Micro-enterprise Promotion – Dairy – A Report

Exposure visit organized for

Partners of Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship

(Sponsored by: Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship,

Government of Meghalaya)

July 16 - 20, 2015

Anand, Gujarat

Submitted to Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE)

Integrated Basin Development and Livelihoods Promotion Program (IBDLP) Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Submitted by BASIX Academy for Livelihoods and Micro-enterprise Promotion

(Division of ILRT - Institute of Livelihood Research and Training) Hyderabad, India

Basix Academy for Livelihoods and Micro-enterprise Promotion

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(B-A-LAMP) is a Division of Institute of Livelihood Research and Training – ILRT (earlier

The Livelihood School), an academic institute for practitioners promoted by the Basix

SEG which is also reflected in the vision “Knowledge and practice build on each other,

promoting dignified livelihoods for all”. The mandate of ILRT is to build up a scientific

Knowledge Base on livelihoods and disseminate the same to livelihood practitioners for

enhancing their understanding and implementation capabilities, who in turn will

promote large number of livelihoods (Website: www.ilrtindia.org )

B-A-LAMP believes that knowledge can be generated and shared by 'exchanging' lessons

from within and outside the country and region rather than being a one-way 'training'

approach. Among other things, B-A-LAMP is engaged with customized Study

Programs/Exchange Visits which are more popularly known as 'Knowledge Exchange

Visits–KEV' both for national and international audience. In addition to the 'customized'

demand-based exchange visits, it also facilitates 'open programs' that are need-based and

follow a thorough needs assessment for module and content development.

In a span of seven years, B-A-LAMP has conducted 113 such programs catering to over

2,700 professionals out of which 67 are international programs benefitting over 850

professionals from 130 organizations of 25 countries and over 1,600 professionals from

various fields in India.

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Micro-enterprise Promotion – Dairy: An Exposure Visit

Report prepared by: Mr. M Sainath and Ms. Mona Dixit

___________________________________________________________________

Under Integrated Basin Development and Livelihoods Promotion Program (IBDLP) , the

Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE) has been set up to facilitate rapid

economic transformation, by imparting entrepreneurship education and promoting

micro and small enterprises involving the youth, women and other critical target groups

in the State. The Institute aims to be among the very best in the world in the area of

entrepreneurship development and model entrepreneurial services, through creativity

and innovation, application of skills and technological inputs for harnessing rich potential

of sub sectors, with focus on agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture, aromatic

and medicinal plantations, animal husbandry and other locally viable, remunerative, and

income generation activities.

Introduction

In many aspects the dairy industry occupies a special position among the other sectors of

agriculture. Milk is produced every day and gives a regular income to the numerous small

producers. Milk production is highly labour-intensive and provides a lot of employment.

The dairy industry is the sector with the highest degree of protection due to the

economically vulnerable position of small milk producers. Milk - also known as white gold

- can be used to make an enormous variety of high quality products. The high cost of milk

as a raw material has necessitated a high-tech processing industry. The special nature of

milk (perishable and bulky) leads to the necessity of strict and comprehensive quality

regulation and to high transport costs. The large dependence of milk producers on the

dairy processing industry has resulted in a strong position held by the co-operatives in

milk marketing and in the processing industry.

India: For decades, dairy players in India have been engaged in the liquid milk processing

activity only. Backed by operation White Flood

in 1970s, the milk industry in India witnessed

the first wave of development in the milk

production which gave India its status of the

largest milk producer in the world. This was

spearheaded by the ‘Co-operatives model’

which was supported by the Govt. of India.

Ownership being with the farmers instilled trust among the member milk producers in

the cooperative model, which also ensured transparent returns. In addition, cooperatives

also provided various services like cattle vaccination, cattle insurance, artificial

insemination, installation of coolers at village level etc., to improve productivity. As per

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Indian dairy industry is all set to

experience high growth rates in the next eight years with demand likely to reach 200

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million tonnes by 2022 from 132 million tonnes in 2013. Presently, only 20% of the milk

production comes from the organized sector comprising co-operatives and private

dairies. The paramount factors driving the growth in the dairy sector include rising

disposable incomes, advent of nuclear families and fast/instant food gaining ground in

India.

Meghalaya: In Meghalaya per capita availability of milk is only 83 gm/day (2011-12)

which is far below the world average of 285gm/day and also the minimum nutritional

requirement of 280gm/day as recommended by the ICMR. The total milk production of

whole Meghalaya was 79.67 thousand tonnes in 2011-12, where as in West Garo Hills

total milk production was only 13.50 thousand tonnes (2011-12). NEH region with a total

cattle and buffalo population of 11.48 million and 0.96 million respectively could not so

far take the advantage of dairy sector. Due to increase demand of milk as a wholesome

food item for all, dairy sector is booming now as an income generating activity for the

poor farmers and rural youths.

