Chennai, Aug 19:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced a ₹3 per litre increase in the procurement price of milk supplied to state-owned Aavin, raising it from ₹38 to ₹41.
Making the announcement under Rule 110 in the Assembly, Vijay said the decision was taken to ensure a fair and remunerative price for milk producers and support their livelihood, despite the state’s financial constraints.
The revised procurement price will apply to milk procured through Aavin’s primary milk cooperative societies. The ₹41 per litre price includes a ₹3 government incentive.
According to the Chief Minister, the move will directly benefit more than 3.16 lakh milk producers across Tamil Nadu. The additional financial burden on the state government is estimated at ₹30 crore a month.
Vijay said the government had prioritised the welfare of dairy farmers while taking the decision. He also criticised the previous DMK regime, alleging that it had failed to take steps to increase the procurement price despite the concerns of milk producers.
The announcement comes amid demands from milk producers and dealers for measures to strengthen Aavin and improve returns to farmers. The government said the higher procurement price would provide greater support to producers associated with the cooperative network.