Sri Vijaya Puram: In a major win for local dairy farmers, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) has announced a long-awaited hike in the procurement price of raw milk. Effective May 1, 2025, the price paid to farmers for raw milk will increase from ₹52 to ₹56 per litre, addressing a long-standing demand for better remuneration.
The revised procurement rate is part of ANIIDCO’s larger strategy to strengthen the dairy sector, ensuring that milk production remains viable and profitable for local producers across South, North, and Middle Andaman. In tandem with this move, retail prices of milk and other dairy products will also be revised to reflect the new procurement costs.
Here’s how the updated prices look:
- Cow Milk (1 litre): ₹90 (up from ₹86)
- Toned Milk (500 ml): ₹37 (up from ₹35)
- Double Toned Milk (1 litre): ₹70 (up from ₹66)
- Curd (200 gm cup): ₹33 (up from ₹32)
- Curd (200 gm pouch): ₹25 (up from ₹21)
While the retail price hike may pinch consumers slightly, officials believe the increase is modest and necessary to maintain the balance between fair producer compensation and consumer affordability.
ANIIDCO reiterated its commitment to delivering high-quality dairy products and supporting sustainable livelihoods. “This revision ensures that milk producers are adequately rewarded while maintaining quality supply for island consumers,” said an official spokesperson.
With rising input costs and climate uncertainties affecting small-scale farmers, the price revision is also a nod to the resilience of the islands’ rural economy. The move is expected to uplift the morale of dairy farmers and incentivize increased milk production in the long run.
