No hike in Nandini milk price for now, says Minister

The government has ruled out hiking the price of Nandini milk for the time being.

Animal Husbandry Minister Venkata Rao Nadagouda said the prices would not be hiked but efforts would be made to expand the market for Nandini milk products. The incentive of ₹5 a litre will be continued as a benefit for farmers, he said.

In the wake of drought in 100 taluks, Mr. Nadagouda said, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed not to permit transportation of fodder to other States. Seeds worth ₹15 crore have been distributed to farmers to grow fodder, he said.

Noting that chips have been installed on milch cows purchased by farmers under the Pashu Bhagya scheme, he said they would help to not only track the movement of cattle but also identify foot and mouth disease in the animal.

On a question about procurement of maize, he said the government had received a proposal from farmers seeking ₹1,450 a quintal of maize.