A Study on Social and Economic Conditions and Farming Structure of Dairy Farmers in Kerala

This research investigates the profile of dairy farmers in Kerala, focusing on their socio-economic conditions and dairy farming structure. Using a descriptive research design, the study collected data from 384 dairy farmers across three leading milk-producing districts in Kerala, India. Respondents in the cooperative system were chosen using a multistage random sampling technique, while those in the non-cooperative system were chosen using snowball sampling. For data analysis, the study uses basic statistical tools, such as averages, frequencies, and percentages. The results of the study reveals that in Kerala dairy farming is male dominated and most of them are middle aged. Most of the dairy farmer’s educational qualification is matriculation or below. The main occupation of the dairy farmers in Kerala is agriculture that prove the dairy farmers opt dairying as subsidiary occupation. Around 60 per cent of the dairy farmers’ monthly income is below 25,000 which prove that the income generated from the dairying activity is meagre. Most of the dairy farmers in Kerala favoured Jersy breed, followed by the Holstein Friesian. Vast majority of dairy farmers in Kerala depend both cooperatives and non-cooperative sector for the purpose of selling their produce. Dairy farmers in Kerala got highest price for their produce if they sell it directly to the consumer and the lowest price is offered by the dairy cooperatives.