Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 2: Dairy farmers in Goa have continued their agitation demanding an increase in milk procurement prices, alleging that assurances given by the government have yet to be translated into action even two months after discussions on the issue.

Speaking during a protest, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh president Sanjiv Kunkalekar said the government had earlier indicated that milk procurement prices would be increased by Rs 6 per litre for cow milk and Rs 10 per litre for buffalo milk. However, farmers claimed that no concrete decision has been implemented so far.

Kunkalekar said dairy farmers are seeking clarity on when the promised hike will be granted and have demanded a firm commitment from the authorities.

“We were assured of a price increase, but two months have passed and nothing has happened. Farmers want to know when the revised rates will be implemented. We will not withdraw our agitation without a concrete assurance,” he said.

The protesting farmers met Goa Dairy officials on Thursday and reiterated their demand for an immediate revision of milk procurement rates, citing rising input costs and the financial difficulties faced by dairy producers.

Farmers have now pinned their hopes on a meeting scheduled for Jun 9, expecting the government and Goa Dairy management to arrive at a decision on the long-pending demand.

The agitation is expected to continue until a clear assurance is provided regarding the proposed increase in milk procurement prices.