Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s state-owned Milma faced an unprecedented walkout by its director board members on Thursday after months of indecision over a proposed milk price hike, highlighting tensions between farmer welfare and pre-election politics.

The protest came during a special general body meeting of the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF/Milma), where board members led by John Theruvoth, former chairperson of the Ernakulam Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union, staged a walkout. They cited the government’s failure to approve a price increase that would help dairy farmers struggling with rising production costs. Board members who walked out reportedly included representatives loyal to CPM and Congress, though Theruvoth stressed that the protest was solely about supporting farmers, not political manoeuvring.

Proposed hike and farmer benefits

Milma had submitted a recommendation to the state government on January 20, suggesting a Rs 4 per litre increase. The committee proposed that 83.75% of the hike be directed straight to farmers, with the remainder supporting milk societies and sellers. The federation also committed to forgoing its own profit share to maximise farmer support.

Previously, a meeting with the Dairy Development department had agreed to a Rs 4–6 increase after local body elections. But three months later, no formal decision had been made, prompting frustration among board members. Current milk prices stand at Rs 52 per litre.

Political caution stalls decision

Government officials have reportedly delayed action, wary of the political impact during the sensitive pre-assembly election period. Milma Chairman K.S. Mani confirmed that the federation had already sought government guidance and would send a reminder letter to expedite approval.

“Milma has the authority to raise prices independently, but the committee prefers to seek the government’s view rather than engage in a confrontation,” added Mani.