Dairy producer cooperatives have warned they will begin a phased protest starting August 20 if long-overdue payments for milk supplied are not settled. The decision was made during the 31st board meeting of the Central Dairy Cooperative Association Nepal (CDCAN), held in Chitwan.
According to CDCAN Chairperson Ammar Bahadur Kunwar, cooperatives have been unable to pay farmers because they have not received payments from the government and private sector. Dairy producers nationwide are owed more than Rs 4 billion—including Rs 1 billion from the Dairy Development Board and Rs 3 billion from private industries.
Despite an 11-point agreement previously reached with the government, the association says no progress has been made. Kunwar stressed that the movement aims to ensure respect and fair treatment for dairy farmers.
At a press conference, CDCAN General Secretary Ram Acharya announced plans to classify and publicly name industries based on whether they have cleared their dues, along with the amounts owed. Industries will be given until August 20 to settle payments, after which protests will proceed.
CDCAN Vice-Chairperson Bhagirath Timilsina said farmers—many of whom depend on milk sales for their livelihoods—have been disrespected by industrialists. Payments from the Dairy Development Board have been pending since January, and from the private sector since November.
Milk is produced in 64 districts across Nepal, with 1,872 dairy cooperatives operating in 36 districts. These cooperatives produce 1.3 million liters of milk daily, involving 600,000 families and benefiting more than 3 million farmers.
CDCAN leaders warned that continued indifference from both government and industry will worsen farmers’ hardships, vowing that this time they will secure justice through protest.
