Supreme Court orders government to clear dairy farmers’ dues
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure that dairy farmers are paid their outstanding dues without delay, ruling that prolonged non-payment by dairy industries and the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation violated farmers’ constitutional rights. The court also directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment to implement a June 30, 2024 agreement on clearing arrears and regularizing future milk payments.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court issued a writ of mandamus directing the government to clear outstanding dues owed to dairy farmers.
- The court said delayed payments by private dairy companies and the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation violated farmers’ constitutional rights.
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment was ordered to implement the June 30, 2024 agreement on settling arrears and ensuring regular future payments.
- Around Rs7 billion is reportedly owed to farmers, affecting about three million families involved in dairy production.
