Milk producers from Ballari and Vijayanagara districts have raised strong demands for the establishment of a separate dairy facility, warning that unless their appeal is addressed, not a single drop of milk will be supplied to Ballari city and surrounding areas.
Hundreds of dairy farmers gathered for a massive protest march, voicing their frustration over the long-standing operational and financial hurdles crippling the sector in this region. The agitation reflects the deepening crisis faced by milk producers under the Raichur, Ballari, Koppal, Vijayanagar (RABAKOVI) Milk Union, which they say no longer meets the unique needs of Ballari and Vijayanagara farmers.
Why Farmers are Demanding a Separate Dairy
Local producers argue that Ballari and Vijayanagara, both significant contributors to the region’s milk output, are suffering due to the centralised structure of the RABAKOVI union. According to them, the absence of a dedicated dairy facility in Ballari has resulted in delayed procurement, increased transportation costs, and loss of earnings — all of which have pushed dairy farming to the brink.
Adding to their woes are the ongoing financial losses reported by the Milk Union, mounting to around ₹40 lakh per month. Factors such as rising electricity costs, cattle health issues like the lumpy skin disease, and overdue payments under the state’s Ksheeradhare incentive scheme have only deepened the crisis.
Vijayanagara & Ballari Farmers — The Backbone, Yet Left Behind
Despite being pillars of the local dairy economy, farmers from Vijayanagara and Ballari feel neglected. Their milk is routed to far-off processing units, often leading to spoilage and reduced rates. Farmers have voiced that a separate dairy for these districts would streamline procurement, cut logistical hurdles, and help stabilise their income.
“If the government fails to act, we have no choice but to stop the supply to Ballari entirely,” said one of the protesting farmers, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
A Warning Bell for the District’s Dairy Economy
The protest has sent a clear message to both local authorities and the Karnataka government: rural livelihoods in Ballari and Vijayanagara are at risk if structural issues in the dairy supply chain aren’t addressed. Beyond the supply of milk, the fallout could impact nutrition access for thousands of households, local retail businesses, and even schools dependent on daily milk supplies.