Amrutha Avasarala, Pune
Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leaders accuse state-owned Vijaya Dairy of conspiracy, with the allegations stating that the entity is currently facing losses. It is also said that the firm holds dues to dairy farmers for three months now.
Vijaya Dairy has increased the prices of milk for the second time in a row. In light of the price rise, the rates almost equals the milk prices of private entities which might further deepen the demand of Vijaya Dairy. The dairy firm claims that the prices rise to farmers is the reason behind the move. The Agriculture Minister, Niranjan Reddy held a conference on Saturday, flagging his fear of an expected doom of dairy industry in the state. He further stated that the farmers have been protesting for long dues of three months. He questioned the state of the firm during BRS rule and then the advancements post the regime change.
Niranjan Reddy said, “The government, which has failed to fully implement the crop loan waiver and Rythu Bandhu schemes, is now set to let down farmers with inadequate crop insurance policies.”
The prices have been increased two times recently, making the price close to those of private entities. It is said that the private firms pay higher amounts to farmers and as a result, Vijaya Dairy faces challenges in acquiring milk from dairy farmers. To handle the crisis, a hike in prices is the only way forward for the company, authorities stated.
The Minister, along with other BRS leaders, questioned the ruling government of false promises and projects running in the state. Initiatives such as HYDRAA were criticized as misleading. The 4,000/- pension scheme announced by the government too was questioned.
Heritage, a private dairy company, is set to invest Rs. 204 crores in the state, setting up a dairy plant. The dairy farmers are expected to turn loyalty to the company which would further cause trouble for the state owned entity of Vijaya Dairy. The conspiracy is yet to further unfold and unveil all the details.