Feni-Loving Goa Is Heading for a Milk War

The ruling BJP in Goa and the existing Goa Dairy Co-Operative Milk Producers Union Limited are at loggerheads.

Goa government’s move to invite SUMUL has irked the state dairy. (Photo: Rahul Gupta/The Quint)

Goa, conventionally associated with feni, beer and wine when it comes to beverages, appears to be heading for a milk war.

The state government’s decision to allow Gujarat-based Surat District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited (SUMUL) to set up milk procurement facilities in four agrarian sub districts, has brought the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the existing Goa Dairy Co-Operative Milk Producers Union Limited at loggerheads.

While the BJP has accused Goa Dairy of sabotaging milk production, the latter has charged the BJP with trying to finish the dairy, one of the largest undertakings in the co-operative sector, after the ruling party failed to take control of it.

It all began when, on January 7, a government notification allowed SUMUL, which markets the popular milk and dairy products brand of the same name, to set up procurement operations in Sattari, Sanguem, Canacona and Quepem sub-districts, which account for the biggest chunk of milk production in Goa.

We have to make Goa self-sufficient in milk production. If there is competition, dairy farmers will definitely benefit from the better rate they will get for the milk they produce. We do not intend to do injustice to Goa Dairy, but I believe competition is needed to improve things in the dairy (sector).

<b>Laxmikant Parsekar, Goa Chief Minister</b>