Decision on hiking milk price by June 26

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Minister of State for dairy development Hassan Mushrif today said a decision on hiking milk price would be taken by June 26.

He was speaking at a meeting with Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana led by MLA Raju Shetty at Mantralaya here, which is demanding hike in milk prices. The minister discussed the issue on telephone with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh before announcing the decision to the representatives of the Sanghatana.

The minister said everyday eight lakh litre milk is supplied to Mumbai from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara. Since there will be no supply on May 26 and 27 due to the strike by the Sanghatana, alternate arrangements have been made.

He said the Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil committee report and the Devtale committee report will be discussed in the cabinet before taking a final decision on increasing milk price.

Disscussions will also be held with the Milk Purchase Sangh next month. A committee to look into the difference in the sale and purchase of milk will be set up. The milk producers want a price of Rs 18 per litre with six per cent fat.

UNI