Karnataka Government Considers Rs 3 Increase for Nandini Milk Price as Farmers Urge for More; Cabinet Meeting Today
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Synopsis
Karnataka Cabinet is set to decide on increasing Nandini milk prices. While KMF and farmers seek a Rs 5 hike, the government is considering only Rs 3. The final decision is anticipated soon amid ongoing discussions and public concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Cabinet to decide on milk price hike.
- KMF and farmers demand Rs 5 increase per litre.
- Government considers only a Rs 3 rise.
- Previous increases have led to public criticism.
- Support for hike comes from farmers and organizations.
Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka Cabinet is set to make a decision regarding the increase in price for Nandini milk supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Thursday.
Sources indicate that while KMF and farmers’ organizations are pushing for a rise of Rs 5 per litre, the government is contemplating an increase of just Rs 3.
Previously, on March 5, the Karnataka government had announced plans to raise the price of the highly sought-after Nandini milk provided by KMF throughout the state.
“We will certainly raise the milk price. Discussions regarding the amount will be held with the Chief Minister,” stated Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh during the legislative session.
During the Question and Answer segment, Minister Venkatesh mentioned, “Farmers are requesting an increase of Rs 10 per litre. We will surely enhance the price of milk. The specifics of the increase will be finalized after consultations with the Chief Minister.”
Earlier, sources from KMF reported that despite their advocacy, the state government had yet to arrive at a conclusive decision regarding the price hike for milk.
Insiders revealed that the government is in the concluding phase of discussions with officials and specialists, as KMF continues to strongly push for the increase.
Nevertheless, the government is approaching the matter with caution, wary of possible public dissent.
The call for a price hike has garnered support from farmers, multiple organizations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. Still, an ultimate decision has not been made.
Milk cooperatives across the state are endorsing the price increase.
Previously, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed opposition to the hike but assured KMF that a decision would be forthcoming from the Cabinet.
On February 10, members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade held a protest at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding an elevation of the milk procurement price to a minimum of Rs 50 per litre.
They also requested a temporary support price of Rs 10 per litre until the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is enacted.
The Karnataka government had previously adjusted the milk price in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, while adding an extra 50 ml of milk to each packet, which led to some criticism.
The widely recognized blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now retails at Rs 44, up from Rs 42.
After announcing the price change, KMF Chairman Bheema Naik stated that the decision was made to mitigate losses for KMF. He noted that the price per litre in Gujarat and Maharashtra is Rs 56, in Kerala it's Rs 54, and in Andhra Pradesh it's Rs 58.
“Our rate is Rs 16 lower than that of other states. There will be no price increase for any other Nandini products,” Naik added.
