Karnataka Raises Milk Price by Rs 8 to Support Farmers Amid Drought

The Karnataka Cabinet approved an increase of Rs 8 per litre for all categories of milk, effective from November 1. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the hike was necessary to protect farmers’ interests amid a severe drought and rising production costs. He noted that milk producers had originally requested a Rs 12 increase, but the government settled on Rs 8. The decision also reflects the state’s commitment to respecting the cow and protecting cattle. The increase will raise the procurement price from Rs 35 to Rs 42 per litre, with Rs 7 going directly to farmers and Rs 1 to milk unions for operational expenses. Including a Rs 5 incentive, farmers will receive Rs 47 per litre. The hike is expected to generate an additional annual income of between Rs 1.85 and Rs 2.10 crore for dairy farming families in Karnataka. Nandini toned milk will cost Rs 54 per litre, while Nandini Shubham milk will cost Rs 60 per litre, both lower than many national brands. The government maintains that the price revision supports dairy farmers while keeping milk affordable for consumers.