In the lead up to the eight-day festival of Holi, demand for milk and milk products has increased in homes due to the preparation of various dishes and religious rituals. Despite a shortage of local supply matching the demand in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, the market is flooded with fake milk and milk products, as unscrupulous traders are engaging in unethical practices to meet the rising demand.
Every day, approximately 4 lakh liters of milk are required in Ranchi for various purposes including tea, sweets, paneer, and other dairy products. Despite the shortfall in local supply, over 2.05 lakh liters of packaged milk are being sent daily from Sudha Dairy, Medha Dairy, Osam, and Amul during the Holi season. Additionally, there are three gaushalas in Harmu Road, Sukurhuttu, and Hutpu, as well as several small dairy farms in Ranchi contributing to the milk supply.
In Ranchi, adulterated khoya is available at a lower price than the market rate, with prices ranging from 280 to 350 rupees per kilogram. This adulterated khoya is used in the preparation of various sweets such as Gulab Jamun, Plain, Roll, Goojiya, and Chocolate Barfi. However, genuine khoya is more expensive, costing around 650 rupees per kilogram to produce. Despite the availability of cheaper options, the market is still flooded with synthetic milk powder and adulterated dairy products.
In the market of Ranchi, paneer is available at a price lower than the production cost, with prices ranging from 200 to 400 rupees per kilogram. The actual cost of producing one kilogram of paneer is around 550 rupees, including the cost of 7-8 kilograms of cow’s milk, fuel, and labor. However, the market price is much lower due to the presence of cheaper, synthetic alternatives. Additionally, some dishonest traders are adding water to packaged milk and selling it to consumers, reducing the quality and value of the product.
होली के त्योहार में दूध और इससे बने उत्पादों की मांग बढ़ रही है, लेकिन झारखंड की राजधानी रांची में असली दूध की बजाय नकली दूध और उत्पाद बेचे जा रहे हैं। इससे खोवा, पनीर और अन्य दूध से बने उत्पादों की गुणवत्ता पर सवाल उठ रहा है। दूध कारोबार में धंधेबाज लोग गाय और भैंस के दूध में मिलावट करके लोगों को ठग रहे हैं। इससे सेहत के लिए खतरा बढ़ रहा है।
