New milk union may get UHT unit

` 26 crore sought for execution of works

The new Chamarajanagar Milk Union Limited, being bifurcated from MyMul, may get the fourth ultra high temperature (UHT) unit in the State. Similar units are at present functioning only at Kolar and Mandya unions and the Hassan union may get one soon.

Milk is boiled up to 150 degree celsius and tetra-packed in an aseptic process to last for at least six months without refrigeration. The UHT processed milk is most suitable for defence forces personnel deputed at the borders and also for people living at high altitudes.

MyMul Managing Director Channakrishnaiah, who is overseeing the bifurcation process, said, MyMul gets up to seven lakh liters of milk every day. During summer, it decreases to 6.5 lakh liters. After bifurcation, which is expected to complete in two years, the Chamarajanagar union will have a capacity to collect four lakh litres of milk. The UHT unit will have a capacity to process one lakh litres everyday.

Land transfer
The State government has sanctioned Rs 83 crore for the bifurcation and establishment of the new union. As a result of the failure of sericulture in the district, the 23 acres of land belonging to the now defunct Sericulture Training Institute and its buildings will be handed over for the union once MyMul pays Rs 2.60 crore to the Sericulture department and the Deputy Commissioner passes and order. This year, a proposal for Rs 26 crore has been submitted to the government, once the funds are released, the works will start, said Channakrishnaiah.