Synopsis
The Karnataka government has yet to reach a decision regarding a proposed Rs 5 increase in milk prices, despite pressure from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Discussions are ongoing, with concerns over public backlash and infrastructure management amid rising essential commodity prices.Key Takeaways
- KMF is advocating for a Rs 5 per litre milk price increase.
- Government discussions are ongoing, but no decision has been made yet.
- Deputy CM highlights infrastructure challenges without raising water bills.
- Farmers and organizations demand immediate action.
- Protests have occurred over milk procurement price adjustments.
Bengaluru, Feb 22 (NationPress) Despite facing significant pressure from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the state government has not yet made a definitive decision regarding a proposed increase of Rs 5 per litre for milk, as stated by a federation official on Saturday.
During a media briefing in Ballari, KMF Chairperson Bheema Naik emphasized that there has been no resolution from the state government about elevating milk prices.
According to insiders, the government is currently in the final stages of discussions with relevant authorities and experts, with KMF vigorously pushing for this increase.
Nonetheless, the government is exercising caution, bracing for possible public discontent regarding this matter.
In the meantime, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked that without a rise in water tariffs, it is increasingly challenging to sustain Bengaluru’s infrastructure.
If prices for essential goods like water and milk rise concurrently, it could severely tarnish the government’s reputation.
Nevertheless, there is mounting pressure to enforce the hike. Consultations have been conducted with appropriate officials, and a proposal to raise the price of milk by Rs 5 per litre has been submitted.
KMF Chairperson Bheema Naik mentioned that the additional revenue generated will be directed towards supporting farmers, and this plan has been communicated to the government.
The demand for a price increase is being voiced by farmers, various organizations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. However, a final decision has yet to be reached, Naik noted.
Milk federations throughout the state are rallying behind the price increase.
Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh convened a meeting with KMF officials to deliberate on the necessity of raising milk prices.
Federation representatives contended that escalating costs in dairy farming have rendered a price increase unavoidable.
Farmers' organizations and milk federations have persistently called for an increase of Rs 5 per litre.
On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade protested at the KMF office in Bengaluru, demanding an elevation of the milk procurement price to at least Rs 50 per litre.
They also advocated for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The protestors further urged the government to eliminate the levy on locally procured milk and to ensure direct procurement of maize for cattle feed from farmers. They warned that protests would persist until the government provided a written guarantee.
The Karnataka government adjusted milk prices statewide by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, which included an additional 50 ml of milk in each packet, leading to criticism.
The widely recognized blue packet of 1 litre of Nandini milk now retails for Rs 44, an increase from Rs 42.
After announcing the price revision, Naik stated that this decision was made to prevent losses for the KMF. The price per litre of milk in Gujarat and Maharashtra is Rs 56, in Kerala it is Rs 54, and in Andhra Pradesh, it is Rs 58, he noted.
“Our rate is Rs 16 less than that in other states. There will be no price increase for any of the other Nandini products,” Naik concluded.