Broad objective of the program

The broad objective of the program is to appreciate the best practices in dairying

particularly the benefits of cooperative movement.

Specific objectives of the program are to -

• appreciate the work of collectives such as Milk Producer Co-ops and understand their experiences in building successful cooperatives;

• understand the operational aspects especially that of small producers and collectives;

• examine approaches to establish and enhance the capacity of a small scale dairy; and

• consolidate the learning to formulate the framework of an action plan.

Gujarat in the context of Dairying

A number of field studies conducted by independent researchers emphatically confirm

the role played by milk cooperatives the progress of

the dairy industry. Millions of small farmers isolated

in various parts of the country have gained the

strength to sustain their livelihood. The cooperatives

have provided gainful employment and brought them

close to the market. When cooperative dairying

started in Gujarat, the dairy industry was in the

doldrums. Production had stagnated and per capita

consumption was falling. Farmers were at the mercy

of the middlemen. Today, with about 10,725 milk

cooperative societies, 20.84 lakh milk cooperative

members from 12 district milk producers’ unions

produce milk of 150 lakh liter/day, Gujarat dairy

farmers have been shown the way to prosperity and health. The ideal conditions for long

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term growth in procurement have been created.

• Modern technologies in animal breeding and feeding have been adopted by a significant number of farmers.

• Modern consumer processing and marketing facilities have been created all over the country.

• Technical input services including animal insemination, balanced cattle feed / bypass proteins feed, better fodder varieties and emergency veterinary health services - have not only helped in raising and sustaining milk production but have also ensured a better quality of life in the villages.

Planning and designing of the Exposure Visit

As the exposure visit plan was confirmed by MIE, B-A-LAMP coordinated and worked

closely with IRMA and MIE to firm-up the details. They not only extended their

professional assistance to identify various organizations and plan for this visit but also

logistics (considering the food habit as well). Ms. Mona Dixit, Sr. Consultant, Basix SEG

from Delhi and Mr. Venugopal, Manager (Program Support), ILRT from Hyderabad

facilitated the program onsite in Anand and were ably supported by Officers on Special

Duty (OSD) to MIE/MBDA- Dr. D Lywait, Dr. Blentino Lyngdoh, Ms. Iora Dkhar, Dr. C

Bhuyan and Dr. Hari Prasanna Paul.

IRMA campus was selected as the venue for stay and orientation of the program.

Dr. Jeemol Unni, Director, IRMA, who also happens to be a member of the Board of

Governors for ILRT, declared the program open on Thursday, the 16th of July.

To orient the participants about the local culture of the state, the participants were given

elaborate information during field visits. The program schedule was prepared in such a

manner that the participants have time in between for some recreational visits also.

Accordingly, visits to Akshardham and Sabarmati Ashram were planned. Considering

travel-convenience for a large group, one bus was hired for the field-visits.

Team ILRT – Meghalaya and Hyderabad

Concerted efforts were made by ILRT teams both at Shillong and Hyderabad in executing

the program as per the plan got approved by MIE earlier. The teams planned well to bring

out the handbook-cum-reference material on time. The Hyderabad team took it as a

challenge to collate the material from a source document which dated back to late 1990s

duly taking the suggestions of an expert from Dept., of Animal Husbandry. The routine

tasks such as layout, designing and printing, overall coordination, financials, organizing

the venue, food, coordination of all visits, board and lodging, travel arrangements, etc.,

were meticulously planned and executed.

Team MIE

The team comprised of 31 participants that included partner entrepreneurs and five

Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to MIE/MBDA and other officials, Dr. Blentino Lyngdoh,

Ms. Iora Dkhar, Dr. Hari Prasanna Paul, Dr. Dawanki Lywait, Dr. Chiranjit Bhuyan and Mr.

Kenningstar Nongrum. The participants’ sense of punctuality and discipline was very

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inspiring. This virtue enabled the entire exposure program to run hassle-free. Their quest

for learning was very much evident at each step, thus making the program worthwhile.

Methodology

Orientation about the program: The participants were oriented about the program by

Ms. Mona Dixit in a classroom session. The study material, program schedule, contact

details of ILRT team, and details about the venue were given during this time-slot.

Field Visits (FVs): These visits were organized to enable the participants have good

insights about dairying esp., from the practical-angle through interactions with the dairy

farmers and members of dairy cooperatives while visiting Amul Dairy; Village Milk

Collection Society, Sandeshar; Gujarat Coop., Milk Marketing Federation; Animal Farm

and Milk collection centre, Jharola Village; Dairy Farm at Chikhodara; Animal Hostel and

Village Milk Collection Society at Akodra.

