National
Milk production expected to increase in 2006
India’s milk production for the financial year beginning April 2006 is
expected to increase from the current year's figures, thanks to the nearnormal
monsoon witnessed this year. According to a report released by
Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN), continuing expansion of
milk processing capacities in the private sector, the need to sustain fluid
milk supplies during the lean season and firm 2005 prices are expected
to lead to an increase in total milk powder production to 2.9 lakh tonnes
in 2006 (from 2.7 lakh tonnes in 2005). Statistically, the production of nonfat
dry milk (NFDM) is forecasted at 1.9 lakh tonnes in 2006, constituting 66
per cent of total milk powder production. Similarly, combined butter and
ghee production is predicted to rise from 2.85 million tonnes in 2005 to
3.20 million tonnes next year. Further, on the basis of the current competitive world prices for
milk powder, the industry expects the 2006 milk powder exports to increase to 20,000 tonnes in
2005. Butter exports (mostly branded and packaged) are expected to increase to 15,000 tonnes
due to an increasing demand for branded Indian dairy products and steady international prices.
Amul hints increased dairy
exports to China
China, the world's fastest growing import
market, despite the 20-25 per cent annual
growth in its liquid milk production,
requires significant imports to meet its
rising demand. According to Leatherhead
Food, China's production and sales of
yoghurt and fermented milk drinks have
been growing by over 40 per cent per
annum over the last two years, with the
market reaching 821,000 tonnes in 2004.
And in this scenario, India - the world's
largest milk producer - is eager to make
the most of this situation. Accordingly,
Amul, which has already made an entry
into key cities like Beijing and Shanghai
through supply of skimmed milk powder to
local dairies for conversion to ice-cream
and yoghurt, is hoping to double its
exports to China in the
next year. "We are
currently targeting
exports of Rs 15 crore to
China in the first quarter
of the year," said BM
Vyas, MD, Amul.
Currently, the company
has presence in 32
markets including West
Asian countries, US, Indonesia, Australia
and Japan and makes an annual sales of
US$ 672 million.
In addition to India, several other
countries such as New Zealand, US,
Australia, France and Canada are leading
suppliers of milk to China.
Fruitfil launches Ladakh
Berry
After the recent launch of its innovative,
all-season fruit drink TUK3, Delhi-based
FIL Industries has introduced yet another
product in the market. Ladakh Berry - a
premium Seabuckthorn beverage is
launched under Fruitfil, the umbrella
brand of the food and beverage division of
the company.
The Ladakh Berry is extracted from the
light yellow or orange Sea buckthorn berries
that grow wildly on the hillsides of Ladakh.
The fruit juice is developed in technical
collaboration with the Defence and
Research Development Organisation (FRL),
Leh. Seabuckthorn is the powerhouse
amongst fruits and vegetables containing
over 100 nutrients, eight vitamins, 24
minerals and 18 amino acids. The juice is
highly stress-resistant as it contains natural
vitamins C, E, A, beta-carotene and
flavanoids. Besides, it has no preservatives
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