Dairymen want more for milk

By Nandana Kehelgamuwa

Central Province dairy farmers are demanding that the guaranteed price of milk be increased with immediate effect in keeping with the increase in milk food prices in the market.

The association representing dairy farmers has said most farmers were facing financial difficulties due to the rising cost of maintaining their farms and that the returns were low compared to the increase in various other prices including cattle feed. They said though the price of a litre of milk was Rs. 20 the price of bottled mineral water ranges from Rs. 45 upwards and therefore the dairy farmers deserve an increase.

The association said that currently the price of a cow was also high and compared to the investment on it dairy farmers do not get a reasonable return. The price paid for milk should be increased in keeping with the rise in imported milk food prices, the association said.