Odisha Dairy Farmers Call For Rollback of GST on Dairy Products

On Monday, dairy farmers emptied tons of milk onto the streets close to the Odisha Assembly to show their opposition to the GST's imposition on dairy goods including pre-packed and pre-labelled curd, cheese, lassi, and buttermilk.

"What advantage will we receive? We will just be losing customers. The rural belt's demand will decline once prices rise. We must all be aware that most people in India live in villages. People are capable of surviving without dairy products. According to Rabi Behera, president of the Odisha Milk Farmers' Association, "we would be the victims of the distressed sale of milk and dairy products."

Farmers gathered in the Master Canteen Square streets and dumped milk from enormous cans onto the streets while carrying banners calling for the repeal of the GST on dairy goods and other essentials.

Farmers yelled "Modi sarkar down down," "Gabbar Singh tax nehi chalega," and "Grihasthi sarvnaash tax wapas karo" as they requested the immediate repeal of the GST, which is currently 5% on milk and other necessities.

Why does the Indian government not charge GST on petrol and diesel? The common person's way of life will be destroyed by the 5% GST's imposition on dairy products and other essentials, according to farmer Manas Mohanty.

The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED) purchases milk from farmers for Rs 26.78 per litre, while consumers pay Rs 46 for it. "The cost of packed milk would increase if the GST is implemented. It won't help farmers' interests. Dairy goods would become more expensive. Customers and farmers will also be heavily hurt, according to Niraj Behera, another farmer.

The farmers described how they had been taken advantage of by traders, and that no one had ever fought for them. Farmers rely on cattle feed since grazing ground is progressively disappearing in both urban and rural areas. However, the cost of feeding cattle has increased. The price of a quintal of badam pidia, which was previously Rs 1,400, has increased to Rs 1,680. Where would the farmers receive funding to cover the increased costs? Another irate farmer questioned, "Will the money generated by the GST be shared with farmers?"

According to sources, the OMFED is likely to shortly announce a rise in the price of milk  products due to the increase of 5% GST on milk and dairy products.

Many others showed up to show support for the cause, drawing attention to the protest from the general public.

"GST has been implemented, even on baby food and milk. They haven't even been spared by these folks. As puffed rice and jaggery have increased in price, our kitchen budget will increase, according to working lady Madhumita Pradhan, who also looks after her kitchen.