Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) believes that the entry of Nandini, the brand of milk from the Karnataka Milk Marketing Federation, will improve the fortunes of dairy farmers in both states. KCMMF argues that the issue is not about profit or loss, but about working cooperatively to better the dairy industry. Considering the influx of other brands such as Amul and private labels from Kerala, KCMMF argues that objections to Nandini are unfounded. Cooperatives have played a significant role in improving the fortunes of dairy farmers across India, and KCMMF believes that working together is pivotal to its success.
According to KCMMF chairman K.S. Mani, Nandini’s arrival should not be a cause for concern, as milk cooperatives have always stood against cheaper products’ imports, including fresh milk, from other countries. Mr. Mani stated that some had objectEd to the entry of Amul’s brand of fresh milk in the market, but it was not detrimental to the local dairy industry. Milma, the Kerala cooperative brand, has performed well in recent years, recording steady growth in milk sales. KCMMF believes that focusing on improving the cooperative’s networking and marketing will improve its future sales.
Mr. Mani revealed that Milma’s fresh milk sales totaled 15.5 lakh litres a day, while procurement stood at 16 lakh litres during the COVID-19 pandemic. Milma hopes to improve its procurement strategy to meet market demand. In the current month, Milma’s three regions, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Malabar, have sold approximately 16.5 lakh litres per day. Procurement ranges between 14.25 and 14.50 lakh litres.
While new central regulations allow any brand to be sold in India, KCMMF believes the issue must be taken up at the government and national levels with the involvement of political leadership and institutions, such as the National Dairy Development Board. Nevertheless, as a cooperative, KCMMF will continue to champion mutual understanding and cooperation to develop the dairy industry in Kerala and beyond.
