On Tuesday, during an official visit by 10 prominent British parliamentarians initiated by department for international development (DFID), Srikumar Misra, MD & CEO, Milk Mantra, said, "We are honoured to have here with us the eminent parliamentarians from Britain. We take pride in the fact that our 'Ethical Milk Sourcing' programme has been implemented since day 1. Ethical Milk Sourcing module of our company has helped educating more than 5,000 milk suppliers on fair pricing policy and our company has worked with them to put in place a transparent system of maintaining their accounts, by weeding out middle men."
The key activities under 'Ethical Milk Sourcing' programme includes supplying premium quality cattle feed at lesser rate than retail price, organising ongoing health checkup camps for cattle, and tying up with banks and microfinance companies to assist farmers thereby creating a sustainable impact in the life of farmers.
He added, "Our company has the state-of-the-art milk processing line which is the only fully integrated Tetra Pak milk processing line in Eastern India. Milky Moo is the youngest and vibrant dairy food brand from the house of Milk Mantra, which offers homogenised milk and fresh paneer. With the best technology in place - we offer truly pure milk which one can have it straight without boiling."
Sailesh Kumar, state official, DFID, said, "Farmers make up one third of the world's population, 1.5 billion of which are 'small-holders' who grow most of their own food. Better facilities for farmers result in better nutrition, education and health amenities for their family, especially women and children. The UK aid is increasing its support to channelise funds where private sector agrees to partner DFID's mission to sustain innovative investments in field of agriculture."
The dairy sector offers the most lucrative alternative livelihood to the farmers and empowers women. Local milk suppliers and their communities are already at risk from existing middlemen and big players and lack of transparency in pricing. They need to be supportive and educative to adapt and build resilience to combat the current situation.
