Saqib Rather
Srinagar, June 1: Consumers across Jammu and Kashmir will pay more for milk from today after the Jammu and Kashmir Dairy Farmers Association (JKDFA) announced a hike of ₹5 per litre in retail milk prices, citing a sharp rise in production and distribution costs.
According to the association, the decision was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders and a review of escalating expenses faced by dairy farmers and milk distributors. Rising prices of cattle feed, fodder, fuel, transportation, veterinary care, packaging materials and other essential inputs have significantly increased the cost of milk production over the past several months.
“The dairy sector has been under tremendous financial pressure due to the continuous increase in input costs. This revision is aimed at ensuring that farmers receive a fair return for their efforts and can continue supplying quality milk to consumers,” Chib said.
He added that World Milk Day offered an appropriate platform to draw attention to the challenges confronting dairy producers and the need for measures that strengthen the sector’s sustainability.
The association has also appealed to milk vendors and procurement agencies to pass on the benefits of the revised rates directly to milk producers so that the farming community receives its due share of the increase.
“The objective is not merely to raise retail prices but to strengthen the entire dairy value chain. The additional amount should ultimately benefit the farmers who are at the heart of milk production,” Chib stated.
Industry representatives said the move is expected to provide relief to thousands of dairy farming families across Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have reported shrinking profit margins amid increasing expenditure on livestock management and transportation.
Meanwhile, the association welcomed recent administrative action aimed at improving food safety standards in the Union Territory. JKDFA leaders praised the restrictions imposed on the storage and transportation of loose paneer sourced from outside Jammu and Kashmir under allegedly unhygienic conditions.
“Strict monitoring of dairy products entering the market is essential for protecting consumer health and ensuring quality standards. Such measures will benefit both consumers and genuine dairy producers,” Chib remarked.
The association expressed hope that the combined effect of fair pricing and stronger food safety enforcement would contribute to a more resilient dairy sector while ensuring a consistent supply of quality milk across Jammu and Kashmir.
With the latest revision now in force, consumers are expected to witness the increase in milk prices at retail outlets throughout the Union Territory from Monday onwards.
