Kerala is planning to procure 85 lakh litres of milk from neighbouring states
MILMA will also procure 3.5 lakh litres of curd and 80,000 tonnes of ghee for Onam days
KOCHI: Even though the state’s dairy sector is all set to be self-reliant, huge quantity of milk has to be procured from other states to meet the additional requirement of the Onam season.
Kerala is planning to procure 85 lakh litres of milk from neighbouring states. The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (MILMA), its biggest supplier of milk, will also procure 3.5 lakh litres of curd and 80, 000 tonnes of ghee for Onam days.
Last year, MILMA sold 25 lakh litres of milk during Onam. “All steps have been taken to ensure enough supply of dairy products during the festival season,” said P.T. Gopala Kurup, chairman, MILMA.
“Milk consumption in the state started to increase gradually from August 17 (Chingam 1) which will peak by Thiruvonam. For Thiruvonam day, MILMA will sell 26 to 27 lakh litres of milk which will be procured from Karnataka Milk Federation and Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited.”
Though the average domestic milk production is more than 11 lakh litres, procurement through cooperative societies will be minimum during Onam days when domestic demand goes up. The MILMA will get only four to six lakh litres per day.
“Steps are afoot to ensure the quality of dairy products brought from other states. Since milk and milk products are being procured from cooperative societies, quality can be assured to a great extent. Other agencies like food safety department will also be regularly monitoring the quality of dairy products,” he said.
Every year, the dairy department and food safety authorities conduct milk quality control drives both at the border check-posts and within the state during the festival season.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
