Analysis of the traditional Nepali dairy farming (khutti) practice in Naukillo, Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

The Eastern Himalayan foothill region of Lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is dotted with dairy farming units of the Nepali community, locally known as ‘Khutti’. Though the dairy units are located in Lower Dibang Valley, the households of the dairy farmers are located in Sadiya, sub-division of the Tinsukia district of Assam. The present study was conducted to assess the nature and functioning of this traditional form of dairying and to understand the socio-economic condition of the dairy unit owners in the study area. The study was conducted during 2012–2013. Responses from 22 milk producing Nepali traditional farmers were randomly collected and analysed using Microsoft excel program. Income from draught animals, especially buffaloes were much higher (41%) than the cow farm types. Though dairying is the main source of income, the respondents were equally engaged in agricultural activities. Apart from economic benefits, dairying for this community is a symbol of status, pride and prosperity.