Raising a glass of milk

Assam's low per capita availability of milk as compared to the national average tells a larger story of underperformance in the dairy sector despite individual milk growers scripting many success stories. The National Dairy Development Board data reveal that per capita availability of milk in Assam is a meagre 71 grams/day as compared to the national average of 394 grams/day. Comparison with high milk-producing states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat paints a grim picture of the 'white revolution in Assam. Punjab tops the chart of per capita availability of milk with 1,181 grams/day followed by Haryana with 1,087 grams/day, Rajasthan 870 grams/day and Gujarat with 626 grams/day. Uttar Pradesh accounts for 371 grams/day while it is 251 gm/day in Bihar. Assam's milk production increased from 6.82 lakh tonnes in 2001-02 to 8.82 lakh tonnes in 2018-19. During the same period Punjab's production increased from 79.32 lakh tonnes to 125.99 lakh tonnes, in Uttar Pradesh, it increased to 305.19 lakh tonnes from 146.68 lakh tonnes while Bihar increased its production from 26.64 lakh tonnes to 98.18 lakh tonnes. India continues to be the largest milk-producing country in the world with an estimated annual production of 198 million tonnes. The World Milk Day observed on June 1, therefore, has always been an event close to the heart of millions of dairy farmers in India ever since the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations designated this day in 2001 to recognise the importance of milk as global food and celebrate the dairy sector. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying have been running a campaign to promote nutritional benefits of milk consumption. The campaign highlights that each 250 ml glass of milk provides 32 % of the daily requirement of Vitamin D for strong immunity and bones, 29% of daily Calcium requirement for healthy teeth and bones, 17 % high-quality protein for muscle strength, growth and repair, 13 % Vitamin B12 (for strong muscles and mental well-being) and 8% Vitamin A for eyesight. Low per capita availability of milk due to low production in Assam, therefore, is indicative of the scope to improve nutritional supplement for the state's population through the promotion of milk consumption. An increase in production will lead to the generation of huge livelihood opportunities and the strengthening of the state economy. Milk and dairy provide nutrition to 6 billion consumers globally and supports the livelihoods of 1 billion people. India has 335 million dairy animals and the country accounts for 22 per cent of global milk production. Annual Report for 2019-20 of the Department states that nearly 35% of the milk production in the country is contributed by Indigenous Buffaloes followed by 26% by crossbred cows. The Indigenous cows contribute 10% of the total milk production in the country whereas non-descript cows contribute 11% milk production and non-descript buffaloes contribute 14% milk production. Goat milk shares a contribution of 3% in the total milk production across the Country. The success stories scripted by dairy farmers of Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti Limited, Western Assam Milk Union Limited and milk cooperatives in different pockets in the state have demonstrated how dairy farming can address the local unemployment problem and strengthen the local economy. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected a large number of dairy farmers in the state, which if not addressed by the State government in time, may turn some of the milk cooperatives unviable. Feed and fodder account for 80 per cent of the cost of milk production and a hike in prices has led to an increase in production cost. The decline in demand for milk and milk derivatives due to the small window of marketing hours on account of partial lockdown in force has compounded the worries of sustainability of dairy farming in some pockets in the state. The state government subsidising feed and fodder can help dairy farmers to sustain their entrepreneurial venture. The establishment of automated milk collection centres at the village level, improving milk procurement, processing and capacity building of the dairy farmers in marketing, product diversification through training can help boost production. An aggressive campaign to promote milk consumption for improving nutrition supplies will fuel the demand. Assam government extending hand-holding support to the dairy farmers and entrepreneurs will attract thousands of rural unemployed to the dairy sector for gainful employment. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department have a comprehensive Strategy Paper that outlines the Cattle and Buffalo Development policy besides targets and goals till 2024 for the adoption of artificial insemination and other technologies to increase milk production. Juxtaposing the strategy paper with national goals and mission besides the high milk-producing states can help Assam undertake the mid-term review to make a necessary course correction. Assam raising a glass of milk every day can change the lives of thousands of dairy farmers.