New milk route proposal may be put in cold storage

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) had conducted surveys in N R Pura, Koppa and Sringeri taluks as a preparation for the route. Even milk collection centres, agents and other requirements had also been identified.

A total of 11 milk producers’ unions have already been established for which presidents and directors have also been appointed.

The unions have been registered under the district co-operative societies. A report on this has been submitted to the KMF. In the meantime, the Federation got new chairman from the ruling party, and the local MLA enthusiastically announced that the milk route will certainly be launched.

When the things were at their final stage, the Hassan district KMF President raised a new obstacle saying that the Zilla Panchayat need to look after the expenses of 14,000 litres of milk can not be procured every day. This slowed down the process again.

“The government’s assurance regarding the milk route had created a new hope among the farmers. It was a plan complementary to agriculture. Even though the KMF chairman is from the ruling party, it is surprising that the process has got stuck completely,” said Krishik Samaj President Janakiram, speaking to Deccan Herald.

“All preparations are over for the milk route. Buildings have been arranged for the milk procurement centres on rental basis. All members have purchased cows. Now we are not in a position to face the members since the process is getting unnecessarily delayed,” said Ashwath, the President of Balekoppa Milk Producers’ Union.

MLA D N Jeevaraj recently told media persons that the issue could be raised before the government if the Opposition protested against the delay caused by the KMF Hassan district president.

He had also said that KMF head Somasekhara Reddy had assured of launching the new milk route by the month end. The MLA had earlier indicated August 15, Vijayadashami, November 1 and Sankranthi as dates for inaugurating the milk route, but the muhurat has not come yet.