“Malabar Rural Development Foundation” (MRDF), is an autonomous Charitable Trust registered on 16th October 2000 under the Indian Trusts Act (1882). The Trust is sponsored by Malabar Regional Co-Operative Milk Producers Union Ltd (MRCMPU Ltd) with the primary objective of income and social security of Milk Producer families and its head quarter is at Kottamparamba, Near CWRDM, Kozhikode. The Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of eight members and the Chairman of Malabar Regional Co-Operative Milk Producers Union Ltd (MRCMPU Ltd) is the Managing Trustee of this Trust.

1	Elected Chairman of MRCMPU Ltd as Managing Trustee	Sri. K.S. Mani (Chairman, KCMMF)
2	Managing Director of MRCMPU Ltd	Sri. K.C. James
3	A Representative of major donor	Sri. K. Narayanakurup
4	One elected member of the Board of Directors of MRCMPU Ltd nominated by the Board.	Sri. K. Chenthamara
5	A representative of a reputed NGO
6	President of affiliated milk co-operatives of MRCMPU Ltd (General)	Sri. P.P. Sathyan
7	President of affiliated milk co-operatives of MRCMPU Ltd (Woman)	Smt. Sujatha
8	Chief Executive Officer of MRDF as ex-officio member.	Sri.Georgekutty Jacob

The objective of MRDF is to provide socio economic development and income security of the farmers and family members associated with MRCMPU and MRDF by taking up activities which are not likely to be taken up by MRCMPU. The activities of MRDF are formulated to support the objectives of MRCMPU as well as to generate income for the trust for taking up activities to fulfill its own objective.

  Activities of MRDF

  Dairy Farm Mechanization and allied activities

MRDF is undertaking various activities related to mechanization of dairy farms, setting up of high tech dairy farms and automation of various activities in the farms in order to increase the income of farmers and reduce the cost of labour and for scisentific disposal of waste. Promoting hygienic practices for clean milk production is a key objective of this activity. MRDF deals with purchase and sale of various farm equipments to benefit the dairy farmers. The inputs for Dairy Farm Mechanization supplied by MRDF includes various types of milking machines (Delaval, IDMC & Krishna makes), pressure washer, slurry pumps, generator, chaff cutter, cow drinkers and rubber mats. All these items are supplied by MRDF lower than the market price. The MRCMPU Ltd allocates subsidies for these items in the annual budget which is claimed by the farmers through the milk societies and respective P & I units, after purchase from MRDF. The Govt. also provide subsidy for dairy farm mechanization equipments.

  Market intervention in alternate cattle feeds and fodder

The farmers have the traditional habit of feeding their animals with alternate feeds like maize powder, wheat bran, maize bran, cotton seed cake, ground nut cake etc. The farmers normally purchase these items from local shops at high prices. The quality of such items are not assured. As a part of market intervention to provide quality materials at reasonable prices, MRDF supply these materials through the milk co-operative societies. The MRDF sells baled paddy straw at low cost to the farmers through the societies. The Trust also sells TMR cattle feed to farmers through the Dairy Co-Operative Societies.

  Fodder Hub

In the financial year 2018-2019, government approval was given under Rebuild Kerala initiative to build fodder hubs, with a funding of Rs. 5.4 crores from Kerala govt and 90 Lakhs from MRCMPU, Fodder hubs have been started at Mananthavady-in Waynad, Nilambur-in Malappuram and Pattenchery- in palakkad District and MRDF is operating the fodder hubs. These fodder hubs are functioning for the benefit of dairy farmers by ensuring them the availability of excellent quality fodders with cheaper rates compared to the market throughout the year.

  Feed Supplements

MRDF also distributes various feed supplements for animals like Gaumix, Fish Oil, Goudhara Shakti, Calsagar. MRDF recently started the production and distribution of Udder Guard for the prevention of mastitis in animals and Cow Care for better digestion, absorption of nutrients, and for disease resistance.

  Ethno Veterinary Medicinces

Malabar Regional Co-Operative Milk Producers Union Ltd (MRCMPU Ltd) in association with Kerala Ayurvedic Co-Operative Society have started production of 8 types of Ethno Veterinary Medicines as part of ETHNO VET MILMA – Ayurvedic Veterinary Medicine Project. 8 types of Ayurvedic Medicines namely Masticure, Rumatore, Milk Let, Crack Heal, Pyrex Care, Heal All, Fly Repel, Diarend are marketed through MRDF. The medicines are available at Amazon also.

