Bengaluru, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Rs 8 per litre increase in Nandini milk prices came into effect across Karnataka on Sunday, triggering resentment among consumers, even as Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (BAMUL) President D.K. Suresh defended the decision, saying it was intended to improve dairy farmers’ livelihoods and sustain the dairy sector.
The price revision has also raised the cost of curd from Rs 54 to Rs 68 per kg, adding to the burden on consumers. Residents in Bengaluru expressed anger over the increase and criticised the government.
Defending the decision, Suresh, younger brother of Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, said the government was taking steps to ensure better returns for farmers.
“If farmers survive, all of us will survive. Nandini milk will cost you more, but it is good news for farmers. I apologise for the price hike, but farmers will have to survive,” he said while addressing a gathering.
He pointed out that many people living in cities also came from families whose parents had reared cows and supplied milk.
“We are empowering farmers and taking several steps in this direction under the leadership of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar,” he said.
Suresh appealed to consumers to support the Nandini brand by purchasing its products, including milk, ghee and paneer.
“Wherever you go, I appeal to you to use Nandini products, as they are healthier,” he said, urging people to stand by dairy farmers.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had also defended the price revision on Saturday, saying it was necessary to protect farmers and ensure proper care of cows during the ongoing drought.
The Karnataka government and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) announced an increase of Rs 8 per litre in Nandini milk prices and Rs 14 per litre in curd prices, with the revised rates coming into effect on November 1.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said there had been a demand for a Rs 12 per litre increase in milk prices, while rates in neighbouring states were significantly higher.
“The decision was necessary to protect farmers and cows. Milk production is also coming down due to drought. To protect cows, they need to be provided with good food. For farmers to provide proper feed to their cattle, they need to be financially sound,” he said.
The Chief Minister said farmers with inadequate incomes could be forced to cut spending on cattle feed, potentially affecting the animals.
“We should protect Gau matas during this drought period. We have taken this decision after giving it careful thought for years,” he said.
Shivakumar maintained that the government had considered the financial difficulties faced by dairy farmers and the decline in milk production before deciding on the increase.
Responding to concerns over the prices of other dairy products, he said the government could not directly control curd prices.
“We have controlled the prices of milk. Regarding fat content, if there is more fat, rates will be fixed accordingly. This also needs to be kept in mind,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the decision was taken after considering farmers’ demands, declining milk production due to drought and the need to ensure adequate feed and care for cattle.
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