Pune: Cow Milk Price Hiked, to Cost ₹2 Per Liter More
Starting July 13, consumers in Pune will see an increase in the price of cow milk, which will now cost ₹56 per liter, up from the previous ₹54. This decision was made by the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare Association in a recent meeting at the Pune District Milk Association (Katraj Dairy) office.
The meeting included representatives from several cooperative and private milk associations such as 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 stated that the price hike is limited to cow’s milk. Despite a government mandate to increase the purchase price of milk by ₹3 per liter from July 1, 2024, the association opted for a smaller ₹2 increase in the selling price to lessen the burden on consumers, according to Association Secretary Prakash Kutwal.
Current Milk Sales Status
- Total milk sold across Maharashtra: 65 to 70 lakh liters daily
- Sales through welfare associations: 40 to 42 lakh liters daily
- Milk sold in Pune city: 18 to 20 lakh liters daily
- Sales through associations in Pune city: 12 to 13 lakh liters daily
- Packaged milk availability: Quarter, half, and one-liter packs
- New price of packaged cow’s milk: ₹56 per liter
This price adjustment seeks to balance the rising costs for milk producers with the need to keep milk affordable for consumers.
Recently, dairy farmers protested in Manchar, demanding a guaranteed price of ₹40 per liter for milk. Dairy farming, often a supplementary income source for farmers, has become increasingly unprofitable. The cost of animal feed has tripled in the last seven to eight years, while milk prices have not kept pace, leading many farmers to sell their hybrid cows and causing significant financial distress in the dairy industry.
