Dairy farmers in D.K., Udupi, not afraid of price drop

Mangaluru: Though the many associations of KMF have started transferring their loss onto the dairy farmers due to the increase in milk collection because of the arrival of the monsoon, the D.K. milk producers association, which gives the highest price to the dairy farmers, will however continue to give the highest price to dairy farmers even in the monsoon season.

The milk producers associations at Bengaluru, Kolar, Tumkuru and other places have already decided to cut 2 rupees as loss per liter of milk.

 There are 706 functional milk producers cooperative groups and 1,31,435 dairy farmers in D.K. and Udupi district which comes under the limits of D.K. association. Currently, the association receives 4.80 lakh KGs of milk. Though, up to 50,000 kgs of milk will remain, the price given to the dairy farmers will not change.

Production of milk powder from the remaining milk

Currently, 4.30 lakh KGs of milk is required by the association to produce value added milk products and the remaining 50,000 kgs of milk will be used to produce milk powder. The milk powder produced is almost is close to 5 tons. It is used in the production of curds. Even after this if there still exists milk powder, it will be given to those institutions which require it and request it through KMF, informed Dakshina Kannada district association officer.

The association incurs a loss of 8 to 10 rupees per liter for the conversion of milk to powder. But, it is impossible to force this loss onto the dairy farmers. Hence, there have been no thoughts on changing the price, explained the official.

Fall in heat increases production

Normally, as the heat decreases towards the end of May month, there is an increase in milk production. The increase in pasture is also a reason. Since there are no celebrations during this season, the farmers have more time at their disposal to take extra care of their cattle which will in turn lead to the increase in milk production.

Though D.K. Association has announced its collection of milk this year to be 4,11,312 KGs, it has currently crossed the mark of 4,80,000 kgs. On May 15^th itself, the milk collection increased to 50,000 kgs and is expected to be so till December.

Highest price

Karnataka Milk Federation has 14 associations under it of which Dakshina Kannada association gives the highest price to dairy farmers. Currently they are paying up to 28.67 rupees and this will be continued.

No price cut in D.K.

D.K. Association has not thought of reducing the price. We are producing milk powder from the 50,000 kgs of milk. Presently, of the 4.80 lakh kgs of milk collected, 4.30 lakh kgs of milk is being used,” said Dr. B.V. Satyanarayana, Managing Director of D.K. milk association.

100ml free for consumers?

With the increase in milk production, KMF is thinking to give additional 100ml milk in the milk packet of 1 liter. In the state during the month of May, 81 lakh liters of additional milk is collected, therefore a proposal has been sent to the government to give additional milk at the same price.  Also provide more milk to the school children, provide more commission to milk distributers and on receiving favourable response from the government, the consumers will get an additional 100ml of milk.