World Trade Center Mumbai organized a workshop on Export Promotion at Khawa cluster Bhoom at Dist. Osmanabad on request of Directorate of Industries (Cluster), Govt. of Maharashtra on 13^th December 2016.

Khawa Cluster Bhoom is a cluster established under the Government of Maharashtra’s Micro Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP). It is managed by SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) Nirmal Milk Products Association, Bhoom. Bhoom Taluka is a major milk producer in Marathwada. Milk produced in Bhoom taluka was previously sold in markets through the Sahakari Sansthas. Due to transportation issues, coupled with the poor price for milk, the farmers decided not to sell the milk, but to make Khawa (Milk Solids) from milk to supplement their income. It is now a major source of income for the farmers.

The Cluster has decided on a soft intervention action plan to boost Khawa production. This includes organizing training programmes, seminars, workshops and study tours to other clusters for an exchange of ideas and information.

Presently this cluster has the capacity of processing 5 lakh liters per day of milk. Once the cluster CFC is started operating, the chilling plant will operate at (-) 16 degree centigrade temp., it can keep the Khawa without changing the original flavor for around 9 months.

Mr.Virendra Gupte, faculty of WTC Mumbai and Advisor-Tata International highlighted the importance of cluster and how it can add value to the products like Khawa which is manufactured in small pockets and try to market by their own. It is important to chalk out an organizational plan including future vision, plan for domestic as well as international. Study domestic markets, to identify the present suppliers, and their products. Also study on the potential of Khawa products, what type of products the competitor is offering, etc. Highlight the impact of the product for health. Also decide on how we need to export the product as raw material or having value addition to the product. Value addition can attract larger incentives. Pooling increases the bargain power. Create a model like Amul milk federation.

Mr.Gupte pointed out that the additional protein content which Khawa gives is a good marketing point and will help to create a brand image. Since Khawa cluster is going to operate in Solar Power, which is also a winning point for marketing and also to receive incentives of the Govt. under environment protection. He also mentioned about the Govt. Schemes such as product schemes as well as market schemes which needs to be understood while entering into exports. Also there is a need to understand the barriers for importing milk and milk products in the overseas markets, he concluded.

(L-R) Mr. Vinod Jogdand,Chairman, Khawa Cluster, Mr. Rambhau Jogdand – Director, Khawa Cluster, Mr.A.O.Kuruvila, Advisor-WTC Mumbai and Mr.Vrendra Gupte, Faculty WTC and Mr. Javalikar, Soo, DIC Osmanabad.

Mr.A.O.Kuruvila, Advisor-WTC Mumbai talked about the present overseas market for Milk and Milk products. He also mentioned that WTC provides not only an Identity for SMEs but also creates a global image for them by connecting them to 320 WTCs in around 90 countries. He also mentioned about the skill development prgrammes WTC offers in international trade.

Earlier Mr. Vinod Jogdand, a renowned serial entrepreneur from Bhoom and Chairman of the Khawa Cluster Bhoom welcomed the officials and the participants and explained the purpose for the workshop. Around 30 entrepreneurs who will be part of this cluster could participate at this workshop. Mr. Rambhau Jogdand – Director, Khawa Cluster co-ordinated the event.