NDDB calls meet of heads of Co-op Dairy federations to sort out cross-border milk sale issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will be holding a meeting of Chairman and Managing Directors of co-operative dairy federations of the country this month to sort out the sensitive issue of cross-border marketing of liquid milk.

The meeting is called by NDDB Chairman Meenesh C Shah, in response to serious objections raised by K S Mani, Chairman of Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) over the issue at the meeting of National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) held in Varanasi recently. Earlier, KCMMF, known by the brand Milma, had voiced serious concern over Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) foraying into parts of Kerala to sell its Nandini brand of liquid milk.

Making a strong pitch at the NCDFI meet, Mani said “this is a complex and multifaceted issue, as co-operative dairies have different priorities and interests”. He further pointed out that by working together co-operative dairies could find solutions that benefit all stakeholders and ensure the delivery of high-quality milk to consumers. Mani emphasised that the co-operative dairies should approach this issue collaboratively and diplomatically, which will uphold the values of the co-operative movement.

Responding to Mani’s strong position on the matter, the NDDB Chairman said that a meeting of Chairman and MDs of all co-operative dairy federations will be called this month itself to take up the issue and explore possible solutions to ensure that interests of all member-cooperatives are considered.

While raising concern over cross-border marketing, Milma had earlier pointed out that the input cost in Kerala is much higher compared to most other states. Also, in Karnataka, the government provides subsidy to the KMF, which is the prime reason for the cost difference between Nandini and Milma milk. Instead of passing on this benefit to farmers, KMF is utilising this advantage to sell its Nandini brand of milk at a lower price.