DK Shivakumar
I’m also getting reports on the situation in neighbouring states such as Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,” Shivakumar said after meeting the unions. Shivakumar’s brother and Bangalore Milk Union Ltd (BAMUL) president DK Suresh said dairy farmers were under severe financial strain, with unions telling Karnataka Milk Federation that costs of cattle feed, veterinary care and transport had all risen sharply. “Our govt is committed to protecting farmers; we will discuss it in the cabinet,” Shivakumar said, acknowledging the scale of Saturday’s turnout.
“We will examine it in the cabinet. Rather than approving an immediate increase, CM has asked officials and union functionaries to submit detailed reports comparing cattle feed price trends over the past decade and the rates paid in other states. The cabinet would take a final call only after reviewing the data.
Bengaluru: A demand for a steep hike in milk prices will now go before the state cabinet, possibly next week, with chief minister DK Shivakumar putting off an immediate decision even as thousands of farmers gathered in the city to press for relief.