‘Their collection of milk is through agents who will be paid from farmer’s pockets’

Herald: Why does Goa Dairy have a problem with the entry of SUMUL in the State?

Navso Sawant: Our major concern is that they would lead dairy farmers into a non-profitable business, which we – Goa Dairy takes utter care that our stakeholders are not suffering losses. Their collection of milk from the farmers is through agents, and these agents will be paid money from the pockets of the farmers. There will not be any transparency also because the milk they collect will be stored in the chilling centre. There will not be any audit of these agents carried out, unlike at Goa Dairy. This could result in a big problem between the private agency (agents) and cooperative societies. The farmers will be affected. We, on the other hand, ensure that farmers deposit milk to their respective societies from where we collect the product. Our audit is conducted annually from where the profits are shared with the farmers. Additionally, the societies’ profits are also shared among the farmers. Our dairy farmers do not face losses. We are different in terms of price, bonus and dividends. Moreover, if any animal dies, Goa Dairy pays compensation under the natural calamity scheme. 

Herald: There are serious allegations that though the cooperative society is given funds, it shows losses.

Sawant: We are never running into losses. Our records for the past 25 years will show that we are in profit. It is also a misleading statement by certain sections that Goa Dairy receives State funds. We are covered under the centrally-sponsored Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna scheme through which we received one time funds of Rs 8.4 crore in 2011-12 for the construction/modernisation of the cattle feed plant.

Herald: In yet another allegation, Goa Dairy is accused of selling milk at a higher rate and exporting it to neighbouring states that ultimately creates a shortage in Goa.

Sawant: This is absolutely wrong. Our brand is restricted within the borders of Goa. We don’t sell milk to any neighbouring states. The 90,000 liters of production is in Goa only. In terms of the price, our market is much less compared to all other cooperative brands of milk, except for full cream milk.  

Herald: Is the cooperative society firm on moving the court challenging SUMUL’s entry? What if it loses the battle?

Sawant: Our general body meeting has decided to approach the court and the Board will certainly act on it. We will continue our fight. In case SUMUL is still allowed to operate in Goa, we will take it up on a positive note. We will compete with them though we know we are the best. We have support from all our dairy farmer families. We are confident they will not divert to any other organisation because we all know that SUMUL is non-profitable for Goan farmers. They want to make money for their own agency and the district. We have already begun creating awareness in the villages.