Bengaluru, Oct. 29 -- The Karnataka government has decided to increase milk prices by up to Rs 8 per litre from November 1, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Thursday.

"The state government has discussed and decided to increase the price of milk up to Rs 8 per litre," Gowda said.

Explaining the decision, the minister said the state was facing drought conditions, and farmers were protesting over sugarcane prices, arguing that the existing rates were insufficient. He said the government had a responsibility to support farmers, many of whom depend on dairy farming for their livelihoods.

"There is drought in the state. Farmers are protesting, demanding revision of sugarcane price, saying the sugarcane price is not sufficient. Therefore, ...