On the eve of National Milk Day, Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department Director T. Damodhar Naidu underscored the strategic importance of dairy farming in supporting rural livelihoods, enhancing nutritional security and contributing to the State’s economic landscape. His remarks reflect a sector that is steadily evolving through targeted interventions to improve livestock quality and expand milk production in a sustainable, structured manner.
Naidu highlighted that Farmer Service Centres have become critical enablers of last-mile veterinary outreach. These centres provide doorstep veterinary care, fodder security programmes, feed and fodder development initiatives and a strong focus on the genetic improvement of livestock. Complementing these efforts are free health and infertility treatment camps, the distribution of sex-sorted semen, livestock insurance schemes, mobile veterinary services, cattle shelters and the facilitation of Kisan Credit Cards. Collectively, these programmes form a comprehensive framework designed to raise productivity, reduce risks for farmers, and improve reproductive efficiency across herds.
He emphasised that dairy farming has long been regarded as a symbol of dignity within rural communities, offering a stable and resilient source of income while contributing to broader societal well-being. Its significance extends beyond cultural value; dairy continues to play an essential role in human civilisation through nutrition, economic stability and social upliftment.
India’s dairy sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy, with milk contributing nearly 5% to GDP and providing direct employment to over 80 million farmers. The country continues to dominate the global landscape, producing 24.64% of the world’s milk. Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing initiatives highlight how State-level strategies can integrate production efficiency, animal health and farmer empowerment, further strengthening India’s leadership in the global dairy arena.
As the dairy sector moves towards greater scientific refinement, structured support and sustainability-driven practices, the initiatives highlighted by the Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department demonstrate how targeted investments can enhance productivity while safeguarding the welfare of both farmers and livestock. On National Milk Day, these efforts reaffirm dairy’s enduring role in rural socio-economic development and its continued contribution to India’s nutritional future.