Tools: Three tools namely Daily Journal-learning tool, Evaluation tool and One-line

feedback were introduced to the participants on the very first day. Filling up of the ‘Daily

Journal’, which the participants practiced daily, helped them ‘think aloud’. It consisted of

simple questions to trigger thought process and help the participants to systematically

note down their understanding so as to make the most out of the learning process. While

the ‘Evaluation tool’ was used to evaluate the overall program in terms of achieving the

objectives and logistical arrangements, the ‘One line feedback’ was to capture the

impression of the participants about the program in a very succinct manner.

Program Schedule

The five days program schedule was prepared meticulously giving the overview of the

program in terms of day wise schedule, focus and brief information about the activities

(detailed program schedule in Annexure 1).

Summary of the Exposure Visit

July 16, 2015 (Thursday)

Visit to Kaira District Milk Union Ltd., (Anand Milk Union Ltd) – AMUL To know more about the org. please visit: http://www.amul.com/m/about-us

The visit to this premier institute turned

out to be very crucial in terms of having a

glimpse at the dairy coop movement. Amul

co-operative, the Kaira District Co-op.,

Milk Producers Union Ltd. started in 1946

began with just two village Dairy Co-

operative Societies (DCS) and 247 litres of

milk and is today better known as Amul

Dairy. In 1949 the milk was locally sold. Amul grew from strength to strength; thanks to

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the inspired leadership of Tribhuvandas Patel, the founder Chairman and the committed

professionalism of Dr. Verghese Kurien, who was entrusted with the task of running the

dairy from 1950. In 1952 Amul received a contract for selling its milk in Bombay which

was a large, captive market.

The Amul Model of dairy development is a three-tiered structure with the dairy

cooperative societies at the village level federated under a milk union at the district level

and a federation of member unions at the state level. The Amul model has helped India to

emerge as the largest milk

producer in the world. More

than 15 million milk

producers pour their milk in

1,44,500 dairy cooperative

societies across the country.

Their milk is processed in 184

District Co-operative Unions

and marketed by 22 State

Marketing Federations,

ensuring a better life for

millions. From this visit

participants gained knowledge on Institutional Development of Amul pattern of

Cooperatives and understood approaches to establish and develop capacity of small dairy

enterprise.

Visit to Village Milk Collection Society – Sandeshar

Sandeshar Dairy Cooperative

Society (DCS) was started in

1952. During the visit the

participants observed the

practices followed in milk

collection, quality testing,

bulk cooling and local milk

sales. Chairman of this society

briefed about the struggle

they made to reach this

position. A member can get a

share in DCS only when

he/she maintains selling of

milk for 180 days or 750 lts

annual milk. The payment for milk will be credited directly to bank account of the

member.

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July 17, 2015 (Friday)

Visit to Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) To know more about the org. please visit: http://www.amul.com/m/organisation

The staff of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) extended a warm

welcome to the participants and made a presentation on its activities after the routine

registration process. GCMMF, the Apex organisation of the Dairy Cooperatives of Gujarat,

is India's largest food product marketing organisation with annual turnover (2014-

15) US$ 3.4 billion. Its daily milk procurement is approx 14.85 million lit per day from

18,536 village milk cooperative societies, 17 member unions covering 31 districts, and

3.37 million milk producer members. It aims to provide remunerative returns to the

farmers and also serve the interest of consumers by providing quality products which are

good value for money. Its success has not only been emulated in India but serves as a

model for rest of the World. It is exclusive marketing organisation

of 'Amul' and 'Sagar' branded products. It operates through 56 Sales Offices and has a

dealer network of 10000 dealers and 10 lakh retailers, one of the largest such networks

in India. For its consistent adherence to quality, customer focus and dependability,

GCMMF received numerous awards and accolades over the years.

The Amul brand is not only a product, but also a movement. It is in one way,

the representation of the economic freedom of farmers. It has given farmers the courage

to dream. To hope. To live.

Visit to Animal Farm – Jharola Village

The team was welcomed by Mr. Jayesh Patel and

he explained about animal rearing practices,

feeding, hygiene, sanitation etc. practiced in

Jayesh Patel Dairy Farm. His farm limits to 10

high yielding cows (plus 20 heifers and calves at

one time). There is an in-house organisation and

control for cow yield and breed and maintains

breeding calendar. They keep the animals till 3-

4 lactations (peak yield) and sell them at a high

price (Rs.1 lakh) – earn more profit from this.

They allotted 3-4 acres of land to grow fodder grass (Napier). They make their own green

feed at lower cost through Hydroponic maize leaf protein and Silage, hence cattle needs

less mineral & vitamin than dry fodder. They sell urine @ Rs. 4/litre and also gobar.

They constantly innovate and make everything at home to reduce the cost - they made

dryer from pineapple juice crusher, chaff cutter attached with atta grinder, home-made

hydroponic shed and tray, home-made silage, scooter converted to use for running

milking machine and for running gobar-dryer. From gobar drier output – the water used

for drip irrigation, making fertiliser, dry gobar planting pots, etc. This farm is also

planning to acquire computer software to monitor various parameters of the cattle.

