Maharashtra Milk Prices to Rise by Rs 2 per Litre From August 11. Here's Why

Morning tea, coffee and breakfast are about to become slightly more expensive in Maharashtra.

Starting August 11, consumers across the state will pay Rs 2 more per litre for both cow and buffalo milk after dairy producers and processors approved a price revision, citing the need to support the sector.

The decision was taken by the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare Association, making it the latest revision in milk prices as the dairy industry grapples with rising input costs and farmer remuneration.

The hike also comes against the backdrop of an ongoing policy debate over milk pricing. Last month, the Centre ruled out introducing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk, telling Parliament that prices would continue to be determined by dairy cooperatives and private companies rather than the government.

Instead of regulating prices, the government says its strategy is to strengthen the dairy ecosystem. It told Parliament that more than 36,000 new village-level dairy cooperative societies have been established since the launch of its expansion drive, alongside investments in chilling infrastructure, processing facilities and milk quality testing.

The sector has also witnessed a sharp rise in production. India's milk output has increased from 146 million metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 248 million metric tonnes in 2024-25, according to official data. The government attributes the growth to programmes promoting improved cattle breeds, artificial insemination and other breeding technologies.

For consumers, however, the immediate impact will be straightforward: milk will cost Rs 2 more per litre from Tuesday, adding to household grocery bills in one of India's largest dairy-consuming states.

(With inputs from ANI)