Govt mulls ban on export of skimmed milk powder

BL reports

Having successfully deployed the export ban route to contain price increases in sugar and pulses, the Centre has set its sights next on milk. According to reliable information, a move is under way now to ban export of skimmed milk powder (SMP).

The Agriculture Ministry has already sought information from all State co-operative dairy federations on their existing export commitments and stock position of SMP as well as whole milk powder (WMP).

The communiqué, dated January 18, has also asked the federations to furnish details of their SMP/WMP production this year vis-à-vis the previous three years, besides the likely demand-supply scenario in the coming months. A copy of the letter has also been sent out to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and its subsidiary, Mother Dairy.

"This could be the precursor to a ban on SMP exports," sources said.