Haryana dairy farmers hit hard as procurement prices plunge
KARNAL: Fall in milk procurement prices at village level has forced many farmers to shun dairy business in the state, thus leading to a dip in buffaloes count, reveal the latest figures of Haryana livestock census.
As per the dairy farmers, prices (procurement) of milk have registered a decline of about ₹10 per kg in the past one year, impelling many of them to sell their buffaloes. The dairy farmers claimed that the milk business was no more profitable in the state, which is considered a hub of buffaloes.
The census data brought to the fore a decline of about 24% in the buffalo population — from 57.64 lakh in 2012 to 43.76 lakh in 2019. The fall is even higher, at 27%, as compared to the 2007 census.
Dairy farmers said the government kept no tabs on milk procurement centres, which they claimed were buying the milk at their own prices. “We are being forced to sell milk at ₹23-27 per kg to procurement centres as there are no buyers. We do not have any other option but to sell our buffaloes,” said a small dairy farmer, Vidya Devi, of Mehra village in Kurukshetra district.
Another farmer, Kanhaiya Lal of Yamunanagar’s Radaur, said, “I had to sell three buffaloes as there was a drop in milk demand. I sell milk door-to-door in Yamunanagar City as the local procurement centre does not pay more than ₹30 per kg.”
Farmers have also attributed rise in theft of buffaloes to their losses. “Theft of buffaloes has increased since the government brought in stricter laws against cow slaughtering. Most of the farmers, especially the landless ones, are selling their buffaloes and buying cows,” said Sunil Kumar, an animal trader from Gharaunda in Karnal.
‘POOR GOVT POLICIES TO BE BLAMED’
Owners of milk procurement centres, meanwhile, blamed ‘poor’ government policies and fluctuating procurement prices for the declining population of buffaloes in the state.
“This year, the government procurement agency, Vita, has reduced its prices thrice since March 21 and now, it has come down to ₹63 per litre for 100% fat milk from ₹70 and we cannot afford to buy milk at higher prices,” said an owner of milk procurement centre in Karnal, who wished to remain anonymous.