Indian milk prices escalate since January 2009

Indian milk prices have risen by up to Rs7 (US$0.15) per litre since January 2009, according to Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas.

Thomas added that there were no reports of any milk shortage in north India.

In fact, he said, production has gone up to 108.5 million tonnes in 2008-09 against 80.6 million tonnes in FY'01.

The government has implemented various schemes in the country to increase overall milk production in the country, he pointed out.

The National project on Cattle and Buffalo Breeding to improve productivity of milch animals and Intensive Dairy Development Programme in hilly and backward areas are some of the schemes implemented to increase the overall milk output, he said.

In addition, Dairy Venture Capital Fund for promoting entrepreneurship and self employment in rural areas by providing interest-free loans through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is also being implemented for the purpose.