In a significant milestone, Karnataka has achieved a record daily milk procurement of 10 million litres, surpassing previous records and marking a substantial increase from last year’s 9 million litres. This achievement, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday following a traditional gou pooja (cow worship), reflects the state’s robust growth in milk production.
The increased milk procurement by the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Federation (KMF), which markets its products under the Nandini brand, has led to a higher subsidy burden for the state government. Siddaramaiah noted that the current Congress government had previously raised the incentive for dairy farmers from Rs 2 to Rs 5 per litre. The surge in daily procurement translates to a subsidy outlay of Rs 5 crore per day, amounting to Rs 150 crore monthly and an annual total of Rs 1,800 crore.
Nandini’s Global Footprint and Sponsorships
The Nandini brand, which has expanded its presence beyond India to countries including Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the UAE, and the US, recently garnered attention by sponsoring the Scotland and Ireland cricket teams during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The brand’s growing footprint highlights Karnataka’s increasing influence in the global dairy market.
Historical Context and Government Initiatives
Recalling the growth of the dairy sector, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reflected on his tenure as Animal Husbandry Minister in the 1980s, during which he consolidated milk unions and primary milk cooperatives that were previously functioning independently. Today, Karnataka boasts around 16,000 primary milk cooperatives operating under 15 cooperative milk unions, all nurtured by local farmers. The government’s commitment to these farmers is evident, as it continues to purchase their increased milk output despite the added financial burden.
To support dairy farmers, the government has introduced a Rs 2 per packet price increase for milk, which includes an additional 50 ml of milk per packet for consumers. Siddaramaiah dismissed claims by the opposition BJP that the government had hiked milk prices, asserting that milk prices in Karnataka remain the lowest compared to neighbouring states. He also addressed concerns about subsidy dues, noting that the previous BJP regime had similarly left dues unpaid.
Comparisons with Other States
Despite Karnataka’s impressive achievements, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation remains ahead with a daily milk procurement of approximately 26 million litres.
Karnataka’s dairy sector continues to thrive under the Nandini brand, setting new records and reinforcing its commitment to supporting local farmers while expanding its global reach.