With around 1500 people from the government, senior academics, developments partners - and a large number of primary school students, this year ‘World Milk Day-2016’ was jointly hosted by Food and Agriculture Organization, and Department of Dairy Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), held at BAU Campus on Saturday 04 June, 2016.  FAO introduced this day in 2001, providing scope to draw attention to milk as a key nutritious food as well as to publicise relevant activities, connected to milk and the dairy industry in developing countries around the world. Celebration of this day all over the world shows that milk is indeed a major global food.

Mr Narayon Chandra Chanda, MP and Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) was present as the Chief Guest.

On the day, 1000 school children joined the rally with Mr Mike Robson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, and team, and BAU academics and students. FAOR and the distinguished panel distributed milk packets among all the children present at the venue. Following the rally, FAO Bangladesh, BAU and related stakeholders from milk industry organized a seminar highlighting the day in the presence of Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar, Vice-Chancellor, BAU, Dean, Department of Animal Husbandry, BAU, and representatives from both private and government stakeholders.

A key note paper was given by Dr Md. Nurul Islam, BAU.

Mr Narayon Chandra Chanda, MP and Hon’ble State Minister, MoFL underlined the necessity of milk - a complete food, for the people of all ages. He said that proper cattle management and creating a national habit of milk consumption are as much important as initiating a sustainable market in ensuring rapid growth of the sector. It has been proposed that decentralization of the Department of Livestock, and breaking it into two specialised departments – Dept. of Animal Production, and Dept. of Animal healthcare will enable a better cattle management. He said that he will take quick initiative in sending a delegation to neighboring countries in order to accumulate knowledge and experience on this subject. The State Minister also expressed high regards for any FAO initiatives in the dairy sector – and welcomed the continuing support of interested development partners in this area.  His department will provide full support to efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and coordinate efforts of the responsible institutions to help the milk industry, as well as backing small scale producers with financial support.

In his remarks, Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar, VC, BAU pointed out the need for good breeds, and sufficient balanced animal feed. Cross breeding programme and fodder trading at the village level may pave the path for promising avenue for the Bangladeshi dairy sector. "Ensuring sufficient milk consumption at the growing stage of the children, followed by a good practice of having one glass of milk a day will have substantial impact in developing a healthy nation” he hoped.

In discussing, FAOR stressed that if cattle productivity can be improved, increased milk production still needs to find a market; it is important therefore to emphasise also stimulation of demand.  Milk competes with juice and other soft drinks some of which spend considerable amounts on advertising. There needs to be a conscious effort to promote milk – Bangladesh consumption is currently estimated to be half of the recommended daily level.  One possible activity could be through school milk programmes.  These deliver nutritional benefits to participants but also encourage children to develop a ‘milk habit’ rather than a ‘soft drink habit’ – FAO already has undertaken pilot work in this field in Satkira and Sirajganj with 4000 students at 17 schools, during 2013-2015.  He urged the State Minister to join with his colleagues in the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, to develop government programmes in this important area.

The ceremony, ended with the speech of the Head of the Dept. of Dairy Science, BAU with the enthusiasm and lively participation from those attending throughout the session.