Dairy Farming.

Dairy farming is a class of agriculture for long-term production of milk, which is processed (either on the farm or at a dairy plant, either of which may be called a dairy) for eventual sale of a dairy product.Since agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding employment throughout the year for many persons through dairy farming.

In addition to milk, the manure from animals provides a good source of organic matter for improving soil fertility and crop yields.The gobar 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 byproducts are gainfully utilised for feeding the animals. The total milk production in the country is 127.9 million tonnes per annum at the end of the Eleventh Plan (2011-12) and the demand is expected to be 180 million tonnes by 2020.

Thus, there is a tremendous scope/potential for increasing the milk production through profitable dairy farming.Financial assistance is available from banks for dairy farming. For dairy schemes with large outlays, detailed project reports will have to be prepared. The items of finance would include capital asset items such as purchase of milch animals, construction of sheds, purchase of equipment etc. The feeding cost during the initial period of one/two months is capitalised and given as term loan.

A Scheme can be prepared by a beneficiary after consulting local technical persons of State animal husbandry department, DRDA, SLPP etc., dairy co-operative society/union/federation/commercial dairy farmers. The scheme so formulated should be submitted to the nearest branch of bank. The bank's officers can assist in preparation of the scheme for filling in the prescribed application form.

Portfolio of Dairy Farming