The Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (DKMUL) has urged sericulture minister K Venkatesh to permanently transfer to the union the premises it currently occupies on lease in Kulashekar. The demand was placed during the minister’s visit to the facility on Wednesday.
Lease and Ownership Demand
DKMUL president Raviraja Hegde Kodavoor said the 12.5-acre property belongs to the department and had originally been leased to the union for 30 years. The lease was renewed recently, but the union now wants full ownership of the land. Kodavoor emphasized that the union has been operating from the premises for decades and a permanent transfer would provide stability for long-term planning and investments.
Milk Price Hike Request
Kodavoor said the union had also sought permission to raise milk prices by Rs 2 per litre, citing rising raw material and transportation costs. He said the increase would help ease financial pressure on the union, and that the benefit of the hike would be passed on to farmers. According to him, DKMUL faces higher operational costs than several other milk unions. He added that milk prices in the region had been higher seven to eight years ago, but the difference was removed after uniform pricing was introduced.
The minister assured the delegation that he would examine both demands and take appropriate action. DKMUL officials hope for a positive response to ensure the union's sustainability and continued support to dairy farmers in the region.
