``I will vehemently work towards removing that government which takes such a step'', Kurien, one of the pillars of the co-operative movement in India, told a workshop, attended by over 400 delegates involved in the milk co-operative movement from South Gujarat today.

He said he was not against global competition, but he would oppose all moves to allow foreign dairies into the State.

``The Gujarat co-operative movement is a result of the money of farmers, of villagers. After sowing the seeds, they (multinationals) cannot be allowed to reap the harvest here,'' he said to a loud round of applause. ``Let them come and set up dairies in Meghalaya. Who is stopping them. Where were these multinationals 20 years ago when AMUL was not present.''

Kurien said the co-operative movement ``is strong and can stand up to any competition anywhere in the world. Today India is the largest milk producer because of this movement.''

Dwelling upon multinationals' entry, he said while other countries were making efforts to discourage foreign entry into the co-operative sector, Indian politicians were making friendly gestures to the multinationals.

Starting from 200 litres a day more than two decades ago, AMUL today collects one million litres of milk daily and four lakh farmers are paid cash twice-a-day for their milk. AMUL exported Rs 10 crore worth of milk products to the USA last year, Kurien said, adding that the revenue should go into the hands of women.

When addressed as a Padma Vibhushan recipient by the organisers, Kurien quipped: ``I have not been conferred by it as yet and they might even think of withdrawing it for the remarks I make.''

Valsad Dairy Association chairman stressed on the need to improve quality and productivity in the wake of competition from multinationals, while the Sumul Dairy managing director said the 178 mandals set up in the State had contributed a great deal towards self-sufficiecy of villagers and farmers.

The workshop entitled, `Enhancing Production and Reducing Costs' and organised by the Gujarat chapter of the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee auditorium.