Now pay additional Rs 2 per litre of milk

Mumbai: Milk rates have increased by Rs 2 per litre owing to the state government’s recent directive that farmers be paid Rs 25 per litre for cow milk. A Kolhapur-based dairy cooperative that sells milk under the “Gokul” brand has increased the rate of milk in Mumbai and other cities. Following in its footsteps, other private dairies, too, have initiated the process of increasing rates for both cow and buffalo milk.

Due to the farmers’ statewide protest earlier this month for increase in the purchase price of cow milk, the state government has directed all private and cooperative dairies to pay farmers Rs 25 per litre for cow milk. Implementation of these rates has started from July 21. So, dairies have increased rates by Rs 2 per litre for both cow and buffalo milk.

Earlier, the purchase rate for cow milk was Rs 17 to Rs 21 per litre but dairies were selling it for Rs 13 to rs 14 per litre. But with the government’s Rs 25 per litre directive, dairies have been warned against selling milk at lower prices. Action will be taken against errant dairies, said senior officers of the dairy department.