Severe Drought Impacts Aavin's Milk and Ghee Supply in Southern India

The ongoing severe drought in southern India has severely impacted Aavin's ability to supply its popular full-cream milk and ghee. This scarcity began in February and worsened by the end of March, leaving loyal customers to seek alternatives from private suppliers.

Aavin's outlets, known for their competitive pricing and quality, have seen a drastic reduction in their daily supply. Initially, they distributed about 60 liters of full-cream milk daily to local teashops, but this has halted entirely.

According to a senior Aavin official, the current dry conditions have prevented the growth of green fodder, forcing dairy farmers to rely on less nutritious options like paddy straw, resulting in decreased milk production. During peak seasons, Aavin procures up to 42,000 liters of milk daily, but this figure drops to around 32,000 liters during lean summer months.

The lack of full-cream milk has particularly affected teashops and hotels, which prefer Aavin for its ability to blend well and maximize profits. Similarly, caterers who rely on Aavin ghee for its quality and flavor in dishes like biryani now face difficult choices as supplies dwindle.

Additionally, the competition from private players who offer higher procurement prices to farmers has exacerbated the situation. Until the region receives rainfall, the challenges for Aavin and its consumers are expected to persist.