Timely intervention by Collector K. Maharabushanam dissuaded the farmers from resorting to an agitation of pouring milk on the ground to express their dissent over the refusal of Aavin to procure additional milk, at the farmers’ grievances day meeting here on Friday.
After gauging the mood of the farmers at the meeting, the Collector allowed discussion on the matter at the meeting. The farmers’ representatives took full advantage of the opportunity to vent out their feelings.
S. Govindaraj of Ammanpalayam, a farmer, said unprecedented situation was prevailing in the State after Aavin refused to procure the entire quantity of milk provided by the members of the primary milk societies.
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The State Government should take steps to sell milk to Kerala, which was procuring large quantities of milk from Karnataka. Even private dairies have stopped procuring milk from farmers, Mr. Govindaraj said adding that the farmers were left with no option but to destroy the excess milk.
A.R. Shanmugam of Panamarathupatti, said that the State, which always had faced deficit milk supply, was for the first time witnessing a surplus in milk production. He said that the district administration, and the government should come to the rescue of the farmers by supplying milk to noon meal centres, and school students.
He suggested that Aavin could impart training to women SHG members in the production of value added products from milk.
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N. Perumal, president of the Salem Maavatta Vivasayigal Sangam, accused the Aavin of ignoring the interest of its long time members. The farmers have to spend at least Rs. 50 to produce a litre of milk, but they receive a meagre amount from cooperative societies.
C. Vaiyapuri, president, United Farmers Association — Tamil Nadu, said that the marketing strategy of Aavin should be improved.
S. Jayaraman, president, Abinavam Uzhavar Mandra Koottamaippu, Ethapur, said that there was a good demand for milk, but a majority could not opt for it because of poverty. K.A. Govindasamy, president, Tamil Nadu Tapioca Farmers Association, accused the farmers of supplying adulterated milk.
This allegation brought all the farmers on their toes, and they shouted him down.
Referring to the supply of milk from Karnataka to Kerala, Mr. Maharabushanam said that Karnataka milk was procured as they supply it at much reduced rate.
Salem Aavin was procuring 5.22 lakh litres milk a day, compared to the 4.33 lakh litres procured during the same period last year. The Aavin has paid the farmers up to date, he added.