K’taka Milk Price Lower Than Other States, DCM Highlights Farmer Interests

Bengaluru
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that milk prices in Karnataka remain lower compared to other states, defending the recent decisions made by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) as being in the best interest of farmers. He highlighted that although the quantity of milk has been increased by 50 ml per packet, the price has not risen, ensuring that consumers receive better value.
Shivakumar addressed the media highlighting that the revenue from milk sales directly benefits farmers. He pointed out that milk prices in Karnataka are significantly lower than in other states and argued that a price increase was necessary to support farmers adequately. He questioned the BJP’s opposition to the milk price revision, accusing them of being anti-farmer.
As a farmer’s son, Shivakumar expressed his understanding of the challenges in milk production. He noted that KMF has been incurring losses of more than Rs 10 per litre of milk. Even after a small increase of Rs 2, he assured that the interests of farmers are still a priority. He urged the BJP to consider the farmers’ plight before protesting the price revision and also explained that the BJP should focus on understanding the difficulties faced by farmers instead of opposing the price adjustment, highlighting that farmers are selling their cows due to the inability to sustain them, indicating a need for better support. CM also clarified that there has been no increase in the price of Nandini milk, but the volume per packet has increased, aligning the rate with the increased quantity. The revised rate came into effect on Wednesday.