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Kollam (Kerala): Kerala’s co-operative dairy sector is seeing strong growth, with Milma reporting a 14 per cent increase in milk procurement between April and September, according to a state minister – a significant increase that indicates strengthening farmer participation and rising consumer demand.
The update came during the state-level National Milk Day celebrations, which was inaugurated by Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchuraani did it.
He highlighted Milma’s important role in ensuring financial stability for dairy farmers, noting that the co-operative has continuously reinvested in the sector.
“During the last financial year, MILMA returned 92.5 per cent of its profits to farmers through welfare schemes and incentives. By providing incentives, animal subsidies and welfare measures, MILMA has always given priority to the interests of dairy farmers,” he said.
Milma, which started as a small cooperative, has grown into a Rs 4,327 crore enterprise.
It now buys 1.25 million liters of milk and sells about 1.65 million liters per day, underscoring the growing commercial presence of the sector.
The organization is also expanding into value-added dairy sectors, with leadership emphasizing product diversification and international market ambitions.
MILMA President KS Mani said India’s dairy sector still reflects the visionary model of Dr Verghese Kurien, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as National Milk Day.
Citing plans to increase reach and market share, he said, “Milma’s value-added products can compete globally, and regional associations have launched initiatives to widen distribution through cooperatives.”
State Planning Board Vice-Chairman Professor VK Ramachandran called for Dr Kurien to be honored with the Bharat Ratna and credited him for democratizing dairy entrepreneurship and promoting professional cooperative-led development.
She stressed the need to enhance quality in breeding, nutrition and animal health, emphasizing the economic agency of women in this sector.
Regional cooperative leaders said welfare-focused policy interventions have boosted statewide procurement, and efforts are underway to encourage small-scale agricultural development and localized dairy schemes.
As Milma targets both domestic and foreign markets, Kerala is set to move closer to self-sufficiency in milk production based on its cooperative-run model.
–IANS