Nandini Milk Set To Become Costlier
Nandini milk is set to become more expensive in Karnataka, with the state Cabinet approving a proposal to increase milk prices by up to Rs 8 per litre.
The proposed hike was cleared on October 6, but the government has not yet formally announced its implementation because the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force for the Legislative Council elections.
The revised prices are likely to take effect from November 1, subject to approval from the Election Commission.
Nandini Blue Packet Could Cost Rs 54
If the entire Rs 8 increase is passed on to consumers, Nandini’s basic toned milk, sold in the blue packet, will become significantly more expensive.
The current price is Rs 46 per litre. Under the proposed revision, it would rise to Rs 54 per litre.
That means a household buying two litres of milk every day could spend around Rs 480 more per month if the full increase is passed on to consumers.
Where Will The Rs 8 Increase Go?
The proposed Rs 8 increase is not expected to go entirely towards consumers or the milk unions.
Under the proposal, Rs 6 of the increase will go to milk producers, while Rs 2 will go to milk unions.
The move is aimed at improving returns to dairy farmers amid rising costs and difficult agricultural conditions in Karnataka.
Drought And Rising Costs Behind The Hike
Milk unions have been seeking a price revision because of higher expenses related to cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transportation and plastic packaging.
Drought conditions have also contributed to shortages of fodder, increasing the cost of maintaining cattle.
Milk unions had initially sought an increase of Rs 8 to Rs 10 per litre and argued that Karnataka’s milk producers receive less for their milk compared with farmers in several neighbouring states.
According to the unions, toned milk is procured at around Rs 35 per litre in Karnataka, compared with Rs 41 in Maharashtra, Rs 41.5 in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 41.8 in Kerala and Rs 42.2 in Tamil Nadu.
Fifth Nandini Price Revision Since 2022
If implemented, the proposed increase would mark the fifth Nandini milk price revision since November 2022.
Prices were increased by Rs 3 per litre in November 2022, another Rs 3 in July 2023, Rs 2 in June 2024 and Rs 4 in March 2025.
In June 2024, consumers were also given an additional 50 ml of milk for every litre, although the Karnataka Milk Federation later withdrew the additional quantity.
Final Decision Still Pending
The Karnataka Cabinet has authorised Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take the final decision on the quantum and implementation of the increase.
The government will first seek clearance from the Election Commission because of the ongoing Model Code of Conduct.
If approval is received and the full proposal is implemented, consumers could start paying Rs 54 per litre for Nandini toned milk from November 1.
Summary
Karnataka’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase Nandini milk prices by up to Rs 8 per litre, with the revised rates likely from November 1 subject to Election Commission approval. The blue-packet toned milk could rise from Rs 46 to Rs 54 per litre. Of the proposed Rs 8 increase, Rs 6 would go to milk producers and Rs 2 to milk unions.
