Asian Milk Week

Asia, the world’s largest and most populous continent, is home to approximately 60 percent of the global population and accounts for nearly 40 percent of worldwide milk production. The region’s dairy sector is characterized by its remarkable diversity, encompassing smallholder farmers with single buffalo or a few yaks, sheep, and goats; herders with camels and horses; and large-scale cooperative and commercial farms with hundreds of thousands of cattle. This sector operates within a unique context where traditional pastoralism and intensive modern farming coexist. As a rapidly emerging global economic force, Asia is positioned to take a leading role in developing a sustainable and resilient dairy sector for the future.

Raising public awareness regarding the nutritional and economic value of milk is a priority for the region. In this endeavor, Dairy Asia is committed to assuming a vital and leading role. Aligned with its overarching vision and strategic goals, Dairy Asia proposes the establishment of “Asian Milk Week,” an initiative designed to amplify the global “World Milk Day” celebrations. As a major contributor to global dairy, Asia has both the responsibility and the capacity to provide substantial support and leadership to this international observance.

Dairy Asia currently comprises 13 member countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam—including some of the world’s largest milk-producing and consuming nations. The network is actively pursuing expansion across North-East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Western Asia. Its focus is comprehensive, concentrating not only on bovine milk but also on the development and promotion of non-cow milk production.

The establishment of “Asian Milk Week” represents a decisive initial step, and it would constitute a significant and enduring contribution to “World Milk Day.” The importance of this initiative is highlighted by its key objectives:

1. Amplify Global Observance: Strengthen the impact of “World Milk Day” through the extended platform of “Asian Milk Week.”

2. Showcase Regional Diversity: Introduce the comprehensive scope and unique characteristics of the Asian dairy sector to a global audience.

3. Promote Nutritional Awareness: Increase public understanding of the importance of milk and dairy products within Asia.

4. Advance Consumer Education: Support food and nutritional literacy among consumers across the region.

5. Foster Regional Collaboration: Enhance cooperation between member countries, institutions, and stakeholders within the Asian dairy sector.

6. Ensure Sustainable Development: Promote the sustainability of all dairy systems, including both cow and non-cow (yak, camel, goat, sheep, and mare) milk production in the Asia-Pacific region.