Gamhariya: On the occasion of World Milk Day, a special awareness program was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Seraikela-Kharsawan (Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi) in Azad Basti, Kandra. Senior scientist and center head Dr. Pankaj Seth participated in the program as the chief guest.
Dr. Seth said that milk is a complete diet, which is like nectar for human health. He said that World Milk Day is not just a celebration but a campaign to promote milk as an important and accessible nutrition source. Regular consumption of milk strengthens bones, helps in muscle development and increases the body’s immunity. He appealed to the people to drink at least one glass of milk every day.
Giving information about the data related to milk production, he said that today India is the largest milk producing country in the world and it contributes about 25 percent to the global milk production. Annual milk production in the country has reached 240 to 247 million metric tons. Whereas per capita milk availability is more than 470 grams per day, which is much higher than the global average of 322 grams.
Dr. Seth said that currently more than 31 lakh metric tons of milk is being produced in Jharkhand. Per capita milk availability in the state has increased to about 220 grams per day. Although it is less than the national average, it is continuously improving.
Scientists told in the program that Krishi Vigyan Kendra is continuously working to increase the income of farmers and make them self-reliant. Last year, the center provided training to 150 farmers in commercial cow rearing, entrepreneurship and skill development. Besides, special training was organized for rural women on the subject of “Clean Milk Production, Value Addition and Processing”, in which the techniques of preparing cheese, ghee, sweets and other milk products were taught.
During the program, buttermilk made from milk was also distributed among the children. On this occasion, a large number of local women and children including Dr. Gondra Mardi, Ilisma Khakha, Kumari Simran, Devashish, Soma Pramanik, Chaitan, Vinad, Sushil, Riya De, Manju Sharma, Risha Pramanik, Pradeep Kumar were present.
