The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India celebrated National Milk Day 2025 on 26^th November, 2025 at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.

The event was graced by Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri. George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD along with other senior officials of DAHD.
The event also witnessed countrywide participation from livestock farmers, milk federations, dairy co-operatives and experts.

Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging the presence of dignitaries and participants.

Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, congratulated all the participants and awardees on the occasion of National Milk Day and  underlined the significance of scientific interventions like genetic improvement and advanced breeding techniques in achieving long-term growth in livestock sector. He also encouraged the dairy farmers for the adoption of advanced technologies like Sex Sorted Semen, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) etc. He also highlighted the impact of the Dairy Cooperatives in the economic upliftment of the dairy farmers.

During the ceremony, , Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying  presented the National Gopal Ratna Awards to 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.

 In his address, the Hon’ble Minister of State emphasized the pivotal role of the dairy sector in the Indian economy and highlighted how through the efforts of the Government of India, per capita milk availability in India  has increased significantly, reaching 485 grams per day, surpassing the global average of 329 grams per day . He also encouraged the dairy farmers and stated that the strength of the nation lies in the villages. The Hon’ble Minister in his speech also lauded the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awardee and also highlighted the prospect of the dairying sector.

                              

The Hon’ble Minister of State also launched the Guidelines for Minimum Standards of Veterinary Infrastructure in India. The guidelines outline a uniform four-tier structure for veterinary service delivery, comprising of Primary Veterinary Care Centres (PVCCs), Block-Level Veterinary Hospitals, District-Level Veterinary Hospitals, and State-Level Polyclinics / Referral Centres and will facilitate States  to enhance veterinary service delivery.

Launch of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)  2025 has also been done by the Hon’ble Minister of State, providing updated and comprehensive data for policy planning.

           

Prof. Shri S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying flagged off 20 modern insulated milk tankers commissioned by Ropar Milk Union under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), supported through the JICA-assisted Project – Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives. During the event, inauguration of 9 Breed Multiplication Farms in states was also done.

During the event, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying also read the Preamble of the Constitution of India along with all the participants present  to uphold the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.             

Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying congratulated all the awardees of National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 and applauded the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer to improve dairy productivity. He also highlighted the need to further strengthen the available veterinary services and also adoption of the latest scientific technologies for accelerating growth in India livestock sector. 

  

The event also witnessed thought-provoking panel discussions on the theme “Enhancing animal productivity - Experiences sharing with technical experts and progressive farmers” where experts and progressive farmers shared their insight, practical experiences, innovative practices, adoption of latest scientific adoption and field level strategies that have led to measurable improvements in animal production.    

                

The event served as platform to honour the achievements of famers involved in livestock and dairy sector.   

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JP

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