State dairies count on demand for milk, different merchandise to extend as unlockdown continues

As the lockdown is eased throughout the state, the dairy sector is optimistic about a rise within the buy worth of milk for farmers as demand picks up within the coming days. Since the beginning of the lockdown, farmers have seen a drastic discount in buy costs with dairies paying between Rs 20-25/litre for milk.

Dr Vivek Hindurao Kshirsagar, managing director of Pune District Cooperative Milk Producers Union – which retails merchandise underneath the model identify of Katraj – admitted that for the reason that begin of the lockdown, they’ve seen an extra assortment of round 1 lakh liters. “We are collecting around 2.5 lakh liters of milk daily but are able to sell only 1.5 lakh liters in pouches or products. The rest is converted into anhydrous skimmed milk powder,” he stated.

SMP is a commodity traded by dairies in home or worldwide markets. Dairies in Maharashtra have complained of full stoppage in SMP commerce as costs have come right down to Rs 215-20 per kg in opposition to the price of manufacturing of Rs 250-260 per kg.

Before the lockdown, dairy farmers had been being paid a comparatively excessive buy worth of Rs 28-30 per litre. But because the demand for liquid milk eased after the imposition of the lockdown, dairies began revising the costs. Presently, the state dairies are reporting round 20 per cent extra collections, which they’re changing to SMP.

The present worth reforms have prompted farmers to plan avenue protests in opposition to low costs. The Gram Sabha is being convened to determine on the mode of protest and All India Kisan Sabha has prolonged its assist to the protest.

Meanwhile, most dairies have agreed that the acquisition worth goes to extend within the subsequent few weeks if demand picks up. Initially, personal dairies are anticipated to extend their buy worth by round Rs 25 per litre, after which additional enchancment might be anticipated based mostly on demand.

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