Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today asked Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Ltd (COMFED) not to compromise with the quality of its products as Sudha has acquired a brand name that has earned credibility in Bihar as well outside.
COMFED sales its dairy products in the brand name of "Sudha".
"The credibility of brand name Sudha has reached to other states where its products are being sold...If you aspire to compete with 'Amul' (the other leading brand name), then you (COMFED) should not compromise with your quality at all," Kumar said.
"If there will be any minor lapse on your part, the credibility will be demolished in moments. You have to keep a close tab on maintaining the quality of products. Its my suggestion that you must maintain the credibility of COMFED which sells its products under brand Sudha," Kumar added.
Kumar was addressing a function organised to celebrate the 35th foundation day of COMFED in the state capital.
Stating that the state has witnessed five times increase in milk collection in past 12 years, Kumar said that the milk collection has increased to 20.85 lakh litres today from 4 lakh litres when he has taken over he has taken over the reins of the state.
There is a huge opportunity of milk consumption in the state as its per capita milk consumption is still lower than the national average, he said that there is a need to increase the milk production in the state and cooperative societies can be helpful in achieving the objective besides ensuring better price to milk producers.
The CM inaugurated six plants having a total investment of Rs 144.67 crore which includes one lakh litre dairy plant at Supaul, two milk powder plants of 30 metric tonnes per day capacity at Samastipur and Hajipur, two ice-cream plants of 20,000 litres each at Patna and Biharsharif and one new unit of cattlefeed plant of 300 metric tonne per day in Patna.
Kumar also launched tetra packed Kesar flavoured milk on the occasion.
The CM said that he has asked to form exclusive women's cooperative society to promote women in the field of dairy farming and "I am happy that the Secretary (Animal and Fish Resources Department) said that 2653 women cooperative societies have been formed in the state.
Kumar also announced a subsidy of Rs 2 per kg on Sudha dana (cattle feed) for the months of May to July for milk producers of cooperative societies. A total of Rs 16 crore would be borne by the state government on this, he added.
COMFED's milk powder would be distributed among the children of Anganwadi Kendras, Kumar said adding that it would help children in getting healthy and nutritious milk supplement besides Comfed getting an assured market for its product.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi stressed on the need for protection and development of indigenous breed of cow keeping in mind the weather conditions in the country and said that a centre is being set up at Dumrao (in Buxar district) with the Centre's help for the purpose.
Sushil Modi exhorted people to use 'Sudha' products especially the ice-cream during marriage ceremonies and other parties as doing so would help promote the brand.
Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Animal and Fish Resources Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, Cooperative Minister Rana Randhir, Animal and Fish Resources Department's Secretary N Vijaylakshmi and COMFED Managing Director Shikha Srivastava also spoke on the occasion.
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