Display of time table for cow breeding

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Dairy farm Investments (Approximate amount)

• Cow Shed (open-feeding) Rs. 5 lakh

• Milking Machine Rs. 1 lakh

• Gobar Dryer Rs. 1 lakh

• Chaff cutter Rs. 25000

• Gobar biogas Plant with Subsidy Rs. 15000

• Home-made hydroponic Shed and Trays Rs. 10000

• Low-cost Silage Rs. 2000

• Electricity Bill Rs. 2000 pm

• Labour work shared only by family members.

Visit to Village Milk Collection Society – Jharola

Participants had interactions with women dairy

farmers; and members of Jharola Dairy

Cooperative Society (DCS), having 350 active

members and 11 board members. The total

collection of milk is 3,500 liters per day (lpd) in

summer and 4500 – 5000 (lpd) in winter. As the

members need daily cash, payment for milk is

encashed by member at DCS on the next morning.

The participants had the opportunity to see the

milk procurement from one of members, issuing

of the receipt for the milk procured, bulk cooling of milk etc.

July 18, 2015 (Saturday)

Visit to Dairy Farm, Chikhodara

To have an exposure on animal and

farm management practices

participants visited dairy farm

managed by Mr. Patel in Chikodara

village. The farm houses 150 cows/

buffalo which were on stall-feeding.

They have potato feed with potato and

peels from chips factory. All dung was

sold @ Rs. 4.50 /kg to large bio-gas

plants that sell gas to households with

metered connection.

The dairy has a 3000 litre capacity

bulk cooler to store the milk. Amul

tanker comes directly to farm for milk collection and provides this facility to many big

dairy farmers. The dairy farm employed a full time farm manager (local person) for a

salary of Rs. 8000/- pm, 14 full time male farm workers (from Bihar) @ Rs. 6000-8000

per worker per month with housing quarters on the farm. Electricity bill of ‘tabela’ (Dairy

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Farm) is around Rs. 20000 pm. Prosperous Patel family earlier had more than 400 dairy

animals but cut down after one brother migrated to USA. Another brother who looks after

big 30-40 ha agri-farm, also has cattle feed dealership.

Visit to Animal Hostel, Akodara

Participants were enthusiastic to visit the new model –

Animal Hostel, the concept of which was conceived by the

then Hon. Chief Minister of the State Shri Narendra Modi. The

said hostel, with all necessary infrastructure facilities, is a

place where the cattle of the village are kept and maintained

together. It was set up in 2010-11 as a demonstration model

under Public Private Partnership (PPP) with 90% and 10%

cost being borne by Government and Community

respectively. This was built on 15 acres village gauchar land

where Government invested about Rs.5 crore in land

development, infrastructure, electricity and water lines,

fodder storage, AI

& Veterinary

centre, etc. This village has 210 families and

200 signed up to register; three-fourths of

them got the shed space @ Rs. 3600 lifetime

charge, plus Rs. 25 lakh which they got from

private NRI donor.

The objectives of this model are:

• model becomes self-sufficient and scalable

• Pro-Poor and Pro-Women model for economic and social justice

• multiple returns - direct economic returns, improvement in social conditions, better environment management when compared to original situation of household dairy farming.

Technical Features:

• Cattle Strength 900-1000

• Cattle shed (2) 22+14=36

• Elevated Water Storage Tank 1,0,00,000 Litres

• Underground sump 80,000 Litres

• Bio gas plants 3*85 cu.m.

• Fodder cultivation plot 50 ha and 3000 tonne/yr. fodder production

• Vermicompost Production 1000 tonne/yr.

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The Village Panchayat + DCS manage and make operating decisions. Each member, who

has shed space, keeps 5-10 cows here. The family members come to the hostel every day

to feed, milk, clean animals and the space allocated in the shed. They buy fodder from the

farm as per their need. AI & Veterinary service are available from Govt. dept. The common

electricity and water bill is shared among the

farmers utilizing the hostel which comes to Rs.

200 pa/ khunta (animal).

Though the Milk collection centre was opened

here, it was later shut down due to some

management issues. Currently, the members

supply milk to village DCS. There are three

community gobar gas and vermicompost plants which are not in operation at the

moment. The members of this village are happy with animal hostel since it is clean,

convenient with all cattle management facilities readily available. Further, they feel that

their own homes are cleaner after moving animals to the hostel.

Visit to Village Milk Collection Society, Akodara

In addition to the visit to Animal Hostel at Akodara, the participants visited “Milk

Collection Society”, and observed the process of milk collection, quality-check,

measurement and payments.

• They use electronic sensor to identify the member at the time of collecting the milk at the DCS;

• The DCS got the bulk cooler and it transports milk with the help of trailer attached to motorbike to the said cooler;

• DCS Akodara got selected for pilot digital village by ICICI. The milk payment is directly made to the individual accounts of members with ICICI Bank which has also opened its ATM outlet for the convenience of the members.

