CHITWAN: Dairy farmers in Chitwan have raised concerns over not receiving the government-set price for milk, citing increased imports of dairy products from India as a key factor affecting market rates.
Farmers claim that private dairies are purchasing milk at lower prices, leaving them with no choice but to sell at a loss.
According to Kishor Bagal, President of the Chitwan District Dairy Producers Cooperative Association, the government has fixed the price of milk with 4% fat and 8% SNF (Solid-Not-Fat) at Rs 65 per liter (excluding operational costs). However, private dairies are paying farmers Rs 3 less per liter, undermining their income.
Farmers say that despite over 40 large dairy companies purchasing milk from 115 dairy producer cooperatives in the district, they are still being forced to sell below the fixed price.
Chitwan produces approximately 350,000 liters of milk daily, with 150,000 liters being supplied to industries outside the district. However, farmers claim that payments have been delayed for the past six months, with outstanding dues exceeding Rs 800 million. Of this amount, the Dairy Development Corporation alone owes Rs 350 million.
Many farmers report receiving threats of milk collection being halted if they demand their pending payments. “If we ask for payment, they tell us not to bring milk from tomorrow,” said one farmer.
With over 40,000 dairy farmers in the district relying on the dairy industry for their livelihood, concerns are growing over the lack of government intervention.
Farmers are urging authorities to take immediate action to regulate imports, enforce the fixed milk price, and ensure timely payments to prevent further financial distress.
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