The Karnataka government on Thursday, 29 October 2026, announced an ₹8 per litre increase in milk prices, effective 1 November 2026, with ₹7 of the hike directed to farmers and ₹1 to milk unions. The move raises the farmgate price from ₹35 to ₹42 per litre, and when combined with an existing government subsidy of ₹5 per litre, farmers will effectively receive ₹47 per litre.

What the Hike Covers

Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, speaking at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, described the decision as historic, saying it was aimed at financially strengthening dairy farmers and protecting their livelihoods. Of the total ₹8 per litre increase borne by consumers, ₹7 goes directly to farmers and ₹1 accrues to milk unions, which manage procurement and distribution logistics.

The minister framed the decision in personal terms, drawing on his own farming background. 'My father is also a farmer. If he gets ₹7 more, what is wrong with us, the urban consumers, paying an additional Re 1 to buy milk? Should we think twice about giving money to our own fathers?' he said. The hike comes as dairy farmers across the state have reportedly been pressing for better returns amid rising input costs.

Fake Video Row Involving Former CM Siddaramaiah

Separately, Cheluvarayaswamy addressed the controversy surrounding an alleged fake video involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reportedly released in the guise of a sting operation. He confirmed that an investigation was underway into both the creation and circulation of the footage.

'Those who created the fake video are guilty, and those who circulated it are equally responsible. We have now received information about those who leaked it. Legal action will also be taken against those who circulated it on social media,' he said, adding that Home Minister G. Parameshwara would share further details on the probe.

The minister alleged the video was prepared by offering inducements to certain individuals despite the absence of evidence against Siddaramaiah. He asserted that such attempts would not damage the former Chief Minister's public standing. According to Cheluvarayaswamy, some individuals associated with the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) social media wing had been arrested in connection with the case, while others were reportedly absconding. The investigation is expected to trace the origin of the mobile phone used in the operation and establish who circulated the footage, including from Delhi.

Sugarcane MSP: State Urges Centre to Act

On the separate demand for higher sugarcane prices, Cheluvarayaswamy clarified that the Union government held final authority over fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the crop. He said the Karnataka state government would cooperate with the Centre and had already exerted pressure through the Chief Minister's intervention in response to farmers' demands.

'The Centre should now stand by our farmers,' he said, signalling that the state expected a positive response from the Union government on the MSP question.

What This Means for Consumers and Farmers

For Karnataka's urban milk consumers, the price revision translates into a modest increase at the point of purchase starting 1 November. For dairy farmers, however, the change is more significant — an effective per-litre realisation of ₹47, up from ₹40 (including subsidy), represents a meaningful improvement in farm-level economics. Notably, this is the latest in a series of state-level milk price revisions seen across India as input and fodder costs have climbed.

All eyes are now on whether the Centre responds to Karnataka's demand on sugarcane MSP, and on the outcome of the fake-video investigation, which could have political ramifications in the state.