On the last day of the program i.e., July 20th 2015 (Monday), the participants were divided

into three sub-groups to discuss about what they saw and learnt during the visits. The

exercise helped them to consolidate their learnings and prepare an ‘Action Plan’ to be

followed at their respective places in Meghalaya. The process, when backed by the Govt.,

bodies, is believed to strengthen the hands of small-scale dairy enterprises in Meghalaya

and contribute in turn to the growth of dairy sector in the State.

The outcome of this exercise is as follows:

Learnings

The learning made by the participants was under two broad areas viz., Institutional

Development & Practices (IDP) and Dairying Management & Practices (DMP). IDP enabled

them to learn functioning and practices of dairy coops whereas, DMP helped them to

understand various concepts under animal management, handling of milk etc.

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Institutional Development & Practices (IDP)

• Evolution and operations of Amul DCS and activities of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)

• Functioning of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS)

• Concept of animal hostel - collective animal rearing and its cost/benefit;

Dairying Management & Practices (DMP)

• Selection of breed, insurance;

• Animal rearing practices: Open rearing, feeding, hygiene, sanitation etc.,

• Feed and Fodder management

• Animal housing, health care and pregnant animal management;

• Clean milk production, process of milk collection, quality-check, quantity measurement, bulk milk coolers and payment;

• Value addition of milk by preparing various by-products;

Most important differences noticed

Institutional Development & Practices

• Dairy cooperatives in Gujarat are in advanced stage of institutional development and dairy practices evolved over 60 years;

• Led and driven for many years by a visionary and socially committed duo (farmer-leader Tribhuvandas Patel and Technocrat-CEO Dr. Kurien), partners of MIE are not completely aware of cooperative bye-laws;

• No., of people particularly women engaged in dairy activity is more in Gujarat;

• DCS pays milk price based on fat percentage, payment is made within 10 days;

• Meghalaya Dairy farmers get much higher price for milk than what farmers get in Gujarat;

Dairy Management & Practices

• Rearing of high quality breeds like Holstein Friesian (HF)

• Cutting of green fodder with the help of chaff cutter

• Usage of milking machines, Wi-Fi and digital machines, bulk milk coolers and scientific system of rearing animals

• Direct collection of milk by a tanker if the farmer’s milk produce is in large quantity (1000 liters and more)

• Mobile veterinary facilities at the farmer’s door-step

• Preparing silage and hydroponic fodder

• Usage of cow dung and urine producing gobar gas for cooking and generating electricity, fertiliser etc.

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• Most Dairy Farmers’ family were quite well-off and having capacity for high investment (their families also have farming, business enterprise as well as family members with jobs and also NRIs)

Action Plan

Institutional Development & Practices

• As partners, not aware of DCS byelaws, will go back and work to create awareness for all members (consult Gujarat Coop byelaws) to form/open more number of dairy cooperative societies in village and Union of DCS in Meghalaya;

• Active involvement of women in dairy farming and avoid govt. interference in management;

• Loans to individual farmers from Bank/ Grant/ Subsidy;

• Conduct awareness programs to the partners for hygienic and scientific rearing of animals;

• Milk price to be based on fat percentage and payments to be made within 10 days;

• See that services like doctor, medicines, mobile van for veterinary services are provided to partners;

• Think of alternative ways for providing services/products to farmers such as using services of private enterprise, Cooperatives through PPP mode instead of depending only on Government;

• Gain benefits from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Dairy Plan;

• Establish animal hostel for landless who want to do dairy farming after examining the cost-benefit in Meghalaya context.

Dairy Management & Practices

• To replicate modern techniques practiced in Gujarat in the context of Meghalaya;

• Switch over to innovative and scientific system of feeding and rearing cattle;

• Insure the animals and use biometric identification of animals to keep proper pedigree records;

• Explore the possibility of introducing hydroponic fodder and silage for storing green fodder;

• Open-rearing of cattle;

• Examine as to how cattle dung and urine can be put to variety of uses as seen in Gujarat;

• Going for value added products of milk; and

• Use local resources/materials and strengths – e.g.,: tapioca for cow-feed.

Conclusions

Overall the program went off well (enclosed the course evaluation – Participants’

feedback as an Annexure 2). This included good work done both in the classroom and field

coupled with good entertainment and sight-seeing.

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People, their beliefs and practices and the environmental conditions of Gujarat differ

from those of Meghalaya. Lots of lessons can be picked up from the visits which were

highlighted below:

� Milk revolution: Population density and also the number of cattle are higher in

Gujarat which may be one of the important reasons for it becoming the centre of

milk revolution.

� Cooperatives: The co-operative movement among the small holders in Gujarat may

be the essential element behind their success and strength.

