Karnataka Government Faces Pressure Over Milk Price Hike Decision
The Karnataka government is under increasing pressure from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to raise milk prices. Recently, KMF Chairperson Bheema Naik spoke in Ballari, emphasizing the urgency for a decision regarding a proposed Rs 5 per litre increase.
Despite extensive discussions, a final verdict is pending as the government navigates potential public backlash. Discussions have included Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who highlighted related infrastructural financial challenges faced by Bengaluru.
The call for a price hike is not isolated to the KMF; it is vocally supported by farmers, organizations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. KMF asserts that increased revenue should support farmers, as stakeholders protest current pricing, appealing for an interim support of Rs 10 per litre during MSP implementation.
The statewide demand reflects the economic pressures of dairy production, prompting KMF to underline disparity in competitive pricing, with Karnataka's Rs 44 per litre lagging behind neighbouring states.
