Dairy Farming And Its Pros & Cons in India - Know In Detail
While dairy farming in India has its challenges, it remains an important part of the country's agricultural and economic landscape, providing livelihoods for millions of rural households and contributing to food security and nutrition.
Dairy farming is an important agricultural practice in India and has been a significant part of the country's economy for many years. India is the world's largest milk producer, with more than 22% of global production, and dairy farming has become a vital source of income for millions of rural households.
The most common milch animals are cows and buffaloes, which provide milk for consumption, as well as for making a range of dairy products such as ghee, paneer, curd, and cheese.
The dairy industry in India has a large number of small-scale producers who supply milk to local markets. However, there are also large-scale dairy companies that process and market milk and dairy products nationally and internationally.
The Indian government has recognized the importance of the dairy sector in the country's economy and has launched various schemes and programs to support and promote dairy farming. The National Dairy Plan, launched in 2012, aims to increase milk production by improving the genetics of milch animals, providing better animal healthcare, and enhancing the productivity and efficiency of dairy farmers.
While dairy farming in India has its challenges, it remains an important part of the country's agricultural and economic landscape, providing livelihoods for millions of rural households and contributing to food security and nutrition.
Pros of dairy farming in India:
- Employment: Dairy farming provides employment opportunities for millions of rural households, especially small and marginal farmers who own one or two milch animals.
- Income: Dairy farming is a source of income for millions of households and provides a steady source of revenue throughout the year.
- Food security: Milk is an important source of nutrition for millions of people in India, and dairy farming helps to ensure a steady supply of milk and dairy products to meet the nutritional needs of the population.
- Agricultural diversification: Dairy farming can help farmers diversify their income sources and reduce their dependence on a single crop or agricultural activity.
- Rural development: Dairy farming can contribute to rural development by providing better access to education, healthcare, and other basic amenities.
Cons of dairy farming in India:
- Low productivity: The productivity of milch animals in India is often low due to poor genetics, inadequate nutrition, and inadequate animal healthcare.
- Poor infrastructure: The lack of proper infrastructure such as storage, transportation, and processing facilities can lead to the spoilage of milk and dairy products, reducing their market value.
- Environmental impact: Dairy farming can have a significant environmental impact, including soil degradation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Limited access to credit and markets: Small and marginal dairy farmers often face difficulties in accessing credit and markets, which can limit their ability to expand their dairy farming activities.
- Animal welfare concerns: There are concerns about the welfare of milch animals in some dairy farming practices, including poor housing and inadequate healthcare.
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