Gandhinagar: On the eve of World Milk Day, observed on June 1, the Gujarat government announced a significant increase in milk production over the past two decades. The state's milk output has grown by 12.5 million tonnes, with lakhs of families earning their livelihood from animal husbandry.
Production Milestones
According to an official statement, Gujarat now produces over 19 million tonnes of milk annually, contributing approximately 7.78% to India's total milk production. This makes Gujarat the country's fourth largest milk producer. The annual average growth rate during this period has been 9.30%.
Per Capita Availability
Per capita milk availability in Gujarat has increased by 48% over the past decade, reaching 730 grams per day. This is significantly higher than the national average of 485 grams per day, highlighting the state's robust dairy sector.
Livestock Support Infrastructure
The state's 30 million livestock are supported by an extensive network of veterinary services, including 1,137 veterinary hospitals, 564 primary animal care shelters, and 587 mobile veterinary clinics. A total of 4,710 registered veterinarians provide healthcare services for livestock.
Innovative Breeding Programs
Livestock owners are provided with 'sexed semen doses' at low rates, with a success rate of over 90%. This means that 90% of animals give birth to female calves, which is crucial for dairy development.
Government Incentives
The government also offers incentives to livestock owners through schemes under the National Program for Dairy Development and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund. These initiatives aim to further boost milk production and improve the livelihoods of those involved in animal husbandry.
