Dairy farming has been part of agriculture for thousands of years, but historically, it was usually done on a small scale on mixed farms. But today, India derives nearly 33% of the gross Domestic population from agriculture and has 66% of economically active population, engaged in agriculture. The share of livestock product is estimated at 21% of total agriculture sector. Milk production alone involves more than 70 million producers, each raising one or two cows/buffaloes primarily for milk production.Milk is used as a food. It is used prepare curd, butter, ghee cream and ice cream etc.
India is the world's largest producer of milk, and is the leading exporter of skimmed milk powder, yet she exports very few other milk product.
There has been tremendous growth in dairy farming equipment that helps modern dairy farms to manage thousands of dairy cows and buffaloes. In the present situation of world market, the milk and dairy market landscape is a dynamic entity within the food industry new opportunities in emerging markets, increasing globalization, changes in consumer demand, nutritional policy and the regulatory environment are among top issues facing the industry. As a whole it is a good project for new entrepreneurs to invest.
Few Indian Major Players are as under
· Amrut Industries Ltd.
· Anmol Dairy Ltd.
· Britannia Industries Ltd.
· G R B Dairy Foods Pvt. Ltd.
· Haryana Milk Foods Ltd.
· Indiana Dairy Specialities Ltd.
· Industrial Progressive (India) Ltd.
· Mahaan Foods Ltd.
· Milkfood Ltd.
· Nikumbh Dairy Products Ltd.