Cattle feed, fodder and livestock prices climb; Shahapur milk producers reportedly launch an indefinite strike seeking better procurement rates and government intervention
BHIWANDI: Fresh milk sold directly by local cattle sheds in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, has reached nearly ₹100 per litre, increasing pressure on household budgets amid rising dairy production costs and festive-season demand.
Local dairy owners and milk vendors have periodically increased retail prices by ₹2–₹4 per litre. Consumers, particularly middle- and lower-income households, are facing higher expenditure on milk, a daily staple for many families.
Dairy farmers say, however, that higher retail prices do not necessarily translate into better returns for producers. Rising cattle feed, fodder, livestock and veterinary expenses are increasing the cost of maintaining dairy animals and putting pressure on farm-level profitability.
Cattle feed and fodder prices rise sharply
Anand Gadre, president of the Bhiwandi Taluka Milk Producers and Vendors Association, said consumers were noticing the increase in milk prices but often overlooked the growing cost of cattle maintenance.
According to Gadre, several feed and fodder items have become significantly more expensive over the past 20–25 days.
Reported increases in feed and fodder costs
| Item | Earlier price | Reported current price |
|---|---|---|
| Oil cake | ₹38–₹40/kg | More than ₹50/kg |
| Chuni | ₹30–₹32/kg | ₹40/kg |
| Bhusa (dry fodder) | ₹950–₹960 | ₹1,370 |
| Paddy straw | ₹7–₹8/kg | ₹24/kg |
| Grass | ₹22–₹23/kg | ₹30/kg |
| Chaff and feed mixtures | ₹38–₹40/kg | More than ₹50/kg |
| Jowar and bajra stalk chaff | ₹15–₹16/kg | More than ₹20/kg |
Prices are based on statements attributed to the association’s president. The unit and quantity basis for bhusa prices should be confirmed before publication.
Livestock acquisition costs add to the burden
The cost of purchasing dairy animals has also increased, according to Gadre.
A cow now costs more than ₹1 lakh, while buffalo prices that previously ranged from approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh have reportedly risen to ₹2 lakh–₹3 lakh.
Also Read: Namaste India Enters Bihar Fresh Milk Market With ₹350 Crore Investment Plan
In addition to animal purchase costs, dairy farmers must meet recurring expenses for medicines, veterinary care, feed, fodder and daily animal maintenance. These costs can put pressure on margins, particularly for small-scale producers with limited capital and little flexibility to absorb sudden price increases.
Retail prices and farmer returns remain a concern
The Bhiwandi market highlights the pressure that rising input costs can place on both milk producers and consumers. While local retail prices have approached ₹100 per litre, farmers’ profitability depends on the relationship between production expenses and the prices they receive for their milk.
The distinction between direct-to-consumer retail prices and cooperative or private-dairy procurement rates is important. Higher retail prices do not automatically mean that farmers receive a proportionate increase in payment.
Shahapur producers seek better procurement rates
Separately, milk producers in Shahapur have reportedly launched an indefinite strike demanding improved milk procurement rates and government intervention.
The protest highlights concerns over the sustainability of dairy farming when feed and livestock costs rise faster than the returns available to producers. Further details on the strike’s participation, specific rate demands and official response would help establish its potential impact on local milk collection and supply.
Rising input costs put dairy sustainability in focus
The developments in Bhiwandi and Shahapur underline the importance of monitoring feed and fodder prices alongside retail milk rates. For dairy farmers, sustained profitability depends on efficient feeding, animal health, milk yield and fair procurement returns.
For consumers, the immediate concern is affordability. For producers, the central issue is whether milk prices and procurement arrangements can keep pace with the cost of maintaining productive animals.
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