Maharashtra: Farmers spill milk on street to protest against low prices

Mumbai : Farmers associations across Maharashtra are protesting against government's low procurement prices by co-operative and private dairies. During the protest, thousands of farmers were seen holding protest march across 20 districts.

In Palghar, several farmers distributed their milk for free to the poor people and also threw it on streets as a mark of dissent.

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has released a list of their demands, including asking the centre to withdraw a notification clearing import of milk and milk products from the United States in exchange for export of generic medicines.

The demands also include:

1: State government must give direct subsidy of Rs 10 per litre to all milk producers, so they can get the Rs 30 per litre of milk before the Covid lockdown

2: Centre must take back the June 26 notification clearing import of 10 lakh tonnes of milk powder; this will destroy the lives of milk farmers, the protesters said

3: Export subsidy of Rs 50 per kg must be given for large stocks of domestically manufactured milk powder lying in warehouses across the country

"The agitation has now begun. Farmers across villages are gathering and participating in the protest," said Ajit Navale, the AIKS General Secretary said, adding, "As a mark of protest, we are pouring milk on road and also tying cattle near the office of gram panchayats".

Last month, Uddhav Thackeray had met with farmers raising similar demands and has assured them that the government will look into the matter.