BJP MLA from Shehra, Jetha Bharvad has warned that import of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) will reduce milk prices in the country and consequently reduce the procurement cost of milk affecting crores of farmers in the country. Bharvad is also vice-chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets milk products under Amul brand.
"It has come to our notice that multinational corporations from countries like New Zealand, Australia and other countries of Europe are trying to sell SMP in India through provisions of Free Trade Agreement (FTA). New Zealand is trying to sell SMP at Rs 150 per kg against the price of Rs 280-290 prevalent in India," Bharvad said on Thursday during his address in the state legislature.