Dairy farmers raise concerns over payment delays

Panaji: Goa witnessed growing unrest among milk producers as they voiced their displeasure over the non-payment of pending base prices. Dairy farmers said delays in receiving assured rates affected their livelihoods.“Earlier, we used to get the payments every three months in four phases a year, which was not enough, and we were assured that the payments would start coming in monthly. However, it had been nearly nine months since we received any payment,” said one of the farmers.They highlighted that govt set its profit share at 40% in 2012, which still remains unchanged. Therefore, they demanded an increase in the ratio.“The dairy industry in Goa is no longer serving to be a profitable business for us,” a farmer said.They demanded immediate clearance of dues and warned of intensified protests if the issue was not resolved.“We are on the verge of holding a dharna at the doorstep of the govt if they fail to fulfil our demands,” the dairy farmers said.