Introduction to Commercial Dairy Farming | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Introduction to Dairy Farming in India

• Growth in Milk Production:
  • In the last 20 years, dairy farming in India has seen significant progress in milk production, processing, and marketing.
  • From 17 million tonnes in 1960-61, milk production surged to 83.97 million tonnes by 2001-02.
• Global Standing:
  • In 1998-99, India became the leading milk producer globally, contributing 14% to the world's production.
  • The country ranked second in 1997-98 with 71 million tonnes.
• Economic Impact:
  • The annual revenue from milk and its products increased from Rs. 43,407 million in 1993-94 to Rs. 50,912 million in 1998-99.
• Per Capita Milk Availability:
  • In 1961, each person had 182 gm of milk, which declined to 112 gm in 1971 due to population growth.
  • Improved productivity raised availability to 225 gm per person in 2001-02.
• Livestock Population:
  • India has the largest cattle and buffalo population globally, with 204.53 million cattle and 83.499 million buffaloes.
  • Livestock contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) and employment in agriculture.
• Post-Independence Initiatives:
  • Dairy development gained momentum post-independence, with a focus on organized milk collection, processing, and distribution.
  • The first Five-Year Plan (1951-56) addressed challenges in marketing rural milk, encouraging the establishment of large dairies.
• Marketing Structure Improvement:
  • Initially, milk was sold as ghee, providing insufficient income to farmers.
  • Marketing schemes were introduced, linking rural producers directly with urban milk treatment units.
• Impact of Processing Centers:
  • Large dairies established processing centers and milk collection points in rural areas, stimulating the dairy industry's growth.
  • These centers ensured the efficient handling and transportation of milk without spoilage.

Livestock and Dairy Development Simplified

• Importance in Economy:
  • Livestock and dairy programs are crucial due to high milk demand in our economy.
  • Small and marginal farmers, owning around two hectares of land, form 70-75%, owning at least one cow or buffalo.
• Urban Milk Supply:
  • Small and marginal farmers in villages should contribute significantly to urban milk requirements.
  • However, their livestock productivity is lower than affluent crop-producing farmers.
• Profitability Focus:
  • Urgent need for increased milk production requires making dairy farming economically feasible for small farmers.
  • Profitability hinges on achieving a milk production level of around 2,000 kg per animal.
• Current Challenges:
  • Presently, even recognized breeds like Red Sindhi produce about 1,100 kg during a 300-day lactation period.
  • The goal is to improve through crossbreeding with exotic breeds like Jersey or Holstein, limiting exotic inheritance to 50%.
• Quality Feed Importance:
  • Efforts include providing quality feed for crossbred cows to enhance milk production, early maturity, and regular breeding.
• Livestock Production Factors:
  • Livestock production depends on crop residues, available vegetation, grains, oilseeds, and milk by-products.
  • Government encourages grain production to boost milk production.
• Commercial Dairy Farming:
  • Aims for maximum output with minimum inputs.
  • Emphasizes maintaining dairy stock with locally sourced ingredients and green fodder.
• Efficient Labor Utilization:
  • Efficient and minimal labor is crucial in commercial dairy farming.
  • Family labor ideal for small farms; larger farms use labor-saving machinery.
• Energy Conservation:
  • Conserves energy by using cow dung for gobar gas production, serving heating and lighting needs.
  • Taps into solar energy for farm operations to the maximum extent possible.

Optimizing Dairy Farming: Simplified Guidelines

• Animal Management:
  • Maintain a balance: ensure two-thirds of cows or buffaloes are milk-producing, and one-third are dry at all times.
  • Aim for conception within 60 to 90 days after calving; limit services to three per conception, ideally one or two.
• Reproductive Health:
  • Animals not conceiving after the third service should undergo thorough examination and treatment.
  • Cull resistant animals to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Veterinary Support:
  • Access to good veterinary care for routine ailments and preventive measures against diseases is crucial.
  • Periodic vaccinations for contagious diseases should be carried out as needed.
• Breeding and Calving:
  • Ensure facilities for artificial insemination are available nearby to inseminate animals during heat periods.
  • Aim for one calf produced every 12 to 13 months.
• Mixed Farming Approach:
  • Mixed farming with dairy under such conditions is more economical and profitable than specialized dairy farming.
  • Utilize agricultural waste for quality milk production, and employ agricultural labor during off seasons in the dairy.
• Cost-Effective Feeding:
  • 60 to 70 percent of milk production cost is attributed to feed and fodder.
  • Optimize costs by providing green feeds and fodder, reducing reliance on straws and concentrates.
• Focus on Green Fodder:
  • Availability of green fodder reduces milk production costs.
  • Efforts should be made to maximize green fodder and minimize the consumption of concentrates.