� Cooperative bye-laws: Meghalaya partners, who evince interest in educating more

members on cooperative bye-laws as being done in Gujarat, may contribute to the

success of dairy coops in Meghalaya.

� Women involvement: encouraging women to take the lead role in dairy coops may

enhance the household income and empower them to contribute to the growth of

dairy sector in Meghalaya.

� Animal feed: Making use of the support offered by GCMMF in sorting out the feed

problem of dairy animals in Meghalaya may help the Meghalaya partners to

procure Amul dairy feed from them.

� Health care: Introducing mobile veterinary clinics to take care of animals’ health

may be one of the initiatives to be thought of by the MIE/GoM.

� Milk production: Buffalo-rearing in Gujarat (known for high fat and SNF content in

the milk), contrary to cow-rearing in Meghalaya, may be one of the reasons for the

farmers in Gujarat fetching more price.

� Animal Hostel: A novel initiative for a sustainable animal management can be a

good model and worth emulating too to help the small milk producers in

Meghalaya.

Way Forward

• Amul has a milk processing capacity of 237 lakh litres per day which is the

culmination of a visionary leadership, producer-friendly policies, support systems

institutionalized etc., over seven decades.

• Though Amul, a model of great magnitude at the moment, inspires any visiting

team to a very great extent, MIE partners can look at other simpler model of dairy

cooperative like Mulukanoor with milk processing capacity of 75,000 liters per

day by women member cooperative (details of Mulukanoor Women's Cooperative

Dairy - Swakrushi enclosed as Annexure 5).

• Therefore, planning a visit to Mulukanoor Women's Cooperative Dairy will

encourage the partners to learn many things on the functional aspects of small

scale dairy coops which may be of great relevance in the context of Meghalaya.

* * *

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Annexure 1: Program Schedule

Time slot (h) Focus Area/s

Day 1: July 16, 2015 (Thursday)– Anand

0930 – 1030 Registration and inauguration of the program

1030 – 1100 Introduction and program overview

1100 – 1300 Visit to Sardar Patel Memorial

1300 – 1400 Lunch

1430 –1730

Visit to Amul Dairy

(i) Orientation on Amul and its operations; (ii) Observing process and procedures at the unit; (iii) learn the governance, organizational structure (iv) Interactions with management and staff

1600 –1800 Visit to Village Milk Collection Society - Sandeshar

Observing the process of milk collection, quality check measurement and payment. Meeting with Chairman of the Society.

Day 2: July 17, 2015 (Friday)

1030-1230

Visit to Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)

(i) Orientation on GCMMF; (ii) Milk marketing; (iii) Interaction with GCMMF officials

1300 – 1400 Lunch

1500-1800 Visit to Animal Farm, Jharola Village

Animal rearing practices, feeding, hygiene, sanitation etc.

1800-1900 Visit to Village Milk Collection Society-Jharola

Interaction with women dairy farmers; and members of cooperative

Day 2: July 18, 2015 (Saturday) – Ramzan

0900-1200

Visit to Dairy Farm, Chikhodra

Observations on animal feeding, hygiene, sanitation, feeds and interaction with dairy farmer

1200 – 1300 Lunch

1300-1730 Visit to Animal Hostel, Akodara

Concept of collective animal rearing, cost reduction and benefits

1800-1900

Visit to Village Milk Collection Society, Akodra Observing the process of milk collection, quality check, measurement and payments.

Day 4 : July 19, 2015 (Sunday)

0900-1700 Visit to Ahmedabad (full day)

Visit to Sabarmati Ashram and local sight seeing

Day 5: July 20, 2015 (Monday)

0930-1230 Feedback and Evaluation

1230 –1330 Lunch

1330 onwards Free Time

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Annexure 2: Course Evaluation - Participant’s Feedback

A. Course Objectives

A1. The broad objective is to appreciate the best practices in dairying particularly the benefits of cooperative movement.

To what extent did the course achieve its broad objectives? Please check and explain briefly.

Broad

Objective

Completely

Successful

Generally

Successful

Limited

Success

No Answer

A1 Comment

[ 72%]

[14% ]

[ - ]

[14% ]

A2. The specific objectives are to:

1. interact with the stakeholders of Amul, GCMMF and Milk Producer Co-operatives and understand their experiences in building the successful cooperatives;

2. comprehend the operational aspects such as small producers and collectives;

3. understand approaches to establish and enhance the capacity of a small scale dairy; and

4. consolidate the learning to formulate the framework of an action plan.

Specific

Objective

Completely

Successful Generally

Successful

Limited

Success No Answer

1 82% - - 18%

2 54% 24% 4% 18%

3 35% 19% 27% 19%

4 58% 17% 4% 21%

• Exposed to – (1) milk pricing based on fat percentage, (2) important steps to be taken for clean milk production, use of bulk milk chilling centres to prevent spoilage;

• Learnt many things, working of a milking machine, how farmers (men, women, children and youth) work very hard and provide milk to world’s largest milk producers in Gujarat.

