India’s average daily milk yield per cow or buffalo has increased to around eight litres, compared with less than five litres in FY2013–14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during an address in Banaskantha, Gujarat.
The announcement puts the spotlight on livestock productivity, scientific breeding, animal healthcare and the next phase of India’s dairy development. Modi also highlighted the government’s efforts to help dairy farmers generate additional income from cattle dung and agricultural residues.
Milk Productivity Emerges as a Key Dairy Sector Priority
India is the world’s largest milk producer, but improving productivity per animal remains important for strengthening the sector’s long-term efficiency.
According to Modi, the national average daily yield has increased from below five litres per animal in 2013–14 to approximately eight litres. He attributed the progress to efforts to integrate science and technology into animal husbandry, improve livestock breeds and strengthen animal healthcare.
Higher productivity can help farmers produce more milk from their existing animals. However, actual results vary by breed, feed quality, animal health, farm management and regional conditions.
Scientific Breeding to Improve Indigenous Cattle
The government is promoting genetic improvement through initiatives such as the National Gokul Mission, which focuses on conserving and improving indigenous bovine breeds.
During his Banaskantha address, Modi highlighted the role of modern reproductive technologies, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), in helping propagate desirable traits such as higher milk yield, better health and lower maintenance requirements.
The newly established Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre in Gujarat is intended to support these objectives. Its work includes indigenous cattle breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal and Kankrej, along with buffalo breeds including Mehsana, Murrah and Jaffarabadi.
The wider objective is to improve the genetic potential of livestock and make the benefits of superior breeding available to dairy farmers over time.
Animal Healthcare and Vaccination Support Productivity
Better breeding must be supported by effective animal healthcare if milk productivity gains are to be sustained.
Modi highlighted the nationwide vaccination campaign against livestock diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. In his address, he said nearly 150 crore vaccine doses had been administered and livestock belonging to more than eight crore farmers had received free vaccinations.
Disease prevention can reduce production losses, protect animal welfare and lower the financial burden on livestock owners. For dairy farmers, timely veterinary treatment, balanced nutrition and reproductive management remain essential complements to vaccination and genetic improvement.
Cattle Dung Creates an Additional Income Opportunity
The government is also looking to expand the economic value of dairying beyond milk sales.
Modi highlighted infrastructure development for producing biogas, Bio-CNG and organic fertilisers from cattle dung and agricultural residues. Dairy cooperatives such as Banas Dairy are expected to play a role in connecting livestock-owning households with these emerging value chains.
The approach could create additional revenue opportunities while supporting waste management and the production of alternative fuels and organic inputs for agriculture.
However, the actual financial benefits for farmers will depend on collection systems, processing capacity, operating costs and reliable markets for the resulting products.
What This Means for India’s Dairy Industry
The reported rise in average milk yield highlights the importance of productivity alongside total milk production.
For dairy farmers, higher yields can improve production efficiency, but they do not automatically guarantee higher profits. Feed and fodder expenses, veterinary costs, breeding performance and the price received for milk all influence farm-level returns.
For processors and cooperatives, sustained productivity improvements could support milk availability and strengthen procurement networks. Continued investment in genetics, animal health, nutrition and rural infrastructure will be important to translate productivity gains into more sustainable dairy livelihoods.
Source: Read full story here 29 Oct, 2026 Edited and Reported by
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