BANGALORE: The Council on Monday witnessed an interesting debate on the benefits of donkey milk. During a debate on child rights, Women and Child Welfare Minister Umashree explained the importance of breast milk and how some women do not feed their babies because they fear that breastfeeding would affect their beauty.
Maritibbegowda of JD(S) said the practice of feeding donkey milk to newborn babies was still prevalent in many districts. Joining the discussion, Y C Narayanaswamy of the BJP asked if Maritibbegowda grew up drinking donkey milk.
Former minister Motamma said she too heard about feeding donkey milk to newborn as people believe that this would improve the immunity of babies. K Govindaraj of the Congress said it was very difficult to get the milk as there are not many donkeys around now.
Ramakrishna of the JD(S) said there was a great demand for donkey milk and people order for it well in advance to feed babies and JD(S) floor leader Basavaraj Horatti wanted to know whether the government could supply donkey milk.
V S Ugrappa of the Congress urged the government to take up a study of donkey milk and supply the same if it really helps children. The discussion ended after Chairman D H Shankarmurthy asked members to allow the minister to make statements on other issues.