Kathmandu, Feb. 19 -- Dairy farmers who had endured months-long payment delays over the past two years are finally getting relief, as the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) says it has cleared dues up to mid-January, while private processors report that they have no outstanding payments left.

DDC General Manager Sanjeev Jha said the corporation paid Rs1.48 billion to farmers in the first six months of the current fiscal year by mobilising internal resources. "We have cleared all payments up to mid-January," he said. "Now around Rs320 million remains to be paid to farmers."

The corporation narrowed its liabilities by selling accumulated stocks of butter and skimmed milk powder. For months, unsold inventory had strained the c...