DDC Employees to No Longer Receive Free Milk and Ghee, Saving Approximately NPR 30 Million Annually

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has decided to discontinue the provision of free milk and ghee for employees of the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC). DDC’s Managing Director, Sharan Pande, stated that this move will save approximately NPR 30 million annually. The saved funds will be redirected to clearing farmers’ outstanding payments and enhancing milk production, according to the DDC. Kathmandu, 29 Baisakh.

Despite operating at a loss for years, farmers have faced difficulties in receiving payments for their milk. This decision was prompted after it was found that employees were benefiting from unnecessary perks. Contrary to regulations, DDC employees were taking daily free milk and monthly free ghee home.

Managing Director Sharan Pande explained that cutting employee benefits would reduce the corporation’s annual expenses by nearly NPR 30 million. He said, “Based on the expenditure report for fiscal year 2081/82 and current market prices, stopping this facility alone will save NPR 28.5 million annually. If the prices of milk and ghee rise further, the savings will increase.”

Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary emphasized that this facility was intended not just for employees but to ensure service to farmers and consumers. She stated, “Irresponsibility of this kind will no longer be tolerated.” With these cost reductions, approximately NPR 30 million will be redirected to settle outstanding payments to farmers and support milk production growth programs, the DDC said. This decision is expected to eliminate unnecessary expenses at the DDC and benefit farmers.