India has held its position as the world’s largest milk producer since 1998 and now contributes nearly 25 percent of global milk output.
While global milk production grows at around 2 percent annually, India’s per capita milk availability has increased by 48 percent over the past decade. In 2023–24, the average Indian consumed over 471 grams of milk per day, well above the global average of 322 grams.
In contrast, Mizoram continues to face low local production and a heavy dependence on imported milk, particularly Amul Taaza from Gujarat. During economic blockades, landslides, or road disruptions, this reliance becomes a serious concern for households and small businesses such as bakeries.
According to the Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Statistics, Mizoram recorded the lowest milk production in the Northeast in 2024–25, with just 64.4 thousand kilograms produced per day.
The state’s primary dairy cooperative, Mizoram Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd. (MULCO), established in 1983 to procure, process, and market milk and dairy products, has struggled to meet demand.
Former MULCO chairman Vanlalchhunga told EastMojo that the high cost of cattle feed is a major challenge. “Fodder is expensive, but milk prices do not increase accordingly. Because of this imbalance, many find dairy farming unviable and leave the profession,” he said.
He explained that most cattle feed is sourced from outside the state, increasing costs due to transportation. “Places like Vairengte are already far, and sourcing from Guwahati is even more expensive. Compared to states like Tripura, where prices are lower, Mizoram ends up paying more,” he said.
The current challenges facing Mizoram’s dairy sector are not new. Experts and former officials point to earlier policy failures that continue to affect local production.
Under the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), introduced in 2010, the state government attempted to boost dairy farming by importing cows from outside Mizoram. However, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India later flagged serious irregularities in the process.
According to the report, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department procured hundreds of dairy cows from firms in Haryana and Punjab, allegedly bypassing recommendations made by an expert committee.
Of the 788 cows transported into the state, 43 died during transit, triggering public protests over the condition and quality of the animals.
The situation worsened in subsequent years. Despite recommendations that cattle should only be transported during cooler months, authorities reportedly allowed further shipments between March and May. As a result, more animals died during transit and in holding camps within Mizoram.
The report noted that a total of 126 cows died due to non-compliance with expert guidelines, leading to a financial loss of over Rs 68 lakh. There were also concerns that importing cattle contributed to the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, which affected local livestock.
Vanlalchhunga said such setbacks discouraged farmers and weakened confidence in dairy farming. Combined with rising fodder costs and limited government support, these past failures continue to cast a long shadow over Mizoram’s efforts to build a self-sufficient dairy sector.
He also expressed cautious optimism about railway connectivity. “Once train transport stabilises in the coming years, prices may ease and dairy farming could become more viable,” he added.
Vanlalchhunga recalled that earlier government support, including subsidies and the distribution of quality cattle, had helped improve production. “There was a time when we could even supply surplus milk, but over time, due to declining support and rising costs, production has fallen,” he said, adding that states like Karnataka and West Bengal have benefited from stronger institutional backing.
Despite ongoing efforts, including MULCO’s partnership with the National Dairy Development Board as of January 2026, supply remains limited.
Consumers point to accessibility issues. Thanpuii, a mother in Aizawl, said, “We buy Taaza because it is available in every store. To buy MULCO milk, we have to go to a specific outlet about 10 minutes away.”
A local baker shared similar concerns. “MULCO milk has to be consumed quickly, but packaged milk from outside the state can be stored longer. For business, that makes a big difference,” she said.
Dairy farmers also face structural challenges. Basan Kumar, from a cattle-rearing family in Aizawl, said they depend on forest areas and available land for fodder but face shortages during summer. “In other states, cattle feed costs around Rs 700, but here it is nearly Rs 1,400. We cannot increase milk production because we do not have enough feed,” he said.
He also expressed hope that improved rail connectivity could help reduce costs in the future.
With rising demand and persistent supply gaps, Mizoram’s dairy sector continues to face logistical, economic, and policy challenges, leaving the state dependent on milk produced far beyond its borders.
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