• In Gujarat cooperative movement had developed in all aspects and completely successful and witnessed their achievement in the form of Amul.

• Feed problem of dairy animals was partially solved after the interaction with the GCMMF, helped the partners to procure Amul dairy feed, which can be delivered to them through the shillong Amul depot

• Had a great time to interact with Amul, GCMMF and milk producer cooperatives as they provided more info on working process of milk and its by-products

• Small producers had achieved success through – feeding habits, milking machines, collection of milk and testing, bulk cooling machines etc.,

• With the unity, honesty and vision of the farmers they were able to produce more milk

and also enhance their earnings to improve their socio-economic status.

17

B. Program Content

What are the most important experiences/learnings that you have gained from this visit

and why are these important to you? Please state reasons for each experience/learning

that you list.

Most important experiences/

learning gained Reasons why important

Cooperative movement in dairy sector

Easy marketing of milk, non-involvement of middlemen - benefits directly goes to the farmers and the consumer

Active involvement of women in dairy farming

Empower women and their involvement helps them to financially support their family

Clean house It will make the cattle free from dirt and germs and prevent from diseases and keep them healthy

Cutting of green fodder with the help of chaff cutter

Reduce the wastage and helps the animals in easy digestion

Milk pricing based on fat content

Qualitative milk supply to consumers; came to know about SNF, which most of the farmers in Shillong are not aware of;

Animal Hostel Farmers who don’t have land to keep the cattle will have a chance to practice dairying for their living;

Using milking machine Makes work faster and easier

Importance of bulk milk coolers Prevent spoilage of milk

Uses of manure For making biogas, flower pots and incense sticks

Less classroom sessions and more field visits

Farmers can have more interaction with practitioners

By-product preparation Good initiative and the partners can practise these to add value to the milk and increase its shelf-life.

Medicine Farmers get medicines such as calcium, minerals and others from the society

Wi-Fi and digital machines Using fully computerized machines for cleaning, weighing, conducting milk analysis etc.,

C. Encircle the number corresponding to your rating (10 is the highest score)

(All the ratings are on a scale of 1 to 10 and 10 is the highest scoring)

Field Visits (FV) How did you like the visit? (Scale of 1 to 10)

FV 1: Amul Dairy 89% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 2: Village Milk Collection Society – Sandeshar

93% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 3: Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)

100% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 4: Animal Farm, Jharola Village 89% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 5: Milk Collection Society-Jharola 96% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 6: Dairy Farm, Chikhodara 100% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 7: Animal Hostel, Akodra 86% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

FV 8: Village Milk Collection Society, Akodra

96% of the participants rated on a scale of 7 to 10.

18

D. Facilities

Facilities Excellent Very Good Good Moderate Comments

Place of stay 75% 21% 4% - Quite expensive and next batches could be arranged in NDDB

Food etc., 46% 43% 11% -

Everything is beyond our expectation and thank you for being kind and taking care of us

Travel / transport

32% 36% 29% 3% -

Facilitator 42% 29% 29% - Well experienced

Transportation service

52% 18% 30% - Good transportation services

E. Additional over-all comments (This feedback will help us to make future course

offerings better)

• Very well organized • Very good experience for us • Visited the most beautiful sight of Sabarmati Ashram.

19

Annexure 3: Consolidation of one line feedback

In addition to the detailed evaluation report that has been consolidated and discussed

above, the participants were asked for a one-line feedback. Here is a gist of what

participants had to say. We have only picked up some of the more than 31 responses to

make it crisp. Feedback has been edited for the sake of brevity and clarity.

Here are some excerpts:

“Many new ideas…. As a farmer being here

is a blessing for us.”

Ms. Rihunlomg Ryntathiang

Member – Umlyngka Milk Primary

Society

“I could recognize that development of dairy

sector is very essential and beneficial to our

society.”

Ms. Erricca Majaw

Member – Nongkseh Milk Producer

Co-operative Society Limited

“Wonderful learning on unity and

cooperation among the members.”

Ms. Darisha Kharbhoi

Member – Umlyngka Milk

Co-operative Society

“Learnt a lot about marketing of milk.”

Ms. Banrilin Rani

Member – Umjajew Milk Producer

Co-operative Society

“I learnt many a things from this visit and

gained good experience in rearing cows.”

Mr. Antonios Lyngdoh

Member – Iatyllilang Milk

Co-operative Society

“We shall carry the learning made from this

unique program to Meghalaya and use this

experience to make our State a developed

one.”

Mr. Reading Lyngdoh

Member – Umlyngka Milk Primary Society

“I would like to recommend this program

to others also as it has been a great

learning here.”

Mr. Philinstar Kharkylliang

Member – Umlyngka Milk Co-operative Society

“Co-operative is the most interesting idea

that can give us better living.”

