Malabar Rural Development Foundation

The Malabar Rural Development Foundation (MRDF) is an autonomous charitable Trust registered under Indian Trust Act 1882, sponsored by Milma, the Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd (MRCMPU). The objective of the trust is income and social security of the Dairy farmers associated with MRCMPU

Facilitation for farm mechanization

Mechanisation of dairy farms is expected to reduce the cost of labour and overcome the paucity of efficient milkers as well as in scientific waste disposal. Promoting hygienic practices for clean milk production is a key objective of this scheme.

Vegetable Project Supported by Govt. of Kerala

The Govt. of Kerala has sanctioned a project on Procurement, Processing, value addition and marketing of fruits and vegetables, with a total outlay of Rs.500 Lakhs to MRCMPU, which is implemented by MRDF. The project involves procurement of fruits and vegetables through milk co-operative societies in Wayanad, processing and marketing in Kozhikode city.

Custom packing and Sales of Food items

MRDF custom packs and market products like bread, bun, rusk, halwa and cake on contract with an industrial workers co-operative society at Kozhikode and with two private enterprises in Kannur and Shornur. Presently, the products are marketed by MRDF in the brand name, "Dairy Fresh" with a tagline "from the house of milma". The trust also markets syrups, fizz and biscuits produced by Coimbatore Ayurveda Pharmacy in collaboration with MRCMPU

Farm Tourism

Farm tourism in Kerala is being developed as a relatively new tourism product. Kerala, being an agricultural dominated state, has tremendous potential for developing Farm Tourism in a big way without much additional investment. MRDF Entering in the Field of Responsible Tourism.

Web Based Cattle Trading

With the financial support of the Government of Kerala, MRDF in collaboration with MRCMPU has developed a software for online cattle trading named www.pasukada.com. There are more than 1200 Milk Co-operative Societies in Malabar area, out of which more than 500 are computerised with internet connectivity. These computers are networked with the central server of MRDF for facilitating online cattle trading. The secretaries and Village Resource Persons (VRPs) are trained to operate the website. MRDF collect Rs.300 per animal for purchase and selling registrations from the beneficiaries and pay Rs.200 each to the registering agent. The details of animals for sales are provided to the buyers for selection. This project provides opportunity for the farmers to sell or buy animals without being exploited by the private traders.