Gujarat has seen a significant increase in milk production over the last two decades. With an impressive rise of 11.8 million tonnes, the state has secured the fourth position in the country for milk production. This growth highlights Gujarat’s contribution to India’s dairy industry, which is vital for both nutrition and the livelihoods of millions.
Every year, on June 1st, World Milk Day is celebrated to acknowledge the importance of milk as a global food source and to support the dairy industry. India has been the world’s top milk producer since 1998, contributing about 25% to global milk production, with an annual output of 239 million tonnes. This steady growth is attributed to various initiatives by the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last decade alone, India’s milk output has increased by 63%, with per capita availability rising by 48% to 471 grams per day.
Gujarat, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel, contributes approximately 7.5% to India’s total milk production, producing 18 million tonnes annually. The state’s milk production has grown at an average rate of 9.26% each year over the past two decades. The per capita milk availability in Gujarat has also increased by 38% in the last decade, reaching 700 grams per day.
To achieve this growth, Gujarat has focused on excellent animal health and breeding. The state now has a robust infrastructure for animal health, including 929 veterinary hospitals, 552 primary animal healthcare centres, and 587 mobile veterinary units. Additionally, 4,276 veterinarians are registered to provide services such as treatment and vaccination.
The government is also promoting the use of quality breeding stock. Subsidised sexed semen doses have been made available to farmers, achieving a success rate of over 90%. This means that after using these doses, 90% of the animals give birth to calves, boosting milk production even further. The government also provides subsidies to farmers to help cover the costs of IVF treatments for livestock.
The dairy sector plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing about 4.5% to India’s GDP. In rural areas, dairy farming is a primary source of income for many families, especially women. Cooperatives like Amul provide a strong platform for dairy farmers, helping them become self-reliant.
In recent years, Gujarat has taken significant steps to enhance its position as a leading milk-producing state. With ongoing initiatives, the state aims to become the top milk producer in India. The success of the dairy sector not only provides nutritional food but also strengthens the rural economy, ensuring a better future for millions of families in Gujarat.
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