Milma Announces Enhanced Cattle Feed Subsidy to Support Kerala Dairy Farmers
The Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), popularly known by its brand Milma, has announced a significant increase in its cattle feed subsidy program. Starting from February 1st and continuing through March 31st, dairy farmers across Kerala will receive a subsidy of Rs 200 per bag of Milma Gomathi Gold cattle feed.
Governing Body Decision to Offset Rising Production Costs
This important decision was taken by the KCMMF governing body during their meeting on Sunday. The primary objective behind this move is to help offset the substantial increase in production costs that dairy farmers have been facing in recent times. By providing this enhanced financial support, Milma aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures on the agricultural community.
Total Benefit Reaches Rs 300 with Combined Subsidies
With this new subsidy increase from Rs 100 to Rs 200, farmers will now be entitled to a total benefit of Rs 300 per bag. This comprehensive support comes from combining the federation's subsidy with existing regional union subsidies. Specifically, Milma's Thiruvananthapuram and Malabar Regional Unions have already been providing subsidies at the rate of Rs 100 per bag.
The combined effect means farmers will receive cattle feed at a rate that is Rs 120 less than the price that was fixed back in 2019. This represents a substantial reduction that directly benefits the farming community's bottom line.
Additional Support for Silage and Maize Fodder
Beyond the cattle feed subsidy, Milma is also extending support for other essential farming inputs. The federation is providing silage and maize fodder to farmers at rates that are Rs 2 less than the average prices that were established in 2019. This comprehensive approach ensures that multiple aspects of dairy farming receive financial support during this challenging period.
Expected Impact on Dairy Farming Community
The increased subsidy is expected to provide major relief to dairy farmers throughout Kerala who have been struggling with escalating production costs. This intervention comes at a critical time when many agricultural operations are facing financial strain due to various economic factors affecting input costs.
The temporary subsidy program running from February through March represents a targeted approach to support farmers during a specific period when financial pressures might be particularly acute. By making cattle feed more affordable, Milma hopes to help maintain the viability of dairy farming operations across the state.
This initiative demonstrates the cooperative's commitment to supporting its member farmers and ensuring the sustainability of Kerala's dairy sector. The enhanced subsidy program is likely to be welcomed by the agricultural community as a meaningful step toward addressing the economic challenges facing dairy production in the region.
