Giriraj addresses National Milk Day celebration, thanks PM Modi for protecting farmers’ interest

Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Giriraj Singh on November 26, 2019, addressed entrepreneurs, milk producer farmers, academia and media on the occasion of National Milk Day-2019 at Pusa in New Delhi. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Giriraj thanked PM Narendra Modi for protecting interest of 10 crore farmers by not joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He said that Prime Minister has always given prime importance to the betterment of “Gaon Gareeb Kisaan” and RCEP was not in favour of the farmers. He added that PM Modi had said that he cannot turn away from the needs of India’s farmers.

Giriraj stated that milk production has increased significantly from 137.7 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 187.75 million tonnes in 2018-19, indicating an increase by 36.35%. Similarly, the per capita availability of milk increased from 307 grams in 2013-14 to 394 grams in 2018-19.  Annual growth rate of Milk Production during the period 2009-14 was 4.2%, which has increased to 6.4% during 2014-19, he said and added that the annual growth rate of world milk production has increased by 1.2% during 2014-19, he said, according to a PIB release.

Giriraj added that India is the ray of hope of the global dairy industry with opportunities galore for the entrepreneurs globally. For the last 20 years, India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world. This phenomenal increase is due to several measures initiated by the Union Government to increase the productivity of livestock.

He also said that Livestock sector contributes significantly towards livelihoods and security net for the landless and marginal farmers. About 70 million rural households are engaged in dairying in India with 80% of total cow population. 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, Giriraj said. This share of value-added products is estimated to increase to 40% by 2023-24.

Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said that the 6.5% growth rate is still low due to the base effect but this will change as the Ministry is ensuring all policies and schemes are being formulated for improving the quality of livestock and quantity of milk.