These cows in Tailevu are helping to grow the Dairy Industry. Photo: FIJI CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY COMPANY LIMITED
With expanding services by the Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, there has been a marked increase in premium milk produced by its farmers.
Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company Limited chief executive, Sachida Nand said, the confidence Government has shown in creating the co-operative and with its continuing support is an affirmation “that we are doing something right.”
He said this despite there was a long way to go to get the dairy industry to its full potential.
Mr Nand said the target by 2015 was to produce 15 million litres of milk a year, and with the start up of the UNI Farm operated by the Fiji National University in Navua that number is now workable.
In October/November 2012, premium produced was close to 45 per cent.
The creation of co-operative
Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company was created by the Dairy Restructure Decree of December 2010.
It was setup so that all farmers in Fiji supply all of their milk through Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company to the processing company Fiji Dairy Limited (formerly Rewa Dairy).
“This ensures all farmers through the Decree, big or small get a fair go, with Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company providing advisory services, feed, and equipment as required,” Mr Nand said.
“There are some who believe that supporting the big dairy farmers while leaving the smaller behind is the way to go.”
“At the co-operative we work with all our 256 farmers to increase milk production and improve their livelihoods.
“Through improved efficiency and commitment, and a range of services provided by us, we see a marked improvement by almost all the farmers.”
A questionable past
Mr Nand acknowledged the dairy industry had a questionable past.
“But today, we are transparent. Anyone can look at our books. We are tightly audited and believe me every dollar can be accounted for. And this is essential,” he said.
“It is the hard work of the dairy farmer that flows through our books. It is the farmers money that makes this all happen and there efforts must be protected.”
Mr Nand said FCDCL continues to work with the farmers to improve its services.
Fruits of initiative
A more recent initiative is already paying dividends.
It has recently introduced an incentive scheme to increase the quantity of the top grade of raw milk, premium.
This is an incentive programme that rewards the farmer a one-cent bonus on every litre if he can produce premium milk continually over a four-week period.
“Premium milk is the highest grade produced, with the farmers receiving 90 cents a litre for this quality product,” Mr Nand said.
“First grade milk only pays 75 cents a litre. So the successful farmer is not only earning top dollar for his efforts, but also the one-cent bonus and it is working.
“Since we started the incentive plan close to half of our members have qualified for the one-cent bonus, our target is to exceed 90 per cent.
“I believe that I can say with confidence that this is a young refreshed dairy industry, with a new enthusiasm. We applaud the Government’s for creating the co-operative.”
– FIJI CO-OPERATIVE DAIRY COMPANY LIMITED