Karnataka raises Nandini milk prices by Rs 8 per litre to Rs 54

Karnataka's state-owned milk brand Nandini has raised its retail prices by Rs 8 per litre, bringing the cost to Rs 54 per litre across its product range. The price increase, announced by the Karnataka Milk Federation, marks a significant adjustment in the consumer pricing of one of South India's most widely distributed milk brands. Of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 per litre will be allocated directly to dairy farmers, reflecting the state's commitment to improving farmer remuneration amid rising input costs and operational expenses in the dairy sector. The remaining Rs 1 per litre will be retained by the federation to cover processing, distribution, and other operational costs. The move comes as dairy cooperatives across the country grapple with inflationary pressures and the need to ensure fair returns for producers. Karnataka's dairy sector, which supplies milk to millions of households daily, has been facing pressure to balance consumer affordability with farmer welfare. By directing the bulk of the price increase toward farmers, the state aims to incentivize continued milk production and support rural livelihoods dependent on dairy farming.