Bengal Makes More Milk Than Ever – So Why's It Getting Dearer?
West Bengal's smashed its milk production records, beating loads of other states. But despite churning out more than ever, the state government's just announced milk's going up in price. They reckon they've got no choice.
More Milk, Higher Bills
Milk production in Bengal's been climbing steadily, thanks to thousands of small farmers who've only got a handful of cows each. Together, they've pushed output through the roof. But making more milk hasn't made it cheaper. The cost of animal feed, fuel, and electricity has shot up, so getting milk from the farm to your fridge costs a lot more now.
Keeping Farmers Afloat
Officials say the price rise is needed to keep farmers going. If they don't get paid properly, they can't cover their costs and might just pack in dairy farming altogether. By putting up shop prices, the government makes sure farmers get a fair wage for their graft – even if it means we all pay a bit extra.
Stuck Between Farmers and Families
The government's walking a tightrope here. On one side, you've got farmers who need decent money to keep going. On the other, you've got families who rely on milk being affordable. This latest increase is meant to split the difference – farmers get more, but it's still cheaper than buying fancy branded milk from the shops.
People Want Better Stuff
City folks are buying more posh milk and dairy products like paneer, ghee, and proper yoghurt these days. Making that lot takes better processing and packaging, which adds even more to the bill.
No Easy Way Out
At the end of the day, the Bengal government reckons there's no simple fix. Making record amounts of milk is brilliant, but rising costs and inflation mean prices have to go up too.
Their line is straightforward: look after the farmers, keep the dairy business going, and make sure milk keeps reaching people's homes – even if it costs more.