In 2023, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) made headlines when it halted the supply of its popular Nandini ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust managing the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati. This decision came amidst a significant controversy over the quality of ingredients used in the sacred Tirupati laddus.
The primary reason for the halt was financial. KMF, known for its high-quality dairy products, was selling ghee at ₹400 per kilogram. However, they could not match the lower prices offered by other suppliers to TTD. KMF emphasized that reducing their prices would compromise the quality of their ghee and result in financial losses, which would negatively impact the farmers they support.
The controversy escalated when a lab report suggested that the laddus contained animal fats and fish oil, sparking nationwide outrage. This led to questions about the quality of ghee used in the laddus. KMF clarified that they had opted out of the tender process due to the unviable pricing offered by other suppliers.
In response to the controversy, the new government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, directed TTD to ensure the quality of the laddus. Following this directive, KMF resumed supplying Nandini ghee to the temple, becoming the lowest bidder for providing 3.5 lakh kilograms of ghee.
KMF’s chairman, Bheema Naik, stated, “We have always prioritized quality and the interests of our farmers. We could not compromise on these values, even if it meant losing the contract temporarily. We are now back to supplying ghee to TTD, ensuring that the laddus maintain their sanctity and quality”2.
The resumption of Nandini ghee supply has been welcomed by devotees and temple authorities alike, who hope that this will restore the trust and sanctity associated with the sacred Tirupati laddus.
