Abstract

Dairy farming is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy, sustaining millions of rural livelihoods and contributing to national food security. This research paper explores the sector’s transformation from traditional methods to modern, technology-driven practices, catalyzed by the White Revolution and Operation Flood. India now leads global milk production, driven by population growth, supportive policies, and cooperative models. Using secondary data from 2017–2022, the study reveals a strong positive correlation (0.994) between population increase and milk output, underscoring demographic demand as a key growth factor. Despite progress, small-scale farmers face persistent challenges—limited cold chain infrastructure, inconsistent quality, and restricted access to advanced technologies. The paper emphasizes the strategic importance of dynamic supply chain management in addressing climate variability, disease outbreaks, and market fluctuations. It recommends strengthening infrastructure, promoting climate-resilient practices, enhancing market access, and investing in capacity-building initiatives. These measures are vital for sustainable development, improved farmer welfare, and the continued economic and nutritional contribution of India’s dairy sector