Protest against failure to hike milk price

Milma board members, led by John Theruvoth, former president of Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Association, walked out of a special general body meeting of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) here on Thursday in protest against non-increase in the price of milk.

The federation representatives were seeking a ₹10 per liter increase in the price of milk as dairy farmers in Kerala were unable to earn income commensurate with their cost of production, causing small and marginal dairies to exit the industry. In the meeting held between representatives of the federation and the Dairy Development department, it was decided to revise milk prices upwards from ₹4 to ₹6 after the local elections.

However, Mr Theruvoth claimed that after nearly three months, no decision had been taken regarding the raise. In fact, the issue was not even on the agenda of the special general assembly meeting. Mr Theruvoth said Milma chairman KS Mani had nothing to say when board members tried to raise the issue, prompting the former chairman to withdraw from the meeting.

‘No politics’

CPI(M) and Congress loyalists were among those coming out, he said, adding that there was no politics when it came to milk.

Board members Sony Ettakkel, Paul Mathew, Ajesh Menon and Joymon attended the protest.

Mr. Mani said Milma had submitted a note to the government last month seeking its opinion on increasing the price by at least ₹4. As soon as a response is received, the increase will be implemented. A letter was also sent to the government as a reminder.

Meanwhile, Milma had increased the subsidy on a bag of Milma cattle feed from ₹200 to ₹300 to support farmers.

Additionally, Malabar Regional Cooperative Milk Producers Association will give additional incentive of ₹ 5 per liter to dairy farmers in March based on production in January. Mr. Mani said two other unions in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram may also consider similar measures depending on their profits.