Chandigarh, May 14 (IANS): The dairy farmers of Punjab on Saturday announced to launch an agitation against the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for non-redressal of their demands. They have also announced to open up a front.

Daljit Singh Sadarpura, President, Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA), told the media here that the dairy farmers had high hopes and expectations from the government.

He said the dairy farmers' struggle continues despite holding regular meetings with the government on several issues.

"The issues have not been resolved, especially regarding increase of milk prices and providing financial assistance of Rs 7 per litre," he added.

Singh said farmers have played a major role in promoting dairy in Punjab, and in making the state a dairy-rich state of the country.

"In the last four years, milk prices have not been increased on a par with the expenses involved because of which the dairy industry is reeling under financial burden," he said.

He added that because of the drop in milk prices during the pandemic, many farmers have become bank defaulters and now feed prices have also skyrocketed.

The PDFA President said while the government was talking about crop diversification and encouraging allied occupations, at that time the government should encourage allied dairy businesses which are of interest to the farmers.