Thu Feb 26 16:11:05 UTC 2026: Headline: Milma Board Members Protest Milk Price Hike Delay in Kerala
The Story:
Director board members of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma), led by John Theruvoth, staged a walkout from a special general body meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. The protest was triggered by the federation’s failure to implement a previously discussed milk price hike. Representatives had been advocating for a ₹10 increase per liter to support dairy farmers struggling with production costs, but a proposed revision of ₹4 to ₹6, agreed upon after local body elections, had not materialized.
Despite promises and discussions with the Dairy Development department, the milk price hike was not even on the agenda for the special general body meeting, prompting the walkout. While Milma claims to have requested government input on the price hike, farmers are facing immediate economic pressures, leading to frustration and the threat of further exits from the dairy sector.
Key Points:
- Milma director board members protested the delay in increasing milk prices.
- The proposed price hike was ₹10 per liter, with a previously agreed-upon revision of ₹4 to ₹6.
- John Theruvoth led the walkout, citing the issue’s absence from the meeting agenda.
- Milma chairperson K.S. Mani stated that the government’s opinion was being sought.
- Milma increased the subsidy on cattle feed from ₹200 to ₹300 to support farmers.
- The Malabar Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union will offer an additional incentive of ₹5 per liter in March.
Critical Analysis:
The related historical context reveals a pattern of protests and political tensions across various regions of India on the same day. While seemingly unrelated, the widespread nature of these events suggests a general undercurrent of public dissatisfaction and potential political instability. The CPI(M) and Congress involvement in the Milma protest, coupled with their involvement in other protests mentioned in the context, highlights the complex interplay between political affiliations and public grievances.
Key Takeaways:
- Dairy farmers in Kerala are facing economic hardship due to insufficient milk prices.
- The delay in implementing the promised price hike has fueled frustration and protest.
- Internal governance issues and communication delays within Milma are exacerbating the problem.
- Political affiliations are intertwined with economic concerns in the dairy sector.
- Government intervention is crucial to resolving the price dispute and supporting dairy farmers.
Impact Analysis:
The Milma protest could have significant long-term implications for the dairy sector in Kerala. Continued delays in addressing the price issue may lead to more dairy farmers exiting the sector, potentially impacting milk production and availability. The political dimensions of the protest could also escalate tensions between different political factions and influence future policy decisions related to the dairy industry. The credibility of Milma and the government’s ability to support the agricultural sector are also at stake.
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