By collaborating with Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL), dairy farmers in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) did a business of Rs 30,000 crore during last three months.
The dairy farmers are finding this way of doing business very beneficial. This is also giving a chance to women who are domesticating cows at their homes a chance to be self-reliant.
“I have found a way to be self-sufficient through JKMPCL, as it gives me a chance to do business with them on an everyday basis,” said Momina, a homemaker.
Every day, JKMPCL collects one lakh litres of milk through 600 dairy cooperative societies at an average price of Rs 35 per litre.
“Right now, 30,000 farmers are associated with JKMPCL and cover 600 villages, which include six districts in Jammu, and nine districts in Srinagar,” said Farooq Ahmad, Admin head of JKMPCL.
Around 200 women self-help groups are also associated with this self-autonomous body.
In every village, there is a common collection point from where the milk is collected.
“At this collection centre the farmers bring milk and in exchange, they get a slip wherein details about milk and amount details are mentioned,” Farooq said.
After the milk is collected it undergoes different stages. “This milk once collected is then transferred to bulk milk coolers, after which testing is done. Milk is then transferred to insulated tankers. From here it’s transferred and goes for processing,” Farooq said.
Farooq said that bulk milk cooler is used extensively to mitigate the microbial growth below 4 degrees.
JKMPCL is laced with all the latest equipment which includes milk processors, cream separators, bulk milk coolers etc. “The chilling capacity of JKMPCL is 78000 litre per day and in next three years we are planning to expand the business to 1500 to 2000 villages,” Farooq maintained.