VELLARADA, 31 October 2022: As part of the various initiatives to make the state self-sufficient in milk production, the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Union of Milma (TRCMPU-Milma) launched the silage distribution project, known as ‘Haritham,’ that will keep cattle in good health and lead to higher milk production.
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J Chinchurani inaugurated the distribution project at Cooperative Bank Auditorium at Mylachal near here.
Chinchurani said the experience of Ernakulam and Malabar regional unions of Milma showed that the cost-effective silage can increase milk production and it’s less costly than cattle feed.
She said silage, which also includes maize, can improve growth and health of cattle, besides yielding fat in milk.
Noting that mobile veterinary units will commence in all block panchayats soon, the Minister said one ambulance in each district will also be launched for providing veterinary care to dairy farmers.
“The ambulances, to be rolled out at a cost of INR one crore, will have a specific number for availing the service. The air-conditioned mobile unit will provide 24/7 service with facilities like surgery along with the presence of a doctor, nurse and livestock inspector,” she added.
The Minister also distributed Revolving Fund of INR two lakh each to cooperative societies on the occasion.
In his welcome address, TRCMPU Administrative Committee Convenor N Bhasurangan, said if silage is utilised properly, it will bring significant changes in the health and milk production of cattle.
Bhasurangan said silage is distributed to farmers for INR 6.25 per kg after subsiding from the rate of INR 8.25.
Commenting on veterinary healthcare facilities, he said TRCMPU will launch four mobile veterinary units in the taluks of four districts.
The mobile unit in Thiruvananthapuram district will be inaugurated at Neyyattinkara taluk next month.
TRCMPU Managing Director DS Konda, who presented the project report, said TRCMPU will implement new projects including setting up of artificial insemination centres, mobile veterinary clinics and infertility treatment clinics.
Block Panchayat President, Perumkadavila, G Lalkrishnan distributed the post-death financial aid to the dependents of the deceased.
President, Grama Panchayat, Aryancode, Smt O. Girija Kumari gave away the award for the APCOS (Anand Pattern Co-operative Societies) society in Perumkadavila Block for supplying the best quality milk.
TRCMPU Administrative Committee Member V S Padmakumar; and Vice President, Block Panchayat, Perumkadavila, Smt C. Simi, were also present.
Assistant Manager, P&I, TRCMPU, Dr Sreejith J R proposed a vote of thanks.
State’s dairy sector is facing the major problem of scarcity of green grass as land for grass farming is minimal due to high density of population.
Over dependence on concentrate feeds leads to higher cost of production and various digestive disorders causing huge financial loss to farmers. It improves the health of dairy cows and helps improve fat content of the milk.
The silage, which will be kept in sealed 50 kg bags, will be available at a cost of INR 6.25 per kg for dairy farmers.
Besides, Silage helps to increase fibre intake which in turn improves the digestive health and helps to maintain compositional quality of milk.
