New Delhi: Karnataka has emerged as the second largest milk producer in India, surpassing all states except Gujarat. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the achievement while launching a new variety of Nandini milk in New Delhi on Thursday. This event is sponsored by karnataka milk producers federation (KMF) and Mandya District Cooperative Milk Federation.
Siddaramaiah attributes the success of milk production in Karnataka to the strong support given to the dairy industry. He mentioned his efforts during his tenure as Animal Husbandry Minister and KMF Chairman to protect milk producers from exploitation.
“We have formed the Milk Producers Association to ensure fair price and permanent market for farmers’ produce,” the Karnataka minister said.
Karnataka currently produces 9.2-9.3 million liters of milk per day. Of this, 2.5 lakh liters were sent to Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state is also supplying 2.5 lakh liters per day to New Delhi and plans to increase this to 5 lakh liters in six months. To support farmers, the government, through the Ksheeradhare scheme, is procuring milk at Rs 32 per liter and providing an additional incentive of Rs 5 per liter.
“When I became chief minister, I increased this incentive to Rs 5 per liter, which is the highest level so far. The state spends Rs 5 crore every day on these incentives,” he added.
Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of creating a strong dairy market to ensure the growth of the dairy industry and the welfare of farmers. He also emphasized that dairy farming is an important source of additional income for farmers. The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to further strengthen the dairy sector and support rural livelihoods.
