Karnataka to increase milk prices by Rs 8 per litre from November 1
The state Cabinet approved the price hike to support dairy farmers facing rising input costs and drought-related distress.
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved an Rs 8 per litre increase in milk prices, effective from November 1, according to The Indian Express.
The price revision is expected to raise the retail price of Nandini milk, the flagship brand of the Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (KMF), from Rs 46 to Rs 54 per litre.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the Cabinet took the decision unanimously following demands from farmers, milk unions, and legislators.
Gowda stated that the decision aims to support dairy farmers dealing with drought-related distress and rising input costs, noting that daily milk procurement has dropped by nearly 10 lakh litres.
The government will allocate Rs 7 per litre of the hike directly to producers and Rs 1 to milk unions, Gowda said.
Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi said the government balanced consumer interests while noting that failing to raise prices could have led to local shortages if milk was sold in neighbouring states at higher rates.