The nation observed the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, widely regarded as the “Father of the White Revolution in India,” with celebrations across states led by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. This day, marked as National Milk Day, saw policymakers, farmers, and industry leaders coming together to honor his legacy.
Among the notable events was the Amul Clean Fuel Rally, which culminated at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. The rally included participants from various Amul member unions and branch offices across India, showcasing the resilience and achievements of the country’s dairy sector. It highlighted the crucial role played by farmers and veterinary systems in the sector’s growth.
Panel discussions were held on themes such as “Women-led Livestock and Dairy Sector” and “Empowering Farmers through Local Veterinary Support.” Experts underscored the contributions of women and veterinary initiatives in shaping the future of India’s dairy industry.
These discussions emphasized sustainable practices and gender empowerment as key elements for progress in the sector. The event also witnessed participation from diverse stakeholders and was graced by prominent leaders, including Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the National Gopal Ratna Awards, recognizing excellence in three categories: Best Dairy Farmer, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative Society or Farmer Producer Organization. Special awards were introduced for winners from the North Eastern Region, acknowledging their contributions to the sector.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the dairy sector’s vital role in India’s economy, noting that it contributes 5% to the national GDP and provides direct employment to over 8 crore farmers, most of whom are women. He highlighted India’s leading position in global milk production, contributing 24% of the world’s total and achieving a record output of 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel highlighted the contributions of women and youth in the dairy sector’s growth. He called for greater adoption of advanced technologies like artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen, and in-vitro fertilization to improve productivity.
He also emphasized achieving a Foot and Mouth Disease-free status through regular vaccination campaigns. Shri George Kurian praised dairy cooperatives for their role in economic and social empowerment, particularly in rural areas, while advocating for improved infrastructure and veterinary support.
Secretary Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the Department’s efforts to modernize rural dairy infrastructure, enhance market linkages, and train farmers. She stressed the importance of scientific advancements such as genetic improvement and advanced breeding techniques.
The release of the “Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)-2024” and the manual “SURABHI SHRINKHALA,” aimed at identifying elite cows, marked another significant step towards strengthening India’s dairy ecosystem.