Tamil Nadu’s Aavin will introduce herbal milk products, including ashwagandha and dry ginger milk, to promote traditional cattle care methods and reduce healthcare costs. Training for 3,000 field-level staff and new equipment distribution are also part of the initiative.
In Tamil Nadu, India, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development T Mano Thangaraj announced that Aavin will soon introduce a range of herbal milk products, including ashwagandha milk and dry ginger milk. This initiative is aimed at enhancing traditional methods of cattle care and reducing healthcare costs for dairy farmers. The announcement was made on August 22, 2024, during a training session for Aavin’s field-level staff in Chennai.
Herbal Milk Initiative
The new herbal milk products will feature ingredients known for their traditional health benefits. Ashwagandha milk and dry ginger milk are among the initial offerings intended to strengthen cattle health and provide an alternative to conventional treatments. This move is part of a broader effort to promote Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) and integrate traditional practices into modern dairy farming.
Training and Development
As part of this initiative, the department has commenced training for 3,000 field-level staff. These staff members will be equipped to administer EVM treatments to cattle owned by Aavin dairy farmers. This training is designed to improve the overall health of dairy cattle and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on farmers.
Additional Initiatives
Minister Thangaraj also highlighted other recent developments, including the distribution of essential equipment to newly-registered Milk Producers Co-operative Societies (MPCS). This includes stainless steel milk cans, milk-measuring and testing equipment, and various stationery items. These measures aim to support the infrastructure and efficiency of local dairy operations.
Milk Procurement and Marketing
The minister addressed previous issues related to milk procurement, noting that current daily procurement ranges between 36 lakh liters to 37 lakh liters. Aavin is now focusing on marketing strategies and exploring new product proposals. The introduction of herbal milk products is expected to enhance the variety and appeal of Aavin’s offerings in the market.
Future Plans
In addition to the herbal milk initiative, Aavin plans to sell fodder through MPCS and provide nutraceuticals to milk producers at a nominal cost. These steps are aimed at improving cattle nutrition and supporting the dairy farmers’ livelihoods.
Aavin’s new herbal milk products and related initiatives represent a significant step towards integrating traditional medicine with modern dairy farming practices in Tamil Nadu. These efforts reflect a commitment to improving cattle health, supporting dairy farmers, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the dairy sector in the state.
