Govt to Provide Compensation to Dairy Farmers Losing Cows: Minister

THRISSUR:
The Kerala government is into the final phase of a draft proposal that guarantees compensation to all farmers who lose their cows for whatever reason, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani said today.

Such a proposal will also benefit even those who have not insured their milch cattle, she disclosed after handing over two cows to farmer Ravi K.C., whose six cows died in a freak tragedy last month.

“All the same, I call upon each farmer to take insurance coverage for their cows,” the minister noted at the function, presided over by Xavier Chittilappilly, MLA, as part of an initiative by Kerala Feeds Limited (KFL), a state government undertaking.

KFL organized the event at the farmer’s house near Mulangunnathukavu as part of its ‘Donate a Cow’ programme, reflecting the company’s social commitment to farmers by supporting them in times of distress.

Ravi, who lives in Velappaya, had lost six of his cows on January 20 after they happened to eat poisonous grass. The 68-year-old farmer is a dealer with KFL and a member of the milk cooperative at Velappaya, 10 km north of the city.

The minister said the department would add 68 more veterinary ambulances for the benefit of dairy farmers. “Already 29 such vehicles are functional,” she revealed, noting that the mission was to have one veterinary ambulance in each of the 152 block panchayats of the state.

Dairy farmers are already being provided interest-free loans and emergency cattle feed, besides annual subsidies worth Rs 22 crore earmarked in the budget, Chinchurani said, ahead of handing over two animal passports to the farmer Ravi.

The 1995-founded KFL, which is headquartered at Kallettumkara near Irinjalakuda, bought the two cows for Ravi from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, in the district.

Legislator Chittilappilly hailed KFL and the minister for their timely intervention that helped the farmer come out of his grave crisis.

KFL Chairman K. Sreekumar, welcoming the gathering, listed the schemes the PSU has been carrying out for the benefit of the dairy farmers. KFL Deputy Manager (Marketing) Francis P.P. proposed thanks.

Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Director (Farming) Shyam Mohan K.M. said the couple of donated cows were two years old and had the capacity to give 15-20 litres of milk a day.

Senior government officials and civic body representatives at the event included Puzhakkal Block Panchayat President Leela Ramakrishnan, Avanur Village Panchayat President Thankamani Sankunni, Standing Committee (Health and Education) Chairman Thomas Thalakkodan, District Panchayat member Lini Shaji, Block Panchayat member P.V. Biju, District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. Ajith Babu, District Dairy Development Department Deputy Director Veena N, and Milk Cooperative Society President K.R. Suresh.