The representatives of Central Dairy Co-operative Association Limited Nepal (CDCAN) have claimed that some 7.5 million liters of milk go waste every year, local newspaper The Himalayan Times reported Tuesday.

The annual waste of milk is causing a loss worth some 1.85 million U.S. dollars each year.

CDCAN president Dhaka Ram Aryal informed the newly appointed Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Man Bahadur Biswokarma, that the provision of milk holiday has largely discouraged dairy farmers to continue their job.

The nine-member team led by Aryal, submitting a memorandum to Minister Biswokarma, demanded the government establish a cooperative-based powder milk factory immediately.

"To stop the farmers from shifting their expertise to other business, the government should establish a powder milk factory immediately," Aryal said. He also said the Dairy Development Corporation should be strengthened and changed into a cooperative.

The CDCAN has also demanded that the government allocate budget to raise the standard of dairy farming in Nepal and help alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities.

Minister Biswokarma said he has taken the issues seriously and would take necessary step after having a thorough discussion with the concerned authorities.

Source: Xinhua