Karnataka MLA urges ₹10/litre milk price hike for drought-affected farmers

A Member of the Legislative Assembly in Karnataka has called for an immediate ₹10 per litre increase in milk procurement prices, citing the mounting financial distress faced by dairy farmers struggling with drought-induced fodder shortages and rising input costs.

The MLA's demand underscores the growing crisis in the dairy sector across the state, where prolonged dry conditions have decimated pastureland and forced farmers to purchase expensive alternative feed supplies. Dairy producers, already operating on thin profit margins, face a dual challenge of declining yields and escalating production expenses.

The appeal comes as drought conditions continue to affect large parts of Karnataka, impacting agriculture and allied sectors. Milk procurement prices are typically determined by dairy cooperative societies and milk unions operating across the state, though government intervention and policy support can influence these rates.

If implemented, the proposed price increase would provide immediate relief to struggling dairy farmers and potentially prevent distress sales of livestock. The demand reflects broader concerns about rural livelihoods and the sustainability of smallholder dairy farming in drought-prone regions of South India.