Mysuru: In a significant move to diversify its product range and meet growing consumer demand the Chamarajanagar Cooperative Milk Union Limited (Chamul) is setting up a state-of-the-art ice cream manufacturing unit in Chamarajanagar town. With an investment of Rs 50 crore the facility is expected to be operational by early next year and will cater to the increasing demand for ice cream in Karnataka and neighboring states.
A Strategic Expansion
Chamul, which was established a decade ago after bifurcating from the Mysuru Milk Union Limited (Mymul), has been making rapid strides in dairy development. Currently, the union processes three lakh litres of milk daily during the peak winter season producing a variety of popular milk products such as peda, ullas gulla, milk powder, ghee, curd, and butter. However, during the summer milk procurement drops to 2.25 lakh litres due to factors like the non-availability of green fodder and rising temperatures.
To utilize excess milk and create additional revenue streams Chamul has decided to venture into ice cream production. The new facility will use 10,000 litres of milk daily to produce ice cream, helping the union optimize its resources and provide farmers with a stable market for their produce.
How Chamul Utilizes Its Milk
Of the 2.25 lakh litres of milk procured daily from primary milk producers’ cooperative societies across five taluks—Yelandur, Chamarajanagar, Hanur, Kollegal, and Gundlupet—Chamul allocates:
- 60,000 litres for domestic milk consumers, sold through Nandini milk parlours and other outlets.
- 15,000 litres for curd production.
- 75,000 litres for branded Good Life milk products.
- 40,000 litres for supply to Mother Dairy.
- The remaining milk is used for producing traditional sweets like ullas gulla and peda, as well as distributing milk to government school students under the Ksheera Bhagya scheme.
Funding and Government Support
The Rs 50 crore project has already received necessary approvals from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Chamul president Madhuvanahalli Nanjundaswamy revealed that the union will receive Rs 5 crore as a grant from the Union government under the Prime Minister Kisan Sampad scheme. The remaining Rs 45 crore will be provided by the state government.
Nanjundaswamy plans to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to expedite the release of funds. “This facility will not only diversify our product portfolio but also provide farmers with a direct market for their milk by-products,” he said.
A Boost for Farmers and Consumers
The new ice cream plant is expected to benefit thousands of dairy farmers in the region by ensuring a steady demand for their milk. It will also create employment opportunities and strengthen Chamul’s position in the dairy market.
KMF Managing Director Rajkumar stated that the facility is expected to be operational by January 2025, provided the grants are released on time. “Chamul has already secured all necessary administrative approvals and submitted a detailed proposal for the project,” he added.
A Sweet Future Ahead
With the launch of its ice cream manufacturing unit, Chamul is poised to tap into the growing demand for frozen desserts in Karnataka and beyond. This initiative reflects the union’s commitment to innovation, farmer welfare, and consumer satisfaction. As Chamul continues to expand its product range, it is set to become a key player in India’s dairy industry, offering high-quality milk products while supporting rural livelihoods
