Consumers in Belagavi can rejoice! Following directives from the Karnataka Milk Federation, the Belagavi District Milk Union has officially slashed prices on most of its popular value-added dairy products.
This welcome change is a direct result of recent adjustments to the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rate slabs, making these items more accessible.
A total of 21 products saw their prices reduced, with the new rates coming into effect on September 22. Balachandra Jarkiholi, chairman of the Belagavi Milk Union and a local MLA, emphasized that this decision was made to directly pass on the cost-saving benefits to their loyal customers.
Responding to long-standing requests from the cooperative sector, the Central government lowered GST rates on several milk products. Some items saw their tax rates drop from 12% to 5%, while others moved from 18% to 5%. Additionally, tax on certain essential products has been completely removed, now standing at zero from a previous 5%. It’s important to note, however, that the prices for basic milk and curd remain unchanged.
The milk union’s updated price list clearly shows reductions across a wide range of products, including staples like ghee, cheese, paneer, and butter, alongside treats such as fruit milk, ice cream, buttermilk, cream, powdered milk, sauces, whey protein, rice cream milk, and even chocolate.
For instance, a kilogram of ghee is now more affordable at ₹610, down from ₹650. A one-kilogram packet of paneer will cost ₹408 instead of ₹425, and cheese is reduced to ₹497 from ₹530 per kilogram. Even a small indulgence like a 100 ml ice cream cup is cheaper, now priced at ₹31, a decrease from its previous ₹35.
This thoughtful decision by the Union government is expected to significantly boost the cooperative milk producers across Karnataka, especially in Belagavi. It’s anticipated to lead to increased production and higher sales, strengthening the dairy industry.
Mr. Jarkiholi concluded by highlighting the positive ripple effect: ‘This GST rate reduction truly makes our products more consumer-friendly. Ultimately, both our hardworking farmers and our valued consumers will reap the rewards.’