Cabinet to Decide on Karnataka Milk Price Hike: CM Shivakumar

BENGALURU, Sept 26 : Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the state government would take a decision on the proposed increase in milk prices after examining prevailing rates in neighbouring states and discussing the matter in the Cabinet.

Speaking to reporters near Freedom Park, Mr Shivakumar said presidents of district milk unions had met him and sought a hike of Rs 12 per litre, including Rs 2 to be retained by the unions.

He said the government would study milk prices in Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh before taking a final decision.

“Milk producers are facing difficulties and there is anger among farmers over the present price,” Mr Shivakumar said, adding that around 50,000 milk producers had sought an increase.

The Chief Minister said the government was committed to protecting the interests of both milk producers and milk unions and would take necessary action after reviewing the matter.

The demand for a price hike comes amid sustained pressure from milk unions and producers seeking higher procurement prices.

Bengaluru Milk Union (Bamul) president D K Suresh said milk unions had sought an increase of Rs 10 per litre, citing rising input and living costs.

He said several major milk-producing states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, had raised milk prices in recent months and urged the Karnataka government to respond to the demand of farmers and milk unions.

The demand for a hike has remained pending amid protests by milk unions across the state over the past two months.