Kerala milk production surges; subsidy schemes and survey announced

Kerala’s milk production has increased by 10 lakh litres, reflecting steady growth in the State’s dairy sector, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani said at the Kerala Dairy Expo.
| Photo Credit:
RAMESHKURUP S/THE HINDU

Kerala’s milk production has increased by 10 lakh litres compared to previous figures, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani said while inaugurating the Kerala Dairy Expo organised as part of the State Ksheera Sangamam — Padavu 2026.

Local supply boost

Domestic milk production is steadily rising, with many farmers now supplying milk locally before delivering the surplus to Milma, the Minister said. To address the lack of precise production data and to assess the actual growth in output, the Government has launched a survey to determine the volume of milk produced by every dairy farmer in the State.

She said special dairy production schemes had been introduced for workers in the plantation and fisheries sectors to help them overcome temporary employment crises. Under the State’s extreme poverty eradication project, a subsidy of up to ₹1 lakh has been sanctioned for each dairy unit.

Collaborative programme

The programme is being held in collaboration with Milma, Kerala Feeds, the Kerala Livestock Development Board, the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, the Animal Husbandry department, dairy cooperative societies, and the Kerala Dairy Farmers’ Welfare Fund Board.

South India’s largest Dairy Expo

South India’s largest dairy expo, featuring over 150 stalls, will be a major highlight. Around 100 stalls have been set up at the expo, showcasing innovative technologies and products in the dairy sector. Participants include various government departments, cattle feed and supplement manufacturers, veterinary medicine producers, and the Kerala Livestock Development Board.

Wide range of exhibitors

Dealers of dairy mechanisation machinery and milk processing equipment, as well as representatives of financial institutions such as SBI and Kerala Bank, and insurance providers, are also participating. Companies offering waste management solutions and Nithara, an artificial intelligence firm focused on the dairy industry, are among the exhibitors.

Farm to fork showcase

A major attraction is the Dairy Development department’s ‘Farm to Fork’ themed stall, which demonstrates the stages of milk collection, quality testing, processing, packaging and distribution through visual displays and models.

Published on January 19, 2026