In order to double farmers’ income, there is a need to increase milk production to 300 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2019-20. For this, the scientists need to work towards enhancement of productivity in indigenous breeds of cattle, as more than 80 per cent of indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labours yielding 3 kg milk per day. This was said by Devendra Chaudhary, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

With 146.3 million metric tonnes, India is the largest milk producing country in the world. Chaudhary was speaking during his visit to ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI) Karnal in Haryana. On the sideline of the visit Chaudhary also had interactive discussion on ‘National Bovine Genomic Centre for Indigenous Breeds’ and National Action Plan on bovine breeding.

The Secretary also visited Central Herd Registration Scheme milk recording Centre at Gannaur in Sonipat district and emphasised the need for field performance recording and to evolve sustainable method for milk recording.