Chief minister DK Shivakumar distanced his govt from the curd hike, saying the decision was taken by Karnataka Milk Federation, which sets rates by fat content.“We intervened only in the price of milk. As far as other factors are concerned, if the fat content is higher, a corresponding rate is fixed and the price goes up accordingly,” he told mediapersons.‘We need to show respect to Gomata’Defending the milk price hike, Shivakumar said: “If we want to protect our cows, we must provide them with good food. To provide them with food, we need fodder. For fodder to be available, farmers must have money in their hands. Otherwise, production will keep declining. We must do our part to show respect to Gomata and protect cattle.”He said producers had sought Rs 12 and the cabinet cleared Rs 8 on Thursday. Toned milk will now cost Rs 54 a litre and Shubham Rs 60. “Prices are much higher in neighbouring states, and farmers in Karnataka were moving their milk to those states. Milk availability is declining as well. Due to drought, milk production has come down,” he said.The CM’s office countered with data showing Nandini remains cheaper than private brands. As of Sept 12, its curd sold at Rs 54 a litre against a private average of Rs 68.4. Toned milk at Rs 46 was well below the Rs 52.8 average, while full-cream Samruddhi at Rs 55 was up to Rs 19 cheaper than rivals. The study also proposes revising prices periodically on the basis of fat and solid-not-fat content, as private dairies do, so that cooperative unions do not bear losses.“Karnataka has a total of 28.8 lakh dairy farmers, of whom 67 per cent of KMF members are small and marginal farmers. This decision is a significant step towards providing fair remuneration for their hard work, especiolaly in times of drought,” Shivakumar addedd. “Our government is committed to both protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring the supply of quality milk to consumers at affordable prices,” Shivakumar said.Union minister Pralhad Joshi pounced on the hike, accusing the govt of using KMF to cover fiscal mismanagement and depleted coffers. “While giving curd to the people, the Congress govt is enjoying the butter,” he said, adding that the increases would hit poor and middle-class families hardest.