Mr. Isorius Nongbsap

Member – Umlyngka Milk Primary Society

20

Annexure 4: List of participants

MIE Partners

S.No. Name of the Participant Village Block Organization

1 Mr. Philinstar Kharkylliang Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS

2 Mr. Charles Langstieh Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS

3 Mr. Isorius Nongbsap Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS

4 Mr. Chedrak Kharbteng Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS

5 Mr. Karlson Lyngdoh Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS 6 Mr. Reading Lyngdoh Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS 7 Mr. Pynshngainlang M Umlong Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS 8 Ms. Darisha Kharbhoi Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS 9 Mr. Pynbeitlang Kharbuki Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS

10 Ms. Rihunlang Ryntathiang Umlyngka Mylliem Uml MPCS 11 Mr. Eljohnson Dkhar Mawklot Mylliem MMPCS

12 Mr. Wonderland Dkhar Mawklot Mylliem MMPCS

13 Mr. Paiabaskhem Nongbsap Umjajew Mylliem Umj MPCS

14 Ms. Banrilin Rani Umjajew Mylliem Umj MPCS 15 Ms. Kyntiewlin Marwein Umjajew Mylliem Umj MPCS 16 Ms. Erricca Majaw Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS

17 Mr. Aiborlang Mylliem Umlong Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS 18 Mr. Ronningstar

Marbaniang Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS

19 Mr. Deepak Kumar Ray Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS 20 Mr. Bisharlang Majaw Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS 21 Mr. Rakesh Kumar Ray Nongkseh Mylliem NMPCS 22 Mr. Hamilton Thawmuit Iatyllilang Mylliem IMPCS

23 Mr. Wallambiang Wanshnong Iatyllilang Mylliem IMPCS 24 Mr. Brak Kharlukhi Iatyllilang Mylliem IMPCS 25 Mr. Antonios Lyngdoh Iatyllilang Mylliem IMPCS

MIE and Government Officials

S.No. Name of the Participant Designation Organization Contact No.

1 Ms. Iora Dkhar Officer on Spl. Duty MIE 9436107848

2 Dr. Blentino Lyngdoh Livestock Consultant

MIE 9436703893

3 Dr. Hari Prasana Paul Livestock Consultant

MIE 8254906960

4 Shri. Kenningstar Nongrum Asst. Manager (Admin)

MIE 8413005979

5 Dr. Dawanki Lywait Senior A.H & Veterinary Officer

Regional Crossbreed Cattle Breeding Project, Kyrdemkulai

9774176062

6 Dr. Chiranjit Bhuyan Senior A.H & Veterinary Officer

District Cattle Breeding Farm, Rongkhon

9707013688

Note: Uml MPCS: Umlyngka Milk Producer Cooperative Society

MMPCS : Mawkoit Milk Producer Cooperative Society

Umj MPCS: Umjajew Milk Producer Cooperative Society

IMPCS : Iatyllilang Milk Producer Cooperative Society

NMPCS : Nongkseh Milk Producer Cooperative Society

21

Annexure 5: Mulukanoor Women's Cooperative Dairy -

Swakrushi

Mulukanoor Women's Cooperative Dairy, located in Bheemadevarapalli Village & Mandal,

Karimnagar District of Telangana State, started milk procurement on 17th August 2002.

However, the process began during 1997 itself. The women's thrift cooperatives of this

area have caught with huge idle cash because of lean demand from the members. The idle

funds have become Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), generating no income, which became

a cause of concern. So, Women thrift cooperative members had series of brain storming

sessions on new investment avenues which would benefit majority of members. Thus

emerged the idea of establishing cooperative dairy as we have realized most of the

women members had milch cattle and were already selling milk at less remunerative

price. In year 1998-99 based on the suggestion given by the members for establishing

dairy for alternative supplementary income, Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF)

has conducted a series of feasibility surveys in the villages and nearby cities with the

technical help of National Dairy Development Board. The studies revealed that there are

72 villages around Mulukanoor with at least 14000 litres per day marketable surplus. The

demand in Warangal city was about 30000 litres per day. About 60-70% of the total

demand in Warangal City was being catered to by unorganized milk vendors. Thus, a

dairy union with a capacity of 25 Thousand Litre per Day (TLPD) is expandable to 75

TLPD.

They have approached, Mulukanoor Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (a leading

agriculture cooperative in India, promoted in 1956) has accepted to support the

promotion of our dairy plant. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has also

agreed to extend their technical support. The Mulukanoor Cooperative Rural Bank

(MCRB) has taken the responsibility of supervising the construction of the building and

installation of machinery of the plant. Thus our Mulukanoor Women's Dairy was

established and their dreams became a reality in 2002. The plant was expanded to 75

TLPD in the year 2013.

For more details visit: http://www.mulukanoordairy.com/aboutus.htm

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