Speaking during a debate on drought in the state assembly, Gowda warned that without a price increase the KMF brand and the broader cooperative milk network could suffer lasting damage, leaving producers financially vulnerable.
He highlighted that the cost of cattle feed has more than doubled, climbing from ₹720 for a 50‑kg bag to ₹1,250, while the drought has made both green and dry fodder scarce, squeezing farmers’ margins to the point of non‑remuneration.
Gowda noted that Karnataka’s current procurement price of ₹35 per litre lags behind other states – ₹41.5 in Andhra Pradesh, ₹41.8 in Kerala, and ₹41 in Maharashtra – with the national average hovering around ₹41. He also pointed out that KMF’s retail price of ₹46 per litre is lower than the selling prices in those states, which range from ₹52 to ₹67.
According to the MP, milk rejected by KMF for quality reasons is being bought by private dairies and sold at higher prices, a situation that could ultimately hurt consumers if farmers’ interests are not protected.
He appealed for a special drought relief package for Kolar district, where the impact has been especially acute, and urged the government to support the growing number of educated youth returning to villages to take up dairying.
Gowda’s demand reflects mounting pressure on Karnataka’s authorities to address the twin challenges of climate‑induced water scarcity and rising input costs that threaten the state’s dairy sector.