SHILLONG: At the Central Dairy Campus in Mawiong, the Directorate of Dairy Development marked National Milk Day with a celebration that blended tribute, inspiration, and candid conversations about the future of dairy farming in Meghalaya. The event honoured Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary behind India’s White Revolution, but it was the stories of local farmers that truly brought the day to life.
Amid school children, officials, and proud dairy farmers, the atmosphere was one of hope and purpose. Students who excelled in pre-event competitions received prizes, while outstanding farmers were felicitated for strengthening milk production in the State. Yet the heart of the programme lay in the lived experiences shared on stage.
Stories From the Barns That Built Them
For Smt. Mina Mery Wahlang of Mawlai Mawkynroh, dairy farming began with a single cow and a loan. Her journey was marked by resilience—balancing her husband’s illness, labour shortages, and social criticism. What sets her apart is her unconventional determination: she milks cows, harvests fodder, and even drives her own auto-truck, becoming the only woman in Khasi Hills to do so for dairy work.
Today, she manages 20 cows. Her message to young women resonated across the hall: “Stand on your own feet. Dairy farming gives you income every single day.”
George Coolness Ryntathiang spoke of a challenge many farmers silently face—delayed or denied payments for milk supplied. Nearly driven out of the business, he found stability only after shifting to NARI. His story reflects the grit demanded by the sector: hard work, innovation, and the courage to seek solutions even beyond the State’s borders.
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A Director Who Listened
In his address, Director L.S. Shangpliang underscored the purpose of the celebration: not just to commemorate a national icon, but to hear directly from farmers.
He dispelled misconceptions about the State’s Milk Mission, reiterating that it is not failing but still taking root. He stressed that farmer-informed policy is essential, as those producing the milk best understand the challenges.
Meghalaya’s milk is in high demand outside the State—a testament to its quality. Districts like West Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills lead production, while others lag behind. Yet the numbers reveal a stark reality: against a daily demand of 1 lakh litres, the State processes only 15,000 litres.
To close this gap, Shangpliang called for intensified training programmes and a renewed push to build a sustainable, farmer-centred dairy ecosystem.
The day ended not just as a celebration of milk, but as a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the people who wake before dawn to keep Meghalaya’s dairy sector alive.
