Karnataka CM directs KMF to reduce curd prices after public backlash
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has ordered the Karnataka Milk Federation to revise dairy rates following criticism from hoteliers and the public.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has instructed the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to rework and lower the price of curd. According to The Hindu, the directive follows public and hotelier criticism regarding recent hikes in dairy product costs in Bengaluru.
The price of one litre of curd rose from ₹54 to ₹68 on Sunday, November 1, marking a ₹14 increase. Prices for Shubham milk and special toned milk also increased from ₹52 to ₹64. Some city hotels have raised the cost of tea, coffee, and milk by ₹2 to ₹3.
Chief Minister Shivakumar stated that he instructed KMF office-bearers who met him on Monday, November 2, to reduce curd prices. He noted that higher milk prices would support 11 lakh farming families and explained that milk with higher fat content costs more.
P.C. Rao, honorary president of the Bangalore Hotels Association, said the ₹14 curd price hike is difficult to understand. He noted that the increase has added 15 per cent more expenditure to hotels and said members would meet the Chief Minister to request no further hikes on ghee and paneer.
A KMF official said the price increases consider the costs of purchasing from farmers, electricity for refrigeration, and rising fuel prices. The official also mentioned that the bacteria culture used in curd is imported from West Asian countries and has become more expensive.
KMF sources stated that the price of curd is currently being recalculated. Revised rates are expected to be announced shortly.