Answer

India’s dairy sector, driven by the White Revolution, has made it the world’s largest milk producer, yet access remains highly uneven. Factors like income disparities, regional variations, and affordability constraints limit milk consumption among vulnerable groups. With rising concerns over malnutrition and overnutrition, targeted policies are essential to bridge these gaps and ensure equitable nutritional security across all sections of society.

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Disparities in Milk Consumption Across Socio-Economic and Regional Groups

• Income-Based Disparities: Households in the top-income decile consume three to four times more milk per capita than those in the lowest-income decile, reflecting significant economic barriers.
  For example: The poorest 30% of households consume just 18% of India’s milk, highlighting affordability challenges in low-income groups despite the overall high production.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Urban households consume 30% more milk per capita than rural ones, even though most of India’s milk is produced in rural areas.
• Regional Disparities: Western and northern states such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana have high per capita consumption (333g-421g daily), while eastern states such as Chhattisgarh and Odisha consume only 75g-171g daily.
  For instance: Haryana’s dairy-friendly culture and cooperative networks enables high consumption of milk in households.
• Social Disparities: Tribal (ST) households consume four litres less milk per capita compared to other households in general, highlighting deep-rooted social inequities.
  For example: Limited access to dairy markets and economic disadvantages force ST communities to rely on lower-cost, non-dairy alternatives despite milk’s nutritional benefits.
• Overconsumption Among Affluent Groups: Wealthier urban populations consume over twice the recommended levels, mainly through high-fat, high-sugar dairy products, contributing to obesity and related diseases.
  For example: Packaged milk-based sweets and ice creams are major contributors to excessive dairy intake, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes.

Reasons Behind Milk Consumption Inequalities

• Affordability Constraints: Milk is expensive for low-income groups, requiring 10%-30% of their monthly expenditure to meet the recommended intake of 300g per day.
  For instance: A daily wage worker earning ₹300 per day would struggle to allocate ₹30-₹90 solely for milk, forcing dietary compromises.
• Supply Chain and Distribution Gaps: Rural producers lack proper storage and distribution networks, leading to inefficiencies in reaching lower-income and remote households.
• Cultural and Dietary Preferences: Lactose intolerance and dietary choices affect milk consumption, especially in eastern and tribal regions, where alternative protein sources are preferred.
  For example: Tribal communities in Jharkhand rely on pulses and millets due to cultural food habits and higher lactose intolerance rates.
• Inadequate Government Support in Certain States: Some states discontinued milk provision in welfare schemes due to financial constraints, reducing access for vulnerable populations.
  For example: Chhattisgarh stopped providing milk under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), weakening nutrition support for children and pregnant women.
• Lack of Awareness About Nutritional Benefits: Many low-income households lack information about the importance of milk in preventing malnutrition and stunting.
  For example: Women in Bihar and Maharashtra showed improved dietary diversity after targeted nutrition awareness campaigns through Anganwadi centres.

Policy Measures to Ensure Equitable Milk Access

• Strengthening Nutrition Programs: Increase financial allocations for schemes like Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (POSHAN) and ICDS to provide milk in school meals and take-home rations.
  For instance: States like Karnataka and Gujarat already provide milk under school nutrition programs, but expanding coverage can enhance children’s health.
• Milk Coupons for Low-Income Households: Introduce milk coupons for vulnerable families in regions with strong dairy networks to lower distribution costs and enhance affordability.
  For instance: Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat can partner with welfare programs to offer milk vouchers redeemable at local outlets.
• Innovative Financing Solutions: Explore social bonds, CSR funding, and taxation on unhealthy foods to generate resources for subsidized milk distribution.
  For instance: A small cess on high-sugar dairy products like ice cream could be redirected to fund milk distribution in malnourished districts.
• Nutrition Awareness Campaigns: Use Anganwadi centres, self-help groups, and media partnerships to educate women and families on the importance of milk.
  For example: Maharashtra’s Poshan Maah 2024 campaign successfully raised awareness about balanced diets, improving dietary diversity in rural communities.
• Regulating Overconsumption in Affluent Groups: Encourage moderation through health messaging, similar to the UK’s Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign, to curb excessive dairy intake.
  For instance: Doctors and nutritionists can advocate for healthier dairy consumption patterns, reducing the burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases.

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Bridging milk consumption disparities requires targeted subsidies, robust public distribution systems, and incentives for small-scale dairy farming. Strengthening cold storage infrastructure and promoting fortified dairy products can enhance accessibility. A multi-stakeholder approach, integrating technology and awareness campaigns, will ensure nutritional security, furthering a healthier and equitable India.

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