India, Nov. 1 -- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, October 31, defended the state's Rs 8-per-litre milk price increase, saying it was needed to protect farmers while the state faces a severe drought.

The state Cabinet approved the increase on Thursday, October 29, for all categories of milk. Shivakumar said milk producers had asked for Rs 12 per litre.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said farmers were sending milk to neighboring states, where prices are much higher, and that drought had cut production and reduced availability. "We have no other option," he said.

He argued that protecting cattle means feeding them well, which requires fodder, and that farmers can only supply fodder if they have money i...