Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 18:

Farmers engaged in milk production have urged revision in the price of milk. In a meeting organised by a government committee, formed to review the price of milk, and participated in by representatives of Dairy Development Corporation, Dairy Development Board and farmers, a proposal has been forwarded to increase the retail price of milk by four rupees per litre.

Dhaka Ram Aryal, president of Central Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd, in a press meet organised in the capital today said that farmers will get 50 per cent of the proposed hike in prices and the remaining 50 per cent will go to organisations engaged in producing milk products. The Central Milk Producers’ Co-operative union Ltd has 1,365 cooperatives in 45 districts. More than 300,000 litres of milk is being supplied by these cooperatives everyday to Dairy Development Corporation and other privately-owned dairies. About 350,000 people are engaged in the business. “The cooperatives are engaged in production, collection, purchase and quality control of milk. The price of milk is fixed at Rs 12.96 per litre which is less than the price of water, which has discouraged farmers engaged in milk production,” said Aryal. Investment is Rs 25.65 per litre, which is very high compared to the selling price. It is thus clear that there is a need to revise the price of milk, Aryal added. Aryal also stressed the need to formulate policies for sustainable development of the sector. There is a need for participation from all sectors, including farmers for bringing about a good dairy development policy, he said.