Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora announced on Tuesday that the state government is dedicated to commercialising the livestock and dairy sector while encouraging greater involvement from the younger generation.
Speaking at the National Milk Day celebrations organised by the Directorate of Dairy Development, Bora noted that India contributes approximately 25 per cent of the world’s total milk production, maintaining its position as the global leader in dairy production.
“In Assam, the livestock sector supports the livelihoods of over 2.17 lakh people. Of the total workforce engaged in agriculture and livestock-related activities in the state, 57 per cent are involved in livestock farming. The poultry and livestock sectors contribute approximately five per cent to Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product, highlighting their critical role in the state’s agrarian economy,” Bora stated.
“These figures underscore the importance of livestock in Assam’s agricultural landscape. We are committed to commercialising the livestock and dairy sector while fostering active participation from the younger generation,” he added.
The minister emphasised the need for farmers’ support in this endeavour.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we aim to streamline and industrialise the dairy sector in Assam. I urge farmers in this sector to contribute actively towards realising the Chief Minister’s vision of placing Assam among the top five states in the country,” Bora said.
During the event, the minister inaugurated an exhibition and launched the Gopal Tathya mobile app.
“This innovative app will provide livestock farmers with easy access to essential information on animal health, preventive care, artificial insemination, vaccination, and expert guidance. Additionally, several farmers from across the state were honoured for their remarkable contributions to dairy production,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Northeast India’s largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, marked National Milk Day with various initiatives aimed at promoting a balanced diet and highlighting the nutritional benefits of milk across Assam.
As a market leader, Purabi Dairy led awareness campaigns on healthy milk consumption in Guwahati and other key towns, including Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Nalbari, Tezpur, Lakhimpur, and Bongaigaon. On this occasion, it organised a free milk distribution drive, providing milk to hundreds of consumers while educating them on the benefits of milk, its purity, and the importance of consuming pasteurised milk.
Purabi also hosted a cooking contest at its Panjabari premises in Guwahati, where 40 participants showcased their culinary skills using Purabi products. From desserts to savoury dishes, the event demonstrated the versatility of milk and garnered significant interest. The participants impressed both judges and attendees with their creativity, turning the contest into a celebration of culinary talent and innovation
