Karnataka Cabinet approves Rs 8 per litre milk price hike from November 1
The price of Nandini milk is expected to rise to Rs 54 per litre to support dairy farmers facing rising costs.
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 will raise the retail cost 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 decision was made unanimously following demands from legislators, milk unions, and farmers. He noted that Karnataka's previous price of Rs 46 was below the national average of approximately Rs 57 per litre.
The state government stated the move aims to assist dairy farmers dealing with drought-related distress and higher input costs. Minister Gowda mentioned that daily milk procurement in the state had decreased by almost 10 lakh litres because of drought conditions.
Of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 per litre will go directly to producers and Rs 1 per litre to milk unions. Minister Gowda said farmers previously received Rs 35 per litre and will now receive Rs 42 per litre, which becomes Rs 47 per litre when including the Rs 5 government incentive.
Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi said the government balanced consumer interests while noting that failing to raise prices could lead to local shortages if milk is sold in neighbouring states at higher rates.