Bengaluru: Defying the usual seasonal decline, Karnataka has recorded a sharp rise in milk production and procurement during the summer months, according to the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).
Officials said milk procurement touched 1.2 crore litres on Monday, following 1.16 crore litres on Sunday. This marks a significant jump compared to April 2025, when daily procurement ranged between 85 and 87 lakh litres.
Strong growth trend in procurement
KMF Managing Director B Shivaswamy stated that the average daily milk procurement in April 2026 has risen to approximately 1.3 crore litres. He noted that procurement has increased by nearly 16 per cent in recent weeks.
On a year-on-year basis, the growth is even more striking, with procurement rising by around 52 per cent compared to the same period last year. This upward trend is particularly notable given that milk production typically dips during the summer due to heat stress on cattle and reduced fodder availability.
Factors behind the surge
Officials attributed the unexpected rise to multiple factors, including improved availability of quality fodder and sustained government support for dairy farmers. Adequate rainfall in several parts of Karnataka has ensured better availability of green fodder, helping maintain milk yields.
In addition, financial incentives and support schemes have encouraged farmers to continue dairy activities even during challenging conditions. Authorities also confirmed that fodder stocks sufficient for the next two to three months have been maintained, providing further stability to the sector.
Dairy sector supports farmers
The dairy sector has played a crucial role in supporting farmers facing losses in other agricultural segments. Officials noted that several farmers affected by setbacks in horticulture and crop production were able to stabilise their income through dairy farming.
This shift has contributed to the overall increase in milk procurement, reinforcing the importance of the dairy sector as a reliable source of livelihood.
Plans to enhance nutritional value
KMF is also exploring measures to improve the nutritional quality of milk supplied to consumers. Discussions are underway with the Health Ministry and the state Health Department to assess the feasibility of adding additional nutrients in response to growing health awareness.
It may be recalled that in July 2019, KMF introduced milk fortification with vitamins A and D, in line with guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The initiative aimed to address micronutrient deficiencies and enhance public health outcomes.
An exception to seasonal trends
Officials pointed out that although milk procurement had crossed one crore litres in January, a decline is usually expected during the summer months. However, the current year has emerged as an exception, with sustained growth continuing through April.
Conclusion
The surge in milk production in Karnataka highlights the resilience of the dairy sector and the impact of supportive policies and favourable conditions. As procurement levels continue to rise, the focus on nutrition and sustainability is expected to further strengthen the sector’s contribution to both farmers’ livelihoods and consumer health.