Chidambaram: India Must Retain Agri-Dairy Protections
In a wide-ranging interview, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram underscores the vital importance of protecting India’s agricultural and dairy sectors amid mounting global trade pressures. He asserts that these sectors aren’t just economic contributors—they are lifelines for a vast swathe of India’s workforce. With agriculture and dairy employing approximately 45% of the population—far exceeding the…
India’s Dairy Model: Trade Strength Built on Low Costs
By Harish Damodaran How competitive and efficient is India’s dairy sector? That’s a question being asked, especially with pressure on India from the Donald Trump administration in the United States to open up its market to American dairy products. One way to assess competitiveness is prices. Take corn (maize), where the farmgate price in the US is…
India Dairy-Based Chocolate Market Sees Strong Growth Momentum
India’s dairy-based chocolate market, particularly milk chocolate, continues to surge ahead, embracing innovation and broad consumer reach—making it a front-runner in India’s evolving confectionery landscape. The overall India chocolate market, estimated at USD 2.9 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to USD 5.5 billion by 2033, growing at a 7.3% CAGR (IMARC Group)….
India’s Dairy Sector Now Accounts for 13% of Global Cow Milk Output
India’s dairy sector, a bedrock of rural prosperity, now accounts for a staggering 13% share of global cattle milk output (f24% of total milk output). For industry professionals, this isn’t just a milestone—it’s a signal that India is gearing up to transform from a domestic leader into a serious global dairy export contender. The dairy…
GST Cut Could Make India a Dairy Export Powerhouse
R.G. Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd., has called for a uniform reduction of GST on all dairy products—from the existing 12% to 5%, including ghee and ice cream. He argues this could dramatically boost India’s dairy industry, empowering farmers, increasing domestic demand, and transforming India into a global exporter. India’s annual milk production…
India’s Dairy Exports Surge 80% to $493M in FY 2024-25
India’s dairy exports soared by 80% in FY 2024-25, reaching $492.9 million, with volumes climbing to 113,350.4 metric tonnes—a 77.9% year-on-year increase. Key export destinations included the UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. This growth is propelled by India’s standing as the world’s largest milk producer and a decade of consistent volume gains. Industry…
India’s RCEP Exit Sheds Light on US Trade Deadlock
India’s last-minute decision in November 2019 to withdraw from joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega-regional pact and the most expansive regional trade agreement that India had ever negotiated, was triggered by a belated rethink in New Delhi policy circles. Coming amid a chorus of protests from stakeholders, the most potent catalyst that…
India Holds Firm on Dairy in US Trade Talks
In response to the U.S. hike of tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, New Delhi is firmly reiterating its protection of sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, which remain non-negotiable. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to protect rural livelihoods even at significant political cost, standing strong against pressure to open the dairy sector…
India will never compromise on farmers’ interest : Modi
In a subtle message directed at US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy sector, and declared he was prepared to bear a significant personal cost if necessary. The statement came a day after Trump ratcheted up tariffs…
Milk procurement in India to increase by 50% by 2030
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, chaired the second meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation on the initiatives of the Ministry to strengthen the cooperative sector in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Shri Krishan Pal and Shri Murlidhar…