Bidar: Dairy farmers in the district have urged the Karnataka Milk Federation to pay better prices for the milk procured from them.

In a meeting in Aurad on Tuesday, most dairy farmers were of the opinion that KMF's rate of Rs. 8 a litre was very low. Dairy maintenance costs were high and returns low, they said.

Progressive farmer and organic farming promoter Ishwarappa Chakote said the Government should mandate the KMF to pay Rs. 10 per litre for cow's milk and Rs. 15 per litre for buffalo milk. "Or else, dairying will no longer be a profitable venture. Dairy farmers will be forced to seek other sources of livelihood," Mr. Chakote said.

He also advised farmers not to depend upon the Government but to supplement their income by preparing byproducts such as milk powder, ghee, whipped cream and butter milk.

Mr. Chakote, who has earlier served as the State unit president of the Karnataka Krishik Samaj, narrated the success story of Sreeraj Lassi Bar in Bangalore that was started when milk prices fell in the mid 70s.

Citizen's Agitation Committee president Shivraj Raga said that many farmers in the district were complaining that the KMF was exploiting them. "Farmers say KMF officials at the society and union level regularly commit irregularities in measuring the quantity and quality of milk. There are also complaints that they do not pay on time. The KMF should consider these issues seriously," Mr. Raga said. Assistant Director of veterinary department Gautam Arali gave tips to farmers on cattle vaccination.

Veterinary doctors Satish Biradar and Sanjay Patil interacted with farmers.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail