DKMUL Aims to Increase Milk Procurement Amid Ongoing Shortfall

In response to a significant supply shortfall, the Dakshina Kannada Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited (DKMUL) has announced plans to increase its daily milk procurement target to 4.5 lakh litres by the end of 2025. Currently, DKMUL procures 4.3 lakh litres daily, falling short of the market demand of 5.2 lakh litres. This gap has led DKMUL to source milk from neighboring unions in Hassan and Shivamogga.

Earlier this year, local milk production had dropped to 3.2 lakh litres due to challenges such as unfavorable milk pricing, the impact of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and fodder shortages. In response, DKMUL Managing Director Vivek D has implemented several initiatives to stabilize supply and support local farmers.

These initiatives include providing silage at subsidized rates and financial aid of ₹12,000 for high-yield Erode Cows, resulting in the addition of 500 new cows to the district. Additionally, DKMUL has increased the milk procurement price to improve profitability for farmers.

Further efforts include an outreach campaign to encourage farmers who had reduced herd sizes to increase production. DKMUL anticipates increasing procurement to 4.7 lakh litres by June 2026, indicating a strategic approach towards self-sufficiency.

Looking ahead, DKMUL plans to expand infrastructure with new facilities like an ice cream factory and a mega dairy in the Dakshina Kannada region. However, they face challenges such as a lack of interest among young people in the dairy industry, which could impact future growth.