  Procurement of cow dung and distribution

MRDF also operates a project for the collection and distribution of cow dung from dairy farms through dairy co-operative societies. The excess cow dung available with dairy farmers are collected with the help of dairy co-operatives and sells it in MRDF brand. The cow dung collected is marketed by MRDF in 1 Kg packets, 2 Kg packets, 5 Kg packets, 10 Kg packets & 30 Kg packets in the open market. MRDF also sells the cow dung in bulk quantities (CFT) to various institutions & firms and our customers include IISR, Forestic department, Krishi Bhavans & other public and private firms.

  Food Items

The MRDF Food Division markets and distributes a wide range of quality food products through the Milma marketing channel. The major product categories include bakery items such as Butter Rusk (prepared with Milma Ghee), Cake, Bread, Bun, Butter Porotta (prepared with Milma Butter), and Ghee Chapathi (prepared with Milma Ghee).

The division also markets instant mix powders such as Puttupodi, Pathiripodi, Chemba Puttupodi, and Chakki Atta, along with Syrups in four variants. In addition, Chukkukappi, Coconut Oil, Instant Veg Biriyani and Honey are also marketed under the MRDF brand.

All MRDF products are marketed through Milma’s trusted distribution network, as well as through direct marketing ensuring quality, purity, and customer satisfaction.

  Poultry Project

The Poultry Project of MRDF aims to support and uplift local poultry farmers. Under this initiative, MRDF procures high-quality brown eggs directly from farmers, ensuring them a fair and steady income. These eggs are branded as “Eggma egg” and marketed in the open market through MRDF sales channels. This project not only provides farmers with a reliable market for their produce but also promotes fresh, locally sourced eggs to consumers. Overall, it is a highly beneficial program that strengthens rural livelihoods and encourages sustainable poultry farming.

MRDF supplies Eggma eggs to the MILMA ST Project, which aims to improve the health and nutrition of tribal students.

  The vegetable project

The Government of Kerala has sanctioned a project on Procurement, Processing, value addition and marketing of fruits and vegetables, with a total outlay of Rs. 438 Lakhs to MRCMPU, which is implemented by MRDF. The project involves procurement of fruits and vegetables through milk co-operative societies in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Palakkad and marketing in Kozhikode city. The fruits and vegetables collected from farmers are sold through own shop of MRDF under the brand name Milma green , and through vending vehicles operated to the housing colonies and flats in the urban area. The project with an objective to procure and sell “safe to eat” fruits and vegetables is well appreciated by farmers and the consumers.

  Farm Tourism

As a part of Farm tourism activities, MRDF invites the Board of Directors of other successful Dairy Co-operative Unions in India for interacting and exchanging success stories. As part of the programme the visiting team, interacts with the officers and Board of Directors of Malabar Milk Union and there after visits successful dairy co-operatives, dairy farms, Milma green outlets, farmers and visit tourist destinations in the state and outside. MRDF facilitates the programme and promotes responsible tourism. MRDF recently started Farm Tourism cum training programme also.

  Farm support

Under the farm support programme, MRDF provide service to entrepreneurs for preparation of projects for availing credit from banks, detailed plan and estimate for establishment of Dairy farms on consultancy or turnkey basis. Under this programme the dairy farm equipments are also supplied to the entrepreneurs on request basis.

A specialized team with a Veterinarian, an Engineer and a Technician are included in the team. Nominal charges are collected from the entrepreneurs for providing the service.

  Security - Manpower Service

MRDF is operating Security Supply Service and Manpower Supply Services by providing trusted and reliable Security Supply Service to Milma, various Government and Public Sector Institutions, Factories, Shops etc. Our strength lies in well-organized and extensive network to provide our services at any part of the state with focused customer attention. We strive hard to provide well trained and quality security guarding service.

MRDF is also supplying Man power such as Engineers & other qualified professionals upon requirement to various reputed organizations.

  Milma Drive In Parlour

MRDF has established the first ‘Milma Drive in Parlour’ at MRDF Office campus by utilizing own fund, so as to promote the sales of MRDF & Milma products. We are getting good responses from the consumers and is running smoothly.

  Charity & Social Development activities of MRDF

MRDF, being a Trust, utilizes more than 80% of the surplus generated as charity for the Socio Economic welfare of dairy farmers of northern Kerala. Our charity activities include providing assistance for treatment to dairy farmers and their dependents and Employees of dairy co-operatives. MRDF also provides scholarship for children of Dairy farmers and employees of dairy co-operative societies. Also the surplus fund is utilized for providing subsidies and support to the dairy farmers. MRDF also ensures that the farmers are protected from exorbitant prices charged by private entities through timely intervention and supply of Fodder, Alternate feeds and other items in subsidized rate.

MRDF is also giving the financial assistance for the dairy farmers and their close dependents, who are undergoing Dialysis. An amount of Rs. 12,000 per year (Rs. 1,000 per month) will be given on an emergency basis under charity fund of MRDF. MRDF also provides special charity assistance to farmers on the occasion of death of animals.