Bhubaneswar: Amid the festive season, prices of paneer and chhena have increased sharply in Odisha following a statewide crackdown on adulteration of dairy products.

Retail prices of paneer and chhena have risen by around Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg. Sweet shops have also increased prices by more than Rs 100 per kg, citing higher costs of raw materials and reduced supplies.

Consumers have alleged that the quality of paneer and chhena available in the market has not improved despite the price hike. They claim that suspected adulterated products continue to be sold, with quality concerns being used as a justification for charging higher prices.

OMFED records rise in paneer sales

The crackdown has boosted sales of dairy products marketed by the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation (OMFED).

According to the federation's officials, paneer sales have increased by around 75,000 kg in a month. OMFED paneer sales, which previously stood at around eight metric tonnes, have now reached approximately nine metric tonnes.

Officials expect sales to rise further during Durga Puja. The increase is not limited to paneer, as demand for other dairy products has also grown following the inspections.

Farmers cite rising production costs

Odisha Dairy Farmers' Association president Ravi Behera said producing one kg of paneer or chhena requires around five to six litres of milk.

At the prevailing milk prices, the cost of the milk alone comes to approximately Rs 245. After adding expenses on fuel, water and labour, the total production cost rises to Rs 260 to Rs 280 per kg, he said.

Farmers, therefore, need to sell paneer at around Rs 300 to Rs 320 per kg to earn a reasonable margin, Behera added.

He also criticised the authorities for focusing their inspections largely on dairy farmers while allegedly failing to pay adequate attention to large hotels and restaurants, where stale food is frequently found.

"If action is taken only against dairy farmers while large hotels and restaurants are not adequately monitored, how will the problem be addressed?" he asked.

Paneer, chhena prices in Bhubaneswar

Nabakishore Behera, president of the Bhubaneswar Dairy Farmers' Association, said the state capital consumes around 150 quintals of paneer and 200 quintals of chhena daily. Demand rises further during festivals and the wedding season.

He said the wholesale price of paneer in Bhubaneswar is around Rs 245 per kg, while retailers have been advised to sell it at Rs 280 to Rs 310 per kg.

Similarly, the wholesale price of chhena is around Rs 245 per kg, and the recommended maximum retail price is Rs 270 per kg.

He urged consumers to report cases of overpricing, adding that the association would take necessary action when such complaints are brought to its notice.

Behera also called for quality inspections to cover products manufactured by large dairy companies, rather than concentrating only on farmers and small producers.