In a recent decision aimed at supporting livestock farmers, authorities in Banaskantha have ordered the closure of private milk purchase centres. This move is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the cooperative framework and ensure fair prices for farmers. The District Registrar has sent a letter to Banaskantha Dairy, emphasising that milk should only be accepted through registered primary dairy producer cooperatives.
The decision follows complaints about private centres accepting milk from farmers, which undermines the local cooperatives. Many villages already have registered dairy cooperatives, yet some farmers still sell their milk through private centres. This has raised concerns about the accountability and transparency of these private operations.
Private centres operate outside the auditing framework of cooperative laws, leaving room for exploitation of farmers. The local cooperative department has taken this step to protect farmers from such practices. The aim is to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their milk and are not exploited by private buyers.
The new directive states that all private milk purchase centres in the district must close immediately. If a village has a registered dairy cooperative, no private centre will be allowed to operate. In cases where villages lack a cooperative, the authorities will facilitate the formation of new ones to ensure that farmers have access to fair milk purchasing options.
Additionally, Banaskantha Dairy has been instructed to report on its activities to the District Registrar’s office. This report will include details of how the cooperative is functioning and the measures taken to ensure farmers are not facing difficulties.
This decision is seen as a significant step towards empowering local farmers. By limiting milk purchases to registered cooperatives, the government aims to create a more stable and fair market for dairy products. Farmers will benefit from better prices and reduced chances of exploitation.
In summary, the closure of private milk purchase centres in Banaskantha is a proactive measure to safeguard the interests of livestock farmers. It reinforces the importance of cooperative structures in the dairy industry and aims to provide equitable opportunities for all farmers in the region. The authorities are committed to ensuring that the dairy farmers receive the support they need to thrive in a competitive market.
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