India is the world's largest producer of milk. Dairy output reached 233.5 million tonnes in 2024-25, growing at a compound annual rate of 5.85% over the previous five years. The milk processing industry is projected to grow at 12.35% CAGR through 2033. Behind every litre of milk processed into paneer, ghee, cheese, yoghurt, or butter is a water story that the industry has been slow to confront: dairy processing generates approximately 2.5 to 3 litres of wastewater for every litre of milk processed.
