The prices of skimmed milk powder (SMP) and desi ghee have gone up by 20 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, over the last one-and-a-half month as demand increased ahead of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. Some, however, also attribute the rise to higher international milk prices.
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The prices of SMP of various brands in Delhi have jumped by more than 20 per cent over the period. The price of Madhusudan SMP, for instance, has risen from Rs 104 a kg to Rs 126 a kg over during period.
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Even pure ghee prices have risen from Rs 1930-1940 (for 15 kg tin) to Rs 2150-2200, implying a rise of about Rs 14 a kg. Param premium ghee, that was selling at Rs 1935 towards November end, is now selling at Rs 2150.
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"The rise of price is in tune with rising international price, currently ruling at $3299 per tonne, up by about 10 per cent in couple of months. The farmers are also getting a price higher by Rs 2-3 per litre. This will encourage the farmers to invest more in livestock", said RS Sodhi, general manager of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Board.
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"There is a spurt in demand for milk and ghee due to festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti", said Brijesh Gupta, vice-president, Param Dairy Products.
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"In January, the stockists buy in large quantities for their year-long supply as the milk quality is better around the time. This can be a factor responsible for the price rise", said an industry player.
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Earlier, the price went up during Diwali and Eid, as there was huge demand for khoya and ghee, used for making sweets and other delicacies. During that period, price of SMP was ruling at about Rs 130 a kg while the price of ghee stood at Rs 2500 for 15-kg tin.
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Industry sources anticipate that the price of ghee will see further rise of about Rs 4-5 a kg in a month.
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However, the price of SMP will stabilise at the current rate of Rs 120-125 a kg.
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HIGH AND DRY
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The prices of SMP of various brands in Delhi have jumped by more than 20 per cent
Even pure ghee prices have rose from Rs 1930-1940 (for 15 kg tin) to Rs 2150-2200, implying a rise of about Rs 14 a kg
The rise of price in milk is in tune with rising international price, currently ruling at $3299 per tonne |
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