Milk Supply Uninterrupted and Prices of Dairy Items Stable
The government announced that despite the conflict in West Asia, prices of milk and dairy products have remained consistent nationwide and there have been no disruptions in supply.
Puja Rustagi, the director at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, stated during an inter-ministerial briefing on current events in West Asia that there are no concerns regarding the provision of fuel, gas, and plastic packaging materials to the dairy industry.
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She recommended that the dairy industry transition to the use of piped natural gas instead of LPG, wherever it is possible to do so.
The procurement, processing, and distribution of milk throughout the nation have remained undisrupted in the face of the current crisis in West Asia. Prices of milk and its derivatives have remained steady, with no market disruptions or interruptions in supply.
Furthermore, payments to dairy farmers have been upheld without any interruption throughout the duration of the crisis. India holds the distinction of being the largest producer of milk globally, with a total production of 247.87 million tonnes in the year 2024-25.
The director reported that a meeting was conducted involving the state milk Federation and various milk unions throughout India in order to assess the current status of the milk industry and evaluate the repercussions of the crisis in West Asia on the dairy sector.
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Rustagi mentioned that there are currently no concerns regarding the availability of fuel, gas, and plastic packaging materials for the dairy industry. The director stated that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been rigorously observing the situation and has implemented a range of proactive measures to guarantee seamless operations within the dairy value chain.
Regular meetings are being conducted with relevant parties to evaluate the changing circumstances.
"This has averted any disruption in the dairy operations. Subsequently, all dairy plants are advised to transition from LPG to piped natural gas, wherever operationally feasible to reduce dependence on LPG," she states.
Rustagi stated that there is an ample supply of plastic packaging material in the dairy sector, and the availability of such supplies remains consistent. The director further disclosed that the procurement of polypropylene and polystyrene, essential components for plastic packaging material, has been secured.
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Rustagi stated that the department is actively collaborating with plastic packaging suppliers to ensure the seamless distribution of packaging materials to the dairy industry nationwide. The director announced the launch of a specialized portal on March 30, 2026, in which various state federations and milk unions have membership. This portal plays a crucial role in assisting the department in tracking the supply of milk, fuel, and packaging materials to the dairy industry.