Milk Prices Increase; Centre Clarifies Policy
New Delhi, December 3: Milk prices in India have steadily increased over the past five years, with no decline recorded during the period, according to data shared in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Liquid milk continues to remain exempt from Goods and Services Tax (GST) and excise duty.
As per figures provided by Milk Unions and Federations, the average procurement price for buffalo and cow milk has risen consistently:
- 2021–22: Buffalo ₹39.8/litre; Cow ₹29.4/litre
- 2022–23: Buffalo ₹44.3; Cow ₹33.6
- 2023–24: Buffalo ₹46.5; Cow ₹35.2
- 2024–25: Buffalo ₹47.5; Cow ₹35.5
- 2025–26: Buffalo ₹49.2; Cow ₹36.7
These prices include subsidies offered by state governments.
The Ministry noted that a natural decline in milk yield occurs after 4–5 months of lactation, while cattle generally produce milk up to the age of 10–12 years.
Citing Article 246(3) of the Constitution, the government clarified that preservation of animals falls under the exclusive legislative domain of states. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) does not regulate milk prices, which are determined by cooperative and private dairies based on production costs and market dynamics.
To support the sector, DAHD is implementing several schemes aimed at improving productivity, strengthening dairy infrastructure, expanding cooperatives, and enhancing animal health and fodder availability. These include:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives & FPOs (SDCFPO)
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
- National Livestock Mission (NLM)
- Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
These initiatives are intended to reduce production costs and increase the income of dairy farmers.
The information was provided by Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lallan Singh), in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
