Kochi: As the state government plans a hike in the price of milk sold by Milma, data reveals that milk consumption among Keralites is low compared to their counterparts in other South Indian states. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the average monthly milk consumption per person in rural Kerala stood at just 3.287 litres in 2022-23, while urban consumption was marginally higher at 3.487 litres per month.
Consumption Trends Over the Years
By the next fiscal year, rural residents showed a marginal increase in per capita milk intake to 3.433 litres per month. In contrast, city dwellers experienced a noticeable decline to 3.128 litres per person per month in 2023-24. The data indicates that per capita milk consumption in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana remains considerably above that of Keralites.
Reasons for Low Consumption
Officials at the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, which operates under the trade name Milma, attribute the low milk consumption to changes in lifestyle. "The milk intake in Kerala is largely confined to the use of tea and coffee, rather than being a staple part of the diet. Since Keralites consume more fish and meat than people in other states, milk consumption is relatively low here. For people in North India, milk and dairy products are staples in their daily food, unlike Keralites," said a senior Milma official.
Gradual Shift Towards Healthier Habits
However, officials note a gradual shift in milk consumption trends in Kerala, thanks to increasing health consciousness. "Earlier, the average per capita consumption was around 100 ml per day. Now, it has improved to 235 ml per day. Ideally, one should consume 400 ml of milk per day. The protein source we get from meat and milk is different, as the body requires more effort to digest meat compared to milk," the official added.
Rising Paneer Consumption
Incidentally, Kerala is witnessing a sharp rise in paneer consumption, a trend officials attribute to changing demographics and a burgeoning migrant population from other states. "There has been over 50% growth in the sale of paneer products by Milma in recent years. Currently, we sell around 2,300 tonnes of paneer annually, compared to around 1,000 tonnes a few years ago. Many who migrated to Kerala prefer a vegetarian diet and rely on paneer for protein. This has boosted demand for paneer," the official said.
Survey on Production and Demand
The dairy development department has initiated a survey to understand the production, demand, and consumption patterns of people in Kerala.
