Dairy Sector:

India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world. Production is estimated to be around 121.8 million tonnes during 2010-11 as compared to 53.9 million tonnes in1990-91. Per capita availability of milk at national level has increased from 176 grams per day in 1990-91 to 281 grams per day in 2010-11.

The challenges faced by the dairy sector are:

♤ Small herd size and poor productivity

♤ Inadequate budgetary allocation over the years

♤ Lack of equity with crop production

♤ Inadequate availability of credit

♤ Poor access to organized markets deprive farmers of proper milk price

♤ Shortage of manpower and funds

♤ Limited availability of quality breeding bulls

♤ Disease outbreaks: mortality & morbidity

♤ Deficiency of vaccines and vaccination set-up

♤ Induction of crossbred animals in areas poor in feed resources

♤ Majority of grazing lands are either degraded or encroached

♤ Diversion of feed & fodder ingredients for industrial use