Chandigarh, May 21 (IANS) Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd (Milkfed), the state-owned milk supply cooperative that owns the ‘Verka’ brand, increased supply rates on Saturday farmers milk Rs 20 per kg fat.

This is Milkfed’s fourth hike this year.

This decision will pinch consumers’ pockets as the retail price will increase by around Re 1 per kg for cow’s milk and Rs 1.40 per kg for buffalo milk.

An official statement quoting the Minister of Cooperation, Harpal Singh Cheema, said that given the difficulties faced by milk producers due to the continuous increase in the purchase price of raw ingredients for livestock feed and Other overheads, Milkfed Punjab has decided to increase its purchase price of milk paid to farmers by Rs 20 per kg of fat.

He said that in the future, more concrete measures will be taken for the benefit of milk producers and the best quality dairy products will be supplied to consumers by Verka.

Milkfed Managing Director Kamaldeep Singh Sangha said after farming, milk production is the main occupation of rural people.

Milkfed pays a higher milk purchase price to its milk producers compared to other neighboring states.

He had previously increased his purchase price of milk on March 1 and April 1 and 21 by Rs 20, Rs 20 and Rs 10 per kg of fat, respectively.

–IANS

vg/shb/