Milk Value Chain developed
GUWAHATI: The development of the Milk Value Chain is one of the key components of the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), a World Bank and Government of Assam financed project. The activities under the Milk Value Chain are initiated through WAMUL as the implementing agency for the formal milk sector. The value chain approach covers the productivity enhancement of dairy animals to provide the most crucial market linkage 24/7 and 365 days a year for dairy farmers.
Low productivity of animals was identified as one of the most crucial constraints for dairy development in the state and APART emphasized addressing this issue through its intervention. The Project has introduced professional Artificial Insemination (AI) service at the Farmer's doorstep to enhance the productivityin 13 milk potential districts of the state. So far, around 5.00 lakhs inseminations and 85000 nos of improved pedigree female calves have been born through this process subsequently increasing the total production of milk in Assam. Besides, feed and fodder advisories and demonstrations are also initiated, resulting in higher yield and better quality of milk and thereby reducing the unit cost of production for the farmers, as well. The practice of silage making as a Pilot project, under the milk value chain, hasbeen initiated in Morigaon and Nalbari districts, to help the farmers during the Monsoons/Floods, when there scarcity of feeds.
Under APART, WAMUL is setting up Bulk Milk Cooling (BMC) centres to reach the far-flung new and potential areas. In recent months, WAMUL has commissioned 3 BMC centres covering Dhing, Kaliabor and Goalparaand formed 53 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs)initially, benefitting around 650 farmers. At present, a total of 432 DCSs with an overall Bulk milk cooling capacity of 46000 litres per dayare associated with WAMUL through their Cooperatives, with the direct association of around 14000 dairy farmers, stated a press release.
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