State dairies stop milk procurement

Dairies across Maharashtra have stopped milk procurement from farmers to protest against dumping of dairy products from overseas companies in the Indian market.

The Indian Dairy Association has sought restriction on imports of butter oil and other dairy products. They also demanded export subsidies for the sector and a import duty increased to 100 per cent with immediate effect.

"The department of dairy and animal husbandry under the ministry of agriculture has issued permits to private traders allowing them to import 10,000 tonnes of butter oil, butter milk powder, and other milk products from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Uruguay, and Switzerland in the first phase.

"Another 10,000 tonnes of butter oil is likely to be dumped in India by Fontera of New Zealand and other milk products exporting countries like Australia and some European countries," says Arun Patil chairman, Indian Dairy Association.

Patil grumbled that although the strike would affect the farmers, they will continue with it unless action is taken. Import of 10,000 tonnes of butter oil would translate into non-acceptance of 294.8 million litres of milk.

This meant that milk would not be accepted from 10 million farmers for one month from all over the country, Patil said.