Department of Agricultural Economics, MPKV, Rahuri – 413 722, Maharashtra.
The economics of goat rearing in Maharashtra has been studied based on the primary data collected from a sample of 90 goat owners from Osmanabad district of Maharashtra by survey method for the year 2003–2004. For analysis, the respondents have been divided into three size groups, viz. small (< 20 goats), medium (21–40 goats) and large (> 40 goats). The total fixed capital investment per flock has been found as Rs 44177, in which herd stock constituted the main component in goat rearing. The per flock net returns over working cost have been found as Rs 33,523 and net returns over total coasts as Rs 23,714. The net returns over total cost have shown in increasing trend with increase in the flock size. The output-input ratio at working cost has been found as 2.47 and at total cost, as 1.72. The study has argued that there exists a scope to increase annual gross returns from goat rearing by expanding the size of flocks. The farmers prefer to dispose off their goats to the merchants in nearby markets rather than selling to slaughter men in the village. The per kid average price realized has been recorded as Rs 1075.00. On an average, the marketing cost has worked out to be Rs 28.42 per goat. The net returns per goat per annum have shown an increasing trend with an increase in flock size, indicating constant returns to scale.
The study has outlined the need to develop market infrastructure for marketing of goat and goat products. It can be stated that this enterprise can generate additional employment and income for the weaker sections of the society and farming households in the state and will help improve their economy.
