Aavin Milk Shortage: Supply Issues Reported Across Tamil Nadu

A shortage of Aavin milk has reportedly increased across several parts of Tamil Nadu, with consumers facing difficulties in getting milk packets at regular retail outlets.

Reports of reduced Aavin milk availability were received from Chennai as well as districts including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Cuddalore.

Tamil Nadu produces around 3 crore litres of milk a day, while Aavin currently procures only a portion of the state`s total production. Aavin reportedly requires around 37 lakh litres of milk per day, but procurement is currently around 27 lakh litres.

In Chennai, Aavin normally sells around 16.5 lakh litres of milk daily. However, its supply is reported to have declined by around 25% over the past few months. From September 15, distribution was reportedly reduced further by around 10%, resulting in lower availability at several retail outlets.

Shortages have also reportedly been noticed in some Aavin dairy products, with supplies of certain products said to be lower by around 100 to 200 litres a day.

Demand for Aavin Milk Increases

The increase in private milk prices has contributed to higher demand for Aavin products. Compared with private brands, Aavin milk is available at a lower price, prompting some consumers who previously purchased private milk to switch to Aavin.

According to the report, Aavin`s green, orange and blue packet milk varieties are around ₹30, ₹26 and ₹22 per litre cheaper, respectively, than comparable private milk products.

At the same time, competition for milk procurement has increased after the procurement price paid to milk producers was raised by up to ₹6 per litre. Private dairy companies have also reportedly increased procurement prices to retain milk suppliers.

Aavin officials have indicated that milk procurement could increase from October 15, after which supply conditions may improve.

Milk Procurement Becomes a Concern

Milk agents` associations have raised concerns about the quantity of milk being procured by Aavin. They claim that while the organisation needs around 33 lakh litres of milk a day, current procurement is only around 22 to 24 lakh litres.

The association has also alleged that around 5 lakh litres of milk are being supplied through online sales channels to private companies and supermarkets, potentially reducing availability at retail outlets.

These claims have raised questions about whether insufficient procurement is a major reason for the reported shortage. The reported figures and allegations are based on statements from milk agents` representatives.