Dairy farmers write to CM over reduction in milk prices

The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association have written to the CM for immediate withdrawal of Rs 20 per fat reduction in milk prices effective from December 21 and resolution of the crisis in the dairy sector.

The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) has requested the CM to draw his attention to the serious concern of lakhs of dairy farmers of Punjab and the economic crisis looming over the dairy industry of the state.

Rajpal Singh, president of the association, said that Punjab was known across the country for its strong and progressive dairy industry. “This sector is not only an important pillar of the state’s economy, but it has also played a vital role in reviving the village economy,” he said.

In the past few years, a large number of educated youth of Punjab have taken up dairy farming as a profession instead of going abroad or running after jobs. This has led to a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in the state. The youth have set up modern dairy farms by taking loans worth lakhs of rupees, making Punjab a leader in milk production. “However, some recent decisions have put a question mark on the future of this industry and these youth,” said Rajpal.

The recent reduction in milk price by Rs 20 per fat is a ‘fatal decision’ for dairy farmers. At a time when farmers needed financial support, this cut is completely destroying their profit margins. The farmers said that for the past two years, the government had repeatedly gave assurance to increase milk prices. Unfortunately, instead of increasing, the prices have been reduced, which is a step that has hurt the confidence of farmers. Such decisions will demoralise the youth who have taken loans to take up this profession.