The Hindu : Kerala News : Comprehensive dairy package sought

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 04, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Comprehensive dairy package sought

Special Correspondent

Proposals to be submitted to Sharad Pawar during his visit to the State

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Animal Husbandry Department will submit a bouquet of projects, having a combined outlay of Rs.37.50 crores, for clearance under the Vidarbha-model package.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister C. Divakaran, who holds charge of Animal Husbandry, told a news conference here on Sunday that the package would be submitted when Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar visits the State on September 10 and 11. "The Union Minister is expected to visit Alappuzha and Kozhikode during his visit," he said.

S. Subbiah, secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, said the package would include proposals for induction of high yielding 1,000 milch cows each in Kasaragod, Wayanad and Palakkad districts, establishment of 50 chilling plants in three years, and feed, fodder supply and fodder block making units, among other things.

He said the Government would also propose to the Centre establishment of a multi-specialty veterinary centre and research institute in Thiruvananthapuram, a national research and development centre in frozen semen technology, knowledge centre and an export-oriented meat processing unit under the State-owned Meat Products of India (MPI) at Chalakudy with participation by non-resident Keralites.

Farm tourism project

Mr. Subbiah said a farm tourism project would be initiated at Mattuppetty under the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) at an estimated outlay of Rs.2.74 crores.

The project would feature model units that display how different breeds of cows, goats, chicken and rabbit could be reared.

There would be an aquarium and facilities for boating. This, he said, would be the first project of its kind in India.

He said the Government was keeping a close watch on the quality of milk being sold in the State and pointed out that Kerala State Milk Marketing Cooperative Limited (MILMA) now had a turnover of Rs.700 crores annually.

"The cooperative is currently distributing 8.5 lakh litres of milk every day. This will go up to 14 lakh litres during Onam," he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala