New Delhi: Milk is an indispensable food for human beings from infancy to old age. There are innumerable health benefits accredited to milk and milk products. All over the world people fulfill approximately 13 percent of their protein requirements from milk and milk products. Since ancient times milk has been designated as an elixir for good health.
In the recent years A1 and A2 type milk has emerged as one of the hot debating topic among the consumers worldwide. Studies suggest that milk from cows with A2 type are far healthier than their A1 counterparts.
As per the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Mr Radha Mohan Singh, “Milk from desi (indigenous) cows naturally contains A2 type milk protein. The indigenous breeds of cows produce A2 type milk protein which is known to protect us from various chronic health problems such as Cardio Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and neurological disorders besides providing several other health benefits.”
Agriculture Minister mentioned that there is need of hour to have separate procurement, processing and marketing of desi cow milk. Also, such milk must fetch premium price. This would not only help in improving rural economy but would also lead to development and conservation of our native cattle breeds. There is need to develop rapid test for detection of A2 type desi cow milk at the farm level. The Minister of Agriculture & Farmers welfare suggested that the schemes of the Government may be modified to encourage setting up of dairy units and milk plants for processing and marketing of desi cow milk.
The issue was also discussed with higher officials from the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries (DADF), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and dairy industry representatives.
