KARACHI, Jan 8: The 13-member committee formed by City Nazim Mustafa Kamal on January 5 held its meeting here on Monday to discuss the arbitrary raise in the prices of dairy products, and formed three subcommittees to collect firsthand information from all stakeholders for fixing reasonable rates.

The committee, comprising representatives of dairy farmers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, media and the city government, entrusted the subcommittees with the task of meeting dairy farmers, retailers and conducing survey of markets. They have been asked to submit their report within the next five days.

Insiders told Dawn some members of the committee observed that the city government’s drive against profiteers had failed to yield positive results so far, as retailers were continuing to sell milk at Rs30-34 per litre in most areas of the city.

The representatives of dairy farmers, wholesalers and retailers strongly protested arrest of milk-sellers and imposition of fine on them, maintaining that the action had been taken despite the fact that milk prices had been reduced from Rs36 to Rs30 per litre.

The general-secretary of dairy farmers’ association said milk-sellers did not want confrontation with the city government, and called for a realistic approach while determining the prices.

It was pointed out that the rates of fodder were constantly increasing while there had been repeated increases in power tariff and water charges which had ultimately pushed up the milk production and supply cost.

The committee member representing consumers said if the per litre cost on milk had risen up to Rs38 per litre, the government should give relief to dairy farmers in water tax and power tariff.

However, it was unanimously decided that sub-committees be formed to collect facts and figures from dairy farmers, wholesalers, retailers and markets.

Meanwhile, 13 wholesalers were arrested and 70 retailers were fined for selling milk at a price higher than the official rate of Rs28 per litre on Monday.