Casein exports will benefit farmers, say dairy makers

NEW DELHI: The government's decision to allow exports of casein and its products, a value added milk item, will benefit farmers, dairy products makers said today.

"It's a welcome step. We have been demanding lifting curb from outbound shipment of casein for long," R S Sodhi, the Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which sells products under the Amul brand, said.

Sodhi said the government should have lifted prohibition from export of milk powder also as the country is having surplus milk production presently.

"It will be advantageous for farmers," Narendra Nagar, Director (Operation), Paras, said.

He said the decision would have no bearing on consumers but will prove beneficial for the dairy farmers.

Indian Dairy Association President N R Bhasin said, "We neither welcome it nor are opposed to it."

"If casein stock available with producers is allowed to export then there is no problem. However, if manufacturing of casein for exports is started then it could lead to shortage of milk. We think casein import in limited quantity should be allowed," he added.

The Government had banned exports of casein and milk powder in February last year, after the country experienced a shortfall of the important food commodity.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) today issued a notification allowing export of casein and casein products, a long pending demand of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and the dairy industry.

Casein is a protein compound extracted from milk.