The Central Government has made it clear that the country has no shortage of milk and milk products. The government has no plan or intention to import dairy products. Describing the reports of shortage of dairy products in the country as baseless, Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Purushottam Rupala said that the domestic dairy sector is capable of meeting the country’s demand. The only need is to exploit the existing resources well. Rupala said that farmers are getting good prices on the increase in milk prices. No need to worry.
Talking to reporters at an event, Rupala said, “There is no truth in the talk of shortage of dairy products, and there will be no import. The government is monitoring it regularly, and necessary steps can be taken.” Significantly, Amul increased milk prices by Rs 3 in February. This was the fifth increase in the price of milk in one year. Retail inflation in milk rose to 9.65% in February from 8.79% in January. This is the biggest increase in anything after cereals.
There were speculations about the import of dairy products.
Ever since the increase in milk prices in February, there has been talking of a shortage of dairy products in the country. There were also reports that the government would import products made from milk, like butter and ghee. On April 5, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said thimportinging dairy products like butter and ghee would be considered if needed. But, now the discussion of import has ended after the Union Minister clarified the situation.
Milk production affected by the disease
In the financial year 2021-22, milk production in the country was 221 million tonnes, which was 6.25 per cent more than the previous year’s 208 million tonnes. Animal Husbandry and Dairy Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh had told that the country’s milk production was affected in the financial year 2022-23 due to lumpy skin disease in cattle. At the same time, after the passing of the Corona epidemic, domestic demand increased by 8-10 per cent.
The government will manage well
Union Minister Rupala claimed that even though the demand for milk and milk products has increased, the country has no shortage. The dairy sector of the country is very vast. Right now, it is not being fully used. We will fully exploit it for better management and fulfil our demand.
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