India's largest private dairy company, Hatsen Agro Product Limited, says importing New Zealand dairy products to cover a local shortfall will not affect Indian farmers.
During the past week, members of the Hindu nationalist party Shiv Sena have staged rallies and attacked milk tankers with rocks in protest against the decision to allow in New Zealand dairy products.
But Shane Whittaker of Hatsen Agro Product says the imports are not a threat, because stocks have been affected following a poor monsoon season last year.
Trade Minister Tim Groser says the Indian Dairy Development Board requested the shipments of milk powder and butter oil.
