World Milk Day

World Milk Day is an International day introduced in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to appreciate the significance of milk products as a global food. Milk Day has been globally observed on June 1 each year since 2001. International Milk Day is celebrated to bring the centre of attention to the activities and products related to the dairy sector. Since 2001, each year, on June 1, the benefits of milk and dairy products have been actively advertised throughout the world, including how daily products play a significant role in the lives of one billion people.

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World Milk Day was first introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2001 to highlight the importance of milk as a global food.

A very long time ago, FAO proposed International Milk Day to identify the importance of milk and the significant role it plays in the livelihood of one billion people. Also, this day was created to emphasise the importance of the dairy sector directly.

But even before this day was introduced by FAO in 2001, Milk Day was celebrated by other countries throughout history. For example, in the British Isles, the celebration of milk day occurs in the pre-Christian era. 

In light of the fact that over 1 billion people consume milk and dairy products throughout the world, it is no wonder that there is a need to celebrate this healthy, delicious drink.

Significance of World Dairy Day

The aim behind celebrating World Milk Day is to make individuals know about the significance of milk and its related product in our lives. Apart from being a valuable source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamins, phosphorus, milk, and its related products are also a means of nourishment for almost billions of people throughout the World. Considering the economic value and standard of living, the dairy-based product market is an integral component of the global economy. Also, World Dairy Day holds great significance for Indians as India is regarded as the largest producer of milk throughout the world.

World Milk Day Theme 2021

World Milk Day is celebrated with a theme centralising sustainability in the dairy sector and spreading messages around the environment, nutrition, and socioeconomics to reintroduce dairy farming to the world.

How Indians Celebrated World Milk Day On June 1, 2021?

Following are the different events organised by Indians on World Milk Day, June 1, 2021:

• The Government arranged an official campaign “A Glass of Goodness” which spread information on the advantages of dairy products.

• The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Farm Science Centre working under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture, arranged an online farmers awareness programme to celebrate World Milk Day.

• Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) students made a short video contest.

• A live recipe show with a chef was hosted by Amul on their Facebook page.

• “Milk & Me Competition” was hosted by the National Dairy Development Board.

• A webinar was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to harness the country’s export potential of dairy products.

• A dairy dialogue with a reformist dairy farmer Pankaj Navnani was organised by Jordbrukare India. 

Apart from the above mentioned, many other events were also arranged by Indians.

Facts Related to Milk 

• India is the largest producer of milk in the world and constitutes 22% of global milk production, followed by the US, Pakistan, Brazil, and China.

• The highest milk deficit countries are China, Italy, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Algeria, and Indonesia. 

• The highest milk surplus countries are the US, New Zealand, France, Australia, Germany, and Ireland.

• The cow produces over 90% of the World Milk.

• In Saudi Arabia 1986 launched the World’s first commercial dromedary dairy, selling camel milk at £1.20 a litre.

• In comparison to cow milk, buffalo milk contains more protein. 

• Milk is regarded as the complete naturally occurring food due to its rich content of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates necessary for sustaining life and maintaining good health.

• State Uttar Pradesh is known to be the highest milk-producing state in India.

• A cow on average produces 25-30 litres of milk every day, which is approximately equal to 100 glasses of milk.

• The purity of milk can be tested by boiling for some time till it turns into Khoya. The milk is unadulterated if Khoya is solid and leaves a rough residue. The milk is of good quality if it leaves an oily residue.