the goan I network
PANAJI
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ramesh Tawadkar said, “My Department has cleared the file. The file is sent to the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for approval.”
As regards Goa Dairy is concerned, it procures 12,000 litres from Bicholim, 8,000 litres from Pernem, 7,000 litres from Ponda and 4,000 litres from Salcete taluka.
SUMUL had started its operations in four talukas from March this year “ Sattari, Canacona, Sanguem and Quepem. Presently, SUMUL has 20 centres across these four talukas and procures 7,000 litres of milk every day.
When asked about the changes expected after SUMUL expands its operations to these additional four talukas, Tawadkar said, “This issue was going on for the past two years. We were receiving lot of complaints from the farmers with regard to Goa Dairy. When I took over the Department, I tried to settle the issues, but they were too adamant. So, we all decided that till the time there is no competition, we will not be able to give justice to the farmers.”
“And today I feel after the competition between both “ Goa Dairy and SUMUL “ the farmers have been given proper justice”, he said.
Asked to comment on the negative impact of Goa Dairy increasing the prices of the milk, he said, “We were expecting this. We have still not intervened here. But we will have to see what could be done in this case.”
“Our stand was to protect Goa Dairy entirely. When we look at survival, we have to consider both “ farmers as well as Goa Dairy. We have time and again approached them, but they were adamant. Now, if they show interest, I will talk to the minister and do the needful to protect Goa Dairy”, he said.
