Diversifying cropping system through dairying in Punjab-An approach to sustain livelihood

The results revealed that out of total milch animals, the proportion of buffaloes was higher (53.75 percent) followed by crossbred cows (43.59 percent) and local cows (2.66 percent). The annual fixed cost was Rs. 16259.88, Rs. 36147.79 and Rs. 83919.24 on small, medium and large dairy farms respectively while the total variable cost was estimated to be Rs. 55570.22, Rs.132778.95 and Rs.272462.12 on the respective dairy farms. On an average, the percentage expenditure on feeds and fodders was observed to be about 93 percent of the total variable cost. The net returns of milk came out to be Rs.8.35, Rs.10.03 and Rs.10.12 per litre on small, medium and large farms, respectively. The break-even output was 38.47, 29.95 and 31.95 percent of total output obtained on small, medium and large farms, respectively indicating that the break-even output was comparatively earlier on medium farms than on small and large farms. The major problems faced by the producers were shortage of quality breed animals, costly medicines, low price of milk, absence of good marketing network, etc. It seems desirable to address these problems so as to develop dairy farming on sound footing.