A Study of Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Marginal Milk Producers in Gujarat State

ABSTRACT Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for more than 15 million rural families and has assumed an important role in providing employment and income generating opportunity for the most vulnerable sections of our population. For millions of small and marginal farmers as well as landless laborers, milk production provides ready cash in hand for fulfilling their daily household requirements. According to 2012 livestock census data, Gujarat had 9984 thousand cattle and 10386 thousand buffalo population. The daily milk yield per animal in the state for Cow (Crossbreed), Cow (indigenous) and Buffalo is around 9.08 kg/day, 4.19 kg/day & 5.15 kg/day respectively. The present study was conducted to evaluate the status of Marginal Milk Producers in Gujarat state. The study covered all districts of the state and information was collected by using a questionnaire. After analyzing the collected data it could be, it can be concluded that The main challenges faced by Marginal Milk Producers were- High cost of Milch animal, High cost of cattle feed and mineral mixtures, Price offered for milk is Low. The main Opportunities for Marginal Milk Producers, It provides milk for self-consumption, it provides an excellent source of secondary income, increasing demand of milk and milk products and constantly rising milk prices.