International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
GN Narnaware, NW Shinde, PS Patil and VK Lule

abstract
The Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra State were selected for the study that examined the profitability of milk production as a whole and its numerous operational and managerial aspects. This region was chosen purposively since it produces less milk and has lower productivity compared to the rest of the state. In the years 2021 and 2022, 410 milk producers were randomly categorised into three groups: small (1-3 milch animals), medium (4 to 5 animals), and large (6 animals or more). Primarily, data was collected from these producers and tabular data analysis was carried out. The daily maintenance cost per milch animal of Rs. 150.75 for buffalo, Rs. 133.23 for crossbred cows, and Rs. 49.64 for local cows, out of all the different cost components, the greatest amount was spent on feed, which ranged from 66.24% for local cows, 61.64% for crossbred cows, and 64.80% for buffalo. Crossbred cows had the lowest average cost per liter of milk production at 23.75 rupees, while local cow buffalo had the highest at 42.10 rupees, buffalo at 33.23 rupees. When looking at net return per milch animal, the highest was Rs. 129.16 for buffalo, followed by Rs. 41.26 for crossbred. Rearing of local cow incur a loss of Rs. 3.39 per milch animal per day.