The dairy farmers across state have stated agitation regarding milk-procurement price and special package to the farmers amid Covid-19.
Mumbai: In Maharashtra state, the protest by dairy farmers has intensified and thousands of liters milk was poured on the roads by the farmers. In the wake of Covid -19 pandemic, the Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna (SSS) and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) -General Secretary Dr Ajit Navale have raised demand with the government to provide a subsidy along with a special package to offset their losses due to Covid-19.
The symbolic a day long milk blockade was called on July 21, across the state by the Swabhiman Shetkari Sanghatna and left-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha.
However, on Tuesday the leaders of agitators Sudhakar Khot from the SSS and Dr Ajit Navale had meeting with the Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar on the issues of dairy farmers in which the demands were put forth milk -procurement price and ban on import of milk-powder.
While talking to TheNews21 Raju Shetti a two-time MP from Hatkanangale said, “It seems that the minister Sunil Kedar was not prepared for the meeting as he just heard the side of agitators. He cannot take independent decisions. He will discuss with his party leader Balasaheb Thorat and take route of the approval from the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. There should not be any GST on dairy products”
Also Read: Thane Civic body wants to implement Dharavi-module to curb cases of Covid
The rates of milk powder has sharply dipped to half of its earlier price amid lockdown. Most of the milk products demand has declined.
While talking to TheNews21 Dr Navale said, “There are 48 lakhs famers into dairy farming and are badly hit due to the state government policy. Amid lockdown the rate of milk is Rs 17-18 Rs per litre from 30-32 rs per litre. Thus we have demanded Rs.10 to each farmer. Also the policy of import of dairy products should be revised. “
The Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar remained unavailable for the comment.
