Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11 (NationPress) Kerala is on track to become India’s leading milk producer through a series of well-planned initiatives aimed at boosting production and enhancing the cooperative dairy framework, as stated by Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani on Saturday.

During a state-level seminar organized in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), popularly known as Milma, the Minister pointed out that Kerala currently holds the second position in milk production, trailing only behind Punjab.

“Despite challenges like land scarcity impacting the cultivation of feed and fodder, we are launching new projects to tackle these issues,” she mentioned.

The seminar, themed “Prosperity Through Cooperation,” was held in observance of the UN-declared International Year of Cooperatives and the diamond jubilee of NDDB.

She emphasized various initiatives, including the expansion of land for growing feeding grass and the statewide implementation of the digital livestock and e-health management system, e-Samrudha, which was successfully piloted in Pathanamthitta.

Her focus was on reducing production costs, enhancing productivity, and utilizing technology to attain self-sufficiency and sustainable growth in the dairy sector.

Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan highlighted the social advantages of cooperative dairy initiatives, noting how Milma has reshaped rural livelihoods.

NDDB Chairman Meenesh C. Shah remarked that India is “prepared for White Revolution 2.0,” aimed at fortifying dairy cooperatives and integrating more farmers into the network.

He outlined NDDB's goal to boost milk procurement to over 10 crore litres per day within four to five years.

“With over eight crore dairy farmers contributing, India has become the largest milk producer in the world,” he said, urging stakeholders to confront challenges like adulteration and the low proportion of organized milk marketing, which stands at 32–35 percent.

Milma Chairman K.S. Mani revealed the federation’s strategy to elevate its turnover from Rs 4,327.24 crore in 2024–25 to Rs 10,052 crore by 2030, targeting an annual growth rate of 15 percent.

Future plans include extending the product reach to airports, harbors, and cruise ships, along with the installation of vending machines at 25 Kochi metro stations through the Ernakulam Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union.