Milk Quality Issues and Some Policy Decision – نئی نسل کو جعلی دودھ سے کیسے بچایا جائے
Milk Quality Issues and Some Policy Decision, a column by Dr Jassar Aftab on artificial milk, milk adulteration and dry milk. The issue of milk quality—whether fresh milk or processed milk—will only be resolved when the government takes the matter seriously and adopts comprehensive policy decisions at the state level. Otherwise, the issue will continue to be exploited by certain circles, and after every few months, the media and specific institutions will once again become active on the subject.
Such an approach will not improve milk quality. Instead, it will gradually replace natural milk with artificial milk. Similar examples already exist in Pakistan in the form of juices, chutneys, ghee, sugar, and many other processed food products.
Dry Milk Imports Must Be Regulated
A large quantity of various types of milk powder is imported into Pakistan every year. At the same time, dry milk also allegedly enters the country through illegal channels and is openly traded in local markets.
This powder is dissolved in water, mixed with other ingredients by both organized and unorganized groups, and then sold in the market as quality milk.
The legal and illegal entry of milk powder into Pakistan should be permanently stopped. If a complete ban is not possible, import duties should be increased to such an extent that large-scale commercial misuse becomes economically unviable. Unless this issue is addressed, genuine improvement in milk quality will remain difficult.
Of course, no weak individual or small group can be responsible for preventing such a ban or increasing import duties.
Price Control and Milk Quality Issues
Milk prices are currently controlled by the government. Farmers are forced to sell milk at rates fixed by district administrations.
Suppose the actual cost of producing milk is Rs. 100 per kilogram, while farmers are forced to sell it at Rs. 60 or Rs. 70. Under such circumstances, no authority in the world can completely prevent milk adulteration.
Therefore, milk prices should be liberalized, just like chicken, eggs, and sacrificial animals. Milk prices should be determined under market forces based on demand and supply. Producers offering better-quality milk should naturally receive better prices, while market prices should adjust according to supply and demand.
Milk Production Audits Should Become Mandatory
A comprehensive milk production audit should be introduced. Whether someone is selling loose milk, operating a processed milk business, or running a large dairy company, every seller should be able to justify the source of their milk.
If a business sells 100 liters of milk every day, it should be able to demonstrate exactly where those 100 liters originated.
Zero Tolerance for Fake and Powdered Milk
Institutions responsible for monitoring milk quality should frame their rules according to Pakistan’s ground realities instead of focusing enforcement only on small vendors. Quality inspections should be conducted across the board, without discrimination.
If regulatory authorities adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy specifically against fake milk and milk prepared from powder for sale as fresh milk, the pathway for artificial milk can be permanently blocked.
Strengthening Provincial Livestock Departments to tackle Milk Quality Issues
Improving the performance of provincial livestock departments and ensuring effective service delivery to farmers is equally important. Better extension services, veterinary support, and farmer assistance will significantly improve milk production and overall milk quality.
Better Policies to resolve Milk Quality Issues and Production
Once the entry of milk powder is restricted, demand for genuine fresh milk will naturally increase.
Similarly, when milk prices are determined by market forces rather than administrative controls, higher-quality products will gradually dominate the market.
When farmers are confident that genuine milk—not powdered substitutes—will be purchased, and when they know they will receive a fair return for their efforts, they will naturally invest more in dairy farming. This, in turn, will encourage further private investment throughout Pakistan’s dairy sector.
Unfortunately, just as influential interests often resist stricter controls on milk powder imports, the same interests are likely to oppose the de-capping of milk prices.
These proposals are not new. They have already been discussed by relevant institutions, and policy papers have also highlighted many of these recommendations.
Consumers and Milk Quality Issues
The public also has a fundamental role to play.
Consumers should make a small effort to identify the source of milk before purchasing it. Whenever possible, milk should be purchased from suppliers with a good reputation.
If there is any suspicion regarding fake or artificial milk, consumers should have it tested through a recognized laboratory.
When purchasing packaged milk, consumers should carefully read the list of ingredients printed on the label and understand what those ingredients actually mean by consulting reliable information sources or knowledgeable individuals.
Artificial Milk Is the Real Threat
It should always be remembered that diluted milk may sometimes be tolerated, but fake or artificial milk can never be accepted.
Artificial milk poses a serious threat not only to public health but also to future generations. Protecting the quality of milk requires responsible policymaking, effective regulation, fair pricing, and informed consumers working together.
