Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 5: With an increase in milk production in the state, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has decided to continue supplying an additional 50ml of milk in each Nandini packet until the end of December. The measure, introduced in June along with a price hike of Rs 2 per packet, was initially intended as a temporary arrangement.
KMF officials stated that this decision was made after observing the positive response from both consumers and suppliers. The daily milk collection has reached an impressive 92-93 lac litres, a significant increase attributed to favourable weather conditions and abundant fodder availability. "We cannot afford to waste milk. Hence, we are continuing to include the additional 50ml in each sachet. This year, milk collection has surpassed last year’s figures by 10 lakh litres,” an official said.
However, the surplus milk has posed challenges in storage and processing. Officials revealed that 25-30 lakh litres of milk are being converted daily into powder and butter, while around 1 lac litres are being used for ice cream production. "Due to the cold weather, the demand for ice cream has declined," the official added. KMF is also negotiating with markets in other states to expand its supply.
On November 25, KMF began selling 10,000-11,000 litres of milk daily in Delhi, marking its first major foray into the northern market. Mandya Milk Union, one of KMF’s largest suppliers to Bengaluru, is also contributing to this effort. The milk is transported to Delhi in refrigerated trucks at 2°C over a 52-hour journey, then processed and packaged at 4°C for sale.
“This initiative is a first for us. Based on its success, we are planning to further expand our market,” an official said. "Consumer preferences are changing, especially in northern India, where cow’s milk is increasingly being preferred over buffalo milk," he added.
The federation is also deliberating on potential price adjustments but has not yet discussed the matter with the chief minister.