Goa Dairy shouldn't export milk, reduce price: CM
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 09 October 2013 21:13 IST
Goa Dairy, Goa’s sole milk packaging unit, was today advised to reduce its price while also not exporting its milk outside Goa when Goa has to import milk to meet the needs of the state.
The advice came from chief minister Manohar Parrikar, during the debate raised by Bicholim independent MLA Naresh Sawal.
He however also admitted that milk production in certain areas has started reducing ‘for several reasons’, which he did not reveal.
The CM however denied Sawal’s contention that it was due to faulty policy of compelling to purchase cows at the ‘cow mela’ organized by the sole supplier.
While the state needs around 4 lakh litres of milk every day, Goa produces around 76,000 litres of milk.
“But Goa Dairy exports almost 10,000 litres”, he disclosed to the House.
Rather than hiking the milk price, Parrikar said he has been advising them to produce more to increase its turnover and gain profit, considering the demand of Goan milk.
The issue was raised by Sawal, pointing out the fact that the ‘cow mela’ sells cows at a much higher price up to Rs 45,000 when the real price is around Rs 20,000.
They even claim the milking capacity of 15 to 18 litres when actually the cow cannot give more than five to seven litres per day.
“This has severely affected the milk production,” said Sawal, while demanding that the farmers may be allowed to purchase cows from outside in the open market.
Parrikar, at this point, informed the House that the government would now have three suppliers while also inviting suggestions for suppliers who can sell good cows at cheaper price.
“There is no compulsion that you have to buy cows at the mela, but then the outside supplier should be experienced and reliable”, he said.
Agriculture can make Goa independent. Goa should not be depend of other states for food supply. Goa should boost the production of Milk, Vegetables, Rice, Fruits, etc. Goa should give top most priority to the Agriculture.