World Milk Day 2025, Theme, Significance, Top Milk Producing Country

World Milk Day 2025 will be observed on June 1st to recognize the role of milk in everyday life. The day will help raise awareness about how the dairy industry supports nutrition, farming communities, and sustainable practices under the campaign ‘Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy’.

Milk provides key nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins, which help support strong bones and overall health. Beyond nutrition, dairy farming is a major source of income for many families around the world and contributes to local and global economies. Read on to learn more about World Milk Day 2025!

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World Milk Day 2025

World Milk Day is celebrated every year on June 1st to highlight the importance of milk in our daily lives. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 2001, this day recognizes milk as a global food essential for nutrition and health. The celebration brings together communities, farmers, and industries to appreciate the role of dairy in sustainable agriculture and economic development.

World Milk Day Theme 2025

The theme for World Milk Day 2025 is “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy.” This year's focus is on showcasing how dairy contributes to building stronger communities, promoting healthier lives, and supporting sustainable futures. The Global Dairy Platform is encouraging organizations worldwide to share stories and initiatives that highlight dairy's positive impact.

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History of World Milk Day

World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 2001. The goal was to recognize the value of milk as a global food and to draw attention to the dairy sector's impact on health, nutrition, and the economy.

June 1st was chosen to align with national milk days already celebrated by many countries, making it a fitting date for a global observance. Since its launch, World Milk Day has grown into an international movement, with events, campaigns, and activities held around the world each year. 

Also Read: Important Days in June 2025

Global Milk Production

Milk production plays a key role in supporting the livelihoods of around 150 million households worldwide, particularly in developing countries where it is mostly carried out by small-scale farmers. Globally, milk production has surged by over 77% in the past 30 years, rising from 524 million tonnes in 1992 to 930 million tonnes in 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in global agriculture. In 2024, world milk production was forecasted to reach nearly 979 million tonnes, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous year.

Milk Production in India

India continues to lead the world in milk production. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India's milk production reached a record 239.3 million tonnes, a 4% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including an increase in the number of milch animals and supportive government policies. This growth averages an annual rate of 5.7%, significantly outpacing the global average of 2%. 

Also Read: Important National and International Days 2025

World's Largest Milk Producing Country

India has maintained its position as the world's leading milk producer since 1998, currently contributing around 25% to the global milk supply. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the country witnessed a remarkable 63.56% growth in milk production, increasing from 146.3 million tonnes to 239.3 million tonnes.

Per capita milk availability in India also increased by 48% over the past decade. To sustain this growth, initiatives like the National Programme for Dairy Development, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund have been implemented. These focus on strengthening processing infrastructure, improving breed quality, and encouraging dairy entrepreneurship.

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World's Largest Milk Consumer Country

India is not only the largest producer but also one of the top consumers of milk. In 2024, India's milk consumption was estimated at 121.5 million tonnes, reflecting the central role of dairy in the Indian diet. However, the world's largest milk consumer by total volume is the European Union (EU-27) bloc, with a domestic milk consumption of approximately 140.4 million metric tons per year.

List of Countries by Milk Production

Here is the list of top milk-producing countries as of 2024:

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Significance of World Milk Day 2025

World Milk Day 2025 will serve as a platform to:

• Nutrition Awareness: It emphasizes the nutritional value of milk, which is rich in essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins.

• Economic Importance: The day highlights the dairy sector's contribution to the economy, especially in rural areas where dairy farming is a primary livelihood.

• Sustainable Development: It brings attention to sustainable dairy farming practices that protect the environment and ensure animal welfare.

• Global Unity: World Milk Day fosters international collaboration and knowledge sharing among countries to improve dairy practices worldwide.

By celebrating World Milk Day, we recognize the importance of milk in our lives and the efforts of those who ensure its availability.

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