June 1 is observed as World Milk Day and the day was introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 2001.

The day was introduced to recognise the importance of milk as global food and also to celebrate the dairy sector.

On this day, the benefits that intake of milk and dairy products provide for people is actively promoted around the world, including how dairy supports the livelihoods of over one billion people.

We know that milk is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet for each individual and this annual celebration provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word.

It may be mentioned here that in the last few years, India has also become one of the largest producers of milk in the world with over 150 million tonnes of production and per capita availability of over 300 grams per day.

"Not only are dairy products beneficial for health, but the dairy sector is a vital part of the global food system, providing economic, nutritional & social benefits to many people around the world," reported India Today.

"As India is an agricultural nation, the day holds even more important considering it is one of the staple foods of the country," the report added.

"The variation of using milk in cooking differs, but it is an important part of at least one meal in a day," it further said.

Every year the day is focussed on a theme and this year, the theme for World Milk Day will focus on 'sustainability in the dairy sector along with empowering the environment, nutrition, and socio-economic.

The theme aims to spread more and more awareness every year about including milk and dairy products in the diet regularly.

Given the COVID-19 situation across the world, this year no major events have been lined up on World Milk Day.

If you don't drink milk, then start drinking from today as drinking milk can improve your health in various ways.