Union Minister addresses National Milk Day celebration

News:Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has addressed entrepreneurs, milk producer farmers on the occasion of National Milk Day-2019 in New Delhi.

Facts:

Key takeaways from the address:

• Milk production in India has increased significantly from 137.7 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 187.75 million tonnes in 2018-19 thereby indicating an increase by 36.35%.
• The per capita availability of milk has also increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 394 grams in 2018-19. 
• The annual growth rate of Milk Production during the period 2009-14 was 4.2% which has increased to 6.4% during 2014-19.
• Since last 20 years, India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world.
• About 70 million rural households are engaged in dairying in India with 80% of total cow population.
• The Livestock sector has contributed significantly towards livelihoods and security net for the landless and marginal farmers.
• During the last 15 years, Milk Cooperatives have converted about 20% of milk procured into traditional and value added products that offers about 20% higher revenue.

Additional information:

About National Milk Day:

• The National Milk Day is celebrated across the country on November 26 every year on the birthday of Dr. Verghese Kurien.He was the father of the White Revolution in India. 
• The day is celebrated to promote benefits related to milk and milk industry and to create awareness among people about the importance of milk and milk products.

Steps taken by India for livestock sector:

Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in 2014.It seeks development and conservation of indigenous bovine (cattle) breeds (through selection of high genetic merit bulls for breeding).
• The mission is under Department of Animal Husbandry and dairying, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Objectives:

• To undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve their genetic makeup and increase the stock.
• To enhance milk production and productivity of indigenous bovine breeds.
• To upgrade non descript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Red Sindhi etc.
• Arrange quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep

E-Pashu Haat portal: 

• E-Pashu Haat is a web portal launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• It aims to boost dairy productivity in India by organizing the livestock market. 
• The portal allows farmers and entrepreneurs find information about bovine animals, buy or sell livestock, frozen semen and embryos.

Gokul Grams:  

• An Integrated Indigenous Cattle development Centres “Gokul Grams”- have been established under Rashtriya Gokul mission with the aim of conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific and holistic manner.

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog:

• It has been established by the government in 2019. It seeks for conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny.
• It is high powered permanent body. At present it functions as a part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission under Department of Animal Husbandry and dairying, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The functions of Aayog are to (a)provide the policy framework and direction to the cow conservation and development programmes and (b)Ensure proper implementation of laws with respect to the welfare of cows.