An attempt has been made in this study to compare the cost and returns from milk production across members and non-members of dairy cooperative societies in Alwar District of Rajasthan during the year 2005–06. The study covered 75 cooperative member milk producers and 75 non-member milk producers. The results of the study revealed that the net cost of maintaining a buffalo was relatively higher in case of member group (Rs.47.99 per day) as compared to non-member group (Rs.44.22 per day), while corresponding figures for maintaining a cow were Rs.38.42 and Rs.36.56 respectively. The net maintenance cost was found to decrease with the increase in herd size categories in both member and non-member groups. The per litre cost of buffalo milk production was worked out to be Rs.11.43 and Rs.11.76 for member and non-member groups, respectively. The corresponding figures for cow milk production were Rs.10.20 and Rs.10.50, respectively. The net income of buffalo per day was relatively higher in case of member group (Rs.7.38) compared to non-member group (Rs.2.70), while corresponding figures for maintaining a cow was Rs. 5.37 and Rs. 1.82.
Member, Non-member, Net cost, Gross income, Net income
