The Dairy Industry is one of the highly specialized segments that have many branches such as production, storage, procuring, processing, distribution and marketing of dairy products. Dairy farming also involves caring for the milk yielding cattle. In India, dairy industry’s role in agro based economy cannot be underestimated as India occupies the second position next to the US in milk production. With the kind of impetus given to the dairy industry during the past decade it has emerged as a major export industry earning a large chunk of foreign exchange earned by the country.
Research and experiments are conducted on a continuous basis to improve the quality of milk, the animal feeds, environmental conditions and improving the dairy breeds for higher yields. Processing of milk products involves collection, distribution and converting milk into various dairy products. Veterinary Scientists also constantly try to implement scientific breeding of cattle for higher quality and quantity of milk production. Dairy technologists take responsibility for quality control and preservation of the milk products. They use the principle of bacteriology, engineering and economics to develop products such as cheese and other dairy products. They develop and implement improved methods of production, utilization of milk and the milk products. Distribution and marketing are taken care of by other professionals in the respective fields. Thus the industry has grown to be a well organized industry and business today.
The increase in demand for the dairy products has propelled the need for trained professionals in the relevant fields. There are plenty of job opportunities in the dairy industry which can be divided into two major sections as Production of milk and processing of milk into various milk products.
To become a professional in Dairy Engineering, a candidate should have completed +2 with the science stream. Selection for the programs is conducted through All India Entrance Examination. The courses include B.Sc. in Dairy Technology, B.Tech in Dairy Technology, M.Sc. Dairy Technology, M.Sc Technology and Agricultural Extension are some of the well known courses in the field of Dairy Technology. Many institutions offer diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate programs in Dairy Technology like the National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana and Bangalore, Sheth MC College of Dairy Science in Anand Gujarat etc.
The field of Dairy Technology offers challenging career opportunities for trained professionals. Both public and private sector organizations employ a large number of professionals in Dairy Technology as there are more than 400 dairy plants in India. The milk product manufacturing industries, co-operatives and rural banks also need trained professionals in dairy technology and related fields such as dairy equipment manufacturers. Others can choose to work in teaching and research and development fields. Some prefer to be consultants for the ice-cream and milk produce making plants.
The filed of Dairy Technology is seeing tremendous growth and is an excellent career choice.
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