Question : Hike in Milk Prices

(a) whether there has been shortage in the production of milk and decline in its per availability during the last three years and the current year in the country and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to promote milk production in the country;

(b) whether any assessment has been made by the Government relating to production and consumption of milk in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the current year;

(d) whether the prices of milk have been increased many times during the above said period;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(f) the corrective measures/steps taken/ being taken by the Government to control the prices of milk in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

(a)The production of milk in the country during the year 2015-16 is 155.5 Million Tonnes and the per-capita availability of milk has increased over the last three years. The per-capita availability of milk during 2013-14 to 2015-16 is given below:

Year 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Per Capita Availability of Milk (gram/day) 307 322 337

(b) and (c) The assessment of milk production is made annually as per the results of Integrated Sample Survey. The consumption expenditure on milk and milk products, among others, is assessed through the results of sample survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The total production of milk in the country during 2013-14 to 2015-16 is given in the following table.



Year Milk Production (million tonnes)
2013-14 137.7
2014-15 146.3
2015-16 155.5

As per NSSO 68th Round (July 2011- June, 2012 ) the average monthly per-capita expenditure (MPCE) for milk and milk products is 9.1% of total MPCE in rural area and 7.8% of total MPCE in urban area

(d) to (f) The Whole Sale Price Index (with Base Year 2004-05) of Milk , Powder Milk and Condensed Milk have increased over the periods 2013-14 to 2015-16 as per the details given below:

WPI Series Base: 2004-05

Commodity 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Milk 220.63 242.63 250.58
Powder Milk 182.78 200.65 200.38
Condensed Milk 154.29 163.47 166.65

Government of India is implementing following schemes to enhance milk production in the country as long term measures.

1. National Dairy Plan (Phase-I)
2. National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development
3. Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.