Milk prices have increased by ₹2 in Maharashtra. The new milk rates will come into effect from August 11. Cow milk will now cost ₹62 per litre. Buffalo milk will be available at ₹78 per litre. Till now cow milk was available at ₹60 and buffalo milk at ₹76 per litre. Dairy operators say that the cost of transporting milk has increased. There is also more cost in collecting milk from farmers. This has necessitated the increase in milk prices.
Due to the increase in the prices of cow and buffalo milk, consumers across the state are expected to be affected by this price hike. The decision has been taken amidst ongoing discussions on milk prices and measures to protect the interests of milk producers, while also ensuring that consumers are not adversely affected by the rising prices.
Last month, the government informed Parliament that there is no proposal to implement a minimum support price (MSP) for milk, and said that the price will be decided by cooperative and private dairies based on the market situation. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh, said that milk prices are currently decided by cooperative and private dairies, and there is no proposal to fix a minimum support price (MSP) for the commodity. The minister said that the government is implementing several initiatives to protect the interests of milk producers, stabilize milk prices, protect the interests of consumers and strengthen quality monitoring across the country.