Manmul draws flak for reducing procurement price of milk

The recent decision taken by Mandya Milk Producers' Union Limited (MANMUL) to reduce the procurement price of milk by Rs 2 per litre has triggered district-wide protests, with political parties too extending support to dairy farmers.

The MANMUL has cited loss and has reduced the procurement price from January 1. The management has explained that as 1.30 lakh litres of milk is collected every day, the storage expenses have increased.

As Manmul is suffering a loss of Rs 18 crore, it has become inevitable to reduce the price. But the farmer leaders have raised objections to the decision and have demanded a rollback in the price.

The farmer leaders said dairy farming has financially empowered the farmers facing the crisis. Now, the milk union's decision at this juncture is condemnable. The Deputy Commissioner should immediately intervene and resolve the issue, they appealed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner N Manjushri has assured to look into the issue after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's visit to the district on January 12.

MLA K S Puttannaiah has also written a letter to Manmul president Kadalur Ramakrishna, warning of staging a district-wide protest if the decision is not withdrawn.

In his letter, Puttannaiah has said, dairy farming has been supporting the farmers who were reeling under severe drought.

"Women too were rearing cows and buffaloes to support their families. The sudden decision of the Manmul is an injustice. MANMUL administration, which has failed to create a market for the byproducts of milk, is shifting the burden on to the farmers. The deduction of Rs 2 per litre should be withdrawn and the arrears should be settled to the farmers," he stressed.

Raitha Sangha district president Shambunahalli Suresh alleged that the price of one litre of milk was Rs 26 in 2014. While maintenance cost is rising steadily as the fodder has become expensive, the milk prices have been slashed. Corruption in MANMUL is the reason, he alleged.

Political parties, including Raitha Sangha, BJP and JD(S), have planned to stage a protest during the chief minister's visit to the district on January 12. The farmers of Malavalli, Maddur and KR Pet have decided to submit a memorandum to the CM during his visit.