Amritsar: Dairy farmers again dump milk on roads in protest against adulteration

Amritsar Dairy Farmers Launch Second Protest Against Adulterated Milk Sales

Amritsar witnessed a fresh wave of protest from dairy farmers on Monday, as they once again spilled hundreds of litres of milk onto the roads in a bid to draw attention to the rampant adulteration of milk products. This incident marks the second such demonstration in the past two weeks, underscoring growing frustration over the authorities’ perceived inaction in regulating the quality of milk being sold in the city. Farmers from Amritsar and surrounding regions joined the movement, with representatives from the Amritsar Dhodhi Union—affiliated with the Bharti Kisan Union—leading the charge.

The latest protest unfolded as farmers poured fresh milk onto the streets, a gesture that has become a symbol of their discontent. This act, though criticized for its wastefulness, is meant to highlight the economic and health threats posed by spurious milk. According to the farmers, they have been unable to fetch fair prices for their pure milk, as adulterated versions flood the market at significantly lower rates. The practice of selling diluted or chemically treated milk has not only squeezed their profits but also tarnished their reputation as reliable suppliers.

A similar demonstration took place on May 18, when dairy farmers gathered outside the deputy commissioner’s office at the District Administration complex. During that event, they also released large quantities of milk onto the roads, demanding stricter oversight. The recurring nature of these protests suggests that the issue of adulteration remains unresolved, with farmers believing that the government has failed to address the problem effectively. The outpouring of milk in these protests has sparked conversations about the broader implications for the dairy industry and local consumers.

Economic Strain and Market Distortion

Dairy farmers have accused the market of being skewed in favor of low-quality milk. They claim that spurious milk, often mixed with harmful substances like urea, palm oil, and refined oil, is sold at ₹50 per litre—substantially cheaper than genuine milk, which fetches around ₹80 per litre. This pricing disparity has forced honest producers to sell their products at a loss, leading to a decline in their livelihoods. The financial strain is exacerbated by rising costs of fodder and cattle feed, which have increased in recent months without a corresponding rise in milk prices.

"The sale of spurious milk at nearly half the price of pure milk is causing serious issues for genuine farmers," said Karmjeet Singh, district president of the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU). He emphasized that the problem is not just about pricing but also about the quality of products reaching consumers. "Our milk is pure, but the market is flooded with adulterated versions that can harm people’s health," Singh added, calling for immediate intervention from local authorities.

Health Risks and Consumer Trust

Protesters have raised concerns about the health implications of adulterated milk products. They pointed out that shops across the city are widely selling these tainted items, including paneer and khoya, which are commonly consumed by families. The use of urea and other additives to increase volume has led to worries about long-term effects on public health. Farmers argue that these substances, when consumed regularly, can lead to various health issues, especially among children and the elderly.

"Consumers are being misled into thinking they’re buying high-quality milk, but in reality, they’re consuming products that are harmful," Singh stated. He added that small vendors and sweet shops are the primary culprits, as they often lack proper certification and rely on cheaper, adulterated sources to cut costs. This has created a vicious cycle where the demand for low-priced milk encourages more adulteration, further eroding consumer trust in the dairy sector.

Call for State-Level Action

While the district administration has been targeted for its slow response, farmers are now threatening to escalate their demands to the state level. They insist that the current measures are insufficient to curb the spread of spurious milk. "We need stronger enforcement and regular inspections to ensure that adulterated products don’t reach the market," Singh said. The union has warned that if no significant action is taken, they will organize a larger protest involving more farmers and stakeholders across the state.

The protests have also drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by small-scale dairy producers. Many farmers struggle to compete with large-scale sellers who prioritize profit over quality. This has created an uneven playing field, where honest producers are forced to either lower their prices or risk losing market share. The situation has prompted calls for policy reforms to support genuine milk vendors and protect consumers from substandard products.

As the dairy sector grapples with these issues, the protests serve as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability. Farmers are not only fighting for better prices but also for the safety of their products and the integrity of the local market. With each demonstration, they hope to push for tangible changes that will restore their standing and ensure fair practices for all involved.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.