Increased turnover for DIMUL despite slump in milk collection

The Dimapur District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (DIMUL)in Nagaland state affected a 33 percent increase in sales registering a turnover of Rs 23.5 crore for the year 2022-23. The most well known milk producers union in the state, better known by its acronym— DIMUL, has a Central Dairy Plant in 7th Mile with a capacity of handling 10 thousand litres per day (TLPD) commissioned under the Integrated Dairy Development Project (IDDP) during the 8th Five Year Plan (1992-97).

DIMUL’s annual general meeting was held on November 27, at its central plant, where it was informed that the milk procurement for 2022-23 was 11.3 lakh litres averaging 3118 litres a day. The procurement in 2021-22 was 12.4 lakh litres while the turnover was Rs 17.6 cr.

The increased turnover was affected by DIMUL milk and milk products registering increased sales. As per the annual report, sale of toned milk increased by 19.5 percent, cow milk by 7.1 percent, lassi by 31.6 percent, Misti Dahi by 33.6 percent, plain dahi by 33.1 percent, ice cream by 47.7 percent and paneer sales recording a 235.2 percent jump. The total profit for 2022-23 was estimated to be Rs 15 lakhs.

According to Dr Vikovor Nipu, Manager, Processing & Quality, the dairy industry is making its presence felt in a place where milk culture was non-existent. He attributed the success to the farmers, who have come together to take up dairy farming as an economic activity. He informed that DIMUL is continuing effort to upscale production with awareness activities oriented towards improving farmers’ knowledge on fertility and breeding management of dairy cattle.

The Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Imnanukshi, who attended the meeting, placed emphasis on enhancing production. While estimating that atleast 7000 litres per day would be required to meet the demands of the market, he said, “We are doing quite well but I would want you to put in more effort to increase collection.” He urged the producers to take collective ownership of the plant and strive to provide good quality milk.

Awards were also handed away to the associate milk farmers and members of the dairy group in recognition of their contribution to the milk industry. Highest Pouring Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS) awarded to SEMPCS, Urra Village; Best Secretary award went to Chatra Thapa of Bhola DCS, Singrijan; Best Producer award went to P Mishra; Best Quality award went to Gopal Sharma; Best employee award went to Narayan Sharma; Best Retailer award went to M/s Supriya Paul and Best Dealer award went to M/s Z Chale, Kohima.

Source : The Morung Express Nov 28th 2023