Karnataka: Tetra packs may replace plastic milk packets

Bengaluru: In what appears to be a futuristic thought, the state government will slowly promote tetra packs as milk containers in place of the present plastic packed Nandini milk.

The KMF would be setting up tetra packing facility at its Chamarajnagar, Mysuru and Bengaluru units, each having a capacity of packing over one lakh litres per day. The government is planning to extend the infrastructure to the other 10 milk unions across the state at a cost of over Rs 2,000 crore.

Cooperation Minister Mr H.S. Mahadev Prasad admitted that the government would promote tetra packs for milk, as there were complaints about longevity of milk supplied in plastic packs. However, he was quick to clarify that it would be optional for consumers to opt either for tetra pack or plastic ones, as tetra pack would cost more.

“The milk production in state has gone up from 35 lakh litres per day to 75 lakh litres. The demand for milk is around 35 lakh litres and the rest of the milk is being used for other products like curds, sweets and ghee. The marketing of milk from some unions is becoming difficult. Though KMF is not under loss, some of the milk unions are incurring losses,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the government is contemplating bringing KMF as well as the milk cooperative societies under one administration, as there was lack of coordination between the two departments in taking decisions.

While the administration of KMF and cattle comes under the animal husbandry department, the milk cooperative societies come under the cooperative department.

Mr Mahadev Prasad also dismissed charges pertaining to the alleged Rs 199 crore tender scam and said that the KMF Board was free to accept or reject the tender, which was floated by former KMF MD Mr Jairam on his retirement day.

Answering a question, Mr Prasad said that a committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary had said that the facilities were needed and floating of the tender had not violated Transparency Act. Since tender had not been awarded to anyone, the Board was free to take any decision with regard to this, he added.