With KMF pressurising, milk prices likely to be hiked soon

The milk federations in the state have proposed price rise of Nandini milk. It is learnt that the prices of milk and curd will increase from New Year.

Minister for animal husbandry Venkatesh said, “The milk federations have placed a proposal in front of state government saying that they are incurring loss and the milk price needs to be revised. However, at present we are not going to increase the price.”

The minister also displayed the differences in the price of milk in Karnataka and other states. He also said that there is indirect pressure from the dairy farmers to increase the price and thereby gave a hint that the price may be increased in future.

“Compared to the milk price in other states, the rate of Nandini milk is less. Nandini milk is sold at Rs 42 per litre. However, the price of milk in other states, especially our neighbouring states if Rs 48 to 51 per litre. There is pressure from KMF members, dairy farmers and other partners to increase the price of milk,” said the minister.

The Animal Husbandry Department has submitted a proposal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking permission to increase the price of milk based on economic conditions every six months.

”Maximum percent every six months. An increase in milk price should be allowed till 5. Permission should be given to revise the price of milk at the level of the Karnataka Milk Mahamandal (KMF),” said the proposal.

Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh Speaking to reporters on Friday, said, “There is pressure from farmers and milk unions to increase the price of milk. However, there is no price increase for now,” he said.

The milk price of KMF has been increased by ₹3 per litre on September 1. However, Amul has increased 12 per litre in ten months from March 2022 to February 2023,” he said.

“Milk producers’ unions have submitted a report in the meeting about the burden caused by the increase in production cost. Nandini milk price is ₹47 per litre. The price of milk in other states is even higher,” he said.

“The price of milk powder supplied by KMF for Ksheera Bhagya Yojana should be fixed at ₹400 per kg + GST. Now every Kg. Milk powder is being taxed at ₹300+. KMF is losing due to this,” he said.

Source : The Hindustan Gazette and Dajiworld Nov 10th and 11th 2023