Amul, India’s largest dairy group, has written to the government to delay a planned ban on microplastic straws, saying the move would have a “negative impact” on farmers and milk consumption in the world’s largest producer of the commodity.

Amul appealed in a letter reviewed by Reuters on May 28, sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office ahead of the July 1 ban on straws packaged in small juice and dairy products; industry bodies estimate the market to be worth $790 million. Amul sells billions of small dairy cartons with plastic straws attached each year.

Reuters reported that the decision spooked Amul and global beverage giants, including PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, especially after the government refused to change its stance and asked companies to switch to alternative straws.
Mr Sodhi wrote that the delay would provide “huge relief and benefit” to the 100 million dairy farmers who “ensure our food safety in milk and dairy products”.

Drinks containing juices and dairy products in small packages priced between Rs 5 and Rs 30 (7-40 US cents) are very popular in India and are part of a larger market for such drinks.