The State government will establish modern dairy plants in Kuttippuram and Sreekandapuram at a total project cost of Rs.80 crore, Minister for Rural Development K.C. Joseph has said.
He was speaking after opening a newly-setup ice cream plant of the Milma at Peringalam near Kunnamangalam in the district on Saturday.
Mr. Joseph informed that the government had already identified 15 acres of land for the project coming up in Sreekandapuram. “In Kuttippuram, Kinfra would identify 10 acres of land for which the government had already placed the official request,” he added.
The Minister maintained that the government was going ahead with various welfare programmes for improving the dairy sector. The price hike of Milma milk was supported by the government as it was found to be helpful for the farmers,” he pointed out.
According to Mr. Joseph, the effort taken by the State government, Milma and the Animal Husbandry Department had produced a good effect in improving the total milk production in the State during the last two-year term.
“It was through the constant efforts taken by the government that the price of milk remained steady even when farmers experienced huge price fall of agriculture produce,” he claimed.
The Minister also exuded confidence in the gradual inclusion of dairy sector in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. ‘If it happens, we are sure to have a white revolution in the State,” he said.
Referring to a court order regarding the ‘fresh and pure’ tag on Milma packets, Mr. Joseph affirmed that the description would be removed soon.
Directions have already been issued to the authorities concerned, he added. However, the Minister clarified that the existing emblem of the Milma would not change.
P.T. Gopala Kurup, chairman of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) presided over the function. K.T. Thomas, Managing Director of Milma- Malabar union and John Jacob, chairman of the Kerala Dairy farmers’ Welfare Fund Board Chairman were also present at the function.
