Minister Chinchu Rani came with cows as promised; child farmers relieved

THODUPUZHA: Minister Chinchu Rani came as promised, becoming a relief to the child farmers of Velliyamattom who lost 13 cows due to food poisoning. The Minister of Animal Husbandry handed over five highly productive HF cows brought from Mattupetty Farm of KLDB to the children.

Last month, 13 cows of a child farmer named Mathew Benny, who won the state government's best dairy farmer award, died due to food poisoning. The minister who visited the house that day had promised government help.

These cows were the only means of livelihood for Matthew Benny's family, which included his mother Shiney, brother George and younger sister Rosemary. Shiney said that the government assistance is a relief. Insured cows were provided. Along with this, the minister handed over a check of Rs 45,000 from Milma and one month's worth of fodder from Kerala Feeds. The Minister also said that the Indian Veterinary Association has informed that they will provide a milking machine free of charge.

Mathew Benny said that he did not expect to receive so much help, he is very happy and that he will get more active in dairy farming.

District Animal Protection Officer Dr G Sajikumar, KLD Board MD Dr R Rajeev, officials, MILMA representatives, dairy farmers, people's representatives, political party leaders and others participated in the function held at Mathew Benny's farm.

"The Animal Welfare Department has decided to organize constituency-wise seminars to create awareness among dairy farmers about the feeding and care of cows after the incident where the child farmers lost their cows. A comprehensive insurance scheme will also be implemented in collaboration with the central government."

-Minister Chinchu Rani