Pune: Cow milk price has increased by ₹2 per liter, following a decision made by the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare Association at a recent meeting held in Pune. This means that, starting July 13, consumers will now have to pay ₹56 per liter of milk, up from the previous price of ₹54.
The meeting, held at the Pune District Milk Association (Katraj Dairy) office, saw representatives from various cooperative and private milk associations, including Chitale Dairy, Parag Milk, Govind Milk, Nature Delight, Urja, Rajhans, Santkrupa, SR Thorat, Katraj, Godavari, Anant, Sonai, Akshara Milk, and Suyog Milk.
Association President Gopalrao Mhaske announced that the price hike applies specifically to cow's milk. Although the government has mandated a ₹3 increase in the purchase price of milk starting July 1, 2024, the association decided to increase the selling price by only ₹2 to minimize the impact on consumers, explained Association Secretary Prakash Kutwal.
Current Milk Sales Status
Total milk sold across the state: 65 to 70 lakh liters
Sales through welfare associations: 40 to 42 lakh liters
Milk sold in Pune city: 18 to 20 lakh liters
Sales through associations in Pune city: 12 to 13 lakh liters
Packaged milk availability: Quarter, half, and one-liter packs
New price of packaged cow’s milk: ₹56 per liter
This price adjustment aims to balance the increased costs for milk producers while maintaining affordability for consumers.
Recently dairy farmers had protested in Manchar demanding guarantee price of ₹40 per litre. Farmers engage in dairy farming as a supplementary business.
However, in the past seven to eight years, the cost of animal feed has tripled, while milk prices have continued to decline. Many farmers are being forced to sell their hybrid cows as dairy farming is no longer profitable. The dairy industry is in financial distress, the farmers had stated.