This year’s monsoon has brought disappointment to our state, as both national (94%) and Maharashtra (96%) rainfall fell below average. This has particularly affected the dairy sector, leading to a double crisis for milk producers.
Milk prices have taken a nosedive while the costs of animal feed have soared. Farmers are protesting, demanding fair milk prices, as cow’s milk is selling for as low as 30 rupees per liter, with buffalo milk at an average of Rs. 40. The arbitrary pricing practices of private milk directors have only made things tougher for farmers.
The shortfall in the monsoon has created a scarcity of green fodder, especially in regions like Marathwada and western Maharashtra. High demand has driven up green fodder prices, causing difficulties for rural areas that rely on dairy as a secondary income source. Many farmers heavily invested in dairy, but now face the challenge of declining milk prices and rising feed costs.
As a result, some farmers who had hoped for a good monsoon are now dealing with feed shortages, leading to reduced milk production. The substantial gap between production costs and milk prices has put many farmers in a difficult position.
Private milk institutes also play a role in exacerbating farmers’ challenges, potentially causing further declines in milk production.
Green fodder is essential for the well-being of dairy animals, and its scarcity can lead to issues like night blindness and calf mortality. Effective fodder planning and management become crucial.
One alternative worth considering, given the availability of green fodder, is poultry farming, using land for drought-resistant fodder crops.
As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare, including providing warm water for animals and planting winter crops for a steady supply of feed.
The challenges faced by milk producers are diverse, but strategic planning offers hope for a resilient dairy industry in the face of these difficulties.
