Chikkaballapur, Sept. 26 -- Milk cooperatives in Karnataka's border districts are witnessing a decline in procurement as private dairy companies from neighbouring states offer farmers higher prices for their produce.

Private companies are reportedly paying between Rs 42 and Rs 44 a litre in some border areas, while Karnataka's milk unions are purchasing milk at around Rs 31 to Rs 34 a litre after conducting quality checks. The substantial difference has encouraged several farmers to divert their milk to private dairies.

The impact is being felt particularly in Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts. Several border taluks, including Chikkaballapur, Gudibande, Bagepalli, Gauribidanur, Bangarpet and Srinivaspur, have emerged as key procurement...