Karnataka Govt Hikes Nandini Milk Price By Rs 4 – Third Hike To Be Effective From THIS Date; How Will It Impact Your Pocket? News24 –

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday gave nod to hike milk prices for its product ‘Nandhini’ supplied by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) by Rs 4 per litre. According to the reports, the additional amount will be paid to farmers. The development comes after a heavy demand by farmers, various organisations, and the Department of Animal Husbandry.

How Much Will The Milk Cost Now?

With this increase, the price of a one-litre blue packet of Nandini milk will now cost ₹48, which was ₹44. The hike was announced ahead of the Ugadi festival which will be on March 30. impacting the cost of tea, coffee, and other milk-based products in hotels and sweet shops. Milk federations across the state have backed the price hike.

How Much Did The Federation Demand?

KMF initially demanded a ₹5 per litre increase, but with the government firm on ₹4, they had to settle for it. This follows recent hikes in Metro and RTC bus fares, as well as a revision in power tariffs, drawing criticism from opposition and consumer groups. Hence, the new hike will undoubtedly put a strain on the common man’s budget.

Minister K. Venkatesh On Hike

Earlier, on March 5, Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh had hinted at the revision. Though a hike was expected, the discussions were underway with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the extent of the hike. At that time he also stated that the government owed subsidies amounting to Rs 656.07 crore to milk producers. According to him, a total of 9.04 lakh beneficiaries have yet to receive the pending amount. “We have asked the finance department to release the pending funds. Once the department clears the amount, it will be disbursed to the beneficiaries. We will do it soon. Farmers are demanding a hike of Rs 10 per litre. We will definitely increase the price of milk. The quantum of the hike will be decided after discussions with the Chief Minister,” he added that day.

On February 10, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade staged a protest at the KMF office in Bengaluru. They demanded an increase in the milk procurement price to at least ₹ 50 per litre. They also called for an interim support price of Rs 10 per litre until the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The Karnataka government had revised the price of milk in the state by Rs 2 on June 25, 2024, with an additional 50 ml of milk added to each packet, which led to criticism.