Noting the growing popularity of Indian cheese globally, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday stated that the Indian dairy sector is undergoing a major transformation.
In his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi highlighted that the taste of India is making its way to plates internationally, and how the dairy sector has been crucial to giving Indian traditional flavours a new identity.
The prime minister informed that two Indian cheese brands received prestigious awards at an international cheese competition held in Brazil, stating that this achievement was widely discussed on social media, and many people have said that the diversity of cheese in India should also be discussed.
Giving examples of such dairy products, Modi praised the Kalari cheese from Jammu and Kashmir, known as the “mozzarella of Kashmir”, which the GujjarBakarwal community has been making for generations. Listing “Chhurpi” as a type of cheese quite very popular in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, he said, “The simplicity and softness of the mountains are felt in its taste. The special feature of this cheese is that it’s made from yak milk,” he said.
The prime minister also mentioned the “Topli Nu Paneer,” also known as “Surti Cheese,” in Maharashtra and Gujarat, saying it holds a unique identity. Emphasising that several Indian companies are investing in this field and the nation’s products are meeting global standards, the prime minister expressed confidence that Indian cheese is now transcending the country’s borders and reaching global markets and restaurants.
“Today, as we talk about local to global, the example of Indian cheese shows us the way forward. I am confident that India’s taste, Indian tradition, and Indian quality will provide a new experience to the people of the world and create a new connection with India,” he said.