Milma seeks hike of Rs 5 per litre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Milma milk is likely to join LPG and diesel in this season of hikes. Kallada Ramesh, Chairman, Thiruvananthapuram Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, has called for a hike in the price of  Milma milk by Rs 5 per litre.In a press conference held here on Monday, he said, "A price hike is essential if Milma is to recover from its losses. Milma has incurred additional liabilities worth Rs 5 crore by bringing milk from outside at an extra rate without increasing the milk price from January to March this year. Milma has spent Rs 1.5 crore for cattle feed subsidies and Rs 4 crore as incentives for dairy units. During 2010-11, the loss amounted to Rs 22 lakh.’’He said that although Milma has increased its price five times in the last five years, yet another hike is inevitable. He also stressed the need for more subsidies and welfare measures for dairy farmers in the State."The State, which once had 36 lakh dairy farmers, now has only 12 lakh farmers. If this exodus is to be prevented, they have to be well taken care of,’’ he said.He also announced that the Thiruvananthapuram unit of Milma will conduct its 25th Anniversary function on June 29. In the function, the unit will pass the budget for the coming year. Minister for Dairy Development  K C Joseph will distribute the Nandiyodu Rajan Memorial Award for best dairy units on the occasion.