Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Image: Supplied.
Bengaluru: The ₹8 Nandini milk price hike was aimed at preventing losses to dairy farmers, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Bengaluru on Thursday, Shivakumar said a revision had been sought for the past one or two years. Asked about the ₹8 increase, he said the government considered farmers important.
He cited increases in the cost of plastic packaging, diesel, petrol and transporting milk. Shivakumar said there had been demands for a price increase of ₹12 to ₹15, and the government took its decision after consultations.
He said milk prices in Karnataka were lower than in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. According to Shivakumar, milk was being routed to Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra because of the lower price. He also referred to demand for Nandini ghee, including purchases by Tirupati, and said the government was providing incentives to farmers.
Shivakumar said MLAs from different parties had sought a milk-price increase in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. The decision had been delayed because of elections, he said.
Asked about bus fares, he said the Transport Department would take a decision in view of its losses. He did not announce a bus-fare increase.
About the Author
