World Milk Day was observed today at the SKICC in Srinagar by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Government of India in partnership with the Agriculture Production Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. A two-day summer meet for the animal husbandry and dairying sectors was launched on this occasion.
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, inaugurated the event in the presence of Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Also present were Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Information & Broadcasting.
The event witnessed the participation of all the states and union territories, along with 15 Ministers of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and senior officers from various regions. Over 400 livestock farmers from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir also participated in the event.
During the occasion, Rupala emphasized the cultural and traditional importance of milk in India. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by dairy farmers and agri-entrepreneurs that have propelled India's milk production to new heights.
Rupala inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the achievements and programs of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. He urged the states and union territories to follow Jammu and Kashmir's aspirations of becoming the leading dairy producer in order to make India a global leader in the sector.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying for its unwavering support in boosting the sector. He highlighted that the dairy sector has the potential to contribute to the growth of other sectors as well.
Sinha mentioned the positive impact of the Kisan Samparak Scheme on marginal farmers and the agricultural sector, leading to increased productivity and job creation. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir is on track to become milk surplus within the next five years, aligning with the region's journey of holistic development.
Dr. L Murugan, Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Information and Broadcasting, recognized World Milk Day as an occasion to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of dairy farmers, particularly women, who have made India the top milk producer globally. He emphasized that the dairy sector has empowered more than 80 million people in the country.
