![\"Milk](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131877261,imgsize-655820,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/representative-image.jpg\" "\\"Milk")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMilk prices, which were already raised by 2-3 per cent in May by major dairy companies, could see another increase by July or August if El Ni\u00f1o conditions and a deficient monsoon worsen fodder shortages and impact milk production, according to dairy industry executives.Industry players said poor rainfall often leads to shortages of fodder and water, forcing farmers to reduce cattle numbers. This, in turn, lowers milk output and pushes up prices.Parag Milk Foods chairman Devendra Shah said milk prices have already risen by around 2-3 per cent and warned that another increase may be on the cards if rainfall remains below normal in key milk-producing regions.\u201cMilk prices have already increased by around 2-3% and, if rainfall remains below normal in key milk-producing regions, a further 3-4% increase is possible by July,\u201d Shah said, as quoted by ET.<\/p>\n The Maharashtra government has urged farmers to increase fodder production amid concerns over a possible shortage. Animal husbandry commissioner Kiran Patil said, \u201cThe possibility of a fodder shortage in the near future cannot be ruled out due to El Ni\u00f1o.\u201d\u201cTo ensure this situation does not affect livestock and milk production, all livestock farmers in the state should remain alert from now on and plan for fodder crops,\u201d he added.Several dairy companies have also begun working with cattle owners on fodder planning to mitigate any adverse impact.<\/p>\n Amul said it would wait to assess the progress of the monsoon before taking a view on any further price revision. Jayen Mehta, managing director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), said that there is currently no immediate impact on milk availability.\u201cThere is no immediate impact of El Ni\u00f1o on the availability of milk,\u201d Mehta said, adding that deficient rainfall generally affects only certain regions rather than the entire country.Mother Dairy said it is closely tracking conditions across its procurement network. Managing director Jayatheertha Chary said the company is preparing mitigation measures wherever required.<\/p>\n The warning comes just weeks after Amul and Mother Dairy increased milk prices by Rs 2 per litre in May. Both companies cited rising procurement costs, higher cattle feed expenses, packaging costs and fuel prices as key reasons behind the hike.Amul had said the increase amounted to about 2.5-3.5 per cent per litre, while Mother Dairy noted that procurement prices paid to farmers had risen by around 6 per cent over the past year.Tamil Nadu\u2019s state-run dairy brand Aavin has also reportedly reduced supplies due to heatwave-related impacts on production.<\/div>\nFodder concerns emerge as El Ni\u00f1o risk looms<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Major dairies monitoring situation<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Prices already raised in May<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n