Haryana takes the lead in milk production, says Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan

Haryana is steadily emerging as one of India’s strongest dairy hubs, with its milk production and indigenous cattle breeds earning recognition not just nationally but globally, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said on Saturday.

Addressing the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition in Kurukshetra , the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj praised the state’s contribution to the country’s dairy growth story. He noted that Haryana alone accounts for nearly 36 percent of India’s total milk output , which currently stands at about 125.42 million tonnes , highlighting the state’s dominant role in the sector.

Calling dairy farming the backbone of rural livelihoods, Singh urged the state government to establish cooperative societies in every village . Strong cooperatives, he said, can help livestock farmers get better prices, improve procurement systems, and significantly boost milk exports.

The exhibition saw farmers from across Haryana bringing high-quality cattle and livestock, reflecting what the minister described as the “deep bond between farmers and their animals.” He added that the livestock sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 10 crore people nationwide and has become a powerful driver of women’s empowerment, especially in rural households where dairy income often sustains families. To strengthen the sector, the government has launched key initiatives such as the National Livestock Mission to improve productivity, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to conserve indigenous breeds, and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund to support modern dairy and livestock infrastructure.

Highlighting India’s broader progress, Singh said the country’s milk production has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. From 146.3 million tonnes in 2014 , output has now climbed to 248 million tonnes , making India the world’s largest milk producer . He credited this surge to focused policy measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the creation of a separate Animal Husbandry ministry to give the sector dedicated attention.

With rising production, stronger breeds, and better institutional support, Haryana’s dairy sector is increasingly positioning itself as a key pillar of India’s rural economy.