Farmers demand Rs 5 per liter hike in milk incentive and Rs 8 in price

Although KMF is technically an autonomous body and is free to set its own prices, it typically consults the govt for political considerations. Additionally, there are reservations among unions about passing the entire price increase to producers, with suggestions to allocate only Rs 3 of a potential Rs 5 increase to farmers.

Milk unions are also under strain due to a glut in production. Some unions, including those in Mandya, Kolar, and Raichur, have reduced "There are many issues to be addressed before deciding on increasing the retail price. We have sought a meeting with the CM and will arrive at a decision soon," said BP Bheema Naik, KMF chairman.

The proposed price hike has ignited widespread debate among producers, who argue that an increase in retail prices would be detrimental. They are requesting a procurement price of Rs 50 per litre, asserting that this should be achieved without raising retail prices. In support of their demands, milk producers plan an ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo' protest in collaboration with farmer organisations like Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha. They are also pushing for subsidised cattle feed.

"A hike in prices of Nandini milk is not desirable since it was increased only recently. But producers should get a fair price," said PR Suryanarayana, convener, Karnataka State Milk Producers Farmers Federation.

Currently, average procurement price by milk unions is Rs 32 per litre, complemented by a govt incentive of Rs 5. Congress had promised in its election manifesto to increase incentive by Rs 2. But milk producers are pushing for a Rs 5 hike in incentive and an Rs 8 increase in procurement price.