Dairy farming ventures are proving to be a hit in six grama panchayats under the Chelannur Block. There is a steady increase in annual milk production and returns for farmers.
As per official figures, the annual milk production which was less than 20 lakh litres for several years, is now 26.38 lakh litres, with an average daily collection of 8,000 litres.
Block panchayat officials say they gave a 50 per cent subsidy to select dairy farmers. In the past three years, we have been giving special emphasis to this sector and the result is very promising, they say.
Currently, 20 milk societies are functional in the Block. The societies are effectively managing the routine affairs and are enrolling more farmers. Under the scheme, each farmer is offered a minimum financial aid of Rs.15, 000 to buy a cow. Farmers are encouraged to form groups and buy five to 10 cows and get more assistance.
“In the coming fiscal, we are planning to invest around Rs.39 lakh exclusively in this scheme. A minimum of 130 cows will be bought under the scheme as this will add strength to the network,” says P. Aboobacker, president, Chelannur Block panchayat. Farmers will get all support to procure high-yielding breeds of cows, he says.
The rules and regulations governing the sector are a bit tough. But, the panchayat authorities have made it flexible by incorporating some changes. The mission is to enable farmers get the benefit, panchayat authorities say.
The block panchayat’s mission is to increase milk production and enable farmers get more benefits.
