Karnataka CM defends Rs 8 per litre milk price hike
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the increase is necessary to protect farmers as the state faces a severe drought.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended a Rs 8 per litre milk price increase on Saturday, stating it was necessary to safeguard farmers' interests during a severe drought, according to The Pioneer, Business Standard and Hindustan Times.
The state Cabinet approved the increase for all milk categories on Thursday, October 29. The revised prices are expected to come into effect from November 1.
Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru that milk producers had sought a hike of Rs 12 per litre. He said farmers were sending milk to neighbouring states where prices are higher, and that drought had reduced milk production and availability.
Of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 will go directly to farmers, raising the procurement price from Rs 35 to Rs 42 per litre. Including a Rs 5 government incentive, farmers will receive Rs 47 per litre.
The Chief Minister said the decision would generate an additional annual income of Rs 1,850 crore to Rs 2,100 crore for dairy farming families. He noted that Karnataka has 28.84 lakh dairy farmers, with small and marginal farmers making up 67 per cent of KMF members.
Regarding a Rs 14 per kg rise in Nandini curd, Shivakumar said the decision on curd prices rests with the Karnataka Milk Federation. He said the government had intervened only on milk prices.