Karnataka milk price hike needed to protect farmers, says CM Shivakumar
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the Rs 8-per-litre increase, stating it was necessary to support dairy farmers during a severe drought.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended a Rs 8-per-litre milk price increase on Saturday, October 31, stating the move was necessary to protect farmers during a severe drought. According to The Pioneer, the state Cabinet approved the increase for all milk categories on Thursday, October 29.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said milk producers had requested Rs 12 per litre. He noted that drought has reduced availability and cut production, leading farmers to send milk to neighbouring states where prices are higher.
The Chief Minister argued that farmers need money to buy fodder to feed cattle. He said that without such funds, production would continue to fall. He added that milk prices had not been revised for several years.
Regarding the Rs 14-per-kg rise in Nandini curd, Shivakumar said the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) decides those prices. He stated the government intervened only on milk prices, though products with higher fat content rise accordingly.
In a post on X, Shivakumar said the government aims to protect the livelihoods of 28.84 lakh dairy farmers. He noted that small and marginal farmers constitute 67 per cent of KMF members.
Shivakumar said Nandini toned milk will cost Rs 54 per litre after the revision. He also stated Nandini Shubham milk, containing 4.5 per cent fat, will cost Rs 60 per litre, compared to an average of Rs 62.80 in 10 other states.