Milma Award presented to Kurien

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr V Kurien, who revolutionised the dairy sector in the country, was honoured with the Nandiyode B Rajan Memorial Award instituted by the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd of Milma. The award has been instituted in memory of Nandiyode B Rajan, former chairman of the union.The award was handed over to the 91-year-old Kurien at his residence at Anand in Gujarat by Kallada Ramesh, chairman of the Thiruvananthapuram Union.After receiving the award, Kurien, who took Amul to great heights, said that dairy farmers are forced to withdraw from their business since the returns they receive is much less when compared to the production cost. That has affected the growth of dairy sector in Kerala, which had witnessed rapid growth initially, he said. The scenario would lead to extreme milk shortage in future, he said, adding, “Amul grew up to become a Rs 10,000-crore enterprise in the last 60 years since there was hardly any interference from the governments.”He expressed immense pride in having worked with dairy farmers. “The secret behind my energy at 91 is the support they have been giving me,” Kurien said.Thiruvananthapuram Union MD Baby Joseph and Board members Karumadi Murali, Mathew Chamathil, V Venugopala Kurup, G Gopakumar, Muthikkavu R Divakaran, S Girish Kumar, S Geetha and B Indiramma were among those who were present at the award-giving function.