Karnataka government says it only intervened in milk price hike
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the Karnataka Milk Federation decided on curd price increases based on fat content.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the state government was only responsible for the recent increase in milk prices, according to a report by Urban Acres.
Shivakumar told mediapersons that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) decided to raise curd prices based on the product's fat content. He said the government intervened in milk prices but not in other KMF products.
The Chief Minister defended the milk price hike by citing declining production during drought conditions, fodder costs, and farmer payments. He noted that producers sought a Rs 12 per litre increase, but the cabinet approved an increase of Rs 8.
Under the revised rates, toned milk will cost Rs 54 a litre and Shubham milk will cost Rs 60 a litre. Shivakumar said production had fallen during the drought and farmers were moving milk to neighbouring states where prices are higher.
Data from the chief minister's office showed that as of September 12, Nandini products remained cheaper than comparable private brands. Nandini curd was priced at Rs 54 a litre against a private-brand average of Rs 68.4.
Union minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the increase, alleging the government was using KMF to address fiscal difficulties. The state government said it is seeking to protect farmer interests while maintaining affordable milk supplies.