Milk price rise makes sweets costlier this Diwali
Dairy brands have increased milk prices by up to 17 per cent over the past year, impacting festive food costs.
Milk prices have risen sharply across India, making allied products like sweets, curd, ghee, and ice cream more expensive during the festive season, according to Bhaskar English.
Dairy brands have increased milk prices by up to 17 per cent over the past year. In Gujarat, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, increased prices for various products and packet sizes by ₹3 to ₹5 per litre.
Traders in Bhopal and Anand, Gujarat, report that demand for milk, curd, butter, and ghee has risen recently. Gaurav Yadav of Gaurav Dairy said commercial ice cream brands are stocking milk earlier than usual to prepare for summer production by storing it as powder or frozen fat.
The rise is also linked to increased costs for animal feed and transportation. Maize prices have risen by 8 per cent, while maize-based cattle feed rose by 75 per cent. Additionally, higher diesel rates have increased transportation costs for traders.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi dairy brand increased rates by up to ₹4 per litre to match rising raw milk collection costs. In Karnataka, the Karnataka Milk Federation (Nandini) saw the state cabinet approve rate adjustments of around ₹8 per litre to ensure sustainable payouts for farmers.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, milk production was 247.87 million tonnes in FY2024-25, up from 239.30 million tonnes in FY24.