NDDB starts monitoring dairies

KATHMANDU, Aug 28:

Following revelations that dairy firms are increasing use of powdered milk by reducing purchase of fresh milk from farmers, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has started monitoring dairy producers in Kathmandu Valley.

NDDB monitored four dairies in Kathmandu and studied quantity of powdered milk used and their milk procurement figures.

Babu Kaji Panta, executive director of NDDB, told Republica that they did not find any discrepancy in Sitaram Milk, Rajdhani Dairy, Nawaprabhat Dairy and Himalayan Dairy. "We will keep monitoring dairy producers in the coming days as well," said Panta.

Officials of Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD) and NDDB are worried by the drop in procurement of fresh milk by dairy producers. Farmers say dairy producers are increasing frequency of milk holiday as it is profitable for them to use powdered milk which is cheaper compared to fresh milk.

NDDB last week published a public notice, urging dairy producers not to impose milk holiday and procure fresh milk from farmers.

Milk production is increasing in recent years due to different programs like artificial insemination and forage missions. However, milk consumption is more or less the same.

Panta also said the shutdown of Chitawon Milk, the largest powdered milk producer, also led to decline in demand for fresh milk.

Dairy producers also have large quantity of ghee in stock.