Aarey cuts down on cow milk production

You might not get Aarey's cow milk on Gudi Padwa, as the dairy has cut  down on milk production.Spiralling procurement cost for the dairy giant, Aarey, has resulted in the thinning of this brand of cow's milk from the market. Lakhs of Mumbaikars used to Aarey's cow milk are finding it difficult to find their brand, since the dairy has cut production. The supply would be less today -- instead of the regular 1.5-lakh litres; only 1-lakh litres will be supplied.

The Dairy Development Commissioner, R D Shinde, confirmed that the supply was indeed affected because of the price hike. "We are still paying the old rate of Rs 12.50 per litre to the cooperatives, while private players are already paying the farmers between Rs 14-16 per litre. Hence, the Aarey supply is affected. We have requested the government to increase the rate from Rs 12.50 to Rs 13.50, which is still in consideration stage."

General Manager Shirish Virkar (Greater Mumbai Milk Scheme) added, "The daily distribution of Aarey milk was 2.5 lakh litres until last month, but we have now reduced it to 1.5 lakh litres."