Advanced Central Quality Control Lab Opens at Milma

KOCHI:
Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has opened its Central Quality Control Lab, built with the support of the National Dairy Development Programme.

KCMMF Chairman KS Mani inaugurated the facility today by handing its keys to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah.

Dairy Development and Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani inaugurated the renovation project for the Edappally Products Dairy under the Milma Ernakulam Union online in the presence of Union Minister of State for Dairy Development and Animal Husbandry George Kurian.

Dairy Development Department Director Asif K Yusuf, Milma Ernakulam Union Chairman MT Jayan, MD Wilson J Puravakat, Thripunithura Municipal Chairperson Rama Santhosh, representatives from milk co-operative societies and three-tier panchayats were among the dignitaries present.

Dr Shah said bringing value-added products of various dairy co-operative societies under the Milma brand is a model for the entire country to emulate.

The Edappally lab plans to expand its quality testing capabilities beyond dairy products to include spices, agricultural products, and other food items.

Dr Shah also noted that efforts to make Kerala rabies-free are progressing rapidly. Projects are initially implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, and plans are afoot to expand statewide.

KS Mani pointed out that the partnership between KCCMMF and NDDB subsidiary CALF Ltd. is crucial, given Milma’s increased focus on value-added milk products.

“Kerala has consistently won national awards and leads in quality standards,” the Milma Federation chairman said.

“If we add four more litres daily in milk production, we can become the first in the country and stop importing seven lakh litres daily.”

The Union government has allocated Rs 8 crore as a grant to set up the central lab at Edappally under the Ernakulam Milma as part of its National Program for Dairy Development.

The lab’s operation will now be managed by CALF, the NDDB’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ensuring stringent quality control for milk, dairy products, and other food items.

The modernised lab adopts advanced testing methods developed at Anand. The lab staff will also get specialised training to maintain the highest quality standards and precise testing protocols.

With an investment of Rs 4 crore, Milma Ernakulam Union is making significant additions at the Edappally Products Dairy, including a new extrusion machine and cold storage facility.

Out of the Rs 3.75 crore allocated for the plant renovation, Rs 2 crore will be spent on construction works and Rs 1.75 crore on acquiring advanced equipment.

It will strengthen Milma Ernakulam Union’s capacity to meet the increasing demand for premium-quality dairy products, thus boosting local milk production and supporting local dairy farmers.