Aavin Relaunches Automated Milk Vending in Nilgiris

Tamil Nadu state dairy cooperative Aavin has relaunched an automated milk vending machine service in the Nilgiris district. The unit, traditionally known as “button paal”, was inaugurated near the Uzhavar Sandhai farmers’ market in Ooty by Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru.

The pilot installation has a 200-litre insulated tank with an internal chilling system that keeps the milk at 4°C. Customers can purchase the milk in their own containers, stainless-steel cans or tumblers, rather than using low-density polyethylene sachets.

The machine accepts UPI QR-code payments, ATM debit cards and cash. Its system calculates the quantity corresponding to the amount paid and dispenses that volume automatically. It currently sells one variety of milk at ₹54 a litre.

Software connected to the unit records stock levels and the length of time milk has been stored. Aavin is using this information to monitor inventory and organise replenishment. The equipment also incorporates digital metering designed to show tampering, automated sanitation procedures and centralised monitoring.

Aavin’s earlier mechanical button-paal booths operated widely in Tamil Nadu’s urban areas for several decades. They were phased out around 2014 after problems that included calibration changes, sanitation difficulties and complaints about water being added during transport in the field.

The Nilgiris project is linked to district environmental requirements covering non-biodegradable waste in high-altitude tourist areas. Authorities said that further automated vending machines would be installed in Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri after assessments of initial consumer adoption. The rollout is intended to provide bulk milk sales without single-use sachets and to support the reuse of customer-owned containers.