Pune: "Milk powder is being imported, the market price of milk is increased by five rupees, but 12 per cent GST is imposed. Due to unaffordable milk prices, dairy farmers are facing difficulties. Give a guaranteed price of Rs 40 per liter for farmers' milk, otherwise, we will have to protest with cows and buffaloes in front of the Ministry in Mumbai," warned Suresh Bhor, Pune district head of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction).
On Saturday (6th), the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) held a protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Manchar (Ambegaon) demanding an increase in milk prices.
The protest march began with the worship of a cow at the Manchar bus station and proceeded to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. Bhor criticized both the state and central governments.
He stated, "Almost all farmers in the state engage in dairy farming as a supplementary business. However, in the past seven to eight years, the cost of animal feed has tripled, while milk prices have continued to decline. Many farmers are being forced to sell their hybrid cows as dairy farming is no longer profitable. The dairy industry is in financial distress. Provide an immediate guaranteed price of Rs 40 per liter for milk, or we will be forced to escalate our protests. The state government should take note."
Rajaram Bankhele added, "The BJP government at the center and the Shinde-Fadnavis government in the state are robbing farmers in broad daylight. Ten years ago, milk fetched a market price of Rs 30 to 32 per liter, but now it has dropped to Rs 23 to 25 per liter. How can farmers continue dairy farming under such conditions? The government must promptly announce an increase in milk prices."
Following the speeches and protests, there was a delay in the arrival of officials to accept the memorandum. Consequently, Shiv Sena workers staged a sit-in protest and shouted slogans against the state government at the main square.
Ambegaon taluka's Deputy Tehsildar Sachin Wagh and Police Sub-Inspector Somshekhar Shete held positive discussions with the protesting Shiv Sena workers and requested them to call off the protest, which they eventually did.
During the protest, Shiv Sena workers did not spill milk on the road but instead served masala milk to the citizens, shopkeepers, and protesters present. This initiative by the Shiv Sena workers was appreciated.
