KMF increases curd price by Rs 14 per litre in Karnataka
The Karnataka Milk Federation has raised curd prices and certain milk varieties following a recent state Cabinet approval of a milk price hike.
The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has decided to increase the price of curd by Rs 14 per litre, according to a report by Deccan Herald. The federation has also raised the price of certain varieties of toned and special milk by as much as Rs 12 per litre.
This follows a recent state Cabinet approval for an Rs 8 per litre hike in milk prices. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the milk price increase on Saturday, stating it was approved due to the drought situation in the state and to protect dairy farmers.
Shivakumar said the drought has caused a shortage of fodder and reduced milk production. He added that the hike ensures farmers are not lured by higher prices in neighbouring states and can continue supplying local dairies.
The price hike has faced criticism from the hospitality sector. P C Rao of the Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers’ Association told Deccan Herald that the curd price increase was unscientific and unreasonable, noting it was expected to be a maximum of Rs 8 per litre.
Mahesh K, a hotelier from North Bengaluru, said the increase would likely force hotels to raise prices for food items that use curd in gravies and side dishes. Hoteliers had previously requested the government to approve such hikes in a phased manner.
KMF stated that the selling price of Nandini toned milk increased by Rs 8 per litre, with Rs 7 per litre being passed on to milk producers. The state has approximately 26.89 lakh dairy farmer members.