Milk output of drought-hit districts sees sharp rise

Daily milk production in the state is seeing a surplus by 28 lakh litre, with drastic rise in contributions from the drought-hit talukas like Jat and Mann leading to a massive production of milk powder.

Of the 1.13 crore lakh litres of milk being produced a day, 28 lakh litre is surplus.

“As farming in the drought-prone areas has been hit badly, farmers are opting for the comparatively ‘more feasible’ milk production. Also, payment to farmers of these villages are made fast,” said Vinayak Patil, chairman, National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Limited.

A dairy development official said the department was studying reasons behind the increased milk production in the drought-hit areas. “Among the various reasons being offered, one is the change in the animal cycle by farmers. Of late, they have realised that growing cattle was easier than farming. Also, the state procurement rate has increased sizably, having been raised three times in the past one year,” he said.

Representatives of milk-growers, milk cooperatives and federations in a meeting with CM Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday demanded a subsidy of Rs30 per kg on milk powder. “Milk powder stock in the state has accumulated to 20,000 metric tonnes in the past one year, mainly due to the export ban, thus affecting both production and distribution of milk. Godowns have been full of it and the money blocked,” said Gopal Mhaske, vice-president of Maharashtra State Milk Producers Cooperative Action Committee.

In fact, the rate of the powder has dropped from Rs180 per kg to Rs135 due to the excessive production. “We have demanded the state and central government to share the loss of Rs30 per kg, while rest of the loss of Rs15 loss per kg will be borne by the producer,” added Mhaske.

The government has announced its share of Rs15 per kg and has demanded the Centre to share equal amount towards loss. Government also has announced to extend the subsidy of Rs2 per kg for the powder to June 15 as it was due to end on May 31.