India recorded a peak production of milk at 132.43 mt in the year 2012-13 according to the Economic Survey for 2013-14, released in New Delhi today. India ranks first in global milk production and accounts for 17 per cent of world production. Milk production has become an important secondary source of income for 70 million rural households engaged in dairying and for 70 per cent of the workforce that comprises women. The average year-on-year growth rate of milk at 4.04 per cent vis-à-vis the world average of 2.2 per cent shows sustained growth in availability of milk and milk products for the growing population.

Globally India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables; the largest producer of mango, banana, coconut, cashew, papaya, and pomegranate; and the largest producer and exporter of spices. Horticulture production, estimated at 265 million tones, exceeded the production of foodgrains and oilseeds in 2012-13, owing to an 8.6% increase in productivity of horticulture crops between 2008-09 and 2012-13. India ranks first in the productivity of grapes, banana, cassava, and papaya.

A comprehensive new scheme National Programme on Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development was launched with the objective of enhancing milk production and productivity in a sustainable manner. The National Dairy Plan Phase-I, launched in March 2012 with the objectives of improving productivity of milch animals, strengthening and expanding village-level infrastructure for milk procurement, and providing producers greater access to the market in the dairy sector continues. The number of milch animals increased from 62 million in 2000 to 83.15 million in 2012, thus adding to the improved milch herd of the country.

India ranks second in world fish production, contributing about 5.4% of global fish production. It is also a major producer of fish through aquaculture. Total fish production during 2013-14 is estimated at 9.45 mt with 6.10 mt coming from the inland sector and 3.35 mt from the marine sector. The sector contributes about 1 per cent to overall GDP and represents 4.6% of agricultural GDP.

National Dairy Plan strengthens milk productivity, infrastructure and market access under targeted dairy development and breeding measures. India achieved record milk production in 2012-13 at 132.43 mt, underpinning rural household incomes and female workforce participation; horticulture productivity rose to exceed foodgrains and oilseeds, while fisheries and aquaculture continued to contribute materially to agricultural output.