KARACHI: Dairy farmers have demanded a Rs60 per litre increase in milk prices, saying rising costs have made it difficult to continue operations at current rates.
Shabbir Dar, a spokesperson for the dairy farmers, warned that farmers could set the retail price at Rs300 per litre if the government and local administration fail to issue a notification approving the increase.
Dar said running dairy farms at current milk prices was no longer financially viable.
He criticised the Commissioner Karachi for delaying the issue instead of calling a formal meeting with dairy farmers.
Dar said the administration had failed to issue a new milk price notification despite repeated requests and meetings.
Rising Costs Put Pressure on Dairy Farmers
Dar said higher petrol and diesel prices had increased the cost of cattle feed, transport and other farm expenses.
“Cattle feed that was previously available for Rs800 now costs Rs1,700,” he said.
He added that farmers were also facing higher costs for veterinary medicines, electricity, labour and water.
Dar urged the authorities to review milk prices based on current production costs.
He warned that failure to set a suitable price could affect the city’s milk supply and create shortages.
The dairy farmers have called for an early decision from the government and local administration.
