures and cuisines in different regions across the country but ingredients like Paneer, Ghee and Yoghurt remain the most common. Desserts and delicacies made out of dairy products are omni-present in the country. Dairy also acts as the primary source of proteins for India’s large lacto-vegetarian population and the ones who cannot afford to consume meat.
- Religion: Dairy has long been intertwined with Hinduism. One of the most widely revered Hindu deity, Lord Krishna, is known for being a cow herder as a boy and was infamous for stealing butter from his neighbors. Ghee too is very commonly used for rituals and lamps while idols of gods and goddesses are bathed with milk.
- Medicine: Dairy is often used in Ayurvedic medicines as it is widely believed to possess a diverse range of benefits such as boosting immunity, supporting recuperation after an illness and strengthening cells and organs. Milk is very commonly used to cure headaches and nausea while ghee is rubbed on joints to help relieve pain caused by arthritis.
India’s diary sector is still highly unorganized, fragmented and lacks technological advancements despite being a significant contributor for the Indian economy.
Source: Dairy industry in India – statistics & facts | Statista
