JOIN USThe Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited is all set to start milk societies in all the villages of the undivided DK district, said DK Milk Union (DKMU) President Raviraj Hegde.
Addressing a press meet on Saturday, Hegde said that under the National Diary Plan (NDP), around 30 new milk societies, 17 Bulk Milk Cooling units and 130 Data Processing Milk Collection units will be set up this year. The Union under the NDP has prepared a project proposal of Rs 12.97 crore and shall present it to the Central Government through the National Diary Development Board (NDDB). The Union will fund Rs 5.49 crore for the developmental work.
A new production unit will be started at a cost of Rs 26.5 crore. This includes, Rs 12.5 crore from Nabard and Rs 14 crore from DK Milk Federation. There are plans to start 75 arecanut sheath units at the cost of Rs 1 lakh each, he said.
He also revealed plans on launching new products such as Cashew Burfee, Bannana and Pineapple flavored milk and Ready to Eat Jamoons.
Milk procurement
There are 647 primary milk production societies under the Union. In the year 2011-12, around 1.96 lakh litres of milk was collected daily. However, a 14 per cent growth has been noticed in 2012-13 as the milk procurement has increased to 2.23 lakhs. Similarly, the Union sold 2.88 lakh litres of milk everyday in 2011-12. However, in 2012-13, 3 lakh litres of milk was sold everyday, recording a growth of 4 per cent. There is a 10 per cent increase in the demand of curd, as 34,600 kgs is sold everyday. Around 1 lakh litre of milk is brought from Hassan, Mysore and Mandya everyday.
Turnover
The annual turnover of the DK Milk Union in 2011-12 was Rs 367 crores. However, 24 per cent growth was noticed in 2012-13 with Rs 451 crore as turnover. The Union expects a profit of Rs 3.60 crores this year and in the year 2013-14, Rs 555 crore turnover is expected, he said.
As of April 3, 2013 the share profit of the Union is 7.39 crores. The milk producers have been given an additional 0.67 paise per litre this year. In 2011-12, Rs 3.5 crore was given as subsidy but in 2012-13, Rs 5.5 crore has been given as subsidy. Including Mini Diary project, the Union has given Rs 1.56 crore as grants to other eight projects.
‘Steps for fodder needs’
Steps have been taken to improve animal husbandry and to fulfill the fodder needs of the cattle, said Raviraj Hegde. As the government has announced Rs 4 subsidy on milk per litre, the Union is noticing an increase of four to five thousand litres of milk procurement everyday, he said.