ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI) celebrated World Milk Day at its milk parlour under the global theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers”. The event was attended by dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, students, consumers and scientists, highlighting the role of milk and dairy products in nutrition, livelihood generation and sustainable development.
The chief guest, Dr MS Chauhan, an animal scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, along with Dr Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI, inaugurated an exhibition showcasing dairy products, technologies and entrepreneurial ventures. The two dignitaries also planted a sapling to commemorate World Milk Day.
In his address, Dr Chauhan underscored the nutritional and health benefits of milk, describing it as one of the most complete and affordable sources of essential nutrients for growth and wellbeing. He commended ICAR-NDRI’s efforts to raise awareness about the nutritional value of milk and to promote scientific dairy development among farmers and consumers. He also noted the dairy sector’s significant potential to contribute to doubling farmers’ incomes and strengthening rural livelihoods across
the country.
Dr Singh lauded the crucial contribution of women to India’s dairy sector, describing them as the driving force behind the country’s dairy success. He highlighted women’s involvement in animal husbandry, milk production, processing, value addition and entrepreneurship, stressing that empowering women through training, technology transfer and entrepreneurship development is vital for the sector’s sustainable growth.
Dr Singh also highlighted the achievements of the women-led Atulya Nari Shakti FPO, supported by ICAR-NDRI. He said the organisation has developed and marketed a range of quality dairy products, including ghee and other value-added items, demonstrating how women-led enterprises can strengthen rural economies and generate sustainable livelihoods.
Reaffirming the institute’s commitment to food safety and consumer awareness, Dr Singh said that more than 50 milk samples from consumers were tested free of charge during the celebrations for common adulterants, including water, urea, sugar, maltodextrin and hydrogen peroxide. The initiative helped raise awareness about milk quality and safe consumption practices, building consumer confidence in dairy products and encouraging the production and marketing of quality milk.
Dr Singh also highlighted ICAR-NDRI’s role in improving farmers’ livelihoods and promoting dairy entrepreneurship. He cited Arjuna Herbal Cow Ghee, an enterprise supported through ICAR-NDRI interventions, as an example of how scientific guidance, technology support and entrepreneurship development can help create successful dairy ventures and enhance rural incomes.
A major attraction of the celebration was an exhibition featuring innovative products, technologies and entrepreneurial ventures presented by farmer producer organisations, start-ups, entrepreneurs and student groups.
