Minister K.S. Basavanthappa Inspects Bathi Shimul Milk Processing Centre, Stresses Quality and Hygiene

DAVANAGERE: Karnataka Minister K.S. Basavanthappa visited the Shimul milk processing centre in Bathi village, Davanagere taluk, to review its operations and emphasise the importance of maintaining high standards of milk quality, hygiene and food safety. The visit focused on the various stages of milk handling, from procurement and processing to packaging and quality testing.

During the inspection, the minister interacted with officials and reviewed the procedures followed at the facility. He stressed that strict hygiene practices and effective quality-control systems are essential to ensure that consumers receive safe milk and dairy products.

Focus on Milk Quality and Hygiene

Milk processing requires careful handling at every stage to maintain product quality and prevent contamination. Procurement, storage, processing, packaging and equipment cleaning all play an important role in ensuring that milk meets the required safety standards.

Minister Basavanthappa instructed Shimul management to adhere strictly to hygiene protocols and quality-control measures. He emphasised that maintaining consistent standards is important for consumer confidence and the reliability of dairy products distributed through the milk union's network.

The inspection also highlighted the importance of regular monitoring, proper sanitation and effective testing procedures within dairy processing facilities. These measures help identify potential quality issues and support the safe handling of milk before it reaches consumers.

Meeting on Proposed New Milk Union Building

Following the inspection, Basavanthappa chaired a meeting with Shimul officials to discuss the proposed construction of a new milk union building near H. Kalpanahalli in the Mayakonda Assembly constituency.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the proposed project layout, preliminary preparations and execution plans. He directed officials to focus on developing robust infrastructure that can support the operational requirements of the milk union and improve services for dairy farmers in the region.

The proposed facility is intended to contribute to the development of the regional dairy network. Effective infrastructure can help cooperative milk unions manage procurement and processing activities while supporting the collection and distribution systems on which dairy farmers depend.

Strengthening Support for Dairy Farmers

Cooperative milk unions play an important role in connecting dairy farmers with organised milk procurement and processing systems. By collecting milk from producer societies and coordinating its handling and distribution, these organisations contribute to the rural dairy economy.

Investment in suitable infrastructure can help improve operational efficiency and provide a stronger foundation for future growth. The proposed building near H. Kalpanahalli was discussed in this context, with the minister urging officials to ensure that preparations and execution are carried out with attention to the facility's long-term requirements.

Maintaining quality standards alongside infrastructure development will remain important for the milk union's operations. Reliable processing systems and strict safety procedures can benefit both consumers and producers by supporting confidence in the dairy supply chain.

Shimul Officials Attend the Inspection

Several representatives of Shimul attended the minister's visit and the subsequent discussions. Those present included Shimul Vice-President S. Chetan Nadiger, Managing Director Dr. Manjesh, and directors H.K. Basappa, Bavarajappa, G.P. Revanasiddappa, Jagadeeshappa Banakar, Ravikumar and Shekharappa.

Dairy Manager Naveen, General Manager Jayaprakash, Deputy Manager B.S. Vijay and other staff members of the Bathi processing centre were also present. Their participation provided an opportunity to review operational procedures and discuss the proposed infrastructure project with the minister.

Quality Control and Infrastructure Development

The visit brought attention to two important priorities for the dairy sector: maintaining high standards of milk safety and developing infrastructure to support production and distribution. While quality-control measures protect consumers, well-planned facilities can help cooperative milk unions respond to the needs of dairy farmers and regional markets.

The next steps for the proposed building will depend on project preparations and the implementation process. Meanwhile, the minister's instructions placed continued emphasis on hygiene, quality testing and compliance with applicable safety requirements at the Bathi processing centre.

Through the inspection and discussions with Shimul officials, the focus remained on strengthening dairy operations while supporting farmers and ensuring that milk and dairy products are handled according to appropriate quality standards.