Gujarat farmers shifting from agriculture to animal husbandry

The farming scene in Gujarat is undergoing a change with more farmers shifting from growing grains to rearing cattle.

By Deepak Chaudhary

Mehsana (Gujarat), June 16 : The farming scene in Gujarat is undergoing a change with more farmers shifting from growing grains to rearing cattle.

The latest area to do so is Mehsana District which has been experiencing shortage of water. By shifting to cattle rearing, they do not have to look to weather Gods. Agriculturists have raised enough money to buy cattle, and earn returns by selling milk.

The main beneficiaries of dairy programmes are small, marginal farmers and landless labourers. Net profit in agriculture is less in comparison to animal husbandry. Dairy farming gives 30 to 40 percent more profit.

Farmers say that the increase in cost of electricity, pesticides, fertilisers and infrequent of rainfall motivated them to switch over to animal husbandry.

Raju Choudhary, one such farmer, says: "We have started with dairy as we get our investment back in 10 days. Dairy industry is very profitable. Veterinary system is quite good and doctors respond to a single phone call."

Ambaram Choudhary, another farmer says: "The industry has more profits as the price of milk is rising ."

A farmer can earn a gross surplus of about rupees 12,000 per year from a unit consisting of two milch buffaloes. The capital investment required for purchase of two buffaloes is just over Rs. 18,000. Even after paying a sum of Rs. 4,294 per annum towards repayment of the loan and interest, the farmer can earn a net surplus of Rs. 6,000 to 9,000 approximately per year.

The profits can be more, depending upon the breed of animal, managerial skills and marketing potential.

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 (Indian Council of Medical Research). Thus, there is a tremendous scope for increasing the milk production.

Dr. Sipahi, General Manager with Mehsana Dairy, says: "Animal Husbandry has emerged as main business whereas the agriculture has become a side business. Today, in Mehsana District, a number of farmers earn their bread and butter because of animal husbandry. I think in India this is the only dairy with two stationary and one mobile laboratory and has 110 veterinaries working in the district."

Central and State Governments are extending considerable financial assistance for creating infrastructure facilities for milk production.

The ninth Plan outlay on animal husbandry was Rs. 23,450 million.

ANI