On July 3, 2024, following a meeting of AIKS Central Office Bearers in Delhi, AIKS National President Dr. Ashok Dhawale and AIKS Maharashtra General Secretary Dr. Ajit Nawale met with three newly elected MPs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA-INDIA) representing Maharashtra's milk belt. These MPs were Dr. Amol Kolhe (NCP), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (SS), and Nilesh Lanke (NCP).
The AIKS leaders congratulated the MPs on their significant victories over their BJP-NDA rivals and informed them about the escalating struggle of milk farmers in the state, led by AIKS and the Milk Farmers Joint Struggle Committee. They requested the MPs' support in this struggle. All three MPs not only pledged their support but also committed to taking a proactive role in the movement.
Currently, farmers in Maharashtra are receiving only Rs 24-27 per litre for cow milk, which is sold in the market for Rs 56-60 per litre. This disparity is attributed to faulty state government policies, milk adulteration, and intense competition among the over 350 milk brands in Maharashtra, unlike the single-brand systems in Gujarat (Amul) and Karnataka (Nandini). Additionally, while 3.5 lakh tonnes of milk powder remain unsold in the country, the Modi government has approved the import of 10,000 tonnes, ostensibly to satisfy foreign interests.
In response, milk farmers across Maharashtra have initiated a protest, demanding Rs 40 per litre for cow milk, along with other key demands. Thousands of milk farmers are engaging in demonstrations, road blockades, and other forms of protest, placing the BJP-controlled state government under pressure.
