dairy farmers association splits into two factions over milk price hi

KARACHI: Talks between Milk Retailers Association and Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, proved partially fruitful on Tuesday evening which resulted in Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association to split into two factions over the milk price hike.Commissioner Karachi said this evening that the milk shops in the city that were sealed by the government would be opened soon, as most milk retailers were ready to bring down their prices.Meanwhile, a faction of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association still refused to bring down the price and some of the milk retailers announced that they would shut the supply of milk in the city tomorrow (Wednesday). They also demanded the release of those vendors who were arrested for six months for selling milk at costly rates.Earlier today, it was reported that a milk shortage had emerged in Karachi as dairy shops in the city had closed over disagreements on the selling price.President Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association Shakir Umer said dairy shops were being sold milk at Rs74/litre. The official price of milk is set at Rs70/litre and shop owners complained they cannot sell at a loss.Shops had also closed across the city over inadequate supply. The President of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers said the city government should listen to their grievances instead of initiating crackdowns.Commissioner Karachi had said they were willing to discuss the sale price of milk and other issues.