The Tiruchi District Farmers’ Producers’ Company which was founded in July, has been registering profit in the area of milk production.
The company, which was founded with a strength of 339 members two months ago, has enrolled additional 304 members thereby increasing its total strength to 643 now, including a good percentage of women.
The viability of the company has been realised by the villagers in the neighbouring areas, resulting in the sharp increase in the strength. Each member has contributed Rs. 2,500 towards share market for the company.
Most of the farmers are milk producers and they have entered into a tie-up with Arokya dairy unit for marketing milk.
The sudden increase in the strength of members is due to the success of the milk production and marketing by the company, says S. Suresh Kumar, Assistant General Manager, National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, which co-ordinated the floating of the company.
“The company floated joint liability groups and the Thuraiyur branch of Indian Bank sanctioned loans for purchase of milch animals to 49 groups benefitting 196 farmers. A. Thangaraj, director of the company, said the company had set up milk procurement centres at 11 select places for ensuring prompt procurement of milk at Senapanallur, Konapathai, Kalingamudayanpatty, Ottampatti, Sikathambur, Sikathamburpalayam, Chellipalayam, Krishnapuram, Naduvalur and Kunnupatty. The company’s average daily milk production stood at 7,500 litres and the procurement price varied between Rs. 21 and Rs. 28 depending upon the SNF and fat content.
The company has started netting profit in the wake of the assured market, says Mr. Suresh Kumar. The company has also plans to take up diversified economic activities such as sale of fodder.
