Bhadravati, Karnataka – In a strong rebuttal to opposition criticism, Karnataka’s Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Services, and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh defended the recent milk procurement price hike, asserting it as a crucial step toward financial empowerment of dairy farmers in the state.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new veterinary hospital near Rangappa Circle—funded under the RIDF Tranche 30 project in coordination with local governing bodies—Venkatesh said the state government remains firm on its commitment to farmer welfare despite political hurdles.
“We initially proposed a ₹5 hike in milk procurement rates, but due to opposition from BJP and JD(S), it was reduced to ₹4. This entire amount benefits farmers directly,” the minister stated, questioning the opposition’s logic for claiming the government is financially unstable.
He added that if the government were indeed broke, ongoing infrastructure and development works—including this new veterinary hospital—wouldn’t be possible. The minister also addressed local demands, promising veterinary hospitals for Kallahalli and Dodderi villages under government guidelines.
The new veterinary facility, he emphasised, will offer upgraded services, and immediate construction has been greenlit.
MLA B.K. Sangameshwar, who presided over the event, thanked the minister for fast-tracking the hospital project. He commended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s economic acumen, pointing out his unmatched record in presenting the state budget multiple times.
Sangameshwar further criticised the BJP for misinformation and disruption, urging the public to focus on factual governance and not be swayed by divisive rhetoric.
This development reflects the state’s policy direction in rural healthcare and ties into broader efforts to strengthen the dairy sector in Karnataka, especially amid increasing discussions around milk prices in 2025 and the economic sustainability of small dairy farmers.
