8th March 2025, Kathmandu
Farmers in Banke are facing severe challenges as illegal, low-quality milk from India floods the local market. This milk is smuggled through various border points like Suiya, Khadaicha, Jamunaha, and Shiupuri, threatening the livelihoods of local dairy producers.
Banke Nepal Dairy Crisis
According to Indra Prasad Luintel, a member of the Milk Producers Association, around 1,000 liters of milk are being smuggled into Nepal daily. He called for immediate action to stop these illegal imports. Luintel argued that the illegal milk imports are pushing out locally produced milk, which is more beneficial to farmers. “The milk produced by our farmers should help them, not the traders,” he said.
Concerns Over Health and Quality
The illegally imported milk, priced between NPR 30 and NPR 50 per liter, is significantly cheaper than local milk. Luintel also raised concerns about the quality of the imported milk, warning that it could negatively impact public health. He emphasized that the government is losing out on tax revenue while local farmers are left struggling to compete with these lower-priced imports.
Criticism of Government Inaction
Luintel criticized the government for its lack of action on the issue. He claimed that government officials and the police seem indifferent to the problem, allowing illegal milk imports to continue unchecked. This inaction is hurting local dairy producers and contributing to the growth of the black market.
Call for Stronger Action and Coordination
Lumbini Province’s Agriculture Minister, Dinesh Panthi, acknowledged the problem and stressed the need for better coordination between the police and government employees. While he recognized previous attempts to control the situation, he admitted that they were not sufficient. Panthi promised to introduce new strategies to address the illegal milk imports more effectively.
Impact on the Livestock Sector
The growing problem of illegal milk imports has caused frustration among local dairy farmers. Purnaprasad Adhikari, a dairy business owner, said, “If the state cannot manage the milk industry, we might as well stop livestock farming altogether.” He believes the government’s failure to protect the dairy industry is forcing many farmers out of business.
Goat farmer Premraj Suvedi also criticized the government’s lack of support for livestock farming. He highlighted the environmental benefits of livestock farming, such as soil conservation. Suvedi explained that while chemical fertilizers weaken soil health, livestock farming helps maintain its fertility.
Urgent Need for Government Action
The situation in Banke calls for immediate action. The government must step up efforts to curb the illegal import of milk and support local farmers. Without proper intervention, the local dairy industry may face long-term damage. The government must implement effective policies to ensure the sustainability of Nepal’s dairy sector.
For more: Banke Nepal Dairy Crisis