The World Milk Day provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of milk to nutrition and the significant contributions of the dairy sector to socio-economic development.
Milk is high in protein, calcium, iodine, and B vitamins which are important nutrients for growth and development.
The dairy sector supports the livelihoods of up to one billion people around the world.
In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) chose 1 June as the World Milk Day because a number of countries were already celebrating a national milk day on or around this time. While most countries hold their World Milk Day celebrations on 1 June, some choose to hold them a week before or after this date.
Alternative
Following controversies about health risks of dairy and animal abuse in the dairy sector, the World Plant Milk Day is celebrated on 22 August every year.
