Dairying is an important source of subsidiary income to small/marginal farmers and agricultural labourers.
The manure from animals provides a good source of organic matter for improving soil fertility and crop yields.
The gober gas from the dung is used as fuel for domestic purposes as also for running engines for drawing water from well. The surplus fodder and agricultural by-products are gainfully utilised for feeding the animals.
The small/marginal farmers and land less agricultural labourers play a very important role in milk production of the country. Dairy farming is now taken up as a main occupation around big urban centres where the demand for milk is high.
Scope for Dairy Farming and its National Importance:
The total milk production in the country for the year 2001-02 was estimated at 84.6 million metric tonnes. At this production, the per capita availability was to be 226 grams per day against the minimum requirement of 250 grams per day as recommended by ICMR. Thus, there is a tremendous scope/potential for increasing the milk production. The population of breeding cows and buffaloes in milk over 3 years of age was 62.6 million and 42.4 million, respectively (1992 census).
Management of Diary:
The scheme for diary, farming should include information on land, livestock markets, availability of water, feeds, fodders, veterinary aid, breeding facilities, marketing aspects, training facilities, experience of the farmer and the type of assistance available from State Government, dairy society/union/federation.
(A) Technical Feasibility – this would briefly include:
1. Nearness of the selected area to veterinary, breeding and milk collection centre and the financing bank’s branch.
2. Availability of good quality animals in nearby livestock market.
3. Availability of training facilities.
4. Availability of good grazing ground/lands.
5. Green/dry fodder, concentrate feed, medicines etc.
6. Availability of veterinary aid/breeding centres and milk marketing facilities near the scheme area.
(B) Economic Viability – this would briefly include:
1. Cost of for feeds and fodders, veterinary aid, breeding of animals, insurance, labour and other overheads.
2. Output costs i.e. sale price of milk, manure, gunny hags, male/female calves, other miscellaneous items etc.
Farmers:
Modern and well established scientific principles, practices and skills should be used to obtain maximum economic benefits from dairy farming.
Some of the major norms and recommended practices are as follows:
I. Housing:
1. Construct shed on dry, properly raised ground.
2. Selling of the old animals after 6-7 lactations.
II. Feeding of Milch Animals:
1. Feeding the animals with best feeds and fodders.
2. Giving adequate green fodder in the ration.
III. Milking of Animals:
1. Milking the animals two to three times a day.
IV. Protection against Diseases:
1. Be on the alert for signs of illness such as reduced feed intake, fever, abnormal discharge or unusual behaviour.
V. Breeding Care:
1. Animal should be closely observed and keep specific record of its coming in heat, duration of heat, insemination, conception and calving.
VI. Care during Pregnancy:
Give special attention to pregnant cows two months before calving by providing adequate space, feed, water etc.
VII. Marketing of Milk:
1. Marketing milk immediately after it is drawn, keeping the time between production and marketing of the milk to the minimum.
2. Production of milk produces for better storage to give more returns
VIII. Care of Calves:
1. Taking care of new born calf.
