Karnataka consumers may soon have to pay more for Nandini milk, with the state government reportedly agreeing in principle to a ₹4–₹5 per litre price increase. The proposed hike comes after dairy farmers and the state’s milk cooperative unions pressed for higher prices, citing rising production and operating costs.
The development follows a larger demand from Karnataka’s 16 district milk cooperative unions, which had initially sought an ₹8–₹10 per litre increase. Representatives argued that farmers are facing mounting expenses for cattle feed, fodder, veterinary care and other inputs, while drought conditions have further affected fodder availability and milk production.
Nandini milk could rise from ₹46 to ₹50–₹51
The current price of toned Nandini milk is ₹46 per litre. If the proposed ₹4–₹5 increase is implemented, consumers could pay approximately ₹50–₹51 per litre. The increase could also affect prices of products such as curd and buttermilk.
The last major Nandini milk price increase took effect on April 1, 2025, when the price was raised by ₹4 per litre.
Why are farmers demanding a hike?
Milk producers say their margins have been squeezed by higher input costs. According to recent reports, Karnataka currently procures milk from farmers at around ₹35 per litre, compared with reported procurement prices of ₹41.50 in Andhra Pradesh, ₹41 in Maharashtra and ₹42.24 in Tamil Nadu.
A further concern is the drought situation. KMF’s daily milk procurement has reportedly fallen from about 1.11 crore litres to 1.03 crore litres, amid reduced fodder availability and declining milk production.
Congress MLC S Ravi separately argued on September 25 that production costs had reached about ₹42.20 per litre, while producers were receiving ₹35 through cooperative societies, leaving a claimed gap of ₹7.20 per litre.
How would the additional money be distributed?
Reports indicate that the proposed additional revenue could be shared between milk producers and district milk unions in a 70:30 ratio. However, the exact mechanism will depend on the final government/KMF order.
The government has also been examining comparative milk prices, procurement costs and sales data from other states before finalising the revision.
Official order still matters
While multiple reports now say the government has agreed to a ₹4–₹5 increase, the final retail price and effective date depend on the official order from KMF/state authorities. Until that notification is issued, consumers should treat ₹50–₹51 as the proposed revised price rather than a confirmed retail rate.
For Karnataka households, the proposed increase would mean an additional ₹120–₹150 a month for a family buying one litre of milk every day. For dairy farmers, the stated objective is to improve returns amid higher production costs and drought-related pressures.
