Karnataka Hikes Nandini Milk Prices by Rs 8 to Rs 54 Per Litre Effective November 1

Karnataka minister KB Gowda announced that the state Cabinet approved a Rs 8 per litre hike in Nandini milk prices, with revised rates taking effect from November 1. According to the reported statements, Rs 7 of the increase will go directly to dairy farmers, while Re 1 will be allocated to milk cooperatives. With this revision, basic toned milk prices will rise from Rs 46 to Rs 54 per litre.

Minister Krishna Byre Gowda explained that the decision followed reports of farmers facing a crisis, which led members across political parties in the Legislative Council to demand support measures. Milk producers had organized protests, and cooperatives had pressed for a price revision. Although initial demands from farmer unions sought an increase of at least Rs 10 per litre during discussions with the Chief Minister and relevant ministers, the Cabinet finalized the Rs 8 hike unanimously after deliberations across multiple meetings.

Financial Breakdown for Farmers

• Previous Rate: Farmers previously received around Rs 35 per litre.
• New Rate: The revised price paid to farmers increases to Rs 42 per litre.
• Government Incentive: The existing state government incentive of Rs 5 per litre will continue.
• Total Earnings: Farmers will receive a total of Rs 47 per litre inclusive of the incentive.

The Cabinet originally approved the proposal, but the announcement was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct in force for Legislative Council elections.

Industry Response and Background

• Bengaluru Hotels Association: Opposed the hike, urging authorities to restrict the increase to Rs 2 to Rs 3 per litre to avoid raising operating costs and consumer prices for tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Previous Revisions: The last price increase occurred in April 2025, when Nandini milk and curd prices rose by Rs 4 per litre or kilogram due to rising costs of cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transportation, and packaging.

Consumers can verify the official rate changes through notifications issued by the Karnataka government or local milk cooperatives.