New Delhi: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is celebrating National Milk Day on 26 November 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. This event marks the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, fondly remembered as the “Father of the White Revolution in India,” and highlights the significant contributions of the dairy sector to India’s economy and nutritional security. The celebration will be attended by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, 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 George Kurian, and several other dignitaries.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will confer the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Awards, one of the highest national awards in the livestock and dairy sector, in three categories: Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle or buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative Society, Milk Producer Company or Dairy Farmer Producer Organisation from across the country. A newly introduced special award in each category will also be conferred on winners from the North Eastern Region. Some awardees will share their experiences, offering valuable insights into best practices, innovations, and sustainable approaches within the sector.
The event will also see the launch of two significant publications. The first, Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2023, provides essential insights into trends within the livestock and dairy sectors, supporting data-driven policymaking. The second is a manual on the identification of elite cows, aimed at guiding the development of a national milch herd comprising the most elite dairy animals.
A special highlight of the celebration is the culmination of the All India Motor Rally, organised by Amul in association with Bajaj Auto. Flagged off earlier by Union Home Affairs and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on 19 November 2024 from Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, the rally groups arriving from across the country will gather at Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, for the final leg before reaching the Manekshaw Centre, where they will be received by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
The event will feature two thought-provoking panel discussions. The first, titled “Women-Led Livestock and Dairy Sector,” will explore the transformative role of women in livestock and dairy, focusing on gender inclusivity and empowerment. The second panel, themed “Empowering Farmers through Local Veterinary Support,” will address strategies for enhancing farmer empowerment by strengthening local veterinary support systems, which are critical to India’s rural economy.
The celebration will see participation from across the country, including farmers, milk federations, and dairy cooperatives. National Milk Day 2024 highlights India’s leadership in the global dairy sector, emphasising sustainable and inclusive growth in livestock and dairy industries. It honours the dedication of dairy farmers and stakeholders while inspiring innovation and fostering stronger partnerships to encourage continued progress in the sector.
BI Bureau
