Thiruvananthapuram, 01 June (H.S.):The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has implemented a hike in milk prices across the state with effect from Sunday, increasing the retail price by ₹4 per litre. The federation said the revision was necessary to support dairy farmers who are facing rising production costs and to ensure the sustainability of milk production in Kerala.

According to Milma Chairman K.S. Mani, the increase has been introduced primarily to provide greater financial assistance to dairy farmers and encourage them to remain in the sector despite mounting expenses. Of the ₹4 increase per litre, ₹3.35 will be passed directly to dairy farmers, while 25 paise will be allocated to dairy cooperative societies.

“The cost of milk production has increased significantly over the years. The price revision has become unavoidable to ensure that dairy farmers continue their operations and remain economically viable,” Mani said.

Milma clarified that consumers may continue to see the old prices printed on milk packets for some time, as existing packaging stock is yet to be exhausted. The federation said new packets carrying the revised prices will be introduced gradually, and the transition could take several weeks.

In addition to milk, Milma has also increased the price of curd. The federation said the revision in dairy product prices is part of a broader effort to address the escalating costs associated with milk procurement, cattle feed, transportation, labour and other operational expenses.

The latest revision marks the first major increase in milk prices in recent years and comes at a time when dairy cooperatives across the country are grappling with higher input costs. Milma officials expressed confidence that the decision would strengthen the state’s dairy sector by ensuring better returns for farmers while maintaining a stable supply of milk and dairy products to consumers.

The federation reiterated its commitment to supporting Kerala’s dairy farmers and sustaining the cooperative model that has been the backbone of the state’s milk production network.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman