Latest news with #MilkandDairyDevelopment
United News of India
4 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
TN to lead India's next dairy revolution : Min
Chennai, June 2 (UNI) Tami Nadu Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj on Monday said 'Tamil Nadu is well-positioned to lead India's next dairy revolution. The revolution would be the one that is green, inclusive, and farmer-first, he said at the valedictory of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme held here. He said India proudly holds the distinction of being the world's largest milk producer --a testament to the dedication of millions of small holder farmers and their livestock. Yet, behind this impressive statistic lies a pressing concern: low productivity. On average, Indian dairy animals produce only one-tenth of the milk compared to their counterparts, highlighting a significant gap in efficiency and sustainability. A pivotal study, the Tamil Nadu Landscape Study, conducted by Kumaraguru Institutions in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, uncovered the systemic barriers that continue to hinder the dairy sector: high production costs, poor price realization and weak last mile delivery of essential inputs and veterinary services. The study captured the voices of farmers echoing fatigue, frustration, and an urgent demand for transformative change. "That change is now in motion", he said. In December 2024, Kumaraguru Institutions launched the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering sustainable, resilient, and scalable dairy farming models. Over a three-month intensive training phase, 112 dairy entrepreneurs were equipped with practical knowledge in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition. These entrepreneurs are now receiving nine months of dedicated field mentoring to support and empower over 10,000 smallholder dairy farmers across Tamil Nadu. They are not just business owners—they are changemakers, delivering quality inputs, reliable veterinary services, and evidence-based dairy practices to underserved communities. Their work generates triple impact as social empowerment, economic upliftment and environmental resilience. A flagship highlight of the programme was the 'Dairy Yatra"-- 6,000 km cross-country learning expedition through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. More than 40 entrepreneurs participated, gaining first hand exposure to innovative dairy practices from the lush pastures of Coimbatore to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan. This journey bridged regional wisdom with cutting-edge practices, offering a panoramic view of India's rich dairy heritage and future potential. This event marked the culmination of months of rigorous training, innovation, and community engagement, celebrating the tireless efforts of the new generation of dairy entrepreneurs and their pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, efficient, and climate-resilient dairy ecosystem. As India looks toward the future of agriculture, this initiative stands as a beacon of what is possible when collaboration, scientific insight, and grassroots leadership come together in service of a common goal. UNI GV 2155
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Focus on sustainable agriculture that is profitable and environmentally friendly, says Minister
With many farmers moving away from agriculture, there is a need to focus on sustainable farming that is both profitable and environmentally friendly, said Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj at the valedictory of the Tamil Nadu Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) in Chennai on Monday. Mr. Thangaraj said loans would be made available to all farmers across Tamil Nadu, and that plans were being developed to ensure that all cooperative societies operate profitably. He added that a review was under way to optimise the use of the 2,500 veterinarians in the Animal Husbandry Department and to enhance the research capabilities of Tanuvas. As many as 112 dairy entrepreneurs went through a three-month training in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition as part of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme conducted by the Kumaraguru Institutions and the Environmental Defense Fund. Shankar Vanavarayar, president of Kumaraguru Institutions, said true rural transformation would begin when farmers became entrepreneurs. As part of the programme, around 40 entrepreneurs went on a 'Dairy Yatra', a 6,000-km cross-country learning expedition through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The participants gained first-hand exposure to innovative dairy practices from the lush pastures of Coimbatore to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, said Thanammal Ravichandran, programme manager, Kumaraguru Institutions. Mr. Thangaraj, along with K.N. Narendra Babu, Vice-Chancellor, TANUVAS, presented certificates to the dairy entrepreneurs.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Martial Arts Training and Research Centre inaugurated in Nagercoil
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday inaugurated the Traditional Martial Arts Training and Research Centre at Anna Stadium in Nagercoil through video conferencing. Following the inauguration, Minister of Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj and Kanniyakumari Collector R. Alagumeena visited the centre. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Alagumeena said that martial arts played a vital role in developing mental strength and self-confidence among individuals. Also, martial arts contributed in naturally enhancing immunity and protecting the human body from various illnesses. Highlighting the district's strength in the field of martial arts, she said Kanniyakumari was home to some of the best martial arts trainers and players. The centre would play a key role in promoting traditional martial arts, which had significant value in Tamil literature and history, by passing them on to the next generation. A total of 40 students comprising 20 boys and 20 girls had been selected for training at the centre. Two trainers had been appointed, each receiving a monthly honorarium of ₹25,000. The Collector also expressed hope that the initiative would help sustain the martial arts culture and future generations to embrace it.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mano Thangaraj gets rousing welcome at Nagercoil after rejoining Cabinet
After a brief period of removal, Padmanabhapuram DMK MLA Mano Thangaraj returned to Nagercoil on Thursday, after being re-inducted into the Cabinet as Minister of Milk and Dairy Development, The Minister was welcomed with great enthusiasm by hundreds of party cadres with flowers and party flags. After garlanding Anna statue at Vadasery, he addressed the party members. He said: 'Usually the political atmosphere in the Indian subcontinent has always leaned towards north. But by rewriting that history, our leader has elevated the pride of Tamil Nadu by upholding the values of equity, secularism and democratic principles.' Kanniyakumari district had always firmly supported such efforts. The party cadre must work diligently in order to win all six Assembly seats in the district In the upcoming election. The party had overcome many challenges in its history and those who intended to destroy it would be destroyed, he added. He expressed confidence that the party would achieve its goal of securing more than 200 seats in the Assembly election and called on the cadres to ensure the party's success.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mano Thangaraj re-inducted into Cabinet as Milk and Dairy Development Minister
DMK's Padmanabhapuram MLA T. Mano Thangaraj was sworn in as a State Minister and re-inducted into Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Cabinet by Governor R.N. Ravi, who administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Mr. Thangaraj will take over as Minister of Milk and Dairy Development, which was earlier held by R.S. Rajakannappan, who now holds the Forest and Khadi portfolio, earlier held by K. Ponmudy. Mr. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Water Resources Minister R. Duraimurugan, Minister for Municipal Administration K.N. Nehru, Minister for Rural Development I. Periyasamy, Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu, Congress' Assembly Floor Leader S. Rajesh Kumar, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam were present. The swearing-in was also significant for the fact that Mr. Stalin and Mr. Ravi were meeting each other for the first time since the Supreme Court verdict, which held that the latter's decision to withhold assent for 10 Bills was 'unconstitutional', prompting the DMK to claim a major victory against the Governor. Both leaders exchanged pleasantries. Reason for reshuffle The Chief Minister reshuffled his Cabinet after Mr. Ponmudy and State Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V. Senthilbalaji resigned on Sunday. While the Madras High Court had held that Mr. Ponmudy had made derogatory remarks regarding Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Supreme Court had made it clear that Mr. Senthibalaji had to choose between Minister's post and his freedom. Mr. Thangaraj previously held the Information Technology portfolio, which is now being held by Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan.
