The idea is to highlight how women farmers contribute in dairy farming and help to provide it to the people across the globe.This day recognizes the importance of milk,dairy nutrition,sustainable farming and the contribution of millions of women farmers worldwide.This year theme also aligns with the broader global focus on women farmers and their role in building stronger and more inclusive agricultural communities.This day unites countries,organisations and communities to recognise and amplify dairy sector's impact on sustainable agriculture,economic development and global health. The global observance of this day highlights the importance of milk and dairy products in nutrition,health ,agriculture,rural livelihoods and economic development. This particular day provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk and publicise the activities connected with the milk industry.Various programmes such as awareness programmes, essay writing,workshops, quiz competitions, sports activities, group discussions etc. are organised in schools, colleges, universities and various other educational institutions. On this day articles, news, press releases etc. Are also published to highlight the nutritional benefits of milk among the people. Free milk camps are also organised to distribute the free milk among the children. In 2026 ,the observance carries even a greater significance because the theme recognizes the role of women farmers in global dairy production and rural economies.The day reminds people that behind every glass of milk are millions of dairy workers,women farmers,small farmers and agricultural communities contributing to nutrition and livelihoods across the globe. This day was firstly observed in 2001 by the many countries across the globe and the day as 1st June was decided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Organisation.More than 40 countries participated in the the celebration of first World Milk Day and now it is expanded rapidly and is celebrated in over 100 countries across the globe. This day helps to increase the awareness on all aspects of natural milk such as its natural origin, nutritional value and various milk products including its economic importance. Various health organisations take part in the celebration of this day and also to disseminate the message of milk importance to the common man through the various promotional activities.Presently,dairy farming continues to provide employment ,self-reliance and income opportunities to millions of farmers especially women-led Self-Help Groups(SHGs).This day is important because it connects health,agriculture,economy and sustainable development.

World Milk Day holds major significance because milk remains one of the most important and widely consumed food products globally.Milk is a vital ,accessible food source that nourishes billions of people across the globe.It is great source of various nutrients required by the body such as calcium,magnesium,zinc,phosphorus,iodine,iron,potassium,folates,vitamin A, vitamin D, Riboflavin, vitamin B12,fat etc. Milk provides instant en energy to the body as it contains high quality proteins. Milk is an important liquid for everybody. Milk helps us to have a better health and to maintain it for achieving our goals of life. On this day every information about the positive effects of milk on the body is provided to the people. Milk helps to develop the body muscles and solves the problem of weakness in the body. Mother milk is also very essential for the children to keep them healthy and fit. Now-a-days people are trying to maintain their body by various types of excercises and Yoga. They are also consuming various types of weight gaining powders without thinking about their side effects. There is urgent need to develop the awareness on the positive effects of the milk on our bodies so that we can achieve our goals in our lives. Now-a-days people eat many types of junk food but that can be harmful for the body. Milk contains every type of nutrients which make our body healthy and fit. Milk has many uses for the different people and various types of products can be made from it.

India is the world's largest milk producing countires and contributes about 22 per cent of global milk production.India is also the largest cattle producer in the world and has large animal diversity and is first in buffalo while second in goat production in the world.Dairy farming plays a significant role in India's economy and supports millions of households across villages,semi-urban and urban areas. 13 per cent of world's cattle population and 57 per cent of world's buffalo population is found in India.The White Revolution transformed India's dairy industry through cooperative movements such as Amul. Millions of families depend directly on dairy production for income and employment.In developing nations especially ,dairy farming serves as an important source of economic stability and self-employment.Milk is considered as a nutrient-rich food because it contains protiens,calcium,vitamins and minerals required for the growth and development of body.Dairy is accessible,affordable and nutrients-dense ,an indispensable part of balanced diets across the globe.Milk is an integral part of our culture. From drinking to cooking to making different edible food items, milk is important. The nutritional value of milk and milk products to maintain proper health condition of human beings is universally recognized. Dairy sector has prominent role in upliftment of socio-economic status of farmers. Milk production in India is dominated by the small, marginal landholding farmers and landless labourers. Millions contribute with an average herd size of 1-2 cows or buffaloes. This fragmented structure contributes about 70 per cent of national milk. Dairying is one of the leading best suited enterprises in rural India. This sector supports rural people with gainful employment additionally steady income. The Indian dairy sector with a large number of dairy farmers in rural areas has made a tremendous impact on the agrarian economy of the nation. India is the largest milk producer in the world, thus the role of dairy farmers is very important in dairy industry and development of the society. Economic development takes place when a society embraces and encourages entrepreneurial behavior. Livestock is emerging as an important sector in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and plays a significant role in the socio-economic development.In Jammu and Kashmir about 80% of population lives in the rural people and about 60% of the J&K revenue is generated by the agriculture and animal husbandry sector. Dairy farming is a potential source of additional income for the rural people of J&K. The contribution of dairy sector to the national income is invaluable. This sector provides insurance against crop failures. This sector helps in increasing the crop production by providing the drag power, organic manure and cash income on a regular basis. Although India ranked first in milk production but the productivity of milk in hilly areas of J&K is still less. Maximum milk is produced in certain parts of J&K. Lack of technological dairy information sources is one of the reasons of low milk production for the farmers of hilly areas. The major occupation of the rural people of Union Territory of J&K is agriculture and livestock rearing is the major source of income and employment. Agriculture and allied sectors contribute about 38% to the gross domestic product of which 11% is contributed by the livestock. Dairy sector not only generates income and employment among the farmers but also supplements the varied nutritional requirements of the individual. Livestock rearing is an integral part of rural J&K.Milk production in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily increasing. One of the major bottlenecks in low production in dairy sector is Jammu and Kashmir's diversified climate e.g. temperate climate in Kashmir region and humid sub-tropical climate in Jammu region. Small size of land holding is another hurdle for limited milk production in the J&K as J&K does not produce fodder throughout the year because of lack of modern technologies in small farms. Dairy technologies should be made by the scientists according to the socio-economic, size of dairy farm, market approach of the farmers and also the agro-ecological conditions of the region. Through robust partnership with the farmers, cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations(FPOs) and private companies milk production can be fostered and farmers can be empowered.There is need to educate farm women about new technologies and methods for increasing milk production and simultaneously to develop technologies to reduce their drudgery.

The writer is: Dr. Banarsi Lal,Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Reasi