karnataka-to-hike-milk-prices-by-4-per-litre-from-april-1

Milk prices in Karnataka will increase by ₹4 per litre starting April 1, state Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna announced on Thursday.

 

The Minister said the price hike comes in response to "pressure" from milk federations and farmers.

 

Addressing reporters, he said, "The decision to increase prices was made by the milk federation. They initially requested a ₹5 hike per litre, but the government agreed to ₹4. The entire ₹4 increase will go to farmers. Earlier, farmers received ₹31.68 per litre, and with this hike, they will receive an additional ₹4." Acknowledging that the price hike may inconvenience the public, he said, "Since this ₹4 increase is for farmers, I seek their cooperation." The milk price revision follows recent hikes in bus and metro fares, as well as power tariffs.

 

Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh stated that the hike was necessary due to rising production costs.

 

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"Currently, Nandini toned milk (blue packet) is sold at ₹42 per litre in Karnataka. After this revision, it will be ₹46 per litre. The hike is intended to support farmers," he said.

 

Milk prices in other states stand at ₹52 per litre in Kerala, ₹53 in Gujarat, ₹55 in Delhi, ₹52 in Maharashtra, and ₹58 in Telangana.

 

Additionally, the price of a kilogramme of curd has increased from ₹50 to ₹54.

 

Homogenised toned milk will rise from ₹43 to ₹47 per litre, cow milk (green packet) from ₹46 to ₹50, and Shubham (saffron packet/special milk) from ₹48 to ₹52 per litre.

 

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) markets its dairy products under the 'Nandini' brand.

 

KMF Chairman Bheema Naik announced that the additional 50 ml per packet of milk, previously provided for an extra ₹2, will be withdrawn.

 

In 2024, KMF increased the price of milk by ₹2 per packet while also increasing the quantity per packet by 50 ml.

 

The federation had maintained that this was not a "price hike", as consumers received additional milk.

 

Currently, a 1,050 ml packet of regular Nandini toned milk (blue packet) is priced at ₹44.