Team Herald
PONDA: Reacting to Goa Dairy farmers’ threat to stage agitation demanding a hike in milk procurement rate, Cooperation Minister Govind Gaude on Monday said that there is no need to hold agitation as the government is positive in fulfilling their pending demands in October.
He said, “The farmers are demanding a hike of Rs 3 for milk procurement. The government is sensitive to their demand and considering the current financial crisis due to COVID-19, the farmers should have patience for some time, at least for three months. The government will hike the milk procurement rate in the month of October.”
“The government is sure to hike the milk procurement rate in October considering the financial status of Goa Dairy. Still if some farmers who are not having faith in me can hold the agitation,” he added.
Further, Gaude said, “He is not directly connected to Goa Dairy but as part of the government is concerned about the farmers’ demands. Farmers are demanding hike in milk rate and also reduction in cattle feed price. The farmers need to understand that if the government hike rate on milk price than they would get subsidy and support price benefit but if cattle feed price is reduced than they would not get any benefit.”
“The Goa Dairy’s financial condition is slowly becoming stable and three-member Administrative Committee chaired by farmers Durgesh Shirodkar is capable of taking decision in the interest of the farmers.”
He said, “SUMUL reduced its milk price by Rs 2.15 but Goa Dairy had not reduced considering the interest of farmers.”
