Dairy Sector in Bihar (India): Role and Status

Role and Status of Dairy Sector in Bihar

Abstract

Bihar is amongst the most under-developed states of India. In 2009-10, per capita in the income of Bihar was 65% less than the national average. Nevertheless, the state has started showing signs of economic growth. Dairying is an important source of income and employment in the state of Bihar. Dairy cooperatives have made a strong presence in the state and are commendably involved in uplifting the economic status of the smallholder dairy producers who constitute 92 per of the farmers. Evidence indicates that dairy cooperatives play a significant role not only in improving the income of the dairy producers but they also have a tremendous bearing on milk productivity through providing better facilities for quality, storage, marketing, processing, and other related services for the dairy farmers. The dairy cooperative is helpful in transferring more than fifty per cent of the producer’s share in consumer’s rupee and playing a vital role in empowering of the women and other weaker sections of the society as the distribution of livestock is more egalitarian than the land. Dairying can play a pivotal role in doubling farmers’ income as envisaged by the Government of India. The contributions of dairying is well documented and recognized and it is, therefore, imperative to encourage and promote the growth of the dairy sector to accomplish the goals of augmenting income and, empowering women and other weaker sections of society, and also addressing the challenges of providing nutritional security in the state.

Keywords: Dairying, Per capita income, Dairy co-operation, Small holders