Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Pune District Cooperative Milk Producers Union – the owner of brand Katraj- has decided to reduce the price of its double toned milk sold in pouches by Rs 2/ litre. A statement issued Thursday said that from December 1, 1 litre milk pouches will now be available at Rs 53. Also 250 gm packed of extra protein milk will now be priced at Rs 12.
Over the last few weeks, dairy farmers in Maharashtra are on the streets protesting against low procurement price for milk paid to them by dairies. At present milk with 3.5 per cent fat and 8.5 per cent SNF (Soild-Not-Fat) is being purchased at Rs 28-39/ litre as against the earlier rates which were slightly higher.
Farmers have asked for government intervention to ensure they get proper price for their produce. The present rates, they said was not tenable for them to continue their procession. Dairy farmers in Pune, Ahmednagar had agitated outside the office of the dairies as well as the tehshildars to ask for justice.
Dairies said they are unable to pay higher prices given the excess milk and low demand for dairy based products. Co-operative dairies said the excess milk is being converted into skimmed milk powder but the low prices of the commodity in the international market has prevented it being exported.
Katraj’s decision to slash its price for consumers is seen as an effect to pass on benefits to the end consumer. Also by lowering prices, the dairy hopes to increase sales and reduce its collection of excess milk.
