Chennai, Dec 23

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Monday announced an increase in the milk procurement prices by the state-owned Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd., popularly known as Aavin.

The government has not revised the milk's retail price.

In a statement issued here, Jayalalithaa said: "Taking into account the increase in prices of cattle feed, medical expenses, manpower costs and the hike in prices by private milk dairies, I have ordered to increase the milk procurement prices."

According to her, Aavin will procure cow's milk for Rs.23 per litre and buffalo milk for Rs.31 per litre. The price hike in both is Rs.3 per litre.

Jayalalithaa said around 22.50 lakh milk producers will benefit from the government's decision.

The additional outgo for Aavin per year will be around Rs.273.75 crore.

By:IANS