Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Monday that the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has agreed to lower the price of Nandini curd by Rs 2 per litre. This decision follows his suggestion during a meeting with KMF officials, who had come to congratulate him. The Chief Minister stated that the reduction aims to alleviate some of the financial burden on consumers amidst rising prices.

Price Hike and Public Reaction

The recent decision by KMF to increase Nandini curd prices by up to Rs 14 per kilogram, effective from November 1, has faced significant backlash from various quarters. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bangalore Hotels Association have both condemned the hike, labelling it excessive. They argue that such an increase would adversely affect consumers and businesses alike, leading to protests across the state.

Prior to the announcement of the price reduction, KMF had raised the cost of a 500-gram pouch of curd from Rs 28 to Rs 34 and a one-kilogram pouch from Rs 54 to Rs 68. This price revision has sparked demonstrations, with the BJP women’s wing staging a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding a rollback of the price increase. Similar protests have been reported in various regions of Karnataka.

In response to the criticism, Shivakumar defended the government’s actions, highlighting the necessity of the milk price increase for the benefit of approximately 11 lakh farmer families across the state. He acknowledged public discontent but questioned the lack of similar outrage when prices for other commodities, such as bottled water, rise. He emphasised that the revenue from the increased milk prices would directly support local farmers.

Details of Price Adjustments

The Karnataka Cabinet’s decision last week to raise the price of Nandini milk by Rs 8 per litre has also contributed to the ongoing debate. According to Shivakumar, Rs 7 from this increase is intended for farmers, while Re 1 will go to KMF. This price adjustment is aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the dairy sector in the state.

Shivakumar has mentioned that there were calls for an even higher increase of Rs 12 per litre in milk prices. He asserted that the current price adjustments are necessary to prevent the diversion of milk to other states, where prices are more lucrative. The Chief Minister’s comments indicate that the government is attempting to balance the needs of consumers with those of farmers, amidst a backdrop of rising costs in the dairy industry.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to the reduced curd prices and whether further protests will emerge. The government is likely to continue monitoring the dairy market closely, as it navigates the challenges posed by fluctuating prices and public sentiment.

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