Jammu, November 26: Department of Animal Husbandry Jammu today celebrated ‘National Milk Day’ at KisanBhawan, TalabTillo. The celebration was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of ‘White Revolution’ in India, Lt. Dr. Verghese Kurien.
Principal Secretary to the Government Animal/Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries department UT of J&K, Navin Kumar Choudhary, while participating through online mode, extended greetings to the farming fraternity and said that the UT of J&K under able guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhaji is witnessing significant growth in dairy sector by meeting the increasing demand for milk and milk products.
He exhorted upon the dairy farmers to opt for processing of milk into value added products like ghee, cheese, kalari so that these could be exported to outside states and even to the countries where there is huge demand for the same. However, he stressed on ensuring the purity and wholesomeness of the product. He further advised the farmers to avail the Air-cargo subsidy benefit available under Integrated Dairy Development Scheme. To compete with the changing times, he encouraged the farming community to prepare themselves for sale of their dairy products through online retail platforms to reach to new customers and achieve rapid growth.
Director Animal Husbandry Jammu Dr. Sagar D. Doifode said that the event was first of its kind in the UT of J&K. He acknowledged with gratitude the contributions of Dr. Verghese Kurien for his strenuous efforts put in for shaping the growth of the dairy sector which ultimately led India to become the largest milk producer in the world 1998 onwards.
The Director said that the Department of Animal Husbandry Jammu is working dedicatedly for the enhancement of milk production through latest technological interventions like introduction of sex sorted semen and newer higher yielding varieties of fodder seeds.
He further said that the department has doubled its efforts in terms of sanctioning of dairy units in the division and soon the region shall turn milk-surplus through induction of elite milch animals from outside as well as planned cross breeding.
On the occasion, the Director, on behalf of the department, extended heartiest greetings to the entire farming community and ensured them every possible support in all their endeavours.
Progressive dairy farmers congratulated the department of Animal Husbandry for taking several breakthrough initiatives in the development of the Dairy sector in the region. They also appreciated the hand-holding approach adopted by the department for facilitating the implementation of the welfare schemes/programmes on ground.
As a mark of tribute to the Father of White Revolution, a cup of Milk was served to the participants during the event.
Members Kisan Advisory Board J&K, Progressive dairy farmers from Jammu and adjoining districts, CEO Livestock Development Board Jammu, Joint Directors, Chief Animal Husbandry Officers, Veterinary Assistant Surgeons and staff from the Animal Husbandry department, media personnel besides a large number of farmers were also present on the occasion.
Earlier a Preamble-reading ceremony was also organized at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Animal Husbandry Jammu to celebrate the ‘Constitution Day’.
