Economic Empowerment of Dairy Farmers through Dairy Cooperative Societies in Nagaland

This study examines the role of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) in empowering dairy farmers economically in the Dimapur district of Nagaland, India. Primary data were collected from 75 DCS members and 25 non-members, while secondary data were sourced from the DIMUL office and relevant public records for the agricultural year 2020-21. Analytical methods included tabular analysis, index construction, and cost-return analysis. Economic empowerment was assessed by examining the creation of human, physical, and financial assets among the farmers. Results indicated that DCS members exhibited significantly higher mean scores in human (58.44 vs. 51.33), financial (42.00 vs. 30.17), and overall asset creation (55.11 vs. 44.50) compared to non-members. However, physical asset creation was slightly higher for non-members (52.00 vs. 51.11). Additionally, DCS members reported significantly higher average annual savings (Rs. 42,845.96 vs. Rs. 21,508.69). In terms of milk production, the net return per day from crossbred cows was Rs. 53.19, Rs. 78.09, and Rs. 71.30 for small, medium, and large-scale farmers, respectively, compared to Rs. 17.95, Rs. 20.40, and Rs. 22.47 for local cows. The average milk yield was 5.08 liters per day for crossbred cows and 1.89 liters for local cows. These findings highlight the positive economic impact of DCS membership, particularly in asset creation and milk production efficiency.