Dairy farmers protest in Delhi over milk adulteration, unfair pricing

New Delhi, May 8 (ANI): Dairy farmers from across northern India gathered in New Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the issue of milk adulteration and unfair pricing by private companies.

The protesters holding placards shouted anti-government slogans outside the residence of Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy.

Mohan Singh Ahluwalia, the activist representing milk suppliers, urged the government to intervene immediately.

"V. Narayanasamy had discussed the issue with us and we informed him that milk authorities will stop the adulteration of milk, decide the support price, bring about changes in the Food Safety Act 2011, and bring the all the investigations under one authority and the fix the price of sale and purchase of milk. The government should form a regulatory body before 15th May," said Ahluwalia.

The suppliers said there was a need to bring about some amendments in the Food Safety Act 2011.

The dairy farmers also threatened to go a hunger strike if the government failed to address their problems.

"We will go on a strike on 20th May. If the government agrees or disagrees, we are clear with what we want. We will go on a hunger strike on 20th May at Jantar Mantar and we will not allow the supply of adulterated milk in Delhi," added Ahluwalia.

Milk suppliers on April 18 had faxed a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the huge wealth amassed by private companies and complained that they were not adequately compensated by them.

In the letter, they also mentioned that the private milk companies sold the milk at an increased price, which they bought from them at a much less rate.

The consumers have to face the brunt as they are compelled to pay more money. (ANI)