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Budget ignored dairy sector's demand: IDA

BS Commodities Bureau

Disappointed with the step-motherly treatment meted to it in the Budget, the dairy industry has said that Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha could have removed some constraints to make it globally competitive.

In a statement, Indian Dairy Association (IDA) president Animesh Banerjee said "the industry is surprised to note that though the Budget gives total exemption from duties to processed foods like jams and ketchup, the processed milk and milk products have been completely ignored."

He said IDA had sought duty concessions for value added milk and milk products like infant powder, milk powder and ghee to increase the consumption so that milk producers get a better price.

However, this demand has been completely ignored, he added.

India has the capability to carve a sizable niche in the global market with the gradual withdrawal of subsidies in developed dairying nations, he said. However, he added, in the post-WTO scenario, with quality coming in sharp focus, it would be difficult for the milk farmers to put India on top in world milk production.

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