Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Celebrates National Milk Day 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, marked National Milk Day 2025 on 26th November 2025 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
The event was attended by Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, along with other senior officials of the department. Livestock farmers, milk federations, dairy cooperatives, and experts from across the country also participated.
Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging the presence of dignitaries and participants.
Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, congratulated participants and awardees on National Milk Day and highlighted the importance of scientific interventions such as genetic improvement and advanced breeding techniques for long-term growth in the livestock sector. He encouraged dairy farmers to adopt technologies including Sex Sorted Semen and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and emphasized the role of dairy cooperatives in the economic development of farmers.
National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025
Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel presented the National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 in three categories: Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization.
In his address, the Hon’ble Minister of State highlighted the contribution of the dairy sector to the Indian economy and noted that per capita milk availability in India has reached 485 grams per day, exceeding the global average of 329 grams per day. He encouraged dairy farmers and acknowledged the role of villages in national strength. He also recognized the awardees and discussed prospects for the dairy sector.
Launches and Inaugurations
The Hon’ble Minister of State launched the Guidelines for Minimum Standards of Veterinary Infrastructure in India, which establish a uniform four-tier structure for veterinary service delivery, including Primary Veterinary Care Centres (PVCCs), Block-Level Veterinary Hospitals, District-Level Veterinary Hospitals, and State-Level Polyclinics/Referral Centres. These guidelines aim to enhance veterinary services across states.
The Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025 was also launched, providing updated and comprehensive data for policy planning.
Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel flagged off 20 modern insulated milk tankers commissioned by Ropar Milk Union under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), supported through the JICA-assisted Project – Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives. Additionally, nine Breed Multiplication Farms were inaugurated in various states.
The Hon’ble Minister of State also led participants in reading the Preamble of the Constitution of India to uphold the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Panel Discussions and Expert Sessions
Shri George Kurian congratulated the awardees of the National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 and highlighted the importance of technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer for improving dairy productivity. He emphasized the need to strengthen veterinary services and adopt scientific technologies to accelerate growth in the livestock sector.
The event featured panel discussions on the theme “Enhancing animal productivity – Experiences sharing with technical experts and progressive farmers.” Experts and progressive farmers shared insights, practical experiences, innovative practices, and field-level strategies that contributed to measurable improvements in animal production.
The occasion provided a platform to recognize and honor the achievements of farmers engaged in the livestock and dairy sector.