November 18, 2025

Karnataka, India milk union seeks to push milk production to 450,000 litres by end of calendar year

The Dakshina Kannada Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited (DKMUL) in Karnataka, India, is looking to increase its milk production to 450,000 litres by the end of this calendar year, up from the current procurement level of 430,000 litres.

However, total demand stands at 520,000 litres. The excess demand is being met through supplies from Hassan and Shivamogga.

DKMUL, which earlier saw a drastic dip in milk production in its jurisdictional districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, has recorded an improvement due to several immediate interventions. Currently, the union is receiving 430,000 litres of milk daily, after production had dropped to 320,000 litres last March.

Vivek D., managing director of DKMUL, told TOI that the dip in production was caused by non-availability of fodder, lumpy skin disease, and milk pricing issues. "The steps taken helped increase production within a year, and we expect to reach 470,000 litres of milk production by June 2026," Vivek said.

He explained that fodder was replaced with silage, supplied to farmers at subsidised rates. Production also increased after DKMUL provided financial assistance for farmers to procure high-yield Erode cows. The union offers ₹12,000 (US$135.44) per cow as financial aid, and so far, 500 cows have been introduced into Dakshina Kannada. The milk procurement price was also increased.

"We reached out to farmers who had reduced their cow numbers and encouraged them to replenish their herds. Using our data, officials contacted every farmer in the coastal district," Vivek added.

- The Times of India