Thiruvananthapuram, 27 Feb (H.S.): Kerala’s dairy cooperative Milma has sought the State government’s approval to increase the price of milk by ₹4 per litre, urging that a decision be taken before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The proposal was placed before the government by Milma’s governing body, which argued that an early decision would help the cooperative implement the revised pricing structure without administrative delays once election norms take effect. The current retail price of Milma milk stands at ₹52 per litre.

The move follows a recommendation by an expert committee that had earlier suggested a price hike in the range of ₹4 to ₹6 per litre, citing rising input costs and the need to ensure better returns for dairy farmers. Last month, State Animal Husbandry Minister J. Chinchurani had indicated that the government would consider a price revision if Milma formally submitted such a request.

According to sources within the cooperative, the proposed increase is aimed primarily at improving the income of dairy farmers, who have been facing mounting production costs, including higher prices for cattle feed, transportation, and maintenance. Milma has indicated that a significant share of the additional revenue generated through the hike would be passed on directly to farmers.

If the ₹4 increase is approved, ₹2.40 per litre would go directly to dairy farmers. The remaining amount would be distributed among milk societies and retailers to help cover operational and distribution expenses. Officials said the pricing formula has been structured to balance farmer welfare with the sustainability of the cooperative’s supply chain network.

Milma, formally known as the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, plays a crucial role in the State’s dairy sector, procuring milk from thousands of farmers and supplying it across Kerala. The cooperative has maintained that periodic price revisions are necessary to protect the interests of farmers while ensuring uninterrupted supply to consumers.

The government is expected to take a decision on the proposal soon, amid growing discussions on cost pressures in the dairy sector and the broader economic implications for households and farmers alike.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman