A dispute has emerged between Ballari and Vijayanagara districts regarding the location of a proposed mega dairy.
Vijayanagara milk producers have declared they will cease milk supply to Ballari unless additional director’s post and the mega dairy are allocated to Hosapete.
The facility, announced in the 2023 state budget with a Rs 100 crore investment and a 2 lakh litre daily capacity, was initially planned for Ballari. Vijayanagara producers contend their district is more suitable for the project, given their higher production levels. The situation has become more complex due to KMF president Bheema Nayak’s connection to Hagaribommanahalli, Vijayanagara.
Within the Raichur, Ballari, Koppal, and Vijayanagara (RABKOVI) milk union, Vijayanagara leads production, contributing 1.2-1.4 lakh litres daily, while Koppal provides 60-70 thousand litres, Ballari 8-10 thousand litres, and Raichur 28-30 thousand litres. Notably, despite minimal production, Ballari records the highest milk sales.
The govt approved the mega dairy establishment in Ballari district to boost the Kalyana Karnataka region’s milk production. The district administration allocated 15 acres near Kolagal for this purpose. Post-district division, Ballari milk producers claim that KMF president Bhima Nayak, who maintains close ties with chief minister Siddaramaiah, intends to relocate the mega dairy to Vijayanagara district. They have issued warnings against his presence in Ballari.
Raitha Sangha leader Veerasangaiah and Milk Federation director Marulasiddappa defended Bheema Nayak’s performance as KMF chairman, condemning the threats against him. They announced plans for a large-scale march to Ballari.
On Thursday, Vijayanagara milk producers conducted a protest march and demonstration at the deputy commissioner’s office, demanding their own milk union and the mega dairy’s construction in Hosapete. They also planned a march to Ballari to counter intimidation.
In light of these developments, KMF president Bhima Nayak stated: “I have no objection to having a mega dairy in Ballari. My suggestion is to lower costs by establishing a dairy in a central location that serves all districts.” However, he did not clarify whether the dairy’s location would be changed.
The decision of milk producers in Vijayanagara to take a foot march to Ballari signals that the ongoing controversy may intensify.
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