The festive season could be in for a major setback as milk prices are being demanded to be hiked by ₹8 per liter. Producers have given the government a three-day ultimatum.

People in Karnataka may face another major shock ahead of the festive season. Milk prices may soon be expected to rise significantly. In fact, the state's milk producers' unions have demanded an increase in milk prices by ₹8 per liter. This demand was raised at a press conference held at the Bengaluru Press Club.

Why is there a demand to increase prices?

They say they are under pressure due to rising production costs and declining milk production. According to the Karnataka Milk Producers Association, several major milk unions, including Bamul, Chamul, Mandya Milk, and Tumkur, support this demand. The unions have also demanded an increase in government incentives for milk producers.

The producers have given the government a three-day ultimatum to meet these demands. If the government fails to convene a cabinet meeting and take a decision, they have threatened to stage a protest march to the Vidhan Soudha.

Dairy farmers in trouble

Nagaraj, president of the Bamul Milk Union, said that dairy associations have been in talks with the state government for the past eight months, but no decision has been made yet. The unions are now demanding an increase in the milk procurement price by ₹8 per liter.

According to milk unions, dairy farmers are currently facing a severe financial crisis. On one hand, due to poor rainfall, there is a severe shortage of green fodder for cattle. On the other hand, the prices of animal feed and raw materials have increased by up to 25%. Transportation costs have also increased, and combined, the cost of milk production has risen significantly. Consequently, it has become increasingly difficult for farmers to raise cattle, and this is impacting their overall production.

Impact on ordinary consumers

If the state government accepts the demands raised by milk unions and approves the proposal to increase prices, milk from brands like Nandini will become prohibitively expensive just before Navratri and Diwali. This will not only disrupt kitchen budgets, but could also cause the prices of sweets, khoya, and other dairy products to skyrocket during the festive season.

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