Latest news with #MilkandDairyDevelopment
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Aavin sales in Chennai up by 30% this July, says dairy development minister
CHENNAI: Milk and Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj on Tuesday said the sale of Aavin milk and milk products in Chennai has increased by 30% compared to last year. Speaking to reporters after distributing freezers to wholesale dealers in the city at Aavin headquarters, Thangaraj said sales of milk and dairy products had risen from Rs 25 crore in July last year to nearly Rs 33 crore this July. A total of 200 freezers are planned to be distributed to Aavin dealers at an estimated cost of Rs 2.1 crore, of which 60 were handed over on Tuesday. The city currently has 21 Aavin parlours, of which 12 are undergoing renovation at a cost of Rs 52 lakh. 'In addition to Chennai, efforts are being made to expand the sale of Aavin dairy products beyond the city by deploying additional workers wherever necessary,' the minister said. He further said all Aavin primary cooperative societies are being transformed into multi-service centres through the sale of Aavin products. 'This year, the sale of Aavin products is expected to increase significantly,' Thangaraj added. Emphasising the department's commitment to supporting dairy farmers, Thangaraj said he has personally reviewed the disbursal of loans and other forms of assistance provided to SC/ST farmers through the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO). An official statement said the minister also held a meeting with secretaries of over 6,000 primary milk producers' cooperative societies to discuss providing loan assistance to all those supplying milk to Aavin.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
'TN government mulls hike in milk procurement price': Minister Mano Thangaraj
ERODE: The state government is considering increasing the milk procurement price, said State Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj in Erode on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Thangaraj also said the state government is paying special attention to increasing the sales of Aavin. "The DMK regime increased the procurement price of milk by Rs 3. In addition, incentives of Rs 3 per litre and Rs 1 for quality milk are being given. Increasing the procurement price of milk is under consideration. We will consult with the chief minister and implement it," the Minister stated. In Tamil Nadu, 36 lakh litres of milk is procured every day. The dairy sector in Erode district is performing well. The quality-based pricing scheme has received a huge response among farmers, he added. On financial assistance, the Minister said, "Interest-free loans worth Rs 88 crore were provided to farmers in Erode district last year. In addition, steps have been taken to provide loans worth Rs 10 cr through other banks. Out of the 472 cooperative societies functioning in Erode district 72 societies have been allowed to purchase and sell dairy products for their sustainable development. Dairy products worth Rs 98 lakh have been sold by these societies." "Since 56 cooperative societies in Erode district are operating without profit, we are trying to run them profitably. We have increased the sales teams at Aavin. We are currently focusing on marketing. We are increasing the structure, procurement, and sales of Aavin," Thangaraj elaborated. Earlier, Minister Thangaraj held a meeting with Aavin officials in Erode. Collector S Kandasamy and MLA VC Chandhirakumar others were present. In response to NTK chief Seeman's apprehension that seven lakh people from Bihar who have settled in Tamil Nadu will become voters in the state, Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy, who attended the meeting with Thangaraj, said, "DMK and alliance parties are strong in Tamil Nadu. We are sure they will vote for DMK after seeing the projects in Tamil Nadu."
United News of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
TN to lead India's next dairy revolution : Min
Chennai, June 2 (UNI) Tami Nadu Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj on Monday said 'Tamil Nadu is well-positioned to lead India's next dairy revolution. The revolution would be the one that is green, inclusive, and farmer-first, he said at the valedictory of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme held here. He said India proudly holds the distinction of being the world's largest milk producer --a testament to the dedication of millions of small holder farmers and their livestock. Yet, behind this impressive statistic lies a pressing concern: low productivity. On average, Indian dairy animals produce only one-tenth of the milk compared to their counterparts, highlighting a significant gap in efficiency and sustainability. A pivotal study, the Tamil Nadu Landscape Study, conducted by Kumaraguru Institutions in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, uncovered the systemic barriers that continue to hinder the dairy sector: high production costs, poor price realization and weak last mile delivery of essential inputs and veterinary services. The study captured the voices of farmers echoing fatigue, frustration, and an urgent demand for transformative change. "That change is now in motion", he said. In December 2024, Kumaraguru Institutions launched the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering sustainable, resilient, and scalable dairy farming models. Over a three-month intensive training phase, 112 dairy entrepreneurs were equipped with practical knowledge in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition. These entrepreneurs are now receiving nine months of dedicated field mentoring to support and empower over 10,000 smallholder dairy farmers across Tamil Nadu. They are not just business owners—they are changemakers, delivering quality inputs, reliable veterinary services, and evidence-based dairy practices to underserved communities. Their work generates triple impact as social empowerment, economic upliftment and environmental resilience. A flagship highlight of the programme was the 'Dairy Yatra"-- 6,000 km cross-country learning expedition through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. More than 40 entrepreneurs participated, gaining first hand exposure to innovative dairy practices from the lush pastures of Coimbatore to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan. This journey bridged regional wisdom with cutting-edge practices, offering a panoramic view of India's rich dairy heritage and future potential. This event marked the culmination of months of rigorous training, innovation, and community engagement, celebrating the tireless efforts of the new generation of dairy entrepreneurs and their pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, efficient, and climate-resilient dairy ecosystem. As India looks toward the future of agriculture, this initiative stands as a beacon of what is possible when collaboration, scientific insight, and grassroots leadership come together in service of a common goal. UNI GV 2155
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Focus on sustainable agriculture that is profitable and environmentally friendly, says Minister
With many farmers moving away from agriculture, there is a need to focus on sustainable farming that is both profitable and environmentally friendly, said Minister for Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj at the valedictory of the Tamil Nadu Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) in Chennai on Monday. Mr. Thangaraj said loans would be made available to all farmers across Tamil Nadu, and that plans were being developed to ensure that all cooperative societies operate profitably. He added that a review was under way to optimise the use of the 2,500 veterinarians in the Animal Husbandry Department and to enhance the research capabilities of Tanuvas. As many as 112 dairy entrepreneurs went through a three-month training in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition as part of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme conducted by the Kumaraguru Institutions and the Environmental Defense Fund. Shankar Vanavarayar, president of Kumaraguru Institutions, said true rural transformation would begin when farmers became entrepreneurs. As part of the programme, around 40 entrepreneurs went on a 'Dairy Yatra', a 6,000-km cross-country learning expedition through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The participants gained first-hand exposure to innovative dairy practices from the lush pastures of Coimbatore to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, said Thanammal Ravichandran, programme manager, Kumaraguru Institutions. Mr. Thangaraj, along with K.N. Narendra Babu, Vice-Chancellor, TANUVAS, presented certificates to the dairy entrepreneurs.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Martial Arts Training and Research Centre inaugurated in Nagercoil
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday inaugurated the Traditional Martial Arts Training and Research Centre at Anna Stadium in Nagercoil through video conferencing. Following the inauguration, Minister of Milk and Dairy Development Mano Thangaraj and Kanniyakumari Collector R. Alagumeena visited the centre. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Alagumeena said that martial arts played a vital role in developing mental strength and self-confidence among individuals. Also, martial arts contributed in naturally enhancing immunity and protecting the human body from various illnesses. Highlighting the district's strength in the field of martial arts, she said Kanniyakumari was home to some of the best martial arts trainers and players. The centre would play a key role in promoting traditional martial arts, which had significant value in Tamil literature and history, by passing them on to the next generation. A total of 40 students comprising 20 boys and 20 girls had been selected for training at the centre. Two trainers had been appointed, each receiving a monthly honorarium of ₹25,000. The Collector also expressed hope that the initiative would help sustain the martial arts culture and future generations to embrace it.
