Minister warns people selling adulterated milk

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader has warned of stringent action against those who sell adulterated milk.

Speaking at World Milk Day observed by Dakshina Kannada Milk Union in Mangalore on Sunday, he said that milk should be available to all.

The government will strictly deal with adulteration.

“I will hold discussion with the Chief Minister to implement new programmes to attract youth towards dairy farming in the state and reduce dependence on other states for the supply of milk. There was a need to prevent the supply of adulterated milk in the State.”

He said that the government has increased financial assistance for the dairy farmers in the state.

The Minister said that the DKMUL is the mark of self reliance. Meanwhile, he lauded the contributions of women help groups in the field of dairy farming.

Financial assistance

DKMUL President Raviraj Hegde said that Rs 433 lakh has been earmarked to provide financial assistance for milk producers in the district.

This includes Rs 60 lakh  for the development of fodder for cattle, Rs 23 lakh for the purchase of calf for the dairy farmers, Rs 10 lakh for vaccination, Rs 30 lakh for mini dairy and Rs 30 lakh for Janasri insurance.

He said that the DKMUL is marketing three lakh litre milk along with 50,000 litre curds, 13,000 litre buttermilk and lassi daily.

The dependence on other states for the supply of milk has been reduced by 40 per cent, compared to previous years.

In order to support dairy farming, the union has implemented programmes like adoption of mixed breed calves, mini dairy scheme.

The DKMUL has also been providing financial assistance to fodder cultivation and gobar gas units.

During the  last one year, 5,000 calves have been adopted and the limit of mini dairy scheme has been increased to 20 cows from five cows. Rs 50,000 is given to farmers who grow fodder in five cents land, he added.

DKMUL Managing Director B V Sathyanarayana said that the DKMUL aims at creating awareness on the need for quality, hygiene practices and quality feed.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of quiz competition. Best dealers were also honoured.

MLC Monappa Bhandary, Mayor Mahabala Marla, DKMUL Directors Kalenja Vishwanath Rai and Krishna Bhat were present.