Economic analysis of goat rearing under field conditions in Rajasthan

Asurvey was conducted during 2007–08 in Jaipur district of Rajasthan to find out the economics of goat rearing under field conditions. A total of 240 goat farmers belonging to 16 villages spread in 4 blocks were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. Among the selected farmers 42.11% were belonging to small holder category (1–5 goats/family). Capital investment per goat was highest in medium holder category (6–10 goats/family) and lowest in small holder category of farmers. The variable and fixed costs shared 86.27 and 13.73% of the gross cost. The labour cost shared 72% of variable cost and interest on investment shared 13% of fixed cost. Gross cost per goat decreased with increase in herd size. Income from sale of kids/adults contributed (56.01%) to returns followed by sale of milk (40.65%) and manure (3.40%). Net income was maximum in large herd size and minimum in small herd size. Income and employment generation also increased with increase in herd size. It was concluded that goat rearing plays a vital role in generating income and employment to farmers in the Rajasthan.