''And verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers'' (An Nahl 16:66).

Allah has highlighted the necessity of milk in the Qur'an to all human beings through a marvelous presentation. In Islam, the significance of milk is explained, but the significance of all religions is also stated.

Every year, World Milk Day is observed to highlight the importance of milk to the global community. This year, the theme will focus on sustainability in the dairy sector messages
around the environment, nutrition and socio-economics.

Milk's nutritional benefits have long persuaded people all over the world to incorporate it into their diet. Milk can also help you achieve a well-balanced diet by adding it to your daily diet. Vitamin A and B, calcium, carbohydrate, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, zinc, and riboflavin are found in milk.

The health benefits of milk can be achieved from milk directly or its products such as cheese, butter, curd, ghee, ice cream, paneer, flavored milk, milk sweets etc. Some benefits of milk are given below;

• Calcium: The best source of calcium for our bodies is milk. Calcium protects the body from bone loss, arthritic disorders, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, and obesity in youngsters and assists in the removal of undesirable fats.

• Rehydration: Fluids are an essential component of the human body. Liquids must be replaced in the body at regular periods. Every day, growing children should drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid. Milk is the ideal fluid for rehydration since it includes many water molecules.

• Skincare: Milk is known to benefit our skin by maintaining a fair and smooth complexion. As a result, milk and milk products are used in a variety of cosmetic formulations. Milk can also be used to treat dry skin.

• Improved Diet and Vitamin Intake: Medical research shows that drinking milk significantly increases our intake of essential minerals and vitamins.

• Wholesome Food: Food that is nutritious and full of vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy, and strong. Vitamin A and B for good eyesight and RBC count, carbohydrates for vitality and energy, potassium for proper nerve function, magnesium for muscular function, phosphorous for energy release, and protein for body repair Furthermore, growth is all found in a glass of milk.

• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can result from a lack of calcium intake if milk and milk products are removed from the diet. This is especially concerning for women and the elderly, who require much calcium. Calcium deficiency may lead to disorders like osteoporosis (a disease characterized by bone loss).

• Colon cancer - Some researchers found that people who consume dairy products regularly have lower risk of developing colon cancer.

The people of Bangladesh are not aware about milk consumption. Even though milk production is short in supply. We can produce only 160 ml milk per person per day, compared to 250 ml per person per day. This deficiency has several causes, which are listed below:

1) Diseases: Various diseases are considered major problems in the dairy sector. Mastitis, FMD, Brucellosis, Repeat breeding syndrome, Nutrition deficient diseases etc.

2) Proper diagnosis and treatment: Despite the fact that the dairy industry has been afflicted by a variety of diseases, farmers have been unable to diagnose and treat diseases in a timely manner. The reason given is that farmers are unable to provide timely treatment or that doctors are in short supply.

3) AMR issue: Countries and nations face problems like Antibiotic Microbial Resistance (AMR) due to lack of knowledge of farmers and non-professional treatment.

4) Lack of Biosecurity Management: An essential part of the dairy sector is biosecurity management. Nevertheless, most of the farmers do not want to give importance to this matter. If proper management of dairy farms can be done correctly, it is possible to run profitable dairy farms.

5) Feed price high: The complaint from most farmers is that the price of feed ingredients is very high. For profitable farming, it is crucial to keep the price of cow feed within farmers' purchasing ranges.

6) Marketing problem: Farmers in our country face different problems in selling milk at different times. Due to the covid-19 situation, it has become clear that a marketing authority is essential for the sale of milk.

7) Lack of Entrepreneurship training: Various entrepreneurs are suffering due to a lack of proper training. Confused by information on the internet, many expatriates are losing out by investing in the dairy sector.

Lack of Research: After all, there is no substitute for research to bring the dairy sector to a topper. If it is possible to create a separate research organization for the dairy sector, it is hoped that all the problems of receptors in the country will be solved regarding this sector.

Finally, it can be said that Bangladesh's dairy sector is improving, even if there are still some flaws. According to statistics of Department of Livestock service (DLS), Bangladesh's milk production has increased from 72 to 107 lac metric tons in the last five years. Many projects, such as the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP), demonstrate a new vision for Bangladesh. During the corona period, the government's sincerity reflects its positive attitude toward the dairy industry. If some issues can be resolved, the dairy revolution is expected to happen soon.

Dr. Md. Ibrahim Khalil
BCS(Livestock)
Department of Livestock service(DLS), Bangladesh.

SUN NEWS/ASM