Karnataka Government to Raise Nandini Milk Prices
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government is preparing to raise Nandini milk prices, discussing specifics with the Chief Minister. Minister K. Venkatesh confirmed the need for a subsidy release of Rs 656.07 crore to milk producers, amidst requests for a Rs 10 price increase. The final decision is pending amidst strong advocacy from the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government plans to raise Nandini milk prices.
- Minister K. Venkatesh confirmed discussions with the Chief Minister.
- Govt owes Rs 656.07 crore in subsidies to milk producers.
- Farmers demand a Rs 10 price increase.
- Karnataka Milk Federation advocates strongly for the price hike.
Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka government announced on Wednesday its plans to increase the price of Nandini milk, which is supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in the state.
“We are committed to raising the milk price. The specific increment will be discussed with the Chief Minister,” stated K. Venkatesh, the Minister for Animal Husbandry, during the Legislative Council session.
Minister Venkatesh made this announcement during the Question and Answer period, addressing queries from Congress MLC B. Umashree and BJP MLC M.G. Muley.
He revealed that the government currently owes Rs 656.07 crore in subsidies to milk producers, affecting 9.04 lakh beneficiaries.
“We have requested the finance department to expedite the release of pending funds. Once approved, we will ensure timely payments to the beneficiaries. Farmers have requested a Rs 10 increase in milk prices, which we will implement after consulting with the Chief Minister,” he explained.
Previously, sources from the KMF indicated that despite their advocacy, the state government had not yet decided on a Rs 5 per litre increase.
Discussions are in the final stages, with the KMF pressing for the price adjustment, while the government is exercising caution to avoid public backlash.
The request for a price hike has been echoed by farmers, various organizations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. However, a definitive decision has not yet been made, added Naik.
Milk federations statewide are in favor of increasing the prices.
Minister Venkatesh recently met with KMF officials to discuss the urgent need for a price adjustment.
Representatives from the federation have stressed that escalating dairy farming costs necessitate a price increase.
Farmers’ organizations and milk federations have consistently requested a Rs 5 per litre rise.
On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade protested at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding that the milk procurement price be raised to at least Rs 50 per litre.
They also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until a Minimum Support Price (MSP) is established.
The Karnataka government had previously adjusted milk prices by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, which included adding 50 ml more milk to each packet, drawing some criticism.
The widely favored blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now retails for Rs 44, an increase from Rs 42.
After announcing the price adjustment, Bheema Naik noted that the decision aimed to prevent losses for the KMF. He pointed out that milk prices in Gujarat and Maharashtra are Rs 56, in Kerala Rs 54, and in Andhra Pradesh Rs 58.
“Our prices are Rs 16 lower than those in other states. There will be no price increase for any other Nandini products,” Naik assured.
