By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, NOV 28, 2023: THE Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying celebrated "National Milk Day 2023" yesterday in Guwahati. This special day honours the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the "Father of the White Revolution in India," highlighting the achievement and importance of the dairy sector in our country.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Parshottam Rupala was the Chief guest. Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Govt of Assam, Atul Bora and Minister for Transport, Fisheries and Excise, Assam, Parimal Shuklabaidya, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Arunachal Pradesh, Tage Taki,  Members of Parliament from Assam and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

While felicitating the winners, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying highlighted that India is leading in world milk production and is making its mark in global markets. Minister stressed the pivotal role of youngsters in augmenting the dairy sector and the entrepreneurial efforts to grow the sector. This holistic approach underscores the nation's commitment to fostering both domestic growth and international expansion of dairy sector, while also nurturing the innovative spirit of its youth.

During the event, Union Minister Rupala has released the "Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023", which shows the milk, egg, meat and wool production 2022-23 and a Coffee Table Book- "Milky Way Over the Years, showcasing the 10 year achievements in the dairy sector. The Union Minister Parshottam Rupala has also launched the A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) training programme, for the Assam State  and distributed kits to the first training batch.

Atul Bora emphasized on the efforts being put up by Assam government to benefit farmer to increase the milk production by introducing sex sorted semen across the state. He also mentioned that Assam government is making efforts to develop market linkage and developing value added milk products.

Secretary, Department of Animal husbandry and Fisheries Ms. Alka Upadhyaya during her address stated that dairy sector is growing strong and playing a big role in our country's economy.

The National Gopal Ratna Awards were presented to the winners of the 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 the country.

Constitution day pledge and the livestreaming of  107th edition of "Mann Ki Baat" were also  organized in the event.

Before the event, a Walkathon and Yoga session were organized in the morning with the active participation of Veterinary students and NCC unit of Assam Veterinary College, State Animal Husbandry department, NDDB and WAMUL.

An exhibition showcasing innovative startups, entrepreneurs and milk unions and a technical session on "Feed and fodder for sustainable Milk Production" have also been organised. The event was participated by more than 3000 farmers from Assam and other NER States.