How to Start Dairy Farming in Jharkhand: Business Plan, Breeds, Set-Up Cost, Profit, and Requirements

Jharkhand is located in eastern India and is known for its fertile land and water resources. The state has a large population of small and marginal farmers engaged in subsistence agriculture. Dairy farming is an important agricultural activity in Jharkhand, providing livelihood to many small and marginal farmers. Dairy farming can be a lucrative business venture if it is managed properly.

How to Start Dairy Farming in Jharkhand

Is Dairy Farming Profitable in Jharkhand?

Dairy farming is a highly profitable business venture in many parts of India. However, the state of Jharkhand has proven to be an ideal location for aspiring dairy farmers. With its vast natural resources and open spaces, Jharkhand provides the perfect environment for dairy farming.
In Jharkhand, dairy farming is a major income source for many small and marginal farmers. Due to its large cattle population and favorable climate, the state has a high potential for milk production. Dairy farming in Jharkhand can be profitable if proper planning and management are employed.

The Requirements for Dairy Farming in Jharkhand

A piece of land: You will need a piece of land to build your dairy farm. The land size will depend on the number of cows you plan to keep.
A water source: You will need a water source for your dairy farm. This can be a well, borehole, or river.
Shelter for your cows: You will need to provide shelter. This can be in the form of a shed or barn.
Feed for your cows: You will need to provide feed for your cows. This can be grass, hay, straw, and grain.
Equipment: You will need some basic equipment for your dairy farm, such as milking machines and buckets.

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Factors Affecting Dairy Farming in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is ideal for dairy farming due to its climatic conditions and rich agricultural resources. Dairy farming can be profitable in Jharkhand if certain factors are considered.
The main factor affecting dairy farming in Jharkhand is the climate. Jharkhand has a tropical climate conducive to grass and other green fodder growth. The average rainfall in Jharkhand is around 1400 mm which is adequate for grass growth.
Another important factor affecting dairy farming in Jharkhand is the availability of good-quality cattle breeds. Many indigenous cattle breeds are available in Jharkhand, which is well-suited for dairy farming. Some popular cattle breed available in Jharkhand are Gir, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Rathi.
Another important factor affecting dairy farming in Jharkhand is the availability of infrastructure facilities. Many private companies have set up modern dairy farms in Jharkhand with all the latest infrastructure facilities. These companies provide good quality milk at competitive prices to consumers.
The government of Jharkhand has also taken some initiatives to promote dairy farming in the state. The government has set up many Animal Husbandry Centers (AHCs) across the state where farmers can get information about various aspects of dairy farming, such as breeding, feeding, and health care.

The Cost of Setting Up a Dairy Farm in Jharkhand

The cost of setting up a dairy farm in Jharkhand depends on various factors such as the size and type of farm, the number of animals to be kept, the infrastructure required, and the funding source. The set-up cost for a dairy farm is around Rs. 10-30 lakhs.

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Types of Dairy Production Systems in Jharkhand

Small Scale

Small-scale family farms are Jharkhand’s most common type of dairy farm. These operations are typically run by a single family, with all members contributing to the business. Dairy cattle are often kept in small herds of 2-3 animals, and milk production is typically for home consumption only.

Small-scale family farms dominate the dairy industry in Jharkhand, accounting for about 80% of all milk production in the state. These farms are typically run by a single family, with the husband and wife working together to care for the cows and manage the farm.

Large Scale

Large commercial dairy farms are much less common in Jharkhand, accounting for only about 20% of milk production in the state. Companies or cooperatives usually run these operations, with hired workers carrying out most of the day-to-day tasks. Dairy farming systems in Jharkhand vary depending on the size and type of farm.

Family farms tend to be more traditional, with cows being kept in open fields and fed a diet of grass and hay. Commercial dairy farms are often more intensive, with cows kept in confinement and fed a grain diet and other commercial feeds. Both dairy farms produce milk sold to local markets or processed into cheese, butter, and other products. Large-scale commercial dairy farms are less common in Jharkhand but are growing in popularity as the demand for milk increases.

These operations are usually run by companies or cooperatives and employ many workers. Dairy cattle are kept in much larger herds, often numbering hundreds or thousands of animals. Milk production is done commercially; these farms typically have well-developed business plans and management structures. Profit is a primary goal for these operations.

The Future of Dairy Farming in Jharkhand

The future of dairy farming in Jharkhand is exciting. The state’s large population and growing economy make it an ideal market for dairy farmers. Dairy farmers have many opportunities to expand their operations and increase their profitability.
The government supports the dairy industry and is working to improve infrastructure and provide subsidies for farmers. There is a growing demand for milk and dairy products in Jharkhand, which is expected to continue. Dairy farming is viable for farmers looking to diversify their operations or start a new business.

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Steps to Create a Dairy Business Plan in the Jharkhand

Decide on the size of your dairy farm: There are different types to start dairy farms: small, medium, or large scale. This will determine the amount of money you must invest and the land requirements.
Choose the right breed: Many breeds of cows are available, each with benefits. Select a breed based on your budget and desired milk output.
Get the required licenses: To operate a dairy farm, you must obtain certain licenses from the government.
Create a business plan: Just like any other business, it is important to have a detailed plan outlining your goals, finances, and operational procedures.
Find the right location: The location of your farm will play a big role in its success. Make sure to choose an area with good water and pasture resources.
Build proper infrastructure: Housing, feeding, and milking facilities are essential for any successful dairy farm.
Promote your dairy products: To make profits, you must market and sell your dairy products effectively.

