CM hints at possible milk price hike, as promises meeting soon dairy farmers’ demand

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hinted at a possible increase in milk prices on Saturday, as pressure mounted from dairy farmers amid drought conditions. This could lead to higher milk prices for consumers. The Chief Minister confirmed that the milk price had been raised by ₹9 to ₹10 in Tamil Nadu, a request echoed by milk producers in Karnataka.

A meeting with representatives of milk producers' unions was scheduled to take place soon, according to Shivakumar. The Karnataka Milk Producers' Association had submitted a memorandum and met with KMF officials to seek an immediate ₹8 per litre hike in milk prices. The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by milk producers due to rising fodder costs, and noted that neighbouring states were offering higher prices, leading to losses for Karnataka's cooperative societies.

Shivamogga DCC Bank chairperson R.M. Manjunath Gowda had previously urged the Chief Minister to increase milk prices, emphasizing that people would pay ₹50 for a litre of water, but raised objections to increasing milk prices. Milk producers have also planned a protest on the issue for the following week.