Jammu: Minister for Cooperatives J&K Chering Dorjay Saturday visited Jammu Milk Plant at Satwari and took stock of its functioning.
He also inspected the Laboratory and directed the concerned to keep it clean to maintain quality of milk products.
During his visit, the Minister was informed that Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL) with proactive support of Amul has membership base of over 10000 milk producers with linkages to 400 Village Dairy Cooperative Societies.
It was also informed that that during last 11 years of its operation, turnover of JKMPCL has grown at an impressive CAGR OF 12%. In last financial year 2014-16, the organization achieved turnover of Rs. 21.19 crores out of which around 80% was contributed by pouch milk and remaining by value added products like curd 15% and Ghee. As per approved project JKMPCL has installed 14 Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) in Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla, Jammu, Samba and Kathua, thereby creating total chilling capacity of 33 TLPD, the Minister was informed.
It was given out that over 30,000 liter of milk per day was being processed at the Plant daily and marketed in Jammu under Brand “Snowcap”. It was also informed that the Organization is purchasing Milk from the farmers at good rates as per the quality.
Interacting with the Management of JKMPCL, the Minister emphasized the need for improving and strengthening the village level infrastructure so that dairy production is pursued as a gainful commercial activity. He also stressed for developing cordial working relationship between the JKMPCL and the Village Level Cooperatives for deep penetration of benefits.
Chering Dorjay also called for massive advertising of “Snowcap” brand through print and electronic media. He also stressed upon the concerned for organizing awareness camps and workshops so that the general masses are aware about the quality and benefits of Brand.
After his visit at Milk Plant Satwari, the Minister chaired a meeting at JAKFED along with Munish Sharma Vice Chairman JAKFED. Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Commissioner Secretary to Government cooperatives, Peerzada Hafiz-Ulla, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K Srinagar and other Senior Officers of JAKFED and Cooperative Department also participated in the meeting.
While addressing the house, Munish Sharma said JAKFED use to procure Key Construction Material like, Bitumen, Tor steel, cement etc. for onward supplies to various Govt. Departments like PWD, Rural Development etc.
The material is procured on the basis of rates approved by the authorities after floating e-tender. It is supplied to Indenting Departments after adding JAKFED service charges as profit for the Institution. The total profit earned by JAKFED is Rs. 216.75 Lacs for financial year 2015-16 and Rs. 417.03 Lacs for financial year 2016-17. Presently JAKFED is running four LPG Agencies at Srinagar (IOC) Jammu, Katra allotted by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and R.S.Pura allotted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. The total profit earned through these Agencies for the financial year 2015-16 is Rs. 174.05 Lakh and for the year 2016-17 is Rs. 163.40 Lakh.
For the revival of JAKFED, the Minister underlined the need to arrange suitable amount to clear the liability of retirees and working capital amount for business expansion / diversification so that the income and expenditure should at least reach at breakeven point.
The Minister called for putting the present assets of JAKFED at Ashajipora Anantnag and land at Govindsar Kathua and other spots to best use.
