Karnataka milk set to foray into global markets

Milk products of Karnataka are set to cross the national borders as the union of milk producers from three districts has received export licence certificate. This development is seen as a big step forward for the surplus-hit union, which is struggling to find markets for its products.

Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Societies Union Ltd (Bamul), which has secured the licence, is set to begin a survey with Karnataka Milk Federation, the marketing arm of all milk producers unions, and third party exporters to understand the dynamics of demand for milk products in the international market.

“In terms of quality, we are second to none. We have installed state-of-the-art machines and technology, which have been recognised by the Export Inspection Council. We need to build an identity for the brand at the global stage for which work needs to be done,” Bamul president Narasimhamurthy told reporters.

Surplus milk

He said milk procurement by Bamul is expected to cross 21 lakh litres per day in the next one year. “We are procuring 19 lakh litres everyday. The supply has already exceeded demand. By next year, we will have 21 lakh litres coming in everyday. Exporting the products, especially cheese, butter and ghee, will boost revenue,” he said.

As part of the plan, Bamul is set to build a new plant in Kanakapura to manufacture milk powder. “The board has cleared the DPR and the tender for construction of the plant at a cost of Rs 220 crore will be called soon. We are also building a godown at a cost of Rs 18.5 crore to store 5,000 tonne butter,” he said.

The Bamul president said marketing within the country and beyond was needed. “We are turning milk into products to avoid wastage. We now have 6,000 tonnes of milk powder in our shelves. The demand is lower than the supply,”