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‘We are paid less, milk quality degraded’

As the farmers were voicing their demands, they had a face-off with the plant officials and threatened to embark on an agitation unless their grievances were addressed.

‘We are paid less, milk quality degraded’

(Representational Photo: Getty Images)

The milk farmers of Baliapal today alleged that they were paid less for their milk by the officials of the local chilling plant OMFED. They also complained that the milk they were supplying to the plant was deliberately degraded by the officials by tampering with the lactometer (an instrument that tests the purity of milk based on density and buoyancy) . The lactometer the plant officials are using is showing 2-3 point lesser than the real reading , they alleged, adding that as a result they were paid less than their dues .

Besides complaints of tampering with the quality of milk, it was alleged that they were paid atmost Rs 25.10 per litre by the plant for milk sold by OMFED at Rs 40 per litre. Allegations of mixing caustic soda and water with the milk also emerged.

The cost for transportation of the milk was also reportedly not reimbursed. As the farmers were voicing their demands, they had a face-off with the plant officials and threatened to embark on an agitation unless their grievances were addressed.

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One of the farmers said, “Firstly,the lactometer the plant is using either not calibrated or deliberately tempered . The farmers are paid as per 8 SNF (Solids not fat) while the plant sells them to Bamul with a grade 8.2- 8.4(SNF).The profit is pocketed by the plant.” He added, “On top of this, they are diluting the milk by pouring water and mixing caustic soda. The conveyance charge is 6 paise per km which has not been not revised for 20 years is also not paid to farmers since March . We are facing harassment and exploitation.”

We have complained many times of such deception by the manipulating with the lactometer, yet the plant authorities didn’t respond. However, the manager of the plant refuted the allegations. He said “The lactometer was calibrated and tested in the laboratory and there was no manipulation.”

According to reports, under the chilling plant of BAMUL in the IDCO campus in Baliapal, 18 societies are registered and about 5,000 litres of milk collected from nearly 4,000 dairy farmers.However , 3 societies have become defunct due to the mismanagement by the plant authorities. Reportedly, in 2015 they were paid Rs 28.40 per litre by same plant.

It was also alleged by the farmers that when they demanded enhancement of rate, the plant officials threatened them that they would not procure the milk. According to sources, two separate complaints were already registered by the farmers and the plant authorities in the local police station in the past.

 

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