Nandini milk prices in Karnataka could increase by up to ₹8 per litre from November 1, after the state Cabinet approved a proposal to revise milk prices amid rising production costs and drought-related fodder shortages.
The formal announcement has been held back because the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force for Legislative Council elections. The Karnataka government is expected to seek Election Commission clearance before implementing the proposed increase.
If the full ₹8 increase is passed on to consumers, Nandini’s basic toned milk, sold in the blue packet, would increase from ₹46 to ₹54 per litre.
Under the proposal, ₹6 of the ₹8 increase would go to milk producers, while the remaining ₹2 would go to milk unions. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been authorised to take the final decision on the extent and implementation of the hike.
Rising Input Costs Drive Demand for Higher Prices
Karnataka’s milk unions had sought an increase of ₹8–10 per litre, citing higher costs of cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transportation and plastic packaging.
The ongoing drought has added to the pressure by causing fodder shortages and crop losses, further affecting dairy farmers and milk procurement economics.
Milk unions have also argued that Karnataka’s procurement price is lower than those in several neighbouring states. According to the figures cited by the unions, toned milk is procured at around ₹35/litre in Karnataka, compared with ₹41.50 in Andhra Pradesh, ₹41.80 in Kerala, ₹41 in Maharashtra and ₹42.20 in Tamil Nadu.
Fifth Nandini Price Revision Since 2022
If implemented, the proposed increase would represent the fifth revision in Nandini milk prices since November 2022.
Prices were increased by ₹3 per litre in November 2022, another ₹3 in July 2023, ₹2 in June 2024 and ₹4 in March 2025. In June 2024, consumers were also temporarily given an additional 50 ml of milk for every litre, although KMF later withdrew the benefit.
The proposed revision comes as dairy cooperatives across India continue to face pressure from higher operating and milk-production costs. Amul and Mother Dairy, for example, increased milk prices by ₹2 per litre in May 2026, citing higher operational costs and inflation.
For Karnataka’s dairy sector, the proposed Nandini hike reflects the growing challenge of balancing farmer returns, cooperative finances and consumer affordability amid higher input costs and climate-related supply pressures.
The final consumer price and implementation date will depend on Election Commission clearance and the Karnataka government’s final decision.
Source: Dairynews7x7 07 Oct, 2026 Read full story here
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