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The new MRP for half-litre packets would be Rs 10 for toned milk, Rs 9 for double toned milk, Rs 12 for standardised milk, and Rs 11 for curd.

Kochi April 13 The Kerala Dairy Industries Association has called upon the Government to declare a support price for milk in view of the financial difficulties faced by producers in the State.

Addressing a press meet, the association General Secretary, Mr Anil Kumar, and Coordinator, Fr Joy Aranbankudy, urged the Government to come forward to declare a support price of at least Rs 15 for one litre of milk for the benefit of farmers considering the difficulties faced by them.

They pointed out that the current prices were not at all remunerative and the crisis in the sector was forcing many farmers to abandon the field.

As against the daily requirement of 40 lakh litres of milk in the State, only 25 lakh litres are produced by formal and informal sectors. Kerala has to depend on neighbouring States for the rest and this situation has led to scarcity.

PRODUCTION COST

The cost of production has increased considerably in the State in the last four years on account of increase in the prices of cattle feeds and various other factors such as hike in transportation costs and in power tariffs.

Moreover, a farmer has to spend an average of Rs 70,000 to produce 10 litres of milk a day by way of purchasing cows, building cowsheds etc.

A cow that yields 10 litres of milk would require 5 kg of cattle feed daily and the prices of cattle feed have gone up from Rs 350 to Rs 410-425 for a pack of 50 kg.

The association, which has members of more than a dozen dairies in the State, has also decided to increase the price of milk. The new MRP for half-litre packets would be Rs 10 for toned milk, Rs 9 for double toned milk, Rs 12 for standardised milk, and Rs 11 for curd.

It alleged that the societies supplying milk to Milma were entangled in political issues and hence were unable to focus on the welfare of dairy farmers.

The pasteurising units were also in crisis owing to the high cost of diesel and electricity.

More Stories on : Dairy & Dairy Products | Agricultural Policy | Kerala

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