Thiruvananthapuram: All dairy farmers who provide milk through self-help groups (SHG) will now be considered for the Dairy Farmers Welfare Fund. Previously, only two and a half lakh dairy farmers who provide at least 500 liters of milk annually were part of the welfare fund.
The new provision came with the Kerala Dairy Farmers Welfare Amendment bill 2023, which is under consideration by the Assembly Subject Committee. With this, 3350 SHGs in the state with more than 8 lakh dairy farmers will be benefitted.
The bill contains several provisions that give discretionary powers to the Dairy Welfare board, which currently function with limited powers. At present, pension for dairy farmers is paid through the board.
Henceforth, insurance plans will also be offered to the beneficiaries. This insurance will cover dairy farmers as well as their family members. The board will also gain authority to disburse fodder and medicines for the cattle. Other assistance schemes may also be implemented.
The Amendments to the bill:
-16 member boards with three representatives nominated by the government from dairy cooperatives based on the Anand model.
-Welfare fund applications to be available online.
-If rejected, farmer needs to be informed within seven days If the farmer meets with an accident, milk need not be measured for five years.
-In such a case, pension will be given before the farmer attains 60 years of age.
-Registers are mandatory for SHGs Contribution from the farmers must be deposited to the welfare fund the same month.
-If not done, an interest of 12% on the amount will be collected from the SHG secretary.
-Board can implement projects with government’s approval through social responsibility initiatives of other institutions.
