The proposed Dairy Science College at Nettukalthery in Thiruvananthapuram district has yet to move beyond the land transfer stage, with no construction timeline fixed, while projects worth more than Rs 6.4 crore have been proposed for two Jersey farms in the Aruvikkara constituency.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Bindu Krishna told the Kerala Assembly that 6.4749 hectares, or about 16 acres, had been earmarked for the college under Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The site is part of a 206.45-hectare property in Block 31 of Kallikadu village in Kattakada taluk.
Although the government approved the transfer on February 17, the land has not yet been surveyed, demarcated or formally handed over to the university. The minister said further steps would be taken after the transfer is completed.
A detailed project report for the Dairy Science College can be prepared only after the boundaries are demarcated. The government has not fixed a timeline for starting construction, leaving the project dependent on the completion of the preliminary land process.
The proposed college is expected to include a modern dairy farm, a training centre and research facilities. These facilities are intended to support student training, teaching and research, as well as provide technical support to dairy farmers. The project therefore combines an educational institution with production, training and extension infrastructure for the dairy sector.
Separate investments have been proposed for the Vithura and Chettachal Jersey farms in Aruvikkara constituency under the 2026-27 scheme for strengthening Animal Husbandry Department farms. The Jersey Farm Extension Unit at Chettachal has been allocated Rs 2 lakh, while the Jersey Farm at Vithura has been allocated Rs 7 lakh for parent stock, feed, fodder cultivation, nutrients, medicines and biologicals.
Additional district panchayat projects in Vithura include Rs 2.20 crore for feed, fodder cultivation and medicines, Rs 20 lakh for operational expenses, Rs 33 lakh for solar fencing and Rs 87 lakh under a spillover project. These allocations are separate from the proposed college and are focused on the operation and strengthening of the existing farm infrastructure.
At Chettachal, the planned projects include Rs 15 lakh for fodder development and Rs 1.4 crore for feed, fodder cultivation and medicines. The package also includes Rs 25 lakh each for the farm, hatchery and Green Milk operations, Rs 3.5 lakh for ISO certification, Rs 13 lakh for a bulk milk cooler and packing unit, and Rs 5 lakh for a drinking water connection.
A Rs 32 lakh pump house is also under construction at the farm. The projects were disclosed by the minister in response to questions from Parassala MLA C K Harindran and Aruvikkara MLA G Stephen. The next formal milestone for the college is the survey, demarcation and handover of the earmarked land, after which the detailed project report can be prepared.
