Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 22: Despite mounting pressure from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the state government has yet to make a decision on the proposed Rs 5 per litre hike in the price of milk, according to an official from the federation.

On February 10, members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade staged a protest outside the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding an increase in the milk procurement price to at least Rs 50 per litre. The protestors also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

In addition, the demonstrators urged the government to abolish the levy on locally procured milk and ensure the direct procurement of maize for cattle feed from farmers. They warned that their protests would continue until the government provided a written assurance on their demands.

The Karnataka government had revised the milk price in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, adding 50 ml of milk to each packet. This move, however, faced criticism. The most popular blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now costs Rs 44, up from Rs 42.

Speaking to the media following the announcement of the price revision, KMF Managing Director Naik stated that the decision was taken to prevent losses for the KMF.

He added, "The milk price per litre in Gujarat and Maharashtra is Rs 56, in Kerala it is Rs 54, while in Andhra Pradesh it is Rs 58. Our rate is Rs 16 less compared to the other states. There will be no price hike for any of the other Nandini products."