The dairy unit of the Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (Ernakulam Milk Union), Milma, at Tripunithura has become the biggest one in the State in terms of storage and processing capacity with the conclusion of a major development programme.
The two-year long development project has been completed at an investment of Rs. 14 crore.
The dairy, which earlier had a capacity of just one lakh litre, now, boasts of a storage capacity of 3.50 lakh litres.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the capacity-enhanced dairy at a function to be held on Monday. Minister for Dairy Development K.C. Joseph will preside.
The capacity enhancement drive had been undertaken using a grant of Rs. 3 crore received under the Central government’s National Mission for Protein Supplement. The completion of the dairy development project coincides with its silver jubilee year of functioning.
Increased supplyAddressing a press conference, P.A. Balan, chairman, Ernakulam Milk Union and board member of Milma, said the development of the Tripunithura dairy unit would help to ensure increased supply of Milma’s quality products in the district.
The Central government has allocated Rs. 11.25 crore under its National Plan for Dairy Development for the development projects of the Ernakulam Milk Union during this financial year. Of this, Rs. 9 crore is Central government grant and Rs. 2.25 crore the contribution of the union.