Bengaluru: Consumers from south Karnataka have to pay Rs 2 more for a litre of Nandini milk from Saturday and Re 1 more for litre of milk in north or coastal Karnataka.

As per the new price chart, a litre of milk will cost Rs. 35 in Bengaluru, Mandya, Mysuru, Kolar, Tumakuru, Hassan and Shivamogga, up from Rs. 33. The northern districts that already have a higher price, due to operational costs, will see a hike of only Rs. 1, and the milk will cost in the range of Rs. 35 to Rs. 37.

In a statement, M.T. Kulkarni, Director, Marketing, KMF, has defended the move arguing that even after the revision, Nandini milk prices will remain the lowest in the country and also lowest compared to other private milk brands in the State. While a litre of milk costs Rs. 40 in Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, and Mumbai, it costs Rs. 42 a litre in Delhi.

The KMF has appealed to various milk producers’ unions, to pass on the full benefit of Rs. 2 hike to the farmers reeling under drought.

“It is becoming difficult to find fodder and drinking water for cows, making it difficult for farmers to continue dairying, even as input costs have risen. So it is our responsibility to support the milk producers,” a statement from KMF said.

“The milk packets will continue to have existing rates even after April 1, as the procurement of new packaging film requires time. However, even for packets sporting old rates, the new prices will be enforced from April 1,” said Kulkarni appealing to consumers to cooperate.