Even as India is the largest producer of milk in the world, the diary industry is not considered as 'glamourous' and viewed as a 'subsidary activity' by the policy makers, says a book, 'Dairy India' authored by Mr Sharad Gupta.

''Besides being a source of liquidity and insurance against crop failure, milk is the only crop where the farmer realises 60-70 per cent of consumers price -- against 20 per cent or so in fruits and vegetables,'' added the book.

The book released by Ms Charusheela Sohoni, Secretary Animal Husbandary says that it is striking that there is no commodity future in milk powder or ghee even as their production is estimated at Rs 4,680 crore and Rs 770 crore, besides cheese valued at Rs 975 crore.

Of the total milk production, 77 per cent is being sold as liquid milk with balance 23 per cent converted into products.

However, organised industry handles only 18 per cent of milk, with 36 per cent bieng hanlded by private venders or unorganised players and 46 per cent is retained in rural areas. Within 18 per cent organised sector share, private and cooperative/government dairies hanlde equal around 8.5 MT each.

Source: NewKerala.com