Ministers distribute welfare assistance to 4,995 beneficiaries in Salem district

Minister for Milk and Dairy Development T. Mano Thangaraj and Minister for Tourism R. Rajendran inspected the Aavin plant on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) and distributed welfare assistance worth ₹22.61 crore to 4,995 beneficiaries as part of National Milk Day celebrations.

Mr. Mano Thangaraj highlighted the State government’s initiatives to improve the livelihood of farmers and milk producers. Milk procurement prices were increased by ₹3 per litre. Based on the requests from farmers, an additional ₹3 incentive and another ₹1 for high-quality milk were approved by the Chief Minister.

Over the last four-and-a-half years, loans amounting to ₹1,250 crore were provided for purchasing and maintaining cattle.

Mr. Mano Thangaraj said Aavin played a crucial role in ensuring fair procurement prices for farmers while supplying quality milk to consumers at reasonable rates. To promote self-employment among youth, 5,000 mini dairy farms were established under a 4% interest subsidy scheme. Incentives for high-yield farmers contributed to increased milk procurement, while Bulk Milk Cooling Centres helped preserve milk at the source.

Fodder production had tripled to 900 tonnes a day with the establishment of new plants and the introduction of Total Mixed Ration (TMR), improving cattle health and productivity. These measures had strengthened rural dairy entrepreneurship, enhanced milk production across the State, and supported farmers’ livelihoods, he added.