Business

Indian Dairy Industry Struggles to Meet Demand: Imports Likely to Increase

On Wednesday, a senior government official stated that if necessary, India might consider importing dairy products such as ghee and butter, as there is a shortage of such items due to stagnant milk production during the previous fiscal year.

The official noted that the government would evaluate the milk stock in the Southern states, where the flushing season has commenced, and subsequently take action to import dairy products. He also mentioned that the country’s milk production remained unchanged in 2022-23 due to the spread of lumpy skin disease in cattle.

Also Read: SEBI Takes a Stand Against Misleading Risk-Free Return Promises

Official data released by news agency PTI reveals that India’s milk production was 221 million tonnes in 2021-22, compared to 208 million tonnes in the previous year.

During a press briefing, Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, stated that the domestic demand had increased by 8-10% during the same period due to the resurgence in post-pandemic demand.

The official clarified that there is no shortage of milk supply in the country; however, stocks of dairy products, specifically fats such as butter and ghee, are lower than the previous year. He further added that an adequate inventory of skimmed milk powder (SMP) is available.

Singh noted that importing dairy products might not be advantageous presently since global prices have been high in recent months. He added that the government would evaluate the flush season in the remaining parts of the country before deciding on a course of action.

Also Read: Russian Oil Makes Its Way to Europe Through India’s Diesel Exports

According to PTI’s report, Singh stated that the scarcity of dairy products would be relatively lower in North India because the lean season has been delayed due to untimely rains in the last 20 days, resulting in cooler temperatures.

The official added that the actual cause of milk inflation is the increase in fodder prices. He explained that the fodder crop area has remained stagnant in the last four years, whereas the dairy sector has been growing annually at 6%, resulting in a shortage of fodder supply.  Furthermore, it is worth noting that India’s last import of dairy products was in 2011.

Shruti Rag

Recent Posts

Maha Kumbh 2025: Yogi Government’s Strategic Coordination Ensures Timely Preparations

For Maha Kumbh 2025, preparations are in full swing as authorities work to ensure all…

11 hours ago

In Special Gesture, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sees-Off PM Modi At Airport After Conclusion Of Historic Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Kuwait on Sunday evening. In…

12 hours ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: Shri Panchdashnam Aawahan Akhara Makes Grand Entry Into Maha Kumbh City

Maha Kumbh 2025 with preparations for the Maha Sammelan are in full swing as 13…

13 hours ago

India’s Unifying Initiative: MRM Declares Bhagwat’s Message As The Foundation Of National Unity

The MRM strongly endorsed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement on temple-mosque disputes.…

13 hours ago

Maha Kumbh-2025: Prayagraj Mela Authority Deploys Advanced Sanitation Technology

For Maha Kumbh-2025, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has made extensive preparations to provide a clean…

14 hours ago

PM Narendra Modi To Attend Christmas Celebrations At CBCI In New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to attend the Christmas celebrations at CBCI Centre…

15 hours ago