Tiruchirappalli dairy farmers protest milk price deductions

Dairy farmers in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, have raised complaints regarding deductions in milk procurement payments. Despite a recent state government increase in cow milk procurement rates from 38 to 44 rupees per liter, farmers claim they are receiving significantly less than the announced amount.

Producers allege that cooperative milk societies have deducted approximately 4 rupees per liter to cover administrative costs, employee salaries, festival bonuses, and monthly incentives. Farmers argue these deductions negate the benefits of the price hike, especially as the costs of fodder and animal feed continue to rise. They contend that the government should bear administrative expenses rather than passing them to producers.

Aavin management in Tiruchirappalli provided a different breakdown, stating that 1.75 rupees per liter is collected for administrative expenses and 1 rupee is being held for payments. According to management, farmers should receive 41.25 rupees per liter after a total deduction of 2.75 rupees. They clarified that no separate deduction would be made for bonuses, as half of the collected administrative funds would be used to distribute bonuses to producers.