Of late we have developed a new value-added product viz. SAGAR HYPRODAN and the production has also already been commenced for the last three months. It is very encouraging to note that from the very start itself, we have been receiving very good response from the milk producers. In times to come, let us venture for a differentiated product mix of cattle feeds to cater to the specific needs of animals right from it’s birth through calving, pregnancy, lactation and other stages of its’ life.

The current year 2009-10 happens to be our 50th year of successful existence. Commemorating the event in the interest of Milk Producers, we have decided to celebrate the year as Golden Jubilee Year of our Union. Keeping the milk producers interest in mind, many new initiatives are thought for implementation during the year. Besides the proposal for a 1000 MT Cattle Feed Pant, there is also a plan to establish a 100 MT independent, latest technology Spray Drier Powder Plant.

In the year 2005 when Dudhmansagar Dairy became functional, the daily sales was around 3 lacs kg which within one year reached 4.5 lacs kg; thereafter in the subsequent year, the sales was 5.5 lacs kg per day and now, by the end of current year we would have geared up for an increased production and sales of around 10 lacs kg per day. We have been able to capture a vast market beyond Gujarat in Delhi & NCR areas capable of generating more revenues and consequential benefits. Delhi has a liquid milk market of about 50 lacs kg per day out of which our share is over 20% or 10 lac kgs. This is a matter of great pride for all of us. Major capital spending is required to expand production capacities. As margin money your Board of Directors has recommended an issue of Shares. I am sure that all of you will extend full support to approve the expansion plans and the issue of shares towards meeting our ongoing capital expenditure plans..

As part of our Golden Jubilee Year celebrations, few programs are initiated and many more are in the process of implementation. We have taken insurance policies to cover for Medical, Life and Personal Accident risks of all the 4733 employees of our Societies. ID cards are issued to these employees and the process of issue of Uniforms is in progress. A museum meant to familiarize visitors and members of the Union with our value system is also thought for. Besides, a documentary depicting all important events throughout, since the beginning of our co-operative movement will be made. Programs to improve upon the participation of women in societies, schemes to encourage / award best societies / secretaries of societies are also in consideration. It is also under review as to how Pension & Saving schemes could be introduced for our milk producers.

Schemes are initiated to achieve an uniform color code for all our society buildings. Installation of Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) and ISO certifications of Societies are important steps towards quality improvement and let us aim in achieving this twin objective for all our societies.

We must be proud that even in prolonged recession we could sustain and grow. There are enough evidences to suggest that the village economy performed better in comparison to urban areas. I thank all of you for the continued support in achieving this feat. We are aware that dairying is not an easy task. Intrinsically milk is a very delicate and an essential food item that is produced twice a day but calls for immediate processing / disposal both times during the day. If not appropriately and promptly handled with improvement in the entire processes, the business will be subjected to losses.

Great efforts are required if one has to sustain in a highly competitive environment. Market price of milk & milk products is not within our control and are market driven.

Similarly prices of inputs are also market driven and not within our controls. In such a market scenario, increasing the milk yield per animal, thus reducing the cost per unit of milk is what we can and must aim at. This is, perhaps, the only way that can work as an Aladdin’s magic lamp for us. Let us hope that all our milk producers aim to achieve this -by developing cross-breed calves and bringing them up healthy -using scientific methods viz. artificial insemination, balanced cattle feed, calving in each cycle etc. In this Golden Jubilee year many programs are in store to impart awareness among our milk producers.

We all know how fast developments are taking place. We need to position ourselves appropriately in tune with the time. Do you think that we need to wait another 50 years to achieve what we have achieved during the past 50 years? Nah, so let us join hands to achieve in a decade what we achieved in past 5 decades. This is absolutely not impossible; bare facts corroborate this. Yield per animal in Israel is more than 32 ltrs milk per day and even in Haryana the average milk yield per animal is 7.7 ltrs per day. These facts point to tremendous scope for improving our own milk yield which as of now is as low an average of 3.5 ltrs milk per day for all kinds of breeds. Let us develop a strong desire to excel and to adopt latest technological innovations; undoubtedly, there will be improvements in the milk-yield of our animals.

With the assistance of DURDA, your Union has been carrying out training programs on artificial insemination. During the year 49 persons were given the training on the same. If trained employees are available in our villages, it will greatly facilitate and ensure timely & proper insemination whenever the same is required.

We are also thankful to the Board of Directors of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) for their continued support.

I also express my sincere thanks to the Government of Gujarat, the Government of India, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Banks and all Institutions who extended their support during the financial year.

Dudhsagar Research Association has always been supportive in carrying out various activities for the benefit of our milk producers. I express my thanks to the Board of Directors of DURDA.

I also express my heartiest thanks to the Management, Departmental Heads, Officers, Staff and Workers of the Union and also all members of the societies for their valuable co-operation and the support.