Dimul milk procurement still not recovered from pre-pandemic levels

November 30, 2022 64 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 30

The 23rd annual general meeting of the Dimul District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd (DIMUL) was held at Dimul Central Dairy Plant premises, 7th Mile Model Village, Chümoukedima on November 29 which was attended by dairy farmers, retail owners and employees.

During the event, Aru Khate, Chairperson, who presented the report of the Board of Directors for the year 2021-22 revealed that milk procurement stood at 12.43 lakh litres for the entire period which was a 20.21% increase from the previous year of 10.34 lakh litres. The uptick in the level of procurement was an encouraging trend as milk procurement had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it had still not recovered from pre-pandemic levels of 14.74 lakh litres for 2018-19 and 13.84 lakh litres between 2019-20. Meanwhile, the number of farmers stayed relatively the same for the last 5 years at 1956.

Khate also mentioned that the major challenge being faced by the dairy sector in the state is the low productivity of indigenous farm animals. Due to which Artificial Insemination (AI) plays an important at improving germplasm and thereby improving productivity of dairy animals. “Towards this end the Milk Union has been providing AI service to the farmer’s doorstep free of cost for the past few years with encouraging results,” he noted.

It was further reported that the year (2021-22) recorded a total sales turnover of Rs 1763.34 lakh, a significant increase of 30.92% over the preceding year. Lassi attributed for the major share of sales with 36.58% followed by cow milk with 31.70%, toned milk at 15.25%, misti dahi 6.08%, plain dahi 1.98% and ice cream at 1.47%. “This record growth in sales and increase in the market share of DIMUL milk and milk products is noteworthy that indicates consumers’ preference for value added milk and milk products,” the reported stated. Furthermore, enhanced sales volume can be attributed to the Milk Union’s limited but sustained sales promotion through advertisement boards at strategic locations and at all retail outlets.

However, it must be noted that the report also revealed an increase in cost of inputs fuelled by rising cost of diesel and petrol during the period, which allowed for price revision in milk procurement.

Meanwhile, Nathanel Momim during his presentation of budget proposal for 2023-24, put forward an increase in sales growth of Rs 2627.84 lakh during that period. He also reminded the farmers that there will be an overhaul in the entire system within the next 5 years in terms of quality control, packaging etc. As such he requested them noted to compromise on quality and strive for better output.

On the occasion several awards were presented to both individuals and groups for their performances throughout the year. These included, best dairy cooperative to SEMPCS, Urra Village, best secretary to Chatra Thapa of Bhola DCS, Singrijan, best producer award to Tara Chetri, best employee award to Tsuyihba,best retailer award to M/S Janki Grocery, Dimapur and best dealer award to M/S Niuland Enterprise, Niuland.

Earlier, Dr Vikovor Nipu, Manager (Processing & Quality Control) gave the welcome address followed by a special number being presented by Nungshitula Pongener Nipu.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/dimul-milk-procurement-still-not-recovered-from-pre-pandemic-levels