Dairying Under Mixed Farming and as a Specialised Farming | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Understanding Mixed Farming

• Definition:
  • Mixed farming involves combining various independent agricultural enterprises, leading to diversification.
  • In India, mixed farming primarily refers to combining arable farming with livestock raising for milk.
• Categorization:
  • Economists label a farm as mixed if at least 10-40% of its gross income is contributed by livestock.
  • In India, mixed farming is often synonymous with dairy farming, with animals present even in small holdings.
• Choice of Diversification:
  • Farmers opt for mixed farming due to the seasonal and uncertain income from agriculture alone.
  • Dairy farming becomes a preferred choice, providing an alternative and regular source of income.
• Profitability:
  • Mixed farming, particularly with dairy, is deemed highly profitable.
  • Combining agriculture with dairy significantly increases net income compared to other enterprises like poultry and sericulture.
• Income Enhancement:
  • Integration of dairy in mixed farming boosts income, leading to better returns from both milk and crop production.
  • Regular milk income ensures a steady cash flow, addressing the seasonal nature of agricultural earnings.
• Employment Opportunities:
  • Mixed farming creates year-round employment opportunities, maximizing the farmer's efforts and returns.
  • Livestock feeding on agricultural by-products optimizes resource utilization.
• Soil Fertility Improvement:
  • Animal waste, such as cow dung, acts as valuable manure, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity.
  • Utilizing by-products in the farm loop improves sustainability and resource efficiency.
• Financial Flexibility:
  • Income diversification allows better utilization of financial resources from banks and rural development agencies.
  • Profits from one enterprise can offset losses in another, creating financial resilience.
• Adaptation to Small Landholdings:
  • Given the small landholdings and dependence on monsoon rains, mixed farming is a practical choice for Indian farmers.
  • Limited resources allow for the maintenance of a few cows alongside crop cultivation.
• Transportation and Labor Efficiency:
  • Mixed farming provides draft animals for transportation and efficient labor utilization.
  • The same labor can manage both land and animals, optimizing productivity and resource usage.

Mixed Farming vs. Specialized Farming in Dairying

Advantages of Mixed Farming

• Efficient Land and Labor Use:
  • Optimal utilization of both land and labor resources.
• Integrated Production:
  • Crop by-products and grazing areas contribute to meat and milk production.
  • Ensures a regular income stream throughout the year.
• Nutritional Benefits:
  • Provides better nutritional value for the family.
• Cattle for Draft:
  • Mixed farming offers draft animals for farm work.

Disadvantages of Dairying Under Mixed Farming

• Marketing Challenges:
  • Often located far from cities, leading to lower milk and cattle prices when sold to middlemen.
  • Dairying becomes secondary to primary agricultural activities, hindering dairy estate development.
• Suitable for Small Scale:
  • More suitable for smaller dairies with one or two cow units, not ideal for commercial dairy farming.

Specialized Farming

• Focused Dairy Operations:
  • Concentrates solely on dairy farming with breeding, feeding, and milk production activities.
  • Milk may be sold directly or processed into various dairy products.
• Location Considerations:
  • Specialized farms may be near cities, requiring feed and fodder purchases, raising production costs.
  • Farms away from cities may raise fodder on-site, minimizing costs.
• Buffalo Consideration:
  • Near cities, specialized farms may maintain buffaloes, as buffalo milk is in high demand.

Disadvantages of Specialized Farming

• High Investments:
  • Requires significant investments due to the need for more cows/buffaloes and high land costs near cities.
• Sanitation and Health Challenges:
  • Sanitation and health conditions for cows/buffaloes near urban areas may be subpar.
  • Animals are often slaughtered instead of being bred again after going dry.

Summary

• Location Matters:
  • Specialized farming suits temperate climates with ample pastures.
  • Rare in India, except in specific hilly regions or suburban areas around cities.
• Mixed Farming Suits India:
  • Majority of the population in villages with small landholdings.
  • Provides regular employment and income for families.
  • More adaptable to the large, diverse, and densely populated Indian context.

In conclusion, while specialized farming suits less populated, advanced countries, mixed farming aligns better with India's conditions, ensuring livelihoods for families in a predominantly agrarian setting.