Demand to roll back GST on milk products in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: Milk farmers, vendors and consumers have demanded withdrawal of the Centre’s decision to impose 5% GST on pre-packed and pre-labelled milk, curd, lassi and other dairy products at a time when people are grappling with inflation.
“Milk is an essential item and the first thing people need every morning. Gone are the days when people used to buy milk and curd from milkmen. Now everyone prefers packaged milk, curd, paneer and other dairy products. Addition of GST on packed milk products will create further financial burden,” said Mitali Mohapatra, a homemaker.
Dairy farmers said the decision to impose 5% GST on dairy products will have an adverse impact on the sector that is already under stress.
“Dairy farming is a low-profit sector. Besides, maximum dairy producers belong to the lower strata of the society. These farmers will not get any benefit from the price hike due to GST. Rather the rise of GST from 12% to 18% on agri processing machines used in dairy farms and other accessories has increased the input cost,” said Bijay Behera, a milk farmer on the outskirts of the city.
Milk vendors said all dairy companies, including the state-owned OMFED, will announce a hike in prices soon. “People usually reduce consumption of milk and curd in such a situation which affects our business,” said Ramesh Nayak, an OMFED stall owner.