Dairy
Dairy farming has become a crucial source of additional income for small and marginal farmers, as well as landless agricultural workers across India. It plays a significant role in improving rural livelihoods, promoting food security, and generating year-round employment, particularly in areas where agricultural activities are seasonal.
Benefits of Dairy Farming
Bullocks provide most of the draft power for fieldwork and transport, reducing dependency on machinery. Since dairy is a daily activity, it ensures consistent employment throughout the year. Dairy Sector Statistics (India) Milk production (2001–02): 84.6 million metric tonnes Per capita milk availability: 226 grams/day (short of ICMR's 250g/day recommendation)
Approach a local commercial or cooperative bank. Prepare a dairy project plan with assistance from the bank’s technical officer. NABARD offers refinancing support for: Animal purchase, Shed construction, Equipment, Initial feed cost, Infrastructure like wells, pumps, quarters, etc. Note: Land cost isn’t financed, but it may count towards your margin (up to 10% of project cost).
Many rural families rely on dairy as a steady income stream. Even with a small unit of two milch animals, a farmer can earn a net surplus of ₹6,000–₹9,000 annually after loan repayments. Larger profits are possible with high-yield breeds, efficient farm management, and proper market access.
Organic Manure from cattle improves soil fertility and crop productivity. Biogas (Gobar Gas) derived from dung is used for cooking and can power water pumps. Surplus crop residues and fodder are effectively converted into milk through livestock feeding.
Construct sheds on high, dry land. Ensure good ventilation and drainage (3 cm/m slope). Provide non-slippery, waterproof flooring. Allocate 2m x 1.05m standing space and 5–10 sq. m loafing area per animal. Ensure proper sanitation, shade in summer, and warm housing in winter. Utilize dung for biogas or compost if a biogas plant isn't available.
Buy healthy, high-yielding animals (preferably 2nd or 3rd lactation). Verify milk output by testing animals three times before purchase. Vaccinate, tag, and isolate new animals before introducing them to the herd. For continuous income, stagger animal purchases by 5–6 months.
Feed a balanced mix of green fodder, dry roughage, and concentrates. Animals typically consume 2.5–3% of body weight in dry matter daily. Provide clean water and salt/mineral supplements. Cut and chaff fodder properly for better digestion.
Maintain a fixed milking schedule (2–3 times daily). Always clean udders and milker's hands before milking. Use full-hand milking technique and complete each session within 8 minutes. Milk infected animals last to prevent disease spread.
Look out for illness signs (fever, appetite loss, behavior change). Follow vaccination and deworming schedules. Test regularly for diseases like Brucellosis and Mastitis. Maintain hygiene and isolate sick animals when needed.
❤ Breeding and Pregnancy Care
Track the animal’s heat cycle and ensure timely insemination (12–24 hours after heat begins). Prefer frozen semen from proven bulls. During the last two months of pregnancy, provide special care and feed.
Disinfect navel cords, feed colostrum within 30 minutes, and keep calves in clean, warm, ventilated spaces. Dehorn at 4–5 days, vaccinate early, and manage genders strategically (sell unwanted male calves early).