The World Milk Day was celebrated recently, as an event that featured milk tastings, nutrition seminars, conferences, dairy farm visits, social media campaign, among others, in order to educate the public about the benefits of milk and dairy. The global observance of World Milk day has to do with the recognition of the importance of milk as a nutritious beverage that nourishes individuals of all ages. From its role in promoting good health to its contribution to sustainable agriculture, World Milk Day highlights how invaluable the dairy product is, to human lives.
Although, there is no fixed theme for this day, the idea is to encourage drinking milk as it is full of calcium. Besides that, the day is also set aside to celebrate the industry that sees to the production of milk, which has contributed to mankind, not just health wisely, but also socially and environmentally. For instance, cattle, as ruminants animals, help to eat plants such as grasses that humans cannot eat; recycle wastes from companies, and thereafter converts it to milk. Manure from these animals is also useful for cultivation on farm lands.
Dairy farming is a fundamental part of sustainable food systems globally. This sector of agriculture sees to the provision of safe, affordable and nutritious milk for humanity. Dairy farming serves as a vital source of high-quality milk, which is essential for meeting the nutritional needs of the population of a nation, especially children. Milk, is in fact needed in all stages of life from infanthood to adulthood.
Just as milk is necessary to supporting the nutritional needs of children to help them grow well, milk also serves as a valuable source of energy and nutrients for adults, aiding in maintaining their overall well-being. Even in older age, milk’s nutritional profile is beneficial for bone health and maintaining muscle mass. Milk contains essential nutrients vital for human health, as it is rich in calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, milk provides vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium, all of which play vital roles in maintaining overall health.
World Milk Day does not only celebrate buffalo or cow milk; it also recognises the diversity of dairy products globally, which includes, different kind of milk like goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, to an array of dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter. The day often dawns a consciousness to appreciate the diverse flavours and textures offered by dairy products worldwide.
The day further sheds light on the sustainable aspects of milk production and its role in agriculture, which summarises the whole essence of dairy farming. Asides providing job opportunities for many and ensuring rural development, sustainable dairy farming practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources and promote biodiversity conversation.
World Milk Day provides an opportunity to recognise the vital role of milk in our lives and its contribution to our overall well-being. From its nutritional benefits to its role in sustainable agriculture, milk deserves appreciation and celebration. Hence, it is good to raise a glass of milk and acknowledge the hard work of dairy farmers worldwide, who strive to provide us with this nutritious and wholesome beverage, as we embrace the goodness of milk and its contribution to healthy life.
Active journalism costs huge sums of money. To ensure quality and rich agricultural journalism, the support of readers and friends of the publication is required. Donations can be made in Nigerian Naira (NGN). Kindly provide relevant information during transactions and be assured that funds received will be used judiciously and appropriately. For donation to FarmingFarmersFarms, kindly click the link below, call or send message to: +2348095451987.