Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 5: The Karnataka government has announced its decision to increase the price of Nandini milk, supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The extent of the hike will be determined after discussions with chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Minister for animal husbandry K Venkatesh confirmed the decision during a Question and Answer session in the Legislative Council. Responding to queries from Congress MLC and former minister B Umashree and BJP MLC M G Muley, he stated that the government is considering farmers' demands and will take a final call soon.
"We will definitely increase the price of milk. The quantum of the hike will be decided in consultation with the chief minister. Farmers have demanded a Rs 10 increase per litre," Venkatesh said.
He also revealed that the government owes Rs 656.07 crore in subsidies to milk producers, with 9.04 lakh beneficiaries awaiting payment. "We have requested the finance department to release the pending funds. Once cleared, we will ensure farmers receive their dues," he added.
KMF has been lobbying for a price hike of Rs 5 per litre, citing increased dairy farming costs. Farmers' organizations, various associations, and the department of animal husbandry have also been pressing for an increase. While the government is in the final stages of discussions, it is proceeding cautiously, anticipating possible public backlash.
On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade staged a protest at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding a hike in procurement prices to at least Rs 50 per litre. They also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until a Minimum Support Price (MSP) is implemented.
The Karnataka government last revised milk prices on June 25, 2024, increasing the cost by Rs 2 per litre while adding an additional 50 ml to each packet. The move, however, faced criticism.
Currently, a one-litre blue packet of Nandini milk costs Rs 44, up from Rs 42. In comparison, milk prices in Gujarat and Maharashtra stand at Rs 56 per litre, in Kerala at Rs 54, and in Andhra Pradesh at Rs 58.
"Our rate is Rs 16 lower than other states. However, there will be no price hike for other Nandini products," said Bheema Naik, an official from the KMF, after the last revision.