On 4 May 2022, a group of dairy farmers in Odisha wrote to Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan, demanding a minimum support price of Rs 50 per litre for milk. Rabi Behera, chairman of the Odisha Milk Farmers’ Association, met with Balyan, who is visiting the state for two days.
Milk producers have ensured that India maintains its global leadership in the sector, but they do not receive a fair price for their product, according to the association’s representation. “As a result, in the current era of price rises, there is a need to fix up milk MSP at Rs 50 per litre,” it said.
The ICDS scheme is one of the Center for Early Childhood Care and Development’s flagship programmes, and the Mid Day Meal is one of the world’s largest initiatives to improve school-aged children’s nutrition through cooked food.
The association also advocated for the establishment of milk parlours along national highways, which would provide additional employment opportunities for unemployed youth. It also urged the minister to take the initiative of establishing milk hubs on the premises of various temples across the country, where dairy products could be made available for puja.
They have also called for the protection of grazing land throughout the country in order to boost animal husbandry. Behera stated that the minister appreciated the association’s demand and assured him that the necessary steps would be taken to boost the sector. Behera stated that the minister appreciated the association’s demand and assured him that the necessary steps would be taken to boost the sector.
