Milk powder prices see some recovery but industry seeks import restriction

Sources in the sector say the lean season for cow milk has started in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

There are signs of recovery for the country's dairy farmers, struggling with both surplus stock and an inability to export due to low prices abroad of skimmed milk powder (SMP).

The industry says SMP prices have risen by Rs 10-12 a kg in the past fortnight, both at home and abroad. Things, however, are complicated by growing import of whey powder and lactose, due to lower international prices.

International prices of SMP are Rs 115-120 a kg; in India, around Rs 150 a kg. The domestic price is low by normal standards and dairies find it unviable to convert liquid