Comparative Economic of Cross-bred cow versus Pandharpuri Buffalo Milk Production in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

The study was conducted in Satara and Solapur districts of Western Maharashtra. The present investigation was carried out to know the costs and returns, marketing of milk of cross-bred cow and pandharpuri buffalo in Western Maharashtra. The results revealed that the per year maintenance cost of the cross-bred cow was higher (57, 339) than pandharpuri buffaloes (51, 394). Per year returns from cross-bred cow milk production were highest (95106.41) than pandharpuri buffaloes (71423.31) milk production and the total benefit cost ratio were also more in case of across-bred cow (1.84) as compared to that of pandharpuri buffaloes (1.39). The results of production function analysis in cross-bred cow and pandharpuri buffalo milk production of dry fodder, green fodder and concentrates were highly significant indicating an increase in the input will increase the milk production. Per liter marketing cost of milk was higher in pandharpuri buffalo milk (38.02/l) as compared to cross-bred cow milk(21.40/l) due to high-fat percentages, quality of ghee and demand of buffalo milk. However, the milk production of across-bred cow (1240.22 l) and pandharpuri buffalo (986 l) was higher than the break-even point. The maximum quantity of milk of cross-bred cow and pandharpuri buffaloes was sold through Channel-III (producer to the private dairy unit) and the producer in consumers rupees was highest in Channel-I (96.05percent) and 91.95percent) of cross-bred cow and pandharpuri buffalo milk, due to the absence of involvement of market functionaries. The milk production and marketed surplus of milk were found higher of the cross-bred cow as compared to pandharpuri buffalo. The study revealed that the farmers should get the remunerative price to cross-bred cows and pandharpuri buffaloes milk production in the study area. The dairy enterprises were increases in employment, income and improve the standard of living of farmers.