Source:goacom.com
Despite strong criticism from various quarters, the state government is determined to allow Gujarat-based SUMUL Milk Dairy in Goa’s dairy business. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ramesh Tawadkar in an interview with our senior reporter Soiru Velip said the farmers in the state are upset with the functioning of Goa Dairy, which has failed to provide support to milk producers
Q: Despite of having its own Goa State Co-operative Milk Producers Union, popularly known as Goa Dairy in milk collection sector, why the government felt that SUMUL Dairy should be allowed in the state?
The farmers in the state are upset with the attitudes of Goa Dairy, as it has failed to provide technical support as well as to supply good quality fodder to their animals. Since it is a farmers’ dairy, the government had asked them to take corrective measures to support farmers in order to increase milk production in Goa. However, despite calling the office-bearers of Goa Dairy for discussion with the government, they did not turn up. So, the government had no option but to allow other milk dairy in the interest of the farmers, which will bring about healthy competition and provide ample opportunity to the dairy farmers to choose the agency to sell their milk to the one which would offer them best rate and facilities for their cattle.
Q: You mean to say that the SUMUL Dairy will be the best option for the milk producers in the state?
When Goa Dairy – the only milk dairy of the state – has failed to support the farmers it is prime duty of the government to intervene in the interest of the farmers and the state. Most importantly, the Goa Dairy has not been coordinating with the government. Thus we felt that this kind of attitude not only hampers the efforts of the government to make Goa self-sufficient in milk production but also discourages the farmers of the state. As there is no competition in the milk production sector Goa Dairy has become indolent. Therefore, the government has decided to allow SUMUL Dairy in the state to set up business on experiment basis. If the SUMUL Dairy fails to fulfil the expectation of the farmers, then the government will not hesitate to send it home.
Q: You once alleged that there are rampant irregularities in Goa Dairy. Can you elaborate on it?
One should not forget that today there is a huge demand for milk in Goa. There is a tremendous scope for milk production and marketing in the state. However, as I said earlier, the Goa Dairy has failed to take up the concerns of farmers with the government or resolve them on its own. As far as irregularities are concerned, one could see the Goa Dairy diverting 10,000 litres of milk to neighbouring states, on which the government had been giving support price of about Rs 9 per litre…. the state exchequer was losing Rs 90,000 per day. Besides, the Goa Dairy has been creating financial burden by recruiting unnecessary labourers and other staff.
Q: There are allegations that the government is trying to take revenge on Goa Dairy for political interest. How you would respond to the charges?
These allegations are baseless. There is no motivation from the Goa Dairy to the farmers. The government has given enough time to Goa Dairy to improve its functioning. Unfortunately, it has failed. No one can deny these facts.
Q: Do you mean to say that lethargic attitude of the Goa Dairy resulted in milk production remaining stagnant over the years?
Definitely! The figures on milk collection for the last 10 years throw light on how Goa Dairy has failed in increasing milk production in the state. For example in 2009-10 a daily average milk collection decreased to 35,000 litres. Today, a daily milk collection is 63,000 litres and it is because of the introduction of Sudharit Kamdhenu scheme by the BJP government, with support price on milk up to 40% per litre, and not due to the efforts of Goa Dairy.
Q: What target have you set to increase milk production in the state in future?
With the efforts initiated by the government, I am sure that in next two years the state will see more than 50,000 litres of milk production per day.[NT]
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