Economics of milk production in southern transition zone of Karnataka

The present study was aimed at working out the cost of milk production of local cow, crossbred cow and buffalo in southern transition agro-climatic zone of Karnataka covering Hassan and Mysuru districts using primary data collected from dairy farmers. Results revealed that fodder and feed consumption was higher in case of crossbred cow followed by buffalo and local cow. In all the three bovine species in total cost of milk production, share of variable costs was much higher than the fixed costs. Average milk production per day was higher in case of crossbred cattle followed by buffalo and local cow. Cost of milk production of local cow was high and as such the farmers incurred loss. Crossbred cow milk production was much profitable than that of buffalo in the study area. Overall results indicated that profitability was more in case of crossbred milk production followed by buffalo milk production. The policy measures are essential to uplift farmers rearing local cows by providing extra price incentives.