Bengaluru: Karnataka government announced on Wednesday that it is all set to increase the price of milk of Nandini milk supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in the state.
“We will definitely increase the price of milk. The discussion on how much to increase will be held with the Chief Minister,” said Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh on the floor of the house.
Minister for animal husbandry K Venkatesh confirmed the decision during a Question and Answer session in the Legislative Council. Responding to queries from Congress MLC and former minister B Umashree and BJP MLC M G Muley, he stated that the government is considering farmers' demands and will take a final call "We will definitely increase the price of milk. The quantum of the hike will be decided in consultation with the chief minister. Farmers have demanded a Rs 10 increase per litre," Venkatesh said.
He also revealed that the government owes Rs 656.07 crore in subsidies to milk producers, with 9.04 lakh beneficiaries awaiting payment. "We have requested the finance department to release the pending funds. Once cleared, we will ensure farmers receive their dues," he added.
However, the government is proceeding cautiously, anticipating potential backlash over the issue.
The demand for a price hike is coming from farmers, various organisations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. However, the government has not yet reached a final decision, Naik added.
Milk federations across the state are supporting the price hike. Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh held a meeting with KMF officials to discuss the necessity of increasing milk prices.
Farmers’ organisations and milk federations have repeatedly demanded an increase of Rs 5 per litre.
Currently, a one-litre blue packet of Nandini milk costs Rs 44, up from Rs 42. In comparison, milk prices in Gujarat and Maharashtra stand at Rs 56 per litre, in Kerala at Rs 54, and in Andhra Pradesh at Rs 58.
"Our rate is Rs 16 lower than other states. However, there will be no price hike for other Nandini products," said Bheema Naik, an official from the KMF, after the last revision.