Nandini milk price hike takes effect in K’taka today; BAMUL justifies Rs 8 increase

Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) With the Rs 8 per litre hike in Nandini milk prices coming into effect across Karnataka from Sunday, Bengaluru residents have expressed resentment over the increase, while Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (BAMUL) President D.K. Suresh defended the decision, saying it was aimed at improving the livelihood of dairy farmers.

The government has also increased the price of curd from Rs 54 to Rs 68 per kg, adding to the burden on consumers. People were seen expressing their anger over the price revision and criticising the government.

Defending the hike, Suresh, the younger brother of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, said the government was taking steps to ensure better livelihoods for farmers and sustain the dairy sector.

“If farmers survive, all of us will survive. Nandini milk will cost you more, but it is good news for farmers. I apologise for the price hike, but farmers will have to survive,” he said while addressing a gathering.

He pointed out that even many people living in cities came from families whose parents had reared cows and supplied milk.

“We are empowering farmers and taking several steps in this direction under the leadership of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar,” he said.

Suresh also appealed to people to support the Nandini brand by purchasing its products, including milk, ghee and paneer.

“Wherever you go, I appeal to you to use Nandini products, as they are healthier,” he said, urging consumers to support dairy farmers.

The Rs 8 per litre increase in milk prices has been implemented with the stated objective of providing better returns to farmers, even as the simultaneous increase in curd prices has triggered criticism among consumers.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday defended the recent milk price hike, stating that the decision “was taken to protect farmers and ensure proper care of gau matas (cows) during the ongoing drought period”.

The Karnataka government and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) have announced a hike of Rs 8 per litre in the retail price of Nandini milk, along with a Rs 14 per litre increase for curd, effective November 1, 2026

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said there had been a demand to increase the price of milk by Rs 12 per litre, while milk prices in neighbouring states were significantly higher.

“The decision was necessary to protect farmers and cows. Milk production is also coming down due to drought. To protect cows, they need to be provided with good food. For farmers to provide proper feed to their cattle, they need to be financially sound,” he said.

Shivakumar said that if farmers did not have sufficient income, they would be forced to reduce spending on cattle feed, which could adversely affect the animals.

“We should protect Gau matas during this drought period. We have taken this decision after giving it careful thought for years,” the Chief Minister said.

He maintained that the government had considered the financial difficulties faced by dairy farmers before taking the decision, adding that the increase was necessary at a time when milk production was declining.

Responding to concerns over the prices of other dairy products, CM Shivakumar said the government could not directly control curd prices.

“We have controlled the prices of milk. Regarding fat content, if there is more fat, rates will be fixed accordingly. This also needs to be kept in mind,” he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the decision on the milk price hike was taken after considering the demands of farmers, declining milk production caused by drought and the need to ensure adequate care and feed for cattle.

–IANS

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