In a move to help its farmers and deliver on his poll promise, the Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday signed an agreement with dairy cooperative Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) that owns the Amul brand, for developing the dairy sector in the state.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy said the MoU with GCMMF will help the dairy farmers by bringing in better marketing facilities and modern technology. This decision was taken after months of extensive discussions. The CM had also interacted with Amul MD R.S. Sodhi via video-conferencing. Reddy said, “This partnership will bring plenty of opportunities for women in the field of dairy farming, dairy management and co-operative societies. We have been working towards women empowerment, with schemes like YS R Cheyutha and YSR Aasara by spending Rs 11,000 crore which will benefit at least 25 lakh women under YSR Aasara while around 90 lakh women will be benefited from YSR Cheyutha.”
Even though Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest milk producing state, only 24% revenue goes to the organised sector. The partnership with Amul will help farmers to get good prices and a large number of women groups. Sodhi also said that the state has been producing 4 crore litres of milk per day. The MoU will further its cause, he said, adding that the pact will be mutually beneficial.