Milk Price Hike Ahead of Ugadi: KOMUL Raises Procurement Rate to Rs. 39.85/Litre; Farmers to Benefit

Just a day ahead of Ugadi, the Kolar District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, also known as KOMUL, has announced a milk price hike, increasing the procurement price from Rs. 37.85 to Rs. 39.85 per litre, effective from today, March 18.

As per the Union, the Price hike will support dairy farmers and boost milk production during the summer months when supply typically declines.

KOMUL Milk Price Hike: Ugadi Boost for Farmers

The KOMUL milk price hike 2026 was approved by the union's management board as part of efforts to encourage higher milk procurement. As per News 18 report, announcing the decision, Union President KV Nanjegowda said the hike serves as a Ugadi gift for farmers.

CHIMUL Also Raises Milk Procurement Prices

The milk price hike in Karnataka is not limited to KOMUL. The Chikkaballapura Milk Union (CHIMUL) recently increased procurement prices by Rs. 0.50 per litre, taking the rate to Rs. 36.90 per litre.

Milk Price Hike Across Karnataka & India

The current hike in Karnataka is part of a broader pattern seen across India:

In Maharashtra, milk prices were increased by Rs. 2 per litre from March 1 across brands like Amul, Gokul, and Katraj

In Delhi-NCR, Mother Dairy had earlier raised prices by up to Rs. 2 per litre, due to rising input costs

In April 2025, the Karnataka Milk Federation implemented a Rs. 4 per litre hike in Nandini milk and curd prices, effective April 1, marking the third revision under the current government. After the increase, toned milk prices rose from Rs. 42 to Rs. 46 per litre, while curd prices were revised to around Rs. 54 per litre. This was done to pass on better returns to dairy farmers, with procurement prices at the time standing at approximately Rs. 35.60 per litre.

Milk Price Hike Impact on Farmers and Consumers

The milk procurement price hike is expected to directly benefit dairy farmers by improving their income, However, it may also lead to a gradual increase in retail milk prices, impacting household budgets.