Pune: The demand for milk surged this year on the occasion of Kojagari Purnima, but supply lagged, driving prices higher. In Pune's wholesale milk market, prices reached ₹83 per liter on Wednesday, as only 1,000 to 1,500 liters of milk were supplied to the Ganesh Peth market, also known as Dudh Bhatti.

Several public organizations, institutions, and societies celebrated Kojagari Purnima, which led to a spike in milk demand. Dairy operators also experienced a surge in orders.

Milk was sourced from areas such as Aranyeshwar, Khadki, Lashkar, and Mundhwa’s Gawliwada, along with places on Nagar Road like Wadebolhai, Wagholi, and Kesnand. Additionally, milk supplies came from rural areas like Bhor, Velhe, and Nasrapur.

Ramdas Kale, President of the Ganesh Peth Milk Market Co-operative, and Vice President Damodar Hingmire noted that the price of an 18-liter milk can rose to ₹1,500, compared to ₹1,300 last year. This price hike was driven by strong demand and lower milk availability.

Milk Demand to Stay High Until Diwali

The demand for milk is expected to remain high from the Navratri festival through Diwali, as sweet makers typically require more milk during the festive season.

Due to the supply shortage, the cost of milk is likely to rise further as Diwali approaches, according to Ramdas Kale and Damodar Hingmire.

Urbanization Impacting Milk Supply

Urbanization around Pune has been impacting milk supply in recent years. The increasing value of suburban and rural land has made it difficult for farmers to maintain buffalo herds.

Farmers from areas like Bhor, Velhe, Haveli, Mulshi, and Maval talukas supply milk to Pune, but rising costs of animals and higher upkeep expenses are contributing to reduced milk production.