'Saras Bhogao-Saras Bachao': A Call to Protect Rajasthan's Dairy Cooperatives
Ajmer, Rajasthan – A significant gathering, dubbed the 'Saras Sahakar Mahakumbh,' is set to take place on Sunday, August 23rd, at Kachhawa Garden, near Thbiji Farm, in Ajmer. The event, starting at 11 AM, is organized with the central theme 'Chase Amul Away, Save Saras.' The primary objective is to voice strong opposition to the expansion of Amul in Rajasthan and to bolster the state's own Saras Dairy and cooperative system.
The Mahakumbh is expected to see participation from Saras Dairy chairmen of 15 district unions across the state, alongside prominent leaders including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other senior figures from the cooperative sector.
Strategic Planning Against Amul's Entry
Ajmer Saras Dairy Chairman, Ramchandra Chaudhary, highlighted that the Mahakumbh will serve as a crucial platform to strategize the potential impact of Amul's expansion on Saras Dairy and the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers. An estimated 25,000 men and women from across Rajasthan are anticipated to attend the event.
Serious Allegations Leveled Against Amul
In the lead-up to the Mahakumbh, Chaudhary and Saras supporters have released a detailed list of accusations against Amul. These allegations include claims of misleading consumers and compromising product quality. It is alleged that Amul uses vegetable fat instead of natural fats and employs preservatives in its products, contrasting with Saras's adherence to purity standards. Furthermore, Amul is accused of selling products past their expiry date and employing a dual pricing policy, charging higher prices in other states compared to its home state of Gujarat.
Key Issues on the Mahakumbh Agenda:
- Saras's Three-Tier Cooperative Structure: Chaudhary emphasized that Saras operates on a three-tier cooperative model – village-level milk committees, district milk unions, and a state-level organization – envisioned by Dr. Verghese Kurien. He questioned who truly benefits from Amul's operational model, which lacks such a structure.
- Cooperative Bylaws vs. Imposed Laws: Allegations were made that Saras institutions function under established bylaws, while Amul follows different policies. This disparity is expected to be a significant point of discussion.
- Protecting Thousands of Crores in Saras Infrastructure: Chaudhary stressed that Rajasthan has invested billions of rupees in building Saras's infrastructure over the years. He warned that Amul's expansion without a proper policy framework could jeopardize this established system.
- Threat to Small Dairy Farmers' Livelihoods: The entry of Amul is feared to directly impact the livelihoods of small farmers and cattle rearers in the state. Concerns were raised about increased competition due to the lack of clear pricing and procurement mechanisms for local milk producers.
- Plea to the Chief Minister: Ramchandra Chaudhary urged the Chief Minister to deny Amul permission for expansion in Rajasthan. He stated that if the government proceeds with such a decision, protests would escalate to Jantar Mantar, and legal recourse up to the Supreme Court would be considered.
- Crisis for 13,000 Committees: Chaudhary claimed that Amul's entry could lead to the closure of approximately 13,000 milk committees in Rajasthan, affecting the livelihoods of lakhs of people.
- Demand for Pending Payments: The Mahakumbh will also press the state government for the prompt release of pending payments, estimated between ₹300 to ₹400 crore, for the Mid-Day Meal scheme, which have been outstanding for about 1.5 years. Additionally, a demand will be made for the swift disbursement of dues for the Chief Minister's Milk Producer Sambal Yojana, pending for nearly three months.
Chaudhary concluded by stating that Saras is more than just a dairy brand; it is a cooperative system deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of cattle rearers and millions of families in Rajasthan's villages. He asserted that any major decision concerning the state's dairy sector must prioritize the interests of local farmers, milk committees, and Saras.
The 'Saras Sahakar Mahakumbh' aims to be a forum for organizers to discuss strategies for safeguarding the state's cooperative dairy system and to exert pressure on the government to address their demands.
Stay tuned to MTTV India News for the latest developments.
