The Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (TRCMPU) has announced a ₹9 per litre increase in milk procurement prices for Onam. The increase supports dairy farmers and addresses rising costs, with ₹7 going to dairy societies and ₹2 as additional share capital. This initiative, timed with the Onam festival, will incur an additional expenditure of ₹6.40 crore, enhancing farmer compensation and ensuring the availability of quality dairy products.
The Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (TRCMPU) is a key player in India’s dairy industry, renowned for its role in supporting local dairy farmers and ensuring the smooth operation of the dairy supply chain. Based in Kerala, TRCMPU operates as a vital cooperative body that enhances the livelihoods of dairy farmers and strengthens the regional dairy sector. In a significant move, TRCMPU has announced an increase in the milk procurement price by ₹9 per litre for the Onam season, a decision aimed at supporting dairy farmers during this important festival.
Onam Festival and Its Connection to Dairy
Onam is a major harvest festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala, marking the annual homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. This vibrant festival, which typically spans ten days, is characterized by feasts, cultural events, and elaborate floral decorations. Dairy products play a crucial role in the traditional Onam feast, known as Onam Sadhya, which includes a variety of dishes prepared with milk, curd, and ghee. The increased milk procurement price by TRCMPU is strategically timed to coincide with this festive period, providing much-needed financial support to dairy farmers and ensuring the availability of high-quality dairy products for the celebrations.
Increase Details
Under the new pricing scheme, ₹7 of the ₹9 increase per litre will be allocated to dairy societies, with ₹2 being converted into additional share capital for regional unions. From the ₹7 received by dairy societies, ₹5 will be passed on to dairy farmers, while ₹2 will cover handling expenses. This adjustment is based on the milk supplied by the societies in July 2024.
Financial Impact
The incentive will lead to an additional expenditure of approximately ₹6.40 crore for TRCMPU. This follows the disbursement of ₹11.78 crore in the 2023-24 financial year and ₹1.37 crore to date in 2024-25 from the union’s profits for additional milk pricing.
TRCMPU’s move underscores its commitment to enhancing the financial stability of dairy farmers and improving their compensation amidst rising costs and economic pressures. By aligning this price increase with the Onam festival, the cooperative not only supports its members but also ensures that the essential dairy products needed for the festival are readily available. This initiative reflects the cooperative’s dedication to fostering the growth and sustainability of the dairy industry in Kerala.
