March 3: The government and the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association have inked a five-point agreement following talks on Saturday evening.

President of the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association, Amar Bahadur Kunwar, stated that a five-point agreement was reached, including the stipulation that every industrialist should pay the dues to the dairy farmers by April 3. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Beduram Bhusal was present during the signing of the agreement.

The agreement also includes the following points: the industry must purchase milk without reducing the quantity purchased from cooperatives to avoid any milk shortage; the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will coordinate for the export of milk and dairy products by incorporating it into the policies and programs of the upcoming financial year.

 Similarly, the government will continue the insurance program provided to livestock farmers. Additionally, the government will take initiatives to address the demands of the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association.

Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Revatiraman Paudel, and President of the Central Dairy Cooperatives Association, Mr. Kunwar, participated in the negotiations.

Association had been staging protests since February 20, demanding the release of overdue payment for milk. President Kunwar mentioned that with the agreement in place, all protest activities have been suspended. (RSS)