Dairy farmers ask government to hike price of Aavin milk; pass on to them as procurement price - The HinduPublished - May 17, 2026 12:50 am IST - CHENNAIDairy farmers have urged the new government to increase the selling price of Aavin milk and pass on the hike to them as procurement price. This follows the recent move by Amul and Mother Dairy to increase milk prices by ₹2 per litre.Tamil Nadu Milk Producers Welfare Association general secretary M.G. Rajendran said the TVK, in its election manifesto, had promised ₹44 per litre of milk, which is more than what we are given now."We don't want to burden the consumers at one go. The increase can be done gradually, after the rate is fixed based on recommendations by a committee of experts. A proper increase in procurement prices would help bring in more farmers to the Aavin folder, and thereby, more milk to the Federation," he said.Another dairy farmer, R. Kathiravan, said the TVK manifesto also promises free cattle, insurance coverage for cattle, and timely veterinary services. They should also encourage native breeds and A2 milk varieties. "Amul, which is the oldest cooperative now, procures more than two crore litres of milk a day. They have diversified into many products. Aavin too needs to diversify its milk-based products portfolio that will bring more profit," he said.The Tamil Nadu Milk Producers Association based out of Chengalpattu district and covering the northern districts urged the government to discontinue the subsidy of ₹3 being provided for milk to the consumers."Nobody asked for such a reduction. The DMK took it upon itself to reduce the sale price. K. Mohammed Ali, senior vice president, of the Association said that the government should increase milk prices by ₹10 per litre. "Aavin should be treated on a par with private brands. Like farmers are being provided with free electricity, dairy farmers should be given free feed and fodder for cattle. It should be included in the State budget," he said.A dairy industry expert said that Aavin's focus should be on milk-based products and to increase milk production. "At the moment they are procuring milk powder and butter from outside to manage supplies. They should also ensure that equipment like continuous butter maker and the one to make dairy whitner are out to use. Aavin has the capacity to process 50 lakh litres of milk a day but it procures only 32 lakh litres a day. The remaining sits idly," he pointed out.Published - May 17, 2026 12:50 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }