GCMMF members to double capacity by 2020

The 13 member unions of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul brand of milk products, may double their manufacturing capacity by 2020.

The milk procurement is expected to be doubled to around 200 lakh litre per day by 2020.

For the year 2007-08, the total average milk procurement by member unions was 75.90 lakh kilograms per day, a growth of 12.90 percent over 67.25 lakh kilograms per day during 2006-07. The highest milk procurement was recorded during January 2008 at 98.81 lakh kilograms.

"The milk procurement is on the rise and the the demand for milk is also increasing by leaps and bounds. The milk procurement in Gujarat is expected to double by 2020. Presently, all member unions are actively mulling capacity expansions in consultation with GCMMF. Due to constant rise in milk procurement, the Banaskantha union is setting up a milk processing plant of 1 million litres per day, at the investment of Rs 120 crore. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be held on August 7," said Parthibhai Bhatol, chairman, GCMMF. Bhatol also heads the Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., shortly known as Banas dairy.

Confirming the development, BM Vyas, managing director, GCMMF said, "Increasing procurement of milk will lead the member dairies of GCMMF to double their processing and manufacturing capacity." Vyas however declined to comment on the proposed investment for the capacity expansion.

At the end of financial year 2007-08, the number of producer members stood at 27,16,378 as compared to 26,05,487 (in 2006-07). In 2007-08, the number of village societies grew to 13,141 from 12,792 in 2006-07.

“We are increasing our cheese and paneer manufacturing capacity, said Rahul Kumar, managing director, Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd.

"Given the constant rise in milk procurement, dairies have no option but increase milk processing and manufacturing capacity. Targeting the surplus milk procurement, we will enhance our capacity in pouched milk in future," said Ravindra Mathur, managing director, The Baroda District Milk Producers' Union Ltd., also known as Sugam dairy.