Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant decision impacting millions of consumers and dairy farmers across Kerala, the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (MILMA) has decided not to implement a proposed milk price hike—for now. The move comes after mixed opinions among regional unions, with the Malabar region opposing the increase.
Instead, an expert committee will be formed to study the pricing structure, with a report expected within a month. MILMA Chairman K.S. Mani stated that a final decision will be made in the next board meeting, with a strong focus on safeguarding farmers’ welfare.
The board had been considering a ₹3–₹4 per litre hike, which would have followed previous increases of ₹4 in 2019 and ₹6 in 2022. Toned milk currently sells at ₹52 per litre, with MILMA distributing around 17 lakh litres daily across Kerala.
The Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam unions had supported the hike, but Malabar’s resistance led to the postponement. The upcoming decision is expected to balance consumer impact and farmer sustainability, as the expert panel evaluates the economics of milk production and distribution.
