Dairy Farmers Protest Rate Reduction at Verka Plant in Punjab
Source: The DairyNews
Dairy farmers from across Punjab staged a protest outside the Verka plant in Mohali against the reduction in milk rates by Milkfed. Baldev Singh, ex-chairman of the Milk plant in Mohali, stated that the rate had been lowered from ₹83 to ₹80 per litre, contrary to their request for a rate increase.
Singh emphasized that the reduction in rates, especially during the winter season when milk production is relatively stable, adversely affects the already challenging economics for dairy farmers. He highlighted that summers typically witness a dip in milk production due to the impact of hot weather on cattle health, making winter crucial for potential profits.
The protest, lasting three hours, saw farmers expressing their discontent over the rate cut and alleging corrupt practices within the system. Singh referenced the recent arrest of the deputy manager of the plant in a graft case as evidence of the ongoing corruption issues.
The demonstration concluded after senior officials from Milkfed intervened, assuring the protesting farmers that they would revisit and potentially revise the rates in the near future. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by dairy farmers in negotiating fair and sustainable pricing for their produce.
The protest, lasting three hours, saw farmers expressing their discontent over the rate cut and alleging corrupt practices within the system. Singh referenced the recent arrest of the deputy manager of the plant in a graft case as evidence of the ongoing corruption issues.
The demonstration concluded after senior officials from Milkfed intervened, assuring the protesting farmers that they would revisit and potentially revise the rates in the near future. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by dairy farmers in negotiating fair and sustainable pricing for their produce.
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