Nandini milk prices in Karnataka may rise by Rs 10 per litre

Milk unions in Karnataka are proposing a price increase of Rs 10 per litre for Nandini milk to address rising operational costs. Representatives from 16 unions have met with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to discuss the hike, citing increased expenses for cattle feed, fuel, transportation, and packaging.

The unions have suggested a distribution model where Rs 7 of the increase goes directly to farmers and Rs 3 is retained by the unions to cover administrative and processing losses. This proposal follows comparisons showing that procurement rates in Karnataka, currently around Rs 35 per litre, are lower than those in neighboring states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Local businesses, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association, have expressed concern regarding the impact of a steep hike. While supporting farmers, the association has requested that any increase be implemented in stages—suggesting increments of Rs 2-3 per litre—to avoid placing an undue burden on the hotel and bakery sectors, which may otherwise be forced to raise prices for tea, coffee, and snacks.