The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, celebrated the National Milk Day 2024 today at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event commemorated the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr.VergheseKurien, the “Father of White Revolution in India,” and brought together policymakers, farmers, and industry leaders to honour his legacy. The event was graced by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj as Chief Guest along with Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian as Guests of Honour. The event saw participation of stakeholders from the livestock and dairy sector from across the country. During the ceremony, Union Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh along with Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian presented the National GopalRatna Awards to the winners in three categories: 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.A newly added Special award in each category was also conferred on winners from the North Eastern Region.

In his address, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the pivotal role of the dairy sector in the Indian economy. He noted that dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5 percent to the national economy and directly employing more than 8 crore farmers, the majority of whom are women. India is ranked 1st in milk production, contributing 24 percent of global milk production, with milk production reaching 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23. He highlighted that India’s per capita milk availability stands at 459 grams per day in 2022-23, significantly higher than the world average of 323 grams per day in 2022. He said that as the country marches towards becoming the third largest economy in the world, the contribution of the dairy sector in it would be huge. The Union Minister said that the livestock and dairy sector produces huge employment opportunities, helps in nutritional security of the nation and addresses the challenges of hunger and malnutrition in the country which in turn helps in reducing inequalities. He also emphasized that the Unorganised Sector in dairy should by consistent efforts, be brought under the Organised Sector as that will help in increasing farmer incomes. The Union Minister praised the Gujarat Model of cooperative society as one such example, that is doing exceptionally well, by reducing middlemen, he said that they have been able to increase farmer incomes manifold. The Union Minister also emphasized upon the need to incorporate technologies like Sex Sorted Semen in dairy farming and increase coverage to more than 70% from the current 35% in this area. He said that Pashudhan Data is being prepared, extensive work is being done on breed improvement, vaccinations are being given free of cost for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis with a target to eliminate the same by 2030, and hence ensure that India becomes a Milk Exporter in the near future.

Prof. S.P.SinghBaghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in his speech, recognized the contributions of women and youth in driving the success of India’s dairy sector. He encouraged them to take up leadership roles in the industry and leverage innovative practices for long-term sustainability. He also, appreciated the efforts of the department and all stakeholders for keeping the number one position in global milk production. He mentioned that while the global growth rate in milk production is 2% annually, India’s production is growing at an impressive 6% annual rate. Further, he urged the participants to increase the coverage of Artificial Insemination (AI) rate, adoption of improved breeding technologies like sex-sorted semen and IVF(Invitro Fertilization). He further stressed to achieve the FMD-free (Foot and Mouth Disease-free) status, through regular vaccination which would be a significant milestone for India.

Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, appreciated the contributions of Dairy co-operatives in the Indian economy and their role in women empowerment. He highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and veterinary support systems, particularly in rural areas, to ensure equitable growth across the dairy value chain.

Secretary, DAHD, Smt. AlkaUpadhyaya, highlighted the Department’s continuous efforts to improve milk productivity through scientific interventions. She stressed the importance of modernizing rural dairy infrastructure, fostering market linkages, and providing training to farmers to ensure inclusive growth. The Secretary also underlined the significance of scientific interventions like genetic improvement and advanced breeding techniques in achieving long-term growth.

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)- 2024, that offers vital insights into livestock and dairy sector trends was also released along with Manual on the Identification of Elite Cows“सुरभिश्रृंखला (SURABHI SHRINKHALA)”. The Manual is oriented towards establishment of national milch herd in the country that is crucial for identification and location of superior germplasm available with our farmers or in gaushala/ gausadans/ pinjrapoles.Earlier, during the celebrations Minister of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel received the Amul Clean Fuel Rally at ManekshawCentre that included over 77 participants from various Member Unions of Amul and over 25 branch offices of GCMMF across India, who travelled all the way to Delhi to celebrate National Milk Day. The rally showcased the dynamic spirit of India’s dairy sector and celebrated its achievements, emphasizing the vital role of farmers and veterinary support systems. Two panel discussions on themes of "Women-led Livestock and Dairy Sector" and "Empowering Farmers through Local Veterinary Support," were also organised wherein experts shared insights into the sustainable development of India’s dairy ecosystem. These discussions highlighted the transformational role of women and local veterinary initiatives in shaping the sector's future.

Ms.Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Cattle & Dairy Development), ShriJagatHazarika , Advisor (Statistics) along with several other dignitaries also graced the occasion.

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