Amul’s Milk Procurement in Tamil Nadu Raises Concerns, Chief Minister Seeks Intervention

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin has raised concerns over Gujarat-based dairy company Amul’s milk procurement activities in Tamil Nadu. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mr Stalin expressed worries about Amul’s establishment of chilling centers and a processing plant in Krishnagiri district, using its multi-state cooperative license. The Chief Minister argued that Amul’s actions infringe on the dairy producing area of Aavin, the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers Federation. He emphasized the importance of allowing cooperatives to thrive without encroaching on each other’s territories, as it goes against the spirit of ‘Operation White Flood’ and could exacerbate the current milk shortage in the country. Mr Stalin also raised concerns about unhealthy competition among cooperatives and highlighted the role of regional cooperatives in supporting producers and protecting consumers. He urged Amit Shah to intervene and instruct Amul to cease milk procurement from Aavin’s area immediately. Mr Stalin highlighted Aavin’s significant contributions in maintaining a three-tier dairy cooperative system in Tamil Nadu, benefiting rural milk producers and consumers alike. Amul’s entry into the Bengaluru market had also sparked a political controversy in Karnataka earlier.