Stories
Karnataka Milk Unions Demand Rs 8-10 Hike in Nandini Milk Prices Amid Rising Costs
- •Karnataka's cooperative milk producers' unions have requested an Rs 8-10 per litre increase in Nandini milk procurement and retail prices.
- •The demand stems from significant increases in input and production costs, including cattle feed, fodder, medicines, and maintenance.
- •Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has directed officials to gather comprehensive data on cattle feed prices, milk production costs, and procurement/sales volumes.
- •The unions highlighted that milk procurement prices in Karnataka (Rs 35/litre) are lower than in neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh (Rs 41.50), Kerala (Rs 41.80), Maharashtra (Rs 41), and Tamil Nadu (Rs 42.24).
- •They also noted that Karnataka's maximum retail milk price is at least Rs 12 per litre lower than in surrounding states, despite private dairies increasing prices elsewhere.
Key Questions Answered
Karnataka milk unions have requested a price increase of Rs 8 to Rs 10 per litre due to soaring production and dairy farming costs. They cited expenses on cattle feed, fodder, medicines, and maintenance, compounded by a severe drought and a drop in farm incomes.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar directed officials to gather comprehensive data on cattle feed price increases over the past decade, milk production and sales per district, and procurement volumes. He also requested a comparison of procurement and retail prices in neighboring states.
Karnataka milk unions procure toned milk at Rs 35 per litre, which is lower than neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the maximum retail price of milk in Karnataka is at least Rs 12 per litre lower than its neighbors.
