State observes National Milk Day

Milk is the answer to problems of malnutrition: Conrad

SHILLONG/ NONGSTOIN/TURA: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that Meghalaya is suffering from severe malnutrition to which milk is the answer to such a problem.
He was speaking at the National Milk Day celebration organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department along with the Directorate of Dairy Development at the State Central Library here on Tuesday. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Drink Milk Today and Everyday’.
Stating that the per capita consumption of milk in Meghalaya is only 83 grams in comparison with the national average of 200 grams, he expressed hope that various initiatives and programmes of the government to ramp up milk production in the state will transform the dairy sector adding that increased production and consumption of milk will help secure the nutritional needs of children.

Informing that the total milk production requirement of the state is 2.3 lakh metric tons, of which it currently produces only 83,000 metric tons, he said that the need to fill up the deficit in production is a huge opportunity for dairy farmers.
“In trying to fulfill the production requirement of our state in the dairy sector, we are also creating a very strong institutional setup in terms of cooperative societies which ultimately will give economic benefit to the people,” he said.
The chief minister also said that the government has envisioned a roadmap to empower dairy farmers and uplift rural livelihood through various mission-mode projects under the dairy sector.
Stating that the government is committed to improve the dairy sector through various programmes and initiatives to increase production, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the Milk Production Centre at Mawiong has been upgraded to increase production capacity from current 12,000 litres to 52,000 litres per day and similar upgrades are being planned for dairy plants in Tura and Jowai respectively.
Prestone also informed that the government is in the process of setting up a cattle ranch at Mawmerang, South West Khasi Hills on a pilot basis.
Awards were also distributed to outstanding dairy farmers and winners of various competitions during the function.
Tackle rural-urban migration
The chief minister said that rural-urban migration is a big challenge for the state government. In an earnest sounding voice, he said that rural-urban migration needs to be tackled.
Pointing out at the year-by-year increase in the number of vehicles in the state, he asked the audience if the state was ready to handle the situation.
In this connection, he said that the focus of development and change should be on the farmers at the village level which prompted the government to initiate Milk Mission.
Nongstoin
In Nongstoin, the occasion was celebrated with fervour amidst participation from officers of various departments in the district.
Chief guest M Diengdoh, EAC, speaking during the celebration of National Milk Day at the TRYSEM hall, Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Nongstoin, lauded the efforts of the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer for taking the initiative to organise the programme.
According to Diengdoh, West Khasi Hills is fit for rearing cattle to produce milk but the local people have no interest in farming and milk business.
He urged the people to take up milk production in which the state government has planned to provide adequate assistance.
Quiz, essay competition, among others were organised as part of the celebration.
The programme was attendant by P Hoojon, District AH & Veterinar Officer, West Khasi Hills, JR Kharchandy, Dairy Officer, P Sohlang, AH & Veterinary Officer, Nongstoin, M Kharsohnoh, AH & Veterinary Officer, C&RD Block Nongstoin.
Dearth in NGH despite scope
North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu on Tuesday lamented that there is dearth of milk production in the district although the region has a huge opportunity for promotion of dairy farming owing to the region’s suitable climatic condition.
The DC was speaking during the observation of National Milk Day at Mendipathar Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Hall.
In order to boost the dairy production, Sadhu urged the Self Help Groups and milch farmers to take up dairy farming under scientific method which according to him would generate employment for the job seekers besides promoting dairy production.
West Garo Hills
In West Garo Hills, the National Milk Day was celebrated at Asanang Multi Facility Centre in which West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh was the chief guest. The programme was organised by the Department of AH & Veterinary, West Garo Hills, Tura.
The people were urged to take up dairy farming in order to help increase milk production in the region and the state as a whole.
During the programme, the District Maternal and Child Health Officer, WGH, IM Sangma presented a PowerPoint presentation on nutrition and the importance of milk including the causes and symptoms of calcium deficiency if we do not consume milk in our diet.
Meanwhile, Sambhu Aryal, Yoga and Naturopathy Physician, Tura Civil Hospital, highlighted the importance of yoga in relation to nutrition.
Later, the chief guest distributed motivational award comprising of a certificate, memento and cash prize of Rs 5000 each to the progressive dairy farmers namely, Rahen N Sangma from Sanchonggre and Cristina Marak.