World Milk Day marks 15 years

Countries around the world celebrated World Milk Day on 1 June, marking its 15-year anniversary. It was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. On or around June 1, countries celebrate milk as a global food, but structure and theme is down to the countries and regions. Canada’s dairy farmers were proud to celebrate it by raising a cold, nutritious glass of milk to a prosperous dairy future. In South America, Colombian farmers also gathered together for a drink of the white stuff.

At Aarey Mill Colony, in Mumbai, India, one of the pioneers in pasteurized milk in Asia, it was signified by discussing the importance of the day and how it began. Aarey has 30 units accommodating about 500 buffaloes in each unit and produces 100,000 litres of fresh buffalo milk. Milk and milk products were distributed to all the people gathered.

Over in Bangladesh, there was a milk feeding programme for school children and a rally with approximately 2,000 school children, students and teachers of the Bangladesh Agricultural University. After, a seminar was held on the campus.
In Senegal, the Minister of Livestock and Animal Productions, Aminata Mbengue Ndiaye, chaired the official ceremony marking the celebration in Dakar. The theme was “What operational strategies to develop the dairy sector through the Plan Senegal will emerge?” There was also an exhibition and sale of milk and dairy products.

Pakistan’s celebrations included a reunion of dairy technologists at the University of Lahore. In Malaysia, Malaysia Milk’s Marigold HL low fat milk brand ran a contest where people could take a selfie with the milk and enter a contest to win a “Mi Pad” computer.

Last but not least, Costa Rica held a 10K and 5K running/walking race to celebrate the day.