Considering the need to fill the gap between the demand and supply of cattle feeds, the Kerala Feeds Ltd (KFL) has embarked on an expansion spree.
KFL, a state government undertaking, is planning to set up new units and facilities at various districts in the State by next year, at an estimated cost of more than `125 crore.
The plan comprises a cattle feed plant with a capacity of 300 tonnes per day (TPD), a 60 TPD goat feed plant at Chemmanchery in Kozhikode, and a 500 TPD plant at Arikkuzha near Thodupuzha. KFL also plans to set up a new ‘densified fodder block’ factory in Kuttanad.
“The Kerala Feeds Ltd plant at Chemmanchery is expected to be commissioned by November this year. Built on a 10-acre land, the total estimated cost of the plant is `52 crore, which is likely to increase slightly. The tender procedures for the plant at Thodupuzha, which will be set up at an estimated cost of `66.60 crore, has been completed. The work on this project has begun, and is expected to completed by November 2015,” M P John, KFL Assistant General Manager (Projects), told Express.
Regarding demand and supply, he said that as per the latest statistics, there were nearly 17 lakh cattle in the state.
The majority of the farmers feed the cattle in the traditional methods. The minimum average consumption is estimated at 6,000 tonne per day.
However, the collective production capacity of the KFL, KSE and MILMA is nearly 2,500 tonnes per day at present, which shows that there is a need for more cattle feed plants.
Fodder Blocks
On the recently launched densified fodder block factory of Kerala Feeds Ltd, John said that demand for the blocks produced at the facility was increasing every day. The unit produces densified blocks, which is made by cutting hay and mixing it with cattle feed. Each block is produced by mixing 7 kg of hay with 7 kg of cattle feed.
“Each block is reasonably priced at `22 per kg, which is supplied mainly to the government-owned farms in various parts of the state. But, we are getting enquiries from private dealers also,” he added.
The Kerala Feeds Ltd also plans to launch a fodder block facility in Kuttanad. Since the agency is not in a position to acquire land at present, steps will be initiated after ensuring the availability of land.