Odisha Dairy Farmers Protest Against State-Owned OMFED Policies

Dairy farmers in Odisha have taken to the streets to express their discontent with the policies of the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED). The protests center around grievances related to low milk prices offered by OMFED, which the farmers argue are insufficient to cover their production costs. Additionally, there have been complaints about the rejection of milk by OMFED without clear justification, which farmers believe is unfair and impacts their income.

OMFED, being a state-owned cooperative, plays a significant role in the procurement and distribution of milk in Odisha. Farmers allege that the cooperative's procurement practices are not transparent, leading to financial difficulties for those involved in dairy farming. The protests have highlighted the need for a review of these practices to ensure fair compensation for the farmers' products.

According to reports, the farmers have been demanding an increase in the procurement price of milk and more transparent criteria for milk acceptance to prevent arbitrary rejections. The ongoing unrest reflects broader issues in the dairy sector in Odisha, where farmers feel that they do not receive adequate support from the state-run body.