Punjab department holds milk testing camp at school

The Punjab Dairy Development Department conducted the programme for secondary-school pupils and staff at Saragarhi Memorial Meritorious School. The event was held under the supervision of Randeep Kumar, the department’s deputy director of dairy development, and focused on milk nutrition, consumer awareness and the checking of dairy quality.

Addressing students, Kumar described the biochemical components of cow’s and buffalo’s milk and its place in adolescent diets. He contrasted dairy consumption with frequent intake of carbonated soft drinks and encouraged pupils to choose milk instead of sugary beverages.

Amandeep Singh, a dairy development inspector, provided a technical explanation of milk’s micronutrients, available calcium and proteins. He linked regular consumption of dairy products with bone strength, metabolic health and cognitive performance, and urged the school community to include milk that has undergone quality checks in daily diets.

The practical part of the camp involved samples brought from home by students. Department technicians examined the milk on site for fat levels, solids-not-fat, and the presence of commonly used chemical neutralisers associated with adulteration.

According to the department, every sample examined complied with the prescribed state standards for food safety and composition. The testing results were explained to the students during the demonstration and were presented as information about the quality of milk available in participating households.

At the close of the programme, officials gave a memento to Sukriti Sharma, the school’s vice-principal, for the institution’s support. They also acknowledged District Education Officer Dr Satinder Singh and members of the faculty. Verka, a state dairy co-operative, supplied refreshments for the participating students as part of the outreach activity.