KOCHI: Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Milma), the major milk supplier in the state, is all set to hike the milk price after Onam. Milma has recommended to the government to increase the milk price as it is difficult for the dairy farmers, hit by natural calamities, to survive without higher prices. Dairy sector in Ernakulam region, including, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kottayam districts, is the worst affected in 2018 floods.
While talking to media reporters here on Monday, Milma Ernakulam region chairman John Theruvath said that the proposal for price hike will be submitted to the finance minister and minister for dairy development by the first week of next month.
"Milma is recommending an increase of Rs 4 per litre which means the price of a 500 ml packet will go up by Rs 2. At present, Milma is selling milk at Rs 44 per litre. The last time milk price hiked was in February 2017," added Milma Federation chairman P.A. Balan Master.
"As part of extending support to dairy farmers who are in crisis due to the big loss in the floods and price rise of cattle feed, Ernakulam region will pay additional Rs.1 per litre of milk procured during August 21 to September 30. The exorbitant price rise of cattle feed is major challenge. Price of a bag of feed has been increased by Rs.300 in last three months," said the chairman.
At present, a farmer is getting up to Rs 36 per litre of milk which Milma procures, based on its quality.
The Ernakulam region is supplying milk for free all flood relief camps functioning in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki and Thrissur districts. The supply will be on till camps are closed.
The state could have attained self-sufficiency in milk production if there were no natural disasters like flood, heavy rains or landslides, according to Milma authorities.
