Tamil Nadu CM Announces Third Milk Price Hike in Weeks

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin declared the latest hike in milk procurement rates on Thursday, pushing the price to ₹44 per litre from the previously announced ₹41 per litre. The decision underscores the state government's commitment to bolstering returns for dairy farmers amid inflationary pressures affecting the agricultural sector across South India.

The announcement comes just days after the Tamil Nadu government had increased procurement rates by ₹3 per litre the previous week, moving the price from ₹38 to ₹41 per litre. The rapid succession of price adjustments signals an aggressive policy shift aimed at supporting the state's dairy farming community and ensuring stable milk supplies to consumers.

The cumulative increase of ₹6 per litre over the recent period represents a significant boost to farmer incomes in a sector that forms a critical part of Tamil Nadu's agricultural economy. Dairy farming communities, particularly in rural districts, have faced mounting input costs and volatile market conditions in recent months.

State officials have indicated the price hikes are part of a broader initiative to sustain dairy production and prevent farmer distress. The government procurement programme ensures direct purchase of milk from producers at guaranteed rates, bypassing middlemen and providing stable income channels for farmers across the state.