The Karnataka Cabinet lifted the price of Nandini milk by ₹8 per litre on Thursday, a move that will take effect from Nov. 1. The state earmarked ₹7 of each litre for farmers and the remaining ₹1 for the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Shivakumar said the hike follows a surge in input costs—plastic, diesel and petrol—raising transportation costs. He added that a Rs 12‑15 increase was floated earlier, but the Rs 8 figure was chosen after consultations. K. Shankar, a 45‑year‑old dairy farmer from Mandya, said the hike will help him cover his son’s medical bills.
The chief minister highlighted that Karnataka’s milk prices are lower than those in neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, which has led to products being siphoned out of the state. He noted that the state’s lower rates have made it a target for external procurement, citing Tirupati’s purchase of Nandini ghee.
Shivakumar also hinted at a possible rise in state bus fares, citing heavy losses suffered by the transport corporations and the lack of funds for diesel. He said the transport department will decide on fare adjustments after the recent elections.