What FAT and SNF mean
FAT is the butterfat content of milk, expressed as a percentage. SNF — Solids-Not-Fat — is the total solid content minus the fat: proteins (mainly casein), lactose (milk sugar), vitamins, and minerals. A milk analyser reads both in seconds at the collection point. Cow milk typically runs lower fat (around 3.5–4.5%) and buffalo milk higher (6–8%), with SNF usually in the 8–9% range, so rate charts differ by milk type.
How fat/SNF pricing works
Most Indian dairies pay farmers on a two-axis rate chart: one axis is fat %, the other is SNF %, and the cell where a farmer's reading lands gives the rate per litre (or per kg-fat in some models). Higher fat and higher SNF mean a higher price. This rewards farmers for quality, not just quantity — but it only works if testing is consistent and the calculation is transparent, which is why digitised AMCU-based collection matters.
- Two-axis rate chart — fat % × SNF % → rate per litre
- Separate charts for cow, buffalo, and mixed milk
- Higher fat + SNF = higher payment, rewarding quality
- Consistent machine testing removes the disputes manual testing causes
Why it drives farmer retention
Because fat/SNF directly sets the price, any inconsistency in testing or calculation is felt by the farmer as money. A dairy that tests transparently and pays accurately and fast on fat/SNF keeps farmers loyal; one that doesn't loses them to the union offering a cleaner deal. Configurable, auditable fat/SNF rate charts are therefore a core capability of any serious milk-procurement system.
In SalesPort
ProcuPort fat/SNF pricingProcuPort applies configurable fat/SNF rate charts for cow, buffalo, and mixed milk, calculating each farmer's dues automatically and paying within 24 hours.