Kerala’s three-decade-old dairy cooperative, Milma, is all set to go smart with its food delivery app. Named AM Needs, the app will be launched in June and consumers can get milk, dairy products and other necessary items delivered to their doorsteps.
The co-operative sector decided to launch a food app after witnessing the success of several food aggregator apps in the country. According to reports, Milma also wanted to channelise its resources to expand business through a dedicated online portal.
The dairy cooperative has tied up with private agency AM Needs to develop the app and delivery system.
According to The Deccan Chronicle, the pilot project will be carried out in Thiruvananthapuram, which consumes around 2.15 litres of Milma milk every day. IN the capital city, areas such as Pattom, Kazhakoottam, Kowdiar, Ambalamukku and East Fort have been chosen to carry out the trial run. Eventually, the trial will be carried out in Ernakulam and Kozhikode.
Speaking to The Hindu, Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Union chairman Kallada Ramesh said that the app would deliver milk and dairy products between 5 am and 8 am on all days.
Initially, milk variants and curd produced by Milma would be made available through the app. Other than its own products, the app would also offer bread, idli, dosa batter, eggs and half-cooked chapati to consumers.
The orders will be co-ordinated from the nearest Milma store.
The app is also expected to provide employment to a large number of people, and will ensure additional income to those who are already part of the network.
According to reports, an initial service charge will be levied on users. The amount will be reduced once the orders pick up the pace. Consumers will also have various subscription schemes based on the number of orders or duration.
Working on a cooperative structure, Milma has been a profitable initiative and in 1983, it took over the milk production and marketing facilities under Kerala Livestock and Milk Marketing Board.