TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Co-operation Minister Pandurang alias Deepak Dhavalikar on Monday defended the Goa State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union’s decision to increase milk prices by reasoning that Goa Dairy prices are low compared to other dairies. The Goa Dairy last year had increased the price by almost Rs 3.
Animal Husbandry Minister Laxmikant Parsekar also gave an assurance to clear all payments of support price to dairy farmers by Ganesh Chaturthi.
MLA Naresh Sawal, pointed to the House that the dairy had increased prices ignoring the suggestion given by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the House last year, where he had warned that the government would take over the management if it failed to reduce the prices.
“Where is the hike? Show me,” the minister questioned Sawal while informing that the price of standard milk of Goa Dairy is Rs 40 per litre while others sell at prices ranging between Rs 42 to 44. In case of full cream milk, the price is Rs 48 per litre while companies such as Amul, Warana and others sell at rates from Rs 46 to 50 and fat milk is sold at Rs 36 per litre which others sell at Rs 38 to 40.
Dhavalikar was replying during Question Hour when Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane castigated Co-operation Minister for failing to provide relief to dairyfarmers as milk is sold in the open market at double the rates compared to what they are paid.
According to information farmers are paid Rs 23.48 per litre of milk with an additional Rs 9 as support price.
Rane, however said that several farmers are still not provided the support price.
Parsekar informed that the question pertained to support price comes under his department, admitted that the support price is due to be paid to many farmers since last year.
He said that the lack of correct information provided by the milk co-operative societies has forced the department to keep the cases pending for seeking clarifications.
Parsekar said that during his recent meeting officials were directed to make all the necessary rectifications and clear off payments before next week.
