Bengaluru : Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (BAMUL) president and MP D.K. Suresh has dropped a strong hint about a possible increase in milk prices in Karnataka, stating that the state’s milk rates are currently among the lowest in the country.
Speaking to reporters, Suresh said, “We haven’t officially proposed a milk price hike, but we have submitted a request to the board. Half a litre of milk brings us a loss, while only a full litre gives a small profit.” His statement is being seen as an indirect indication that milk prices could soon be revised upward.
Citing rising operational costs and a widening gap between production and sales, Suresh said Karnataka produces about 95 lakh to 1 crore litres of milk daily, but only 50 lakh litres are sold. “We pay farmers even for the unsold milk from our own funds. The government had earlier directed that the ₹4 per litre hike should go to the farmers. We are managing, but it’s becoming difficult to sustain,” he explained.
The BAMUL chief also pointed out that ghee prices have already been raised, while butter and milk remain under pressure. “There is high demand for butter and ghee, but our current market rates are still below the expected level. We have requested a revision in butter prices too,” he added.
Suresh emphasized that while private and online dairy companies are charging more in other states, Karnataka’s cooperatives have kept rates low to protect consumers. “However, the losses are increasing. We have informed the government about the financial strain and requested an upward revision of milk prices,” he said.
If approved, this would be the second dairy product price revision in recent months, following a ₹90 per kg hike in Nandini ghee, which had already sparked public debate.
