Hisar: Milk prices in Haryana may increase soon, following demands from dairy farmers for a higher procurement rate amid rising costs of cattle feed, fodder, transportation and animal care.

The Dairy Farmers Association (DFA) has submitted memoranda to various Vita plants, seeking an increase of ₹2 to ₹3 per kilogram in milk prices. Dairy farmers say rising input costs have made it increasingly difficult to run their businesses profitably.

The demand for higher milk prices has also gained momentum in several villages across Haryana. The campaign began in Rajthal village of Hisar, where livestock owners decided to sell buffalo milk at ₹100 per kilogram. They also fixed the proposed price of cow milk at ₹80 per kilogram and desi ghee at ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per litre.

Similar decisions have since emerged from several other villages, where livestock owners have proposed increasing milk prices to ₹100 per kilogram.

Farmers demand higher milk prices

In the Hansi area, livestock owners in Rajthal, Bhaini-Amipur and Mirchpur villages have demanded an increase of ₹20 to ₹30 per kilogram. Meetings have been held in these villages, with livestock owners announcing that buffalo milk will be sold at ₹100 per kilogram and cow milk at ₹80 per kilogram from September 4. They have also proposed an increase of ₹500 in the price of desi ghee.

In Pehowa, Kurukshetra, dairy farmers held a meeting at the Rest House and announced a Mahapanchayat on September 10, where a decision on the milk price will be taken.

Livestock owners in Dhanauri village of Kaithal have decided to sell milk at ₹100 per kilogram from September 1. They cited the rising cost of cattle feed, including oil cake and cottonseed, as a major reason for the decision.

Similarly, livestock owners in Sirsa Khedi village of Julana tehsil in Jind district have decided to sell milk at ₹100 per kilogram from September 1. They have also resolved to impose a ₹5,100 fine on any livestock owner who sells milk below the fixed rate.

Livestock owners cite rising costs

Renu, Sarpanch of Rajthal village in Narnaund, said the decision to increase milk prices was taken by the livestock owners themselves and that the Panchayat had no role in fixing the rates.

Dairy farmers and livestock owners say the cost of green fodder, chuni, oil cake and other cattle feed has increased steadily over the past year. Expenses related to animal care, transportation and dairy operations have also risen, putting additional financial pressure on milk producers.

At present, buffalo milk is generally sold for around ₹70–₹80 per kilogram in Haryana, while cow milk is priced at approximately ₹50–₹60 per kilogram.

Milk price hike may affect dairy products

The proposed increase in milk prices could also affect consumers if local milk suppliers and dairies pass on the higher procurement costs.

The impact may extend beyond milk to products such as curd, paneer, ghee and other dairy items. Sweet shops, bakeries and food outlets could also face higher input costs, particularly during the upcoming festive season when demand for milk and dairy products usually rises.