KMF has come under criticism for poor cattle feed production at its Rajanukunte cattle feed factory, causing cow health issues, leading to a decrease in milk production and the deaths of more than 1,600 cows in the past two months.
The allegations, which were put forward by dairy farmers and reported by local media, claim that substandard raw materials were used in the production of ‘Nandini’ cattle feed, resulting in widespread health problems for dairy animals. The allegations were not independently verified by the authorities, and farmers want a government investigation.
The report also alleges that officials who purchased raw materials purchased low-quality molasses with inadequate Total Reducing Sugars (TRS) levels despite quality standards requiring laboratory testing before use in cattle feed production.
More than 86,000 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been said to have been produced using raw materials that didn’t meet the quality standards. Laboratory documents for raw materials were also reported in media reports, which raises questions about procurement and quality control of raw materials at the Rajanukunte facility.
Farmers report health problems in livestock
Dairy farmers from Bengaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Anekal, Nelamangala, Ramanagara and Channapatna have expressed concern about the condition of their livestock after feeding them the alleged substandard cattle feed.
Many cows refused to consume the feed because of the bad smell and poor quality of it, farmers say, and there are many cows that do not want it anymore. They say that several animals are very weak, have health issues, reproductive problems, and that they produce less milk.
Some farmers also assert that more than 1,600 cattle died after consuming the feed in the past two months, but the exact causes of these deaths have not been officially confirmed, and veterinary or government authorities have yet to establish a scientific connection between the feed and deaths of the cattle.
Milk production and farmer livelihoods affected
According to the health record, the cattle health problems have also been blamed for a drop in milk production, and dairy farmers who rely on livestock for their incomes are negatively affected.
Farmers have also claimed that although milk delivered to dairy cooperatives is subjected to strict quality checks, they are encouraged or required to purchase Nandini cattle feed through local dairy societies.
But this has generated resentment among dairy farmers, many of whom have since returned tonnes of cattle feed to the Rajanukunte manufacturing unit in protest.
Demand for independent investigation
In the BAMUL network, about 14,500 metric tonnes of cattle feed are sold every month. Farmers are now demanding an independent and transparent inquiry into the procurement of raw materials, manufacturing practices, laboratory testing procedures, and the overall quality control system at the KMF facility.
They said they were expecting the Karnataka government and concerned authorities to investigate and take action to ensure the health and welfare of livestock.
As of now, KMF has not publicly commented on these allegations and an official investigation or confirmation about the reported cattle deaths and the alleged quality issues is awaited.
