Tamil Nadu Diary Minister attributes rise in milk procurement to revision in price

Minister for Dairy Development C. Vijayalakshmi inaugurated new full‑cream milk and curd cups from the state‑run brand Aavin in Tiruchirappalli on Wednesday. The launch took place at a ceremony held at the district collectorate, where the minister also inspected the operations of the Tiruchirappalli District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union. The new packaging is intended to provide consumers with convenient, hygienic options for dairy products while reinforcing the brand’s presence in the region. Officials highlighted that the move aligns with the state’s broader effort to modernise its dairy supply chain.

The minister attributed a recent surge in milk procurement by the cooperative to a revision in the farm‑gate price of milk announced earlier this month. By raising the price paid to farmers, the government aimed to encourage higher yields and improve the financial stability of small‑scale dairy producers. Data released by the cooperative shows a noticeable increase in the volume of milk collected from local farms since the price adjustment, which officials say will help meet growing urban demand. The price hike is also expected to reduce the reliance on imported dairy inputs, supporting self‑sufficiency goals.

Analysts suggest that the higher procurement rates could translate into better earnings for dairy farmers, potentially prompting more households to enter the sector. Consumers may see a modest rise in retail milk prices, but officials argue that the benefit of a stable supply outweighs the cost increase. The move is part of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its dairy infrastructure, including expanding cold‑storage facilities and improving logistics to reduce post‑harvest losses. Observers will watch whether the policy leads to sustained growth in milk production over the coming year.