KATHMANDU: In a positive development, the government and the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association have reached a consensus after talks held earlier today.

A five-point agreement was inked, with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Beduram Bhusal and President of the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association, Amar Bahadur Kunwar, overseeing the discussions.

Key highlights of the agreement include a commitment from every industrialist to clear dues owed to dairy farmers by April 3. Industries will also ensure uninterrupted purchase of milk from cooperatives.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will facilitate milk and dairy product exports in the upcoming fiscal year’s policies and programs.

Moreover, the government pledges to continue its livestock farmer insurance program and address the demands of the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association.

Participating in the talks were Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Revatiraman Paudel, and President Kunwar.

The Central Dairy Cooperatives Association had been staging protests since February 20, seeking the release of overdue milk payments. With the agreement in place, President Kunwar announced the suspension of all protest activities.