Structural Changes in Dairy Sector of Karnataka State: A Regional Analysis

The present study was conducted to examine the structural transformation in the dairy sector of Karnataka state based on secondary data from 1996–97 to 2011–12. The results revealed that the bovine population in the state comprised mainly of indigenous cows followed by buffaloes and crossbred cows. Across the regions, the northern region was dominated by milch indigenous cows and buffaloes, while southern region had a large number of crossbred milch animals. Similarly, the ratio of in-milk to the milch animal population for indigenous cows and buffaloes were highest in the northern region as compared to southern, and central and coastal regions. However, southern region had the highest number of crossbred cows in-milk to the milch animal population. The percent of milk production from crossbred cows was increased in all the three regions of the state over the period considered. Overall, the state has a number of indigenous cows and buffaloes which has less milk productivity than cross breds. Due to this, the cost of milk production is increasing. Exploitation of resources and increasing pressure on land is leading toa call for sustainable dairy development in the state. Therefore, in view of the future increasing demand for milk and milk products, the state government need to give significant attention for the sustenance of milk production.