Milk shortfall widens to 60% in Karachi

Demand rises considerably during lockdown while supply contracts

KARACHI:

In the backdrop of the lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus in the country, the dairy supply chain has been disrupted miserably, resulting in a hike in milk prices across the country.

In a statement on Thursday, Dairy Farmers Association Karachi General Secretary Shaukat Mukhtar revealed that the city was facing 30% shortage of milk supply because cattle markets of Punjab and Sindh were not being organised, hence, farmers were unable to buy animals. On the other hand, people were staying at home due to the lockdown and demand for milk increased 30% in Karachi, therefore, there was a cumulative shortfall of 60%, he said.

The government has introduced relief packages for other sectors, however, it has failed to hold consultations with the dairy sector, which produces one of the most basic and necessary food items for the masses.

“Keeping all this in view, milk sellers were compelled to increase prices by Rs10-20 per litre, he said. “Prices can rise further if the situation remains the same, hence, we request the government to step in to aid the dairy industry.”

The Karachi commissioner’s last notice about increase in milk prices was issued two years ago, which became invalid under the present circumstances, remarked Mukhtar. “Things have changed considerably in these two years, however, the dairy industry has not been permitted to raise prices.”

All Pakistan Livestock and Dairy Association (APLDA) Chairman Sardar Fahad Qayyum was of the view that there was a dire need to increase milk prices as oil prices and production cost had risen considerably in the past few months.

He pointed out that the price of packed milk (Tetra Pak) had been enhanced due to manufacturing concerns and the government raised no objection. However, “when dairy farmers raise prices because of soaring production expenses, they are bound to answer government agencies,” he lamented.

APLDA Vice Chairman Jameel Memon said various dairy farmers, along with their families, were dependent on milk production, which continued to suffer a substantial loss due to a lack of fair prices for the past several years.

He requested the Sindh government to hold consultations with the dairy farmers and milk retailers in order to address their long-standing grievances by deciding a unanimous price for milk.

He urged the government to devise a mechanism for enhancing milk prices in an amicable manner.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2020.

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