Kerala’s Heartfelt Hike: Minister Chinchu Rani Announces Upcoming Milk Price Increase in Assembly
J Chinchu Rani, Kerala’s Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, recently announced that milk prices in the state will undergo a revision soon. Speaking in the Kerala Assembly, Rani indicated the need for this adjustment amid concerns over cheaper surplus milk from neighboring states destabilizing Kerala’s dairy market. She emphasized that one of Kerala’s primary goals is achieving self-sufficiency in milk production, making this decision all the more pressing.
The upcoming price increase is based on recommendations from a five-member committee. The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (MILMA) is set to accelerate efforts in revising the prices to ensure they remain beneficial for local dairy farmers. Rani’s statement followed a query raised by Kuttanad MLA Thomas K. Thomas, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Currently, Kerala boasts the highest procurement price for milk in India, offering farmers ₹43.17 per liter, significantly higher than Tamil Nadu’s ₹34.72 and Karnataka’s ₹35.20. This price adjustment comes at a critical time as the Kerala Assembly also addressed an opposition motion concerning the soaring prices of essential commodities, which have raised public concern.
PC Vishnunadh, MLA from Kundara, submitted a notice requesting the House’s adjournment to discuss the matter. He pointed out that Kerala is experiencing the highest inflation rate in the country, criticizing the government for its inadequate response to the escalating cost of living.
In response to the opposition’s concerns, Food and Civil Supplies Minister G. R. Anil defended the government’s actions, claiming that the measures taken this year are more impactful than ever before. “I still don’t understand why the opposition chose this subject, but we are ready for a discussion on it,” Anil remarked, defending the administration’s market interventions as among the most effective in Kerala’s history.
As the state prepares to adjust milk prices, it underscores the broader challenges faced by consumers concerning rising costs, positioning the government’s response in the spotlight. With increasing scrutiny from both the public and legislators, Kerala’s administration is now compelled to address not only the dairy sector’s needs but also the wider economic pressures impacting its residents.
The proposed milk price hike aims to protect local dairy farmers amid external competition, reflecting a strategic effort to stabilize the state’s agricultural economy. This balance is crucial as Kerala navigates the complexities of maintaining its agricultural integrity while addressing the economic realities facing its population. As discussions unfold in the Assembly, all eyes will be on how the government balances these competing interests while striving for sustainable solutions in the dairy industry and beyond.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/kerala-to-hike-milk-prices-soon-minister-chinchu-rani-tells-assembly-11758185078500.html
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Publish Date: 2025-09-18 14:48:00
