New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) has announced a hike in milk prices across variants, citing rising processing and transportation costs.

The revised rates came into effect on Sunday, according to state officials.

State Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the price of toned milk has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 54 per litre, while premium milk will now cost Rs 58 per litre, up from Rs 54.

The price of gold premium milk has been revised to Rs 60 per litre from Rs 56, and the gold premium plus variant will now retail at Rs 64 per litre, compared to the earlier Rs 60.

The price revision also reflects in smaller packaging, with 500 ml pouches of toned milk and premium milk now priced at Rs 27 and Rs 29, respectively.

Mallik noted that the hike was necessary as milk prices had not been revised for a long time, even as input costs continued to rise. He added that the decision would enable higher procurement prices for farmers, ensuring better returns for milk producers.

Despite the increase, he maintained that OMFED’s prices remain competitive compared to other brands in the market and assured consumers that quality standards would not be compromised.

In a move aimed at supporting farmers, OMFED has also raised the procurement price of cow milk by Rs 1 per litre, taking it to Rs 39.05. Similarly, buffalo milk suppliers will receive an additional Rs 1.60 per litre.

The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED), set up in 1980 and headquartered in Bhubaneswar, is the apex dairy cooperative of the state.

It oversees milk procurement, processing, and marketing with a focus on strengthening rural livelihoods and supplying quality dairy products.

OMFED currently handles over 6 lakh litres of milk daily, against an installed capacity of around 9.7 lakh litres, and produces a wide range of items including milk, curd, ghee, and sweets.

–IANS

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