Issues of cattle farmers resolved in meeting with MD
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 26 2022: A meeting between managing director of Manipur Milk Producers' Cooperative Union (MMPCU) and representatives of cattle farmers' societies held on Thursday led to the resolution of the issues regarding the price of milk procurement and pending payment.

Informing this to the media after the meeting, MD Dr Ng Ibotombi said that there was some communication gap with regard to the complaint of pending payment.

Earlier, the union released payment for procuring milk from the farmers on fortnightly basis through RTGS bank transfer to the respective bank accounts of the society.

However, the payment was delayed for the last two months due to internet prob lem.

Besides, some members of the union were on out-of-state tour, he said while assuring of regular payment in future.

Regarding the price of milk, Dr Ibotombi said that the rate is fixed based on the quality of the milk and as such the rate differs from one farmer to another.

MMPCU acknowledges the hardships faced by the farmers and as such will look into their grievances for a viable solution soon, he said.

As for his attendance in the union's office, the MD said that he has another responsibility as the director of veterinary and animal husbandry.

Considering his work schedule, he had requested the authority to appoint another MD in his place, he informed.

One of the farmers informed media persons that they are not able to derive any profit from the present procurement rate thereby posing a threat to the sustenance of the farming activity.

Sikkim and Assam governments had provided incentives of Rs 8 and Rs 4 per litre respectively, he said while urging the government for providing incentive of at least Rs 3 per litre to the farmers.

As for the reduction in quality of milk, he said that it is a direct impact of lacking profit which resulted in inability of the farmers to arrange quality feeds.

Some of the farmers also lack knowledge about producing good quality milk and this problem could be addressed through awareness programme, he said.

He also informed that they will submit a memorandum to the state government highlighting their grievances.

He further said that the meeting agreed to fix the procurement rate of milk by the board of directors.

They also resolved to press the government for appointing a regular MD on the payroll of the union but not on deputation basis.

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