26 November: National Milk Day

India National Milk Day is observed every year on 26 November to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of India’s White Revolution. However, World milk day is observed every year across the world on 1 June by the United Nations.

About National Milk Day

The day is celebrated to promote benefits related to milk and milk industry and to create awareness among people about importance of milk and milk products. This year India is celebrating 98th birth anniversary of Dr. Kurien.

The first National Milk Day was celebrated on 26 November 2014 after the initiative taken by Indian Dairy Association (IDA). In first National Milk Day various milk producers from 22 states participated.

About Dr. Verghese Kurien

He was born on 26 November 1921 in Kozhikode, Kerala and passed away on September 9, 2012, at the age of 90. He is known as ‘Father of the White Revolution’ in India.

He was a well-known Indian social entrepreneur and is still famous for his ‘Operation Flood’ the world’s largest agricultural development program. He established 30 institutions which are run by various farmers and workers and played a key role in establishment and success of Amul brand.

Awards: He was awarded Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963) and World Food Prize (1989), Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1999). Due to the strenuous efforts of Dr. Verghese Kurien, India became the largest producer of milk in 1998, surpassing the US.

Milk sector in India

The organized milk sector flourished in the Country after Independence due to efforts of Dr. Kurien. Currently, India is world’s largest producer of milk as it contributes to about 22% of world’s total milk production with over 187.7 million tonnes (MT) of milk production every year. India’s milk output surpasses that of all European Union (EU) countries combined, which is followed by Unite States, China. Indian milk production witnessed a growth of 6.28% during 2014 and 2016 and also, per capita, milk consumption capacity increased from 307 gm/day (2013-14) to 340 gm/day (2015-16).

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019