Is Dairy Farming Profitable in Jharkhand

Yes, dairy farming is profitable in Jharkhand. The state has a diverse climate which is suitable for a variety of livestock breeds. Dairy farming allows small and marginal farmers to earn a decent income. The set-up cost is relatively low, and the profit margins are high. There is a growing demand for milk and milk products in the state. The government is providing financial and technical assistance to encourage dairy farming.

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Dairy Farm Care in Jharkhand

Dairy farming is an important agricultural activity in Jharkhand. The state has a large number of dairy farms, which are located in different parts of the state. Many factors contribute to the success of dairy farming in Jharkhand. The most important factor is the availability of good quality cattle feed. Jharkhand has a wide variety of cattle feed available, which helps maintain the animals’ health and improve their milk yield.
Another important factor is the availability of water. Jharkhand has several rivers and streams, providing adequate water for irrigation and other purposes. The state also has several groundwater resources, which can be used to water crops and provide livestock drinking water.
Provide good housing and facilities for your cattle: Cattle need a clean and comfortable environment to thrive. Ensure you provide them with ample space to move around, access to fresh water and fodder, and shelter from extreme weather conditions.
Follow proper nutrition and health care practices: A healthy diet is essential for dairy cattle to produce high-quality milk. They should be given a balanced diet of green fodder, concentrates, minerals, and vitamins. Additionally, they must be vaccinated regularly against diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS).
The next step is to purchase good quality cattle feed from the market. Cattle feed should be nutritious and rich in proteins and minerals. It is important to provide clean water to the animals.
After purchasing the cattle, they must be vaccinated against common diseases such as foot-and-mouth, anthrax, rinderpest, etc. Vaccination schedules should be followed properly to maintain the health of the animals. Milking should be done twice daily – morning and evening – using clean utensils and techniques. Milk produced during each session should be immediately stored in clean containers at a cool temperature to prevent spoilage.

Dairy Breeds Available in Jharkhand

Jharkhand’s main indigenous cattle breeds are the Gir, Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Deoni, and Khillari. These breeds adapt well to the local climatic conditions and have good milk production potential. However, they must be cross-bred with high-yielding exotic breeds such as the Holstein Friesian (HF) to improve milk production.

The HF breed is the most popular dairy breed in India. However, this breed is not well adapted to Jharkhand’s hot and humid conditions. As a result, it is important to choose a cross-breed that is more suitable for the local conditions.

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Key Rules for Starting Dairy Farming in Jharkhand

You need to choose the right breed of cattle for your farm. Different breeds of cattle produce different types and amounts of milk, so selecting a breed well-suited to your climate and pasture conditions is important.
You must provide your cows with high-quality food and water. Proper nutrition is essential for optimal milk production.
It would help to create a clean and comfortable environment for your cows. Cows that are stressed or uncomfortable will not produce as much milk as those that are contented and comfortable.
You must keep meticulous records of all aspects of your dairy operation, from breeding and calving records to feed and water consumption levels. Following these key rules can set your dairy farm up for success.

Dairy Farming Loans and Subsidies in Jharkhand

If you plan to start a dairy farming business in Jharkhand, you first need to obtain a loan and subsidy from the government. The government offers several schemes for farmers, including loans for dairy farming. You can also get subsidies on certain inputs such as fodder and feed.
Two main types of dairy farming loans are available in Jharkhand: term loans and working capital loans. Term loans are typically used for long-term investments, such as the purchase of land, construction of buildings, etc. On the other hand, working capital loans are meant for short-term needs, such as buying cattle, feed, etc.
Both term loans and working capital loans are available at subsidized interest rates. In addition, the government also provides a subsidy of 50% on the interest paid on these loans. As a result, dairy farmers in Jharkhand can avail themselves of significant financial benefits by taking advantage of these schemes.
To get a loan for dairy farming, you must have a business plan in place. The business plan should include your proposed set-up, costs, and profits. It is important to remember that dairy farming is a long-term investment; therefore, you should not expect to see profits immediately.

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Dairy Farming Challenges in Jharkhand

Low productivity: The productivity of dairy farms in Jharkhand is low compared to other states in India. This is due to the small herd size, lack of modern technology, and skilled labor.
High cost of production: The cost of production is high due to the high cost of feed and fodder, veterinary services, and medicines.
Lack of storage facilities: Most dairy farmers do not have access to proper storage facilities for milk and milk products, resulting in wastage.
Poor quality control: No quality control mechanism exists for milk and milk products produced in Jharkhand, leading to sub-standard products.

Conclusion

Dairy farming is an important agricultural sector in Jharkhand, providing milk and milk products to a large population. It is a source of livelihood for small and marginal farmers and a significant contributor to the state’s economy. Dairy farming is a profitable agricultural business in India. It has a high potential for expansion in Jharkhand, especially in the eastern and southern regions of the state.

Last Updated: March 9, 2023

Author: Jagdish

How to Start Dairy Farming in Jharkhand: Business Plan, Breeds, Set-Up Cost, Profit, and Requirements

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