Date:25/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/25/stories/2007022503920300.htm

Back Milk powder export ban: Casein makers unaffected

Harish Damodaran

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New Delhi Feb. 24 It may be pure coincidence, but among the leading casein manufacturers unaffected by the ban on milk powder exports is Dynamix Dairy Industries Ltd (DDIL), which has its unit at Baramati, the constituency of the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar.

Of the 35 lakh-odd litres per day (LLPD) of milk processed in the various casein-making plants of the country, DDIL alone is said to account for some five LLPD.

But that is still smaller than Delhi-based VRS Foods Ltd — the biggest casein exporter processing 10 LLPD in addition to selling milk and other dairy products under the `Paras' brand.

Other major exporters include Modern Dairies Ltd at Karnal, Cepham Milk Specialities Ltd at Patiala, the Delhi-based Mahaan Proteins Ltd, Bhole Baba Milk Food Industries at Agra, and Industrial Progressive India Ltd, Delhi. All of them process 4-5 LLPD of milk for casein production.

Casein is now fetching around $6,000 per tonne free-on-board in international markets, and is used mainly in food ingredients and pharma industries.