The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying  is celebrating "National Milk Day" on November 26, 2024, at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. This event honours the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, fondly remembered as the “Father of the White Revolution in India,” and highlights the pivotal contributions of the dairy sector to India’s economy and nutritional security. The celebration will be graced by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, as the Chief Guest, along with Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian and several other dignitaries.

On this occasion, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh will also confer the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Awards (one of the highest National  awards in the livestock and  dairy sector)  in 3 categories namely Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization from across the country.  A newly added Special award in each category would also be conferred on winners from  the North Eastern Region. During the event some awardees will also share their experiences, providing valuable insights into the best practices, innovations, and sustainable approaches they have adopted in the sector.

The event will  also witness the launch of two significant publications. The first being the  Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)-2024, which offers vital insights into the livestock and dairy sector trends, underpinning data-driven policymaking. The second is a Manual on the Identification of Elite Cows, designed to guide the creation of a national Milch herd comprising of elitist of elite dairy animals. The same, underlines the government’s focus on evidence-based decision-making and technological advancement in the field of animal husbandry.

A special highlight of the celebration is the culmination of All India Motor Rally, organised by Amul, the leading dairy co-operative in association with Bajaj Auto, which had been flagged off  earlier by  Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation,  Shri Amit Shah on 19^th November 2024 from Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat. The rally groups arriving from various parts of the country will gather at  Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi  for the last leg and will finally arrive at the Manekshaw Centre where they will  be received by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.  

The event will also host two thought-provoking panel discussions. The first titled “Women Led Livestock and Dairy Sector” will explore the transformative role of women in the livestock and dairy sector, emphasizing gender inclusivity and empowerment. The second panel discussion themed “ Empowering farmers through local Veterinary support”  will delve into the  strategies for empowering farmers by strengthening local veterinary support systems, a critical component of India’s rural economy.

This mega event will see countrywide participation including  farmers, milk federations, dairy co-operatives etc. National Milk Day 2024 celebrates India’s leadership in the global dairy sector, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth in livestock and dairy industries. It recognizes the dedication of dairy farmers and stakeholders, while also inspiring innovation and fostering stronger partnerships. The event serves as a platform to honour the achievements of those involved, encouraging continued collaboration and progress in the sector.

About “Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics – 2024

DAHD is set to release its annual publication titled “Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) - 2024”. The BAHS - 2024 is an essential publication that provides comprehensive data on the livestock sector, based on the outcomes of the Integrated Sample Survey conducted for the period from 1st March 2023 to 29th February 2024. This survey, unique in the country, generates crucial data on the production estimates of Major Livestock Products (MLPs) such as Milk, Eggs, Meat, and Wool, which plays a pivotal role in policy formulation in the livestock sector. This publication includes state-wise estimation of production and per-capita availability of MLPs including insights into the estimated number of animals involved in milk production, poultry egg-laying birds, animals slaughtered, and sheep shorn. Further, it presents valuable data on veterinary hospitals, polyclinics, gaushalas, state farms, and other infrastructure details, along with the number of artificial inseminations performed, and a global perspective on the livestock sector.

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