KOCHI: In order to produce more quality unadulterated milk, the people have no other choice than to increase the number of cattle, Minister for Animal Husbandry K Raju said on Tuesday. He was speaking after inaugurating the District Dairy Meet at Paravur. "The milk production in all districts in Kerala has increased. Our aim is to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production.
The government will coordinate with agencies like Milma to achieve this goal. Our aim is not to restrict Milma within the limits of procurement and supply of milk alone. In a broader sense, it should be developed as a body which can produce and market value-added milk products in India and other foreign markets," he said.
Regarding the steps taken by the government for the dairy sector, the Minister said the pension of the dairy farmers was increased to Rs 1,100. "In Ernakulam district alone, the government is paying pension to nearly 8,000 dairy farmers. As part of dairy village project, this year the government will give Rs 50 lakh to ten panchayats. Another five-year plan for providing Rs 50 lakh for the welfare of dairy farmers for 50 block panchayats each is also on the cards," the Minister added. The awards for the best dairy farmers were also distributed.