Milk is an essential and widely consumed food product in India. It is not only a source of nutrition but also an integral part of Indian culture. The milk industry in India is the largest in the world, with a production of over 187 million metric tonnes of milk in 2021. The milk rate in India is a matter of concern for both consumers and producers. In this article, we will discuss the current milk rate in India and the factors that affect it.
In India, the milk rate varies from region to region and depends on various factors such as the breed of the cow, the location of the dairy farm, and the demand-supply dynamics of the market. The milk rate is generally higher in urban areas compared to rural areas due to higher transportation costs and higher demand. The average milk rate in India as of February 2023 is around Rs. 45 per litre. However, the milk rate can vary from as low as Rs. 25 per litre to as high as Rs. 120 per litre depending on the factors mentioned above.
One of the primary factors that affect the milk rate in India is the breed of the cow. There are two main breeds of cows in India: the indigenous or desi cows and the exotic or foreign breeds such as Jersey and Holstein. The milk from desi cows is considered to be healthier and more nutritious compared to milk from exotic breeds. However, the milk yield from desi cows is lower, which makes it more expensive. As a result, the milk rate for desi cow milk is generally higher compared to milk from exotic breeds.
The location of the dairy farm is another important factor that affects the milk rate in India. Dairy farms located in urban areas face higher transportation costs due to the distance between the farm and the city. This results in higher milk rates in cities compared to rural areas. In addition, dairy farms located in regions with poor infrastructure or lack of proper veterinary care may also face higher production costs, which can result in higher milk rates.
The demand-supply dynamics of the market is also a crucial factor that affects the milk rate in India. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for milk due to the growth in the population and changing dietary habits. This has resulted in a shortage of milk, especially during the summer months when the production of milk is low. As a result, the milk rate tends to be higher during the summer months. On the other hand, during the winter months, when the production of milk is higher, the milk rate tends to be lower.
Another factor that affects the milk rate in India is the government policies and regulations. The government regulates the milk industry in India through various agencies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The government also sets the minimum support price (MSP) for milk, which is the price at which the government buys milk from dairy farmers. The MSP acts as a benchmark for the milk rate in the market, and if the market rate falls below the MSP, the government steps in to buy the milk from farmers at the MSP. This helps to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their milk and prevents the exploitation of farmers by middlemen.
In conclusion, the milk rate in India is determined by various factors such as the breed of the cow, the location of the dairy farm, the demand-supply dynamics of the market, and government policies and regulations. The milk rate in India can vary from region to region and depends on the local factors that affect the production and distribution of milk. It is important for consumers to be aware of the factors that affect the milk rate and to make informed choices when purchasing milk.
