Concern over dairy farmers’ livelihood and India’s milk security under the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), dairy companies of India has raised strong objections for allowing cheap imports of dairy products into the country on Wednesday.
As per the report, consultation meeting of stakeholder was organized by the Department of Commerce on Wednesday in New Delhi.
What has Government Assured?
The government have recorded the objections and assured the industry of protecting the farmers’ interests while taking a decision on RCEP. RS Sodhi, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells dairy products under 'Amul' brand has stated in front of the reporter that the government’s approach was positive.
Sodhi said, “The meeting took place in a cordial environment. We communicated our concerns. The government has given an assurance that no decision will be taken that will go against the interests of farmers”.
The government had invited about 60 top dairy stakeholders, including multinationals and domestic private players besides some dairy federations, for consultation, as per a report. The Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had met the dairy sector and assured them that the government would not venture into anything that would harm the interests of dairy farmers.
However, the dairy players across the country are anxious over the final decision. The government is believed to be keen on allowing imports of dairy commodities for value addition and then promotes exports, says some source.
