Karachi dairy farmers demand revision of milk prices

Association representative Shakir Umar stated the necessity of raising the farm-gate price to 277 rupees per liter and the retail price to 310 rupees. According to him, the Sindh Livestock Department determined the cost of production at 262 rupees per liter, and taking into account an additional deduction of 15 rupees per head of a calf, this figure reaches 277 rupees. Umar noted the impossibility of continuing to sell milk at the previous official farm-gate price of 215 rupees per liter under such calculations.

The growth of expenses in the industry is associated with the rising cost of animal feed, forage, grain, electricity, labor, medicines, and transport services. The head of the association appealed to Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi with a call to hold a meeting of stakeholders and officially approve the new rates, relying on documented costs.

Due to prolonged losses, some livestock farmers are forced to sell off livestock and close businesses, which poses a threat to milk production volumes and investments in the dairy sector. This week, the organization intends to present official cost figures and evidence of financial losses at a press conference. If the demands are not met, the farmers allow for the possibility of peaceful protests, sit-in strikes, and symbolic actions, although negotiations remain the priority necessary to maintain stable production and supply of dairy products.