June 1 is observed as World Milk Day. Many countries spread throughout the world participate in the celebrations. The day provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk and to publicize activities connected with milk and the dairy industry. The fact that many countries choose to do this on the same day lends additional importance to individual nation's celebrations and shows that milk, indeed, is a global food.

The World Milk Day began in 2001. FAO of UN was asked to propose a specific day on which all aspects of milk would be celebrated. June 1 was chosen because a number of countries were already celebrating National Milk Day on or around this time. Late May was originally proposed but some countries, for example China, felt they already had too many celebrations in this particular month.

India also celebrated World Milk Day on June 1, 2009. The main function was held at the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana). The Chief Guest of the function was Dr. R.B.Singh, former Assistant Director-General, FAO. Dr. A.K.Srivastava, Director of the Institute, presided over the function. Many members of Indian Dairy Association (IDA), including members of its Central Executive Committee participated in the function. In his address, Dr Singh spoke about the history of Green Revolution in India and informed the audience of the importance of dairy sector. He indicated that while the growth in crop sector has been fluctuating, it was consistent in the livestock sector. And on account of better performance, the Planning Commission has targeted growth of livestock sector in the 11th Five Year Plan at 6 per cent. He said nearly 75 million women and 15 million men were involved in dairy enterprise in India and that the ownership of livestock was more egalitarian.

The Indian Dietetic Association, in collaboration with Tetra Pak, organised a National Awareness Seminar on Milk on May 24, 2009 at New Delhi as a precursor to World Milk Day. The seminar was attended by leading nutritionists as well as members from various industry associations and government bodies. Smt. Shiela Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, was the Chief Guest.

World Milk Day was also celebrated in other states of the country. As part of the commemoration of World Milk Day, Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. (MILMA) decided to institute a special price scheme for dairy farmers and consumers. Besides India, World Milk Day was also celebrated in a large number of countries across the globe, which included both the milk producing as well as the milk consuming nations.

In a country where cow is considered pious and milk commands more respect than any other food, World Milk Day holds a special significance. Indian history, myths, legends and cliches have always given special status to milk. Every home has elders telling children about the importance of consuming milk regularly. Recently, there was concern regarding the quality of milk available in the market and preservation of its inherent nutritional value. Milk is a powerhouse of natural nutrients containing all the essential vitamins, proteins and minerals that are necessary to sustain a healthy mind and body. It is essential that we consume it with regularity and in right quantity.

Mumbai-based dairy industry consultant, Dr. J.V.Parekh has sent a note in which he writes: "Historically, milk is considered a perfect food with the right mix of nutrients and ideal caloric density capable of nurturing life of infants as well as adults of all ages. Milk provides practically all the nutrients required for normal growth. It is the only food which is considered nature's almost perfect food. It is a treasure-house of unlimited nutrients. Milk is considered the best and an ideal food by virtue of possessing almost all the nutritional factors, viz. fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are not only of high quality but are present in milk in such a form and proportion that they are digested and assimilated in the body very efficiently. Milk is a powerful source of calcium and other essential nutrients that keep us energized throughout the day. Milk actually contains a nutrient package that is very useful for us. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which is known to have anticarcinogenic and antiatherogenic properties besides being effective in immunomodulation are present in milk and milk products. Milk also has immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozymes, lactoperoxidase, and vitamin B12-binding protein which have demonstrated anti-microbial effects. Several milk derivatives have been shown to be effective in preventing health disorders. Milk sugar (lactose) and its derivatives are excellent therapeutic agents.

"Each 200 ml of milk provides 30 per cent of calcium to help build and maintain bone mass, 25 per cent of vitamin D to help promote the body's use of calcium and encourage absorption of other essential minerals, 24 per cent of riboflavin, B vitamin that helps to convert food into energy, 20 per cent of phosphorus to strengthen bones and generate energy in body cells, 16 per cent of protein for building and repairing muscles, 13 per cent of vitamin B12 and essential vitamin for building oxygen carrying red blood cells, 11 per cent of potassium for regulating body fluid balance and maintaining blood pressure, 10 per cent of niacin or niacin equivalents for assuring the normal functioning of many enzymes and the metabolism of sugars, and 10 per cent of vitamin A to help maintain normal vision and skin.

"An adequate calcium intake is essential for bone growth in childhood and bone maintenance in the elderly but we need a diet rich in protein, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin D as well. Without them, calcium will do little or nothing. A recent scientific evidence has revealed many miracles about milk. Hence, the old adage that "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" may be more appropriate if the apple is substituted with a glass of milk."

The Indian dairy industry has performed well during the last two decades. India's milk output during the year 2007-08 reached the level of 102 million tonnes, providing per capita availability of 246 gms per day. It is estimated to reach 106 million tonnes in 2009. This has not only placed India on top in the world but it also represents sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for the burgeoning population of the country. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural families and has assumed the most important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities.

From one of the largest importers in the world, India has emerged an exporter of dairy products; exports during the year 2008-09 were of the order of Rs.1000 crores. However, the global economic depression has affected the milk sector in India. While the large scale export of oil cakes and other feed ingredients have increased the cost of rearing the animals, international prices of milk products have dived southwards.

The major exporting countries in the world for dairy products are New Zealand, Australia, European Union and USA. The cost of production in Oceania is lower because of their cost competitive farming system. In January 2009, the European Union started subsidy on exports. The quantum of subsidy in terms of euro per metric tonne is SMP 170, Whole Milk Powder 260, Butter 450 and Butter oil 545 euro. Recently, the US also started Dairy Export Incentive Programme (DEIP). DEIP helps exporters of US dairy products and meet prevailing world prices for targeted dairy products and destination. Under the programme, the US Department of Agriculture would pay cash to exporters as bonuses, allowing them to sell dairy products at prices lower than the exporters' cost of acquiring them. The major objective of the programme is to develop export markets for dairy products where US products are not competitive. It is feared that future dairy prices would fall partly on account of new subsidies by the US making Indian export more difficult unless the Government of India agrees to provide some form of support to the industry. Under the circumstances, for the Indian Dairyman, there is hardly any reason to celebrate World Milk Day with a smile.