Milk Producers' Welfare Assn postpones stir

Tamil Nadu Milk Producers' Welfare Association has postponed the proposed stir to stop the supply of milk to Aavin from Oct 28 to till the first week of November to press the government to increase the purchase price of milk. 

At the state executive of the association, association president lawyer Rajendran said the association needs an hike in milk purchase price to Rs 42 per liter for cow milk and Rs 51 for buffalo milk. In this regard, the dairy minister held a meeting on Oct 20 and assured to consult the Chief Minister and announce a decision in a week. 

Therefore, we have postponed the stir  till November 7. If the demand is not met, the union's executive  will meet on November 9 or 10 to decide the protest date. At present, the cost of production has risen to Rs 45 per liter so the hike was sought. 

The private dairies have already increased the purchase price of milk. Aavin is offering  Rs 32 for cow and Rs 41 for buffalo milk. This price is not profitable for the milk producers so the government should increase the milk purchase price. Currently, private dairies are selling a liter of milk  ( 6 per cent fat, 9% SNF) at a price of Rs 70 and Aavin Rs 48. So,  Aavin should hike selling price to avert loss. Already, it was suffering with over Rs 430 cr loss due to reduction of milk price by Rs 3 per litre.  

The Aavin can procure upto one crore liters of milk daily.  But, it procures 32 lakh liters and sells 25 lakh liters daily.   So, it is in deep crisis.  Proper steps should be  taken to increase sale and purchase of milk. Private dairies offer Rs 4 per litre as commission to the traders. Aavin offers only Rs 1.50. So, traders promote private firms' milk. 

Milk production has decreased all over the world.  To increase production, government should provide direct subsidy to the producers like Karnataka, Andhra and Haryana governments. Instead of 50 percent premium, the government should give 100 percent premium to insure milch animals. 

It should accept the High Court order in paying milk price to ryots on the basis of its quality,  follow ISI formula in procurement, supply of fodder at 50 per cent subsidy, regularisation of 25000 staff of milk coop societies, and Rs 5 lakh medical insurance benefit for them. Association  Vice President Padmanabha Naidu, Treasurer Ramasamy Goundar were present.