Kerala's Milma Announces Rs 5 Crore Summer Incentive for Dairy Farmers
In a significant boost to the dairy sector in Kerala, Milma's Thiruvananthapuram Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Union (TRCMPU) has decided to provide a substantial summer incentive of Rs 5 crore for farmers and milk cooperative societies. This initiative aims to support dairy producers during the challenging summer months, ensuring stability and encouragement for active participation in milk production.
Launch of New Farmer Welfare Project
The announcement was made by Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J Chinchu Rani during the launch of TRCMPU's new farmer welfare project, 'Sahayahastham', specifically designed for dairy farmers. The event took place at the Chadayamangalam block panchayat hall on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment for agricultural support in the region.
TRCMPU chairperson Mani Viswanath presided over the function, with director board member Vasudevan Unni delivering the welcome address, highlighting the union's commitment to farmer welfare.
Benefits Across Four Districts
Farmers affiliated with milk societies under TRCMPU in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts will directly benefit from this scheme. The summer incentive is part of a broader effort to enhance the livelihoods of dairy producers in these areas, promoting sustainable farming practices.
Details of the 'Sahayahastham' Project
Under the new 'Sahayahastham' project, selected members of the Anand Model societies under TRCMPU will receive Rs 1,000 per month. A total of 4,000 farmers, chosen based on merit criteria, will benefit from this initiative, with an earmarked amount of Rs 2.4 crore allocated for the project.
Minister Chinchu Rani emphasized that the scheme is designed to ensure a fixed income for active members of milk societies while encouraging all farmers and individuals interested in dairy farming to participate more actively in the sector.
Additional Financial Support and Incentives
In the current financial year, TRCMPU has already distributed Rs 20 crore among farmers and societies as additional incentives. Furthermore, another Rs 15 crore has been provided as cattle feed subsidy and other welfare schemes to date, as stated by chairperson Mani Viswanath.
To further support milk procurement, milk societies under TRCMPU will receive an additional sum of Rs 6 on each litre of milk procured in February. Of this amount, Rs 4 will go directly to the farmers, Rs 1 will be allocated to the milk societies, and Rs 1 will be deposited as an additional share for the societies, enhancing their financial stability.
Impact on Dairy Farming Community
This comprehensive package of incentives and welfare measures is expected to significantly bolster the dairy farming community in Kerala. By providing financial relief and encouraging participation, TRCMPU aims to strengthen the cooperative model and ensure long-term sustainability for farmers and societies alike.
The initiatives reflect a proactive approach to addressing the needs of dairy producers, particularly during seasonal challenges, and underscore the importance of cooperative efforts in agricultural development.
