Chennai, June 29:
State-run dairy cooperative Aavin has temporarily reduced milk supply across Tamil Nadu due to a significant drop in milk procurement, resulting in shortages at several retail outlets.
In Chennai, daily milk distribution has declined from approximately 16 lakh litres in April to around 13.5 lakh litres at present. Officials indicated that supply has decreased by nearly 30% across the state.
Dairy farmers have attributed the decline to a shift towards private dairies, which offer higher procurement prices and more timely payments. They also alleged delays in incentive payments from Aavin in several districts, which has further impacted milk collection.
Aavin officials, however, clarified that the shortage is temporary and largely due to reduced milk production during the summer months. They added that procurement levels are gradually improving with seasonal changes and expressed confidence that normal supply will be restored soon.
The cooperative also confirmed that there is currently no proposal to increase milk prices despite the supply constraints.