Mother Dairy has increased milk prices by ₹2 per litre in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, effective 30 April 2025. This price rise is due to a sharp increase in procurement costs, mainly caused by the early summer and ongoing heatwave. The hot weather has reduced milk supply and pushed input costs up by ₹4–₹5 per litre in recent months. For many families, this means their daily cup of tea or glass of milk will now cost a bit more.
India once faced milk shortages and high prices
While today’s price hike may be frustrating, it’s worth remembering that just a few decades ago, milk shortages and high prices were common across India. In the 1960s, India was actually a milk-deficient country. Most people could not get fresh milk easily, and farmers often struggled to make a decent living.
Operation Flood: The planned ‘milk flood’
In 1970, India started Operation Flood-a bold plan to create a “milk flood” across the country. This was not a flood of water, but a huge increase in milk production. The aim was to end shortages, make milk affordable, and help farmers earn more.
Millions of small farmers joined village dairy cooperatives, pooling their resources and working together. A National Milk Grid was built to connect rural producers with city consumers, ensuring milk could travel quickly and safely from farm to table. New dairy plants and refrigerated trucks made it possible to collect, chill, and deliver fresh milk every day.
Better support for farmers, animals
Farmers were given access to better animal care, veterinary services, and modern training. This led to healthier cattle and higher milk yields. The cooperative model also meant that farmers received fair prices for their milk, cutting out middlemen and increasing their incomes.
India: World’s largest milk producer
Thanks to Operation Flood, India’s milk production soared. By 2014, the country became the world’s largest milk producer, providing affordable milk to millions and transforming rural lives. Today, even as prices fluctuate, the legacy of Operation Flood ensures that milk remains a staple in Indian homes.
