Milk is expected to remain India’s largest source of animal protein through 2070, even as the country’s overall protein consumption rises sharply, according to a new report by FICCI, CIFTI-FICCI and Asia Research & Engagement.
The report, Charting India’s Protein Transition, estimates that India’s annual per capita protein consumption could increase from around 9.5 kg in 2025 to nearly 30 kg by 2070. Population growth, rising incomes, urbanisation, nutrition programmes and changing food preferences are expected to drive this increase.
Dairy is projected to retain a central position in India’s protein basket. Per capita consumption of protein from milk could reach 13.1 kg annually by 2070, while pulses, the second-largest source, could reach 9.12 kg.
India’s milk production has already expanded significantly, rising from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.3 million tonnes in 2023-24. However, meeting future demand will require more than simply increasing the number of dairy animals.
The report identifies animal productivity, feed availability, water efficiency, animal health and lower methane emissions as major priorities for the sector. India currently faces shortages of green fodder, dry fodder and concentrate feed ingredients, which could become more challenging as climate change affects crop production.
Small dairy farmers will remain particularly important. Around 72% of India’s milk is supplied by small producers, many of whom own only two or three animals. The report therefore stresses the need for finance, training, better technology and stronger procurement support to help farmers improve productivity.
For dairy companies, future growth is expected to depend increasingly on better feed, healthier animals, methane reduction, efficient manure management, traceability and stronger cold chains.
The report suggests that India’s dairy opportunity remains substantial, but the next phase of growth will need to come from producing more milk efficiently and sustainably rather than relying mainly on expansion of the animal population.