India
Karnataka CM Orders Milk Federation to Cut Curd Prices Amid Public Outcry
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has instructed officials of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to lower the price of curd following criticism from hoteliers and the public over recent dairy price hikes. The CM said, “I have instructed KMF office-bearers, who came to meet me on Monday (November 2), to reduce the price of curd.” From Sunday (November 1), the price of one litre of curd rose from ₹54 to ₹68, a ₹14 increase. The price of Shubham milk and special toned milk also rose from ₹52 to ₹64. When asked about the variations across milk categories, the CM explained that higher fat content leads to higher prices and that officials would provide a detailed explanation soon. He added that the price rise would support 11 lakh farming families.
Hotel owners and the public have questioned the logic behind the price increases. P.C. Rao, honorary president of the Bangalore Hotels Association, noted that while an ₹8 rise in milk price is understood as farmer support, a ₹14 rise in curd price is unclear. He said the curd price should have been ₹62, not ₹68, and asked whether the extra ₹6 would go to farmers or the KMF. Rao highlighted that hotels use curd in many dishes and that the steep rise adds about 15% more expenditure.
KMF officials said the price changes consider costs such as farmer purchases, fat content, imported bacteria culture, electricity, and fuel prices. They also noted that the KMF must give a margin to sellers in Nandini milk booths and that making the product economically viable for farmers is a priority. The KMF confirmed that curd prices are being reworked per the CM’s instructions and will be released soon.
The story was published on November 2, 2026 at 10:16 pm IST.