India is the world’s leading milk producer, representing around a quarter of the global total. The nation is also the biggest consumer on the planet by a long shot – Indians got through a staggering 89 million metric tonnes (98 million US tons) last year. Buffalo milk, known for its high fat and protein content, is actually the primary milk variety in India, accounting for 32% of total production. Cow’s milk isn’t far behind though at 30%, with the remainder coming from other animals.
Yields from India’s cattle tend to be on the low side, and while the cow is sacred to many Indians, welfare standards can be poor. India also reports the most financial losses from cow diseases, amounting to $12 billion (£9.5bn) a year, though this is to be expected given the nation’s status as the number one producer. While retail prices remain low by global standards, they shot up dramatically last year due to rising feed, fuel and other costs, as well as outbreaks of the viral lumpy skin disease.
