ECONOMICS OF MILK PRODUCTION IN DAHOD DISTRICT OF GUJARAT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The state of Gujarat has historically been the front runner in milk production activities. The state’s share in country’s milk production as well as per capita availability of milk have been increasing consistently, ensuring not only food security but also employment and livelihood sustenance in the rural areas. This study covered 75 cooperative member milk producers and 75 non-member milk producers which were post-stratified into small, medium and large herd size categories. Per day net maintenance cost was found to be higher for member group than that of non-member group. It was found to be higher in case of buffalo than that of cow and also observed more in the summer season. Per litre cost of buffalo and cow milk production was observed to be higher for the non-member as compared to member group. Per litre cost of buffalo milk production decreased with increase in herd size categories across different seasons while same trend was not observed in case of cow milk production. Further, it was found higher in summer season. Daily net return was found relatively higher in member group as compared to non-member group and also found higher in winter season. Overall average daily milk production, consumption and marketed surplus of milk were found higher on the member group as compared to non-member group. The corresponding figures were recorded highest in the winter season in both the member and non-member group.