Thiruvananthapuram: Milma Chairman K.S. Mani has stated that a decision on increasing the price of Milma milk will be taken after 4 May. He clarified that there will be no immediate price hike, and that another Milma board meeting will be held after this date to decide on the matter.

He added that there are no legal obstacles to raising milk prices. However, it is customary to take into account the interests of farmers and proceed only after discussions with the government. The government has already granted approval to move forward with a price increase. Due to the model code of conduct, a final decision will be made at the next meeting after the election results are announced, Mani explained.

At the Milma board meeting held on Wednesday, there was strong support for a price increase, with a proposal to raise the rate by four rupees per litre. Concerns were also raised over the delay in revising prices, with office-bearers of the Milma Ernakulam Regional Union expressing their dissatisfaction.

Prior to the meeting, the chairman had indicated that a price increase would be necessary. A request seeking relaxation of the model code of conduct to facilitate the hike had been submitted to the Election Commission, but no response was received. He also noted that milk prices were not increased in December, following government instructions, as it was considered inappropriate in the run-up to the elections.