the goan I network
PONDA
Farmers associated with Goa Dairy on Thursday withdrew their indefinite hunger strike, following an assurance from Goa Dairy Chairman Rajesh Phaldesai to appoint a new managing director by removing incumbent Dr Navaso Sawant.
The farmers have been on strike since Tuesday demanding a Rs 5 hike per litre on cow milk and the removal of Dr Sawant as managing director. Anup Desai, chairman of Gosavardh Sahakari Dudh Sanstha from Priol and another farmer Sanjiv Kuncolienkar had began their hunger strike outside the Goa Dairy gate on Tuesday.
The two protesting farmers had also brought two jersey cows and tied them to the Goa Dairy compound, warning that more cows would be brought as part of their demonstration. On Wednesday, deputy collector Kedar Naik had tried to intervene and resolve the issue. On his request, the Goa Dairy discussed the issue with the delegation of farmers and assured to increase the price by a rupee after discussing with the board of directors. However, farmers had remained firm on their stand and continued the strike.
Speaking to The Goan, Anup Desai said they had withdrawn the strike after they got an assurance that Dr Sawant would be removed as MD of Goa Dairy. “Removal of Dr Sawant as MD was our primary demand. The Goa Dairy chairman has assured to remove him and hence, we have withdrawn the strike,” he said.
According to Desai, the demand for an increase in cow milk rate was secondary. “We know that Goa Dairy is presently in losses and hence, we don’t want to put an additional burden on them. However, whatever increase they give will be accepted by us,” Desai said.
