NewsFlash Daily™
11 March 
Rising temperatures and fodder shortage hit dairy production across Karnataka, affecting farmers’ income and reducing KMF milk collection
Bengaluru: Milk procurement by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which markets dairy products under the popular Nandini brand, has witnessed a noticeable decline across Karnataka with the onset of the summer season. According to officials, the daily milk collection has dropped to around 95 lakh litres, compared to nearly one crore litres per day recorded in recent months.
Authorities say the rising summer temperatures and shortage of cattle fodder have begun affecting dairy production across several districts, leading to a reduction in milk supply and placing pressure on the state’s dairy sector.
Officials also warned that if the heat intensifies in the coming months, milk procurement levels may decline further, impacting both the dairy industry and farmers’ livelihoods.
Milk Procurement Declines With Start of Summer
With the beginning of summer, milk production across Karnataka has started declining, which has directly affected the daily procurement figures of the Karnataka Milk Federation.
Until recently, KMF had been collecting around one crore litres of milk every day, maintaining steady procurement levels even during the winter months. However, as temperatures rise and fodder availability declines, the daily milk collection has now fallen to nearly 95 lakh litres.
Officials attribute this sudden drop primarily to heat stress among cattle and the shortage of green fodder and grass, which have made it difficult for dairy farmers to maintain milk yield from their livestock.
These conditions have already started affecting milk production across multiple districts, leading to the observed fall in procurement.
Impact on the Dairy Sector
The decline in milk procurement is beginning to impact a dairy sector that had been performing strongly in recent months.
- KMF had previously achieved a milestone by collecting nearly one crore litres of milk per day, marking a significant achievement in the state’s dairy production capacity.
- Even during the winter season, the federation managed to maintain consistent procurement levels, reflecting strong participation from dairy farmers and cooperative societies across the state.
- However, with the arrival of summer, the supply situation has started to shift. Officials have noted that milk production has already reduced by approximately 4 to 5 lakh litres per day compared to previous levels.
- This drop indicates that the seasonal effects of summer are beginning to put pressure on dairy operations, particularly in regions where fodder availability has become limited.
Widespread Effects Across Districts
The situation is being observed across most districts of Karnataka, where dairy farmers are facing increasing challenges due to high temperatures and fodder scarcity.
Heat stress among cattle can significantly reduce milk yield, and the lack of adequate feed further worsens the situation. As a result, dairy farmers are struggling to maintain normal production levels.
This has led to early signs of stress within the state’s dairy industry, even at the beginning of the summer season.
Economic Impact on Dairy Farmers
Another major concern arising from the decline in milk production is the financial impact on dairy farmers.
- With milk yields decreasing, many farmers are experiencing reduced income from dairy activities, which serve as a key source of livelihood for thousands of rural families in Karnataka.
- Dairy farming remains a primary income source in many rural communities, and fluctuations in milk production can have broader economic implications.
- If production continues to decline in the coming weeks, farmers’ earnings may come under further strain, particularly in areas heavily dependent on dairy activities.
Production May Decline Further in Peak Summer
Officials from the Karnataka Milk Federation have cautioned that the situation may worsen in the coming months.
The months of April and May, which usually represent the peak summer period, often witness further declines in milk production each year.
According to KMF authorities, a seasonal drop in milk production during summer is common, but this year the reduction has started earlier than usual due to rising temperatures and fodder shortages.
Overall, early summer conditions are already impacting Karnataka’s dairy sector, with milk procurement figures showing a decline and the possibility of further reductions in the weeks ahead.
