Dairy Development Department

Dairy Development Department:

The Dairy Development Department is undertaking programmes aimed at increasing milk production and consumption. The thrust areas of functioning of this department are Fodder Development, Dairy Extension and promotion of rural milk marketing.

Rural Dairy Extension and Advisory Service:

Dairy Extension activities are mainly carried out by the Dairy Farm Instructors of the Department. Group discussions, classes and indigenous milk products manufacture demonstrations are held to benefit dairy farmers and rural consumers. Assistance is given for setting up model cattle sheds and dairy farm units. Cattle shows at Block and District level are organized to provide motivation for the farmers. The mobile quality control units functioning in eight districts of the State render help to dairy co-operatives to formulate quality pricing schemes to benefit farmers and also to ensure quality milk to rural consumers.

Dairy Training Centre:

There are four dairy training centres functioning under this department located at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Palakkad and Kozhikkod. Dairy farmers from different places are brought under one roof and imparted scientific knowledge in cattle management, manufacture of milk products, co-operation etc. The dairy training centre also imparts training to beneficiaries of SCP / TSP programme of the department. Housewives and unemployed women are trained in the manufacture of indigenous milk products. The employees and members of dairy co-operatives are imparted training in various aspects of dairy co-operative management. Special thrust on fodder cultivation is given in the training programmes for farmers and co-operative personnel.

Fodder Resource Development Programme:

The Department provides inputs for cultivation of fodder in the State. Seasonal fodder crops are given priority in the programmes. Farmers are provided assistance for taking up non-conventional feeding practices like enriched straw etc. The fodder programmes are being carried out involving Grama Panchayats and Dairy Co-operatives.

Modernization of Dairy Co-operatives:

There are 2553 dairy co-operatives functioning in the State. The Department extends assistance to sustain and develop these primary organizations.

The Dairy Co-operatives are assisted to

• Purchase modern milk testing equipments, milk cans, chemicals for testing and sanitation
• Set up cattle feed mixing units, building for milk collection cum office room
• Purchase furniture
• Provide working capital
• Provide managerial grant for Secretaries.  

Indigenous Milk Products Manufacturing Units:

The Department is extending assistance for setting up of units to manufacture and market indigenous milk products. This programme besides providing gainful employment opportunity to rural women, will help in promoting milk consumption. A district level milk consumption promotion co-operative society has been registered in all districts for effective marketing of products and co-ordinating the working of the indigenous milk product units