Utilization Pattern of Milk and Milk Products by Different Consuming Units in Andhra Pradesh, India: A Comparative Analysis

Milk and dairy products are vital for a balanced diet and play important roles in the economy and culture. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk. A study was conducted on 80 farmers and 50 consumers to investigate the utilization patterns of milk and milk products in Andhra Pradesh. The focus was on how milk was retained, consumed, and transformed into various products. Findings indicate that small farmers consume 11.83% of their total milk production, while large farmers consume only 5.23%. Among the milk retained in households, the majority was utilized as liquid milk (61.72%), followed by curd (25.40%) and ghee (12. 88%).On average, daily liquid milk consumption is 1.24 liters, higher than that of milk products across both rural and urban areas. Rural areas consume slightly more liquid milk, while urban areas prefer curd. Ghee consumption is similar in both regions, with rural areas showing a marginally higher intake. Policies should focus on promoting milk preservation and value-added products like curd and ghee for small farmers. Strengthening urban-rural linkages can improve dairy distribution, while raising awareness on the nutritional value of all milk products will encourage balanced consumption. Financial support and education for efficient milk production can help boost the dairy sector.