NDDB finalises deals with Australia, Ireland to meet milk shortage "To meet the shortfall in milk and brace up for upcoming festival season, we have finalised SMP deals with sellers from Australia and Ireland. Orders have been confirmed and shipping arrangements are being finalised," NDDB sources said.

The average landed cost at mother dairy will work out to be Rs 102 per kg against the current domestic price of Rs 100 a kg but will ensure timely supply to state milk federations. They said that the entire quantity will be delivered in three consignments by the first week of October and can be utilised as per requirement in various states during festivals like Id, Dussehra and Diwali.


NDDB allayed fears that the SMP imports will depress domestic domestic milk prices during procurement season, saying that against a total production of 2.5-3.0 lakh tonnes annually, the inflow of 6,500 tonnes due to the recent crisis will not effect the producers.

Sources said that more than 20 parameters including the age of powder purchased, the medium involved and other technical issues were looked into before placing the orders.
"Our priority will be that the farmers' interests are not harmed and there will be strict monitoring of producer prices before supplying the imported SMP to various regions".

After milk shortages during Janamashtmi, the current SMP imports may prove to be crucial, they said.

Bureau Report