Karnataka CM discusses land security and potential milk price hike

Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar addressed farmers in Balehonnuru regarding land security and milk pricing. He advised farmers to secure their existing lands and cautioned the forest department against issuing notices or causing disturbances to current landholders. The Chief Minister also mentioned a plan to propose a 25-year lease period to the central government and noted that a special policy for the Malenadu and coastal regions has been developed to prevent migration by creating local employment.

Regarding the dairy sector, the state government is considering a potential hike in Nandini milk prices. Dairy cooperatives have requested an increase of 8 rupees per liter to offset rising production costs. Chief Minister Shivakumar stated that the government will discuss and decide on the price revision, noting that milk production in the state has decreased.

Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttaranga Shetty supported the price hike, arguing it is essential due to the significant rise in the costs of cattle feed and maintenance. He warned that without a price adjustment, farmers might abandon dairy farming, leading to a further decline in milk production.