Goa's Milk Deficit: Dependence on Imports Amid Rising Demand

The state of Goa is facing a significant deficit in milk production, with monthly outputs failing to meet even a single day's demand, as reported by a minister in the legislative assembly. This shortfall has left the state heavily dependent on imports from neighboring regions to satisfy consumer needs.

According to data presented by Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar, the Goa Dairy's average monthly procurement was 37,986 litres for the financial year 2024-25, whereas the daily requirement stood at 48,818 litres. Similarly, until June 2025, the procurement was 35,653 litres, lagging behind an average daily demand of 45,380 litres.

Halarnkar attributed this insufficiency to the Goan youth's inclination towards tourism activities over farming, coupled with the challenges of fragmented landholdings and urbanization, which undermine large-scale dairy operations. He emphasized the need for integrated community farming to boost local production.

(With inputs from agencies.)