Manasbal, June 05: The Mountain Livestock Research Institute (MLRI) in Manasbal SKUAST-K on Monday came alive with the celebration of World Milk Day. The event, held under the theme “Enjoy Dairy – Ensure Health and Secure Livelihood,” attracted a distinguished audience, including renowned personalities and experts in the field.
Among the notable attendees were Prof. M. T. Banday, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry in Shuhama, and Dr. Roohi Badakshi, Chief of Animal Husbandry in Ganderbal. The event also saw the participation of Prof. Azad Ahmad Ahanger from the Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.
The event primarily aimed to educate and enlighten the 25 final-year BVSc. & AH students about the significance of World Milk Day. They were provided with valuable insights into the health benefits and nutritive value of milk, highlighting its pivotal role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Prof. Hilal Musadiq Khan, Head of MLRI Manasbal, commenced the event by extending a warm welcome to the guests and emphasizing the crucial role played by SKUAST-K and MLRI Manasbal in promoting the dairy sector in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He further shared updates on ongoing and upcoming projects, underscoring their significance in transforming the dairy industry. Prof. Khan expressed gratitude to Dr. Rameez Ali Dar, the event’s organizer, for his initiative in commemorating World Milk Day.
Prof. M. T. Banday, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, shed light on the importance of collaboration among the three primary stakeholders in the dairy sector: university scientists, the Animal Husbandry Department, and farmers. He emphasized the entrepreneurial potential of the sector and encouraged further collaboration for its growth and development.
Dr. Roohi Badakshi, the elated CAHO Ganderbal, shared her perspective, stating that similar collaborative programs should be organized regularly at both the university and field levels. Her endorsement of such initiatives demonstrated the importance of collective efforts in advancing the dairy industry.
The participants were highly impressed by the speakers’ expertise and engaging presentations on various aspects of the dairy industry. The event successfully highlighted the vital role of milk in ensuring health and securing livelihoods while fostering collaboration among key players in the sector.
The World Milk Day celebration at MLRI Manasbal SKUAST-K served as a significant platform for knowledge sharing and fostering partnerships, setting a positive trajectory for the growth and prosperity of the dairy industry in the region.
