Policy measures to ensure equitable milk access come first. Improve nutrition programs such as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and increase financial support for schemes such as Integrated Child Development Services, which supply milk in school meals and take-home rations. States such as Karnataka and Gujarat currently provide milk through school nutrition programs, but expanding coverage could improve children’s health. Introduce milk vouchers for needy families in areas with strong dairy networks to reduce distribution costs and increase affordability. Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat could work with social initiatives to provide milk coupons that can be redeemed at local shops. Investigate social bonds, CSR funding, and taxing unhealthy foods to generate funds for subsidized milk distribution. A small tax could be imposed on high-sugar dairy products such as ice cream to fund milk distribution.
India’s dairy sector, driven by the White Revolution, has become the world’s largest milk producer, yet access to milk remains highly unequal. Milk consumption is limited among disadvantaged groups due to factors such as income differences, regional variations, and affordability limitations. With growing concerns about undernutrition and overnutrition, specific policies are needed to bridge this gap and promote equitable nutritional security for all sections of society. When we look at differences in milk consumption across socio-economic and regional groups, households with the highest incomes consume three to four times more milk per capita than those with lower incomes, reflecting significant economic inequalities. The lowest 30% of households consume only 18% of India’s milk, highlighting affordability issues among lower-income groups despite high overall production. Urban households consume 30 percent.
Western and northern states such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana have higher per capita consumption (333 g-421 g per day), while eastern states such as Chhattisgarh and Odisha consume only 75 g-171 g per day. Haryana’s dairy-friendly culture and cooperative networks promote high milk consumption across households. Tribal (ST) households in general consume four liters less milk per capita than other households, highlighting long-standing social inequalities. Despite the nutritional benefits of milk, limited access to dairy markets and economic constraints push ST communities to rely on less expensive, non-dairy alternatives. While wealthy metropolitans consume more than twice the recommended amount, mainly from high-fat, high-sugar dairy products, milk is expensive for low-income households, accounting for 10%-30% of their monthly expenditure to meet the recommended daily consumption of 300 g.
A daily wage worker earning ₹300 per day may struggle to budget ₹30-₹90 for milk alone, resulting in diets being affected. Rural producers lack adequate storage and distribution networks, resulting in an inability to reach low-income and isolated households. Lactose sensitivity and dietary preferences affect milk intake, especially in eastern and tribal areas, where alternative protein sources are preferred. Adivasi tribes in Jharkhand rely on pulses and millets due to cultural food preferences. Due to financial constraints, some states eliminated milk provision from welfare programs, restricting access to vulnerable communities. Chhattisgarh stopped milk supply. Policy measures come first to ensure equitable milk access.
Improve nutrition programs. Increase financial support for schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and Integrated Child Development Services, which supply milk in school meals and take-home rations. States such as Karnataka and Gujarat currently provide milk through school nutrition programs, but expanding coverage could improve children’s health. Introduce milk vouchers for needy families in areas with strong dairy networks to reduce distribution costs and increase affordability. Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat could work with social initiatives to provide milk coupons that can be redeemed at local stores. Investigate social bonds, CSR funding, and taxing unhealthy foods to generate funds for subsidized milk distribution. A small tax could be imposed on high-sugar dairy products such as ice cream to fund milk distribution.
Use Anganwadi centers, self-help groups, and media partnerships to educate women and families about the importance of milk. Maharashtra’s Poshan Maah 2024 campaign successfully raised awareness about a balanced diet, improving dietary diversity in rural communities. To prevent excessive dairy intake, encourage moderation through health messaging, similar to the UK’s Change4Life Sugar Swap campaign. Doctors and nutritionists can advocate for healthy dairy consumption patterns, which can reduce the burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Targeted subsidies, strong public distribution systems, and incentives for small-scale dairy farming are needed to bridge milk consumption inequalities. Strengthening cold storage infrastructure and promoting fortified dairy products can increase access.
A multi-stakeholder approach, integrating technology and awareness campaigns, will ensure nutritional security, leading to a healthier and more equitable India.
The writer is a Research Scholar in Political Science, Delhi University
