Karnataka Minister defends milk price hike despite opposition criticism

INDIA – Karnataka’s State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Minister K Venkatesh defended the government’s recent decision to increase milk and curd prices by Rs 4 per litre, emphasizing that the move aims to support struggling farmers. 

The announcement, made on Tuesday in Chamarajanagar, has sparked debate, with opposition leaders criticizing the hike while remaining silent on rising fuel costs.

According to Venkatesh, the price increase is directly tied to a Rs 4 per litre rise in milk procurement rates, a step designed to boost farmers’ income. 

Speaking to reporters, he explained that the government issued directives to all milk unions across the state to implement the new procurement price. 

“This decision was taken to help farmers who are facing tough times,” Venkatesh said, highlighting the state’s commitment to the agricultural community. 

He stressed that the hike has no connection to funding the government’s guarantee schemes, countering claims from critics.

The minister also took aim at the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for their selective outrage. 

He pointed out that while BJP leaders have loudly opposed the milk price rise, they have ignored the steep increase in petrol prices, which now stand at Rs 103 per litre. 

Venkatesh argued that the government’s focus remains on balancing the needs of farmers and consumers, even as production costs continue to climb.

The decision follows months of deliberation within the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. 

The cabinet agreed to the hike as a way to encourage dairy farming, an essential livelihood for many in rural Karnataka. 

Milk unions, such as the Mysuru Milk Union Limited (MyMUL), have seen procurement levels soar in recent years, with daily collections reaching 9.45 lakh litres during peak seasons, thanks to state incentives and growing interest in dairy farming post-Covid.

However, the price increase has not been without controversy. Farmers’ groups have long demanded better support, with some calling for even higher procurement rates. 

Meanwhile, consumers are feeling the pinch, with reports from other cities like Mumbai suggesting that milk price hikes often lead households to cut back on consumption or switch to cheaper alternatives. 

Venkatesh acknowledged these concerns but remained firm. “We cannot ignore the rising cost of production. This is about ensuring farmers can survive,” he told the press.

As Karnataka navigates this delicate balance, the government faces pressure to address both farmer welfare and consumer affordability. 

The opposition’s criticism is unlikely to fade, but for now, Venkatesh and the state administration stand by their decision, framing it as a necessary step for the future of dairy farming in the region.