Kerala's Milma Formally Requests Government Approval for Rs 4 Per Litre Milk Price Increase
The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, widely known as Milma, has officially submitted a formal request to the state government seeking approval to implement a significant price increase for its milk products. The proposed hike amounts to Rs 4 per litre, a move that would directly impact consumers across Kerala once clearance is granted by the authorities.
Expert Committee Report Drives Price Revision Decision
This crucial decision to seek a price revision was not made lightly. Milma's management arrived at this conclusion after thoroughly reviewing and analyzing the comprehensive report submitted by a specially appointed expert committee. This committee was tasked with studying the pressing need for adjusting milk prices in the current economic climate, particularly focusing on the sustainability of dairy farming operations.
The committee's findings evidently highlighted substantial financial pressures on the dairy supply chain, prompting Milma to take this formal step. The federation emphasizes that the primary motivation behind this proposed increase is to provide enhanced support and better remuneration for the state's dairy farmers, who have been facing rising input costs and operational challenges.
Political Timing Creates Government Hesitation
While Dairy Development Minister J. Chinjurani had previously indicated that the government would consider a price hike if Milma submitted a formal request, the current political landscape has introduced significant complications. Senior government officials have expressed a clear view that implementing such a substantial milk price increase just days before crucial elections could potentially trigger widespread public resentment and backlash from voters.
This concern has been communicated at the highest levels of the state administration. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has personally conveyed these political reservations to Minister Chinjurani, highlighting the delicate timing of such a decision during the sensitive pre-election period. The government is therefore carefully weighing the economic necessity against potential political repercussions.
Current Status and Future Implications
As of now, Milma's proposal to raise milk prices remains under active consideration by the Kerala government. The administration is evaluating multiple factors:
- The detailed findings of the expert committee report
- The genuine need to support struggling dairy farmers
- The potential impact on household budgets across Kerala
- The political implications of implementing price hikes near elections
The final decision will likely balance these competing concerns, with the government seeking a solution that addresses the economic realities of dairy farming while minimizing disruption to consumers during this politically sensitive period. Once approval is granted, Milma is prepared to implement the price adjustment immediately, though the timing remains uncertain given the current deliberations.
