Analysis of Techno-Economic Feasibility of Commercial Goat Farming in Different Regions of India

To evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of commercial goat farming in India, data were collected from 136 commercial goat farms across 20 states of the country, representing six major goat-rearing regions during 2019-21. Overall, the cost and return analysis revealed that the initial investment on the purchase of animals constituted 38.66%, while the construction of goat sheds accounted for 61.34% of the total investment. In variable cost, overall feed and fodder cost was 52.87%, followed by labour (29.84%), interest on capital (6.58%) and depreciation on sheds and equipment (6.48%). Veterinary costs and other expenses made up the remaining part of the variable cost. On the income side, sale of kids was the primary source of income (78.27%), followed by milk (13.22%) and manure (8.51%). The annual net income per breedable goat (over variable costs) was Rs. 6903 for small, Rs. 7715 for medium and Rs. 8767 for large farms. The overall net income per goat was Rs. 8088 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.24. Goat breed, adoption of good management practices, body weights of male kids and strategic marketing influenced the return to farms, particularly during festivals. The sale of male goats during festivals received 43% higher prices. An average score of 0.77 was found in the technical efficiency analysis; 24% of farms operate at 100% and 60% at >70% efficiency. The findings suggested that commercial goat farming is a highly viable enterprise in India, profitability and efficiency strongly influenced by breed, management and market strategies.