Bengaluru: In order to utilise the excess milk produced in the state, the government is seriously considering a proposal to provide milk to schoolchildren five days a week. At present children get milk only three days a week. 
According to government data, 61 lakh litres of milk are being produced in the state every day, but the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (KMF) is able to sell only 41 lakh litres.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who met chairpersons and managing directors of milk unions here on Monday, responded positively to the milk unions’ demand for help.
He directed the officials to clear at the earliest the dues from the government to milk producers who have not been paid the incentive of RS 4 per litre. “All dues till June should be cleared immediately. The money should be deposited in the accounts of the milk producers,” he told the officers.
The government has set aside Rs 966 crore in the budget for the purpose, of which Rs 197 crore has been released till July 28. KMF officials requested the chief minister to set up milk powder manufacturing units to cut down costs. At present, milk is being sent to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for conversion. Siddaramaiah reportedly asked the ministry to look into the issue.
He also asked the KMF officials to find customers outside the state who can buy milk in bulk. In response, the officials said there was demand from Telangana for one lakh litres.
Revenue Minister Mahadev Prasad, Animal Husbandry Minister T B Jayachandra, KMF President Nagaraju, D M Jayaram and others were present at the meeting.
