Haryana Strengthens Its Position as a Major Dairy Hub
Haryana is rapidly establishing itself as one of India’s top milk-producing states, gaining recognition at both national and international levels, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said on Saturday. He highlighted the state’s strong performance in milk production and the growing importance of its indigenous cattle breeds in the global dairy sector.
Minister Highlights Haryana’s Contribution at Livestock Exhibition
Speaking at the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition in Kurukshetra, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj praised Haryana’s significant role in India’s dairy growth. He noted that Haryana contributes nearly 36 percent of the country’s total milk production, underlining its dominant position in the sector. India’s overall milk output currently stands at around 125.42 million tonnes, he added.
Dairy Farming: Backbone of Rural Economy
Describing dairy farming as a key pillar of rural livelihoods, Singh encouraged the Haryana government to set up cooperative societies in every village. According to him, strong dairy cooperatives can ensure better prices for farmers, improve milk collection systems, and help increase milk exports from the state.
Livestock Sector Supports Millions of Livelihoods
The exhibition featured farmers from across Haryana showcasing high-quality cattle and livestock, reflecting a strong connection between farmers and their animals. The minister pointed out that the livestock sector supports nearly 10 crore people across India and plays a crucial role in women’s empowerment, especially in rural households where dairy income provides financial stability.
Government Schemes Boost Dairy and Livestock Growth
To further strengthen the sector, the central government has introduced several key initiatives, including the National Livestock Mission to enhance productivity, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to conserve and promote indigenous cattle breeds, and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund to support modern dairy infrastructure.
India Remains the World’s Largest Milk Producer
Highlighting India’s overall progress, Singh said the country’s milk production has grown sharply over the past decade. Output has increased from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014 to nearly 248 million tonnes today, making India the largest milk producer in the world. He credited this growth to focused policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the creation of a separate Animal Husbandry Ministry to give the sector dedicated attention.
Haryana’s Dairy Sector Poised for Continued Growth
With rising milk output, improved cattle breeds, and stronger institutional support, Haryana’s dairy industry is fast emerging as a key driver of India’s rural economy, reinforcing the state’s leadership in the Indian dairy sector.
