Tamil Nadu Dairy Minister Unveils Ambitious Plans for summers
Tamil Nadu`s Dairy Minister, Mano Thangaraj, unveiled ambitious plans aimed at bolstering the state`s dairy sector during the forthcoming summer season, with a target to significantly boost dairy product sales to a staggering Rs. 48 crore. Minister Thangaraj outlined several key initiatives at a consultation meeting held at the head office of the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (AAV) in Nandanam, Chennai.
A notable initiative highlighted by the Minister is the successful implementation of a Rs. 3 incentive scheme for milk producers, which has already resulted in disbursements totaling approximately Rs. 36.27 crores. Efforts have also been underway to revitalize 10,785 initial milk cooperative societies in Tamil Nadu, with 7,338 societies already audited as part of this initiative.
Additionally, Minister Thangaraj announced significant support for farmers, including the provision of loans totaling Rs. 102 crore to 15,752 farmers through cooperative societies. This financial assistance has facilitated the acquisition of new dairy cows and the introduction of high-protein cow fodder, incentivized at Rs. 1 per kilogram.
In anticipation of the summer season, plans have been laid out to enhance the sale of dairy products such as buttermilk, curd, and ice cream, with a target set at Rs. 48 crore for the current year-an increase from the previous year`s sales of Rs. 39.40 crore. Minister Thangaraj expressed confidence in the measures undertaken by Avin, the state`s apex cooperative body, foreseeing a potential 20 percent surge in milk procurement in the near future.
Looking ahead, Minister Thangaraj hinted at potential ventures into the sale of drinking water and emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize dairy parlors with innovative approaches. Assuring swift action on these fronts, he underscored the government`s commitment to revitalizing the dairy sector and ensuring the prosperity of milk producers and cooperative societies across Tamil Nadu.