Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Shubham S Banekol, DB Malave, Aiswarya GB, VG Naik, HV Borate and Asmita S Kamble

Abstract:
The study, conducted in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, was based on primary data collected from 90 dairy farmers across six tahasils. Farmers were categorized into small (1-4 animals), medium (5-6 animals), and large (above 7 animals) groups based on herd size. Utilizing standard cost concepts, the study aimed to calculate cost return and profitability in milk production. The findings indicated that buffalo incurred the highest per-animal maintenance cost at ₹ 61,450, followed by crossbreed cow at ₹ 57,567, and local cow (Kokan Kapila) at ₹ 39,826. Similarly, net return per animal was highest in buffalo at ₹ 60,226, followed by crossbreed cow at ₹ 52,543, and local cow (Kokan Kapila) at ₹ -908. The benefit-cost ratio was 0.97, 1.91, and 1.98 for local cow (Kokan Kapila), crossbreed cow, and buffalo, respectively. Additionally, the per-liter cost of milk production was observed to be ₹ 26.07 in crossbreed cow, ₹ 26.15 in buffalo, and ₹ 55.57 in local cow (Kokan Kapila). Consequently, the study concluded that buffalo milk production was the most profitable in Ratnagiri district.