Report on Milk Production in Bogenagarkoppa

Report Prepared by M N Bhat

Date of Village Visit: From 25, 26 & 27 August 2008

Background: Bogenagarkoppa is a small village having population of about 2500. Most of the villagers involved in agriculture and other allied activities like growing fruits, milk production etc.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to understand past & present production, measures taken up to increase the production and various problems involved in milk production.

As per the 07-08 censuses, there are 267 cows, 208 buffaloes and 200 goats in the village. Below is the table showing milk production in 07-08 & 08-9(till august 08).

Apart from this, there are 3 individual sellers who collect the milk from the villagers and directly sell in Hubble city. The individual sellers, on an average, collect 45 to 50 liters of milk per day. Five years back the same sellers were selling milk about 90 to 100 liters per day. 

There are 40 members selling milk to KMF dairy. The distribution of milk selling by the members is as follows.

Problems:

The major problems faced by the villagers in increasing the milk production are;

1)      The village dairy is not encouraging to increase the milk production. Quarrel by the staff who is not interested in it. Hindi used by them is very less. Traditional fodder like grass, Bili Jola & soya bean hottu are used. Fodder is not supplied by dairy. It was just 59 bags supplied last year.

2)      There is a decrease in the no. of cows & buffaloes during the last 5 years. This is because of the alternative employment opportunities provided by the other sectors.

a)      No. of tractors increased

b)      Some villagers going to Varur & Hubli for factory work.

c)       No. of cowboys decreased.

3)       During a particular time, the dairy is collecting milk. Sometimes the buffalo milks late in the morning or evening. If so it happens, where to sell the milk is the problem for them.

4)      During emergencies, access to individual sellers for money is very easy. They also offer more price than the dairy.

Note: Individual sellers are not encouraging to increase milk production; they are interested in profits.

Availability of Services:

The health care center is situated 4 km away from this village. As per the data provided by the local doctor, the artificial insemination is done for about 260 livestock. They encouraged for Khilar breed which is suitable for the local environment. Generally the local people prefer HF, Jersey, SR & GR.