In order to secure animal feed supplies for the milk producers, Anand-based Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd or Amul Dairy is setting up a cattle feed factory with capacity to manufacture 1,000 tonnes a day.
Amul Dairy has invested Rs 100-150 crore towards setting up the new plant near Kapadvanj in Kaira district in Gujarat.
The plant is likely to be commissioned in a year’s time.
With the new plant, Amul is set to become Asia’s largest cattle feed manufacturer with a total capacity of over 2,000 tpd.
The dairy has an existing cattle feed making plant with capacity of 1,100 tpd near Anand at Kanajri.
“The work has already begun to set up the new plant. The machinery is of a German make and has been brought from Denmark.
It has ultra modern technology including robotic processing techniques,” said Ramsinh Parmar, Chairman, Amul Dairy.
“Initially we will manufacture around 700 tonnesof cattlefeed. Going forward, the production would be increased,” said Parmar. Amul Dairy makes range of dairy products, including cheese, paneer and chocolates, besides others at its plants at different locations in and outside Gujarat.
The dairy, which procures 19 lakh litres of milk daily, is set to achieve a record Rs 3,100 crore-3,200 crore turnover during the current fiscal.
Currently, the dairy manufactures Amuldan (Bypass Protein Feed), Calf Starter, Milk Replaced, Mineral Mixer, Medicated Feed, Urea Mineral Molasses Block.
According to dairy officials, cattle feed constitutes around 70-75 per cent of the total milk cost. Hence, a larger capacity would mean lower cost and secured supply with consistent quality for the milk producers.
rutam.vora@thehindu.co.in