DEMAND FOR MILK LIKELY TO REACH 200 MILLION TONNES BY 2022
The Dimapur District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited (DDCMPUL) held its 21st annual general meeting at Dimul Complex at 7th Mile Model Village here on Friday. The program was attended by dairy farmers, distributors and retailers from Dimapur.
DDCMPUL chief executive officer, Dr. Mhasizokho Lhoushe, who presented the annual report on behalf of outgoing chairman, V Kehie, and also announced the budget proposal for 2019- 2020, revealed that the dairy sector today provides 80 million farm households with the triple benefit of nutritious food, supplementary income and productive self-employment throughout the year.
Lhoushe said that it is estimated that 60 to 65 percent of the income for marginal and small-scale farmers now comes from dairying, adding that studies have shown that dairying in rural areas surpassed crop production in terms of profit for marginal, small and medium-sized holdings. For small-scale farmers with irrigated land, dairying and crop production were found to be more profitable than crop farming alone, Lhoushe added.
Dr. Mhasizokho Lhoushe further stated that as per industry reports, the demand for milk is likely to reach 200 million tonnes by 2022, thereby opening avenues for enhancing rural incomes due to the rapidly growing market for dairy products in particular and livestock products in general.
Joint registrar of cooperatives societies, Tiyongmeren Jamir who also spoke on the occasion informed the gathering about the Integrated Cooperative Programme where farmers from five districts in the initial phase will be provide financial assistance to boost farming activities and their overall output.
Tiyongmeren added that the need of the hour was to become self reliant. He urged dairy farmers and the DDCMPUL to aspire to become the best in NE and even in the national market.
He also cautioned farmers against using loan acquired materials or livestock for personal purposes and reminded them that it should be only used for their intended purpose. The new president elect, Aru Khate, in his brief address proposed a seminar for rearing of hybrid cows reminding farmers that management for hybrids was not the same as for local species.
Nine cooperative societies were recognized and awarded for their performance. The best dairy cooperative society was bagged by Kikhruru DCS, Chumoukedima village; H B Bakery, Chumoukedima bagged the best retailer award; and Sashikala Ao of Dimapur bagged the best dealer award.
The other highlights of the program included; a welcome address by manager (P & QC), Er Meyie-u Mero who also chaired the program, a song by Menuolhousie Tsukru, and the vote of thanks presented by Nathanel Momin.