With a hike in procurement rates announced by the government, raw milk has become costlier in Goa. However, consumers will not have to bear the burden of the price rise, at least for now. The revised rates have come into effect from this month.
Government agrees to increase support price
At a recent meeting with dairy farmers, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant agreed to a hike of Rs 6 per litre on cow milk and Rs 10 per litre on buffalo milk, while continuing the 40% support price. Dairy farmers in Goa will now receive Rs 56 per litre for cow milk and Rs 78.4 per litre for buffalo milk. In comparison, dairy farmers from Maharashtra will get Rs 36 per litre for cow milk and Rs 53.5 per litre for buffalo milk.
Assurance fulfilled
Sanjeev Kunkalienkar, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, stated that the price hike has been implemented in accordance with the assurance given by the Chief Minister. “The government will raise the price along with the support price. Goa Dairy will not have to bear the added expense,” he said.
Breakdown of new rates
Dairy farmers in Goa will receive Rs 56 per litre for cow milk with 4% fat and 8.5% SNF (solids-not-fat). This comprises a base price of Rs 40 plus a 40% support price of Rs 16. For buffalo milk with 6% fat and 9% SNF, they will receive Rs 78.4 per litre, consisting of a base price of Rs 56 plus a 40% support price of Rs 22.4.
Background of the demand
After neighbouring states raised procurement rates earlier this year, farmers in Goa also demanded a hike. Last month, dairy farmers staged a protest, and ten days ago, they submitted a representation to Goa Dairy. The farmers were initially demanding a hike of Rs 10 on cow milk with 3.5% fat and 8.5% SNF and Rs 15 on buffalo milk with 6% fat and 9% SNF. Presently, farmers get Rs 32 per litre for cow milk with 3.5% fat and 8.5% SNF and Rs 39.3 per litre for buffalo milk with 6% fat and 9% SNF, along with a 40% support price.
