Question

As per the Macro-Economic Framework Statement 2020-21, milk production in India grew ______ in 2018-19 over the previous year.
1. 6.50%
2. 0.50%
3. 2.50%
4. 10.50%

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 6.50%

The correct answer is 6.50%.

• As per the Macro-Economic Framework Statement 2020-21, milk production in India grew 6.50% in 2018-19 over the previous year.
•  India has transformed from a country of acute milk shortage to the world’s leading milk producer.
• This phenomenal success is attributed to a Government initiative known as Operation Flood (1970–1996) and its intense focus on dairy development activities.
• Production of milk is subject to seasonal fluctuations — animals, particularly buffaloes, produce more during winter spring and less in the summer.
• In order to cope with this fluctuation, the farmers usually convert the surplus milk of the “flush” season (winter) into skimmed milk powder (SMP) and ghee/butter for reconstitution in the “lean” months (summer).
• Dairy is currently the top-ranking commodity in India, with the value of output almost equal to the combined output value of rice and wheat.
• Despite the importance of the dairy sector in overall GDP, it receives less government budgeting than the agriculture sector.

• Short-Term Measure :
  • The government should consider the temporary procurement of milk, directly by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
  • NDDB may create a buffer stock of processed dairy products like skimmed milk powder (SMP) and butter.
  • Also, state governments may consider distributing these dairy products in Mid-May Meal, when schools reopen.
  • In this way, the crisis in the dairy sector and nutritional security both can be addressed.
• Long-Term Measures :
  • Increasing Productivity: There is a need to increase the productivity of animals, better health care and breeding facilities and management of dairy animals. This can reduce the cost of milk production.
  • Also, milk production and productivity can be enhanced by ensuring the availability of veterinary services, artificial insemination (AI), feed and farmer education.
  • The Government and dairy industry can play a vital role in this direction.