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WHAT\'S IT OFFERING GOA FARMERS
• Veterinary treatment @ Rs 40 per animal and medicines free of cost
• Only Rs 100 per animal for emergency doctor visits
• Providing balanced cattle feed at Rs 14.50 per kilogramme
• Starting a self-help group otherwise known as Bachat Gat in one village
• Providing fat testing machines, computer, bulk chilling unit, compressor and generator free of cost
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Speaking to media persons Managing Director of SUMUL, Jayesh Desai said the union had no intention of replacing the existing Goa Dairy corporative society but to co-exist.
“Goa government wanted to give good animal husbandry practices and services and good quality of cattle feed to their farmers so that the living standards of farmers also increases,” he said adding that the gap created with the daily milk requirements will also be addressed.
For the first two months, SUMUL has targeted a daily procurement of 10,000 LPD that they hope to increase to 30,000 LPD by the end of the year. In addition to procurement of milk at fixed rates based on the fat content, they have also decided to provide veterinary services and create a self help group in the four talukas they have been given permissions for. The rate for 3 percent fat content has been fixed at Rs 24.09 per liter and goes up to Rs. 32.42 for 6 percent fat content.
SUMUL, a member union of the AMUL milk corporative federation had entered the Goan market back in September 2013 with the sale of 30,000 LPD under the Amul brand. The Goa government had at the time given the union a commitment to be able to procure milk from the state too.
After a year of providing better cattle feed and infrastructure, the state government gave permission for procuring milk in four talukas: Quepem, Canacona, Sanguem and Sattari.
“When we first came with Amul in 2013, there was a fear that Goa Dairy would have to shut down. But their sale has not reduced. In fact the sale of sub standard quality of milk has greatly reduced. It is a win-win position for Goa Dairy and SUMUL,” said Desai.
He also added that with SUMUL being given permission to procure milk from the state, Goa Dairy too would have to provide better services and quality.
“Goa Dairy will also have to give a good price and will also have to give quality. If we give good services, Goa Dairy will also have to give good services. At the end of the day, the Goan farmer is benefited,” said Desai.
