COST AND RETURNS ESTIMATION AND BREAK-EVEN POINT ANALYSIS OF MURRAH BUFFALO MILK PRODUCTION IN HARYANA

The dairy sector in India plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and rural livelihoods. Present study focuses on Murrah buffalo farming dynamics, analyzing milk production, consumption patterns, and economic aspects of 120 Murrah (pure and graded) buffalo farmers in Karnal and Hisar districts of Haryana, India. Results revealed that the average milk production and consumption per household per day were 22.75 kg and 5.42 kg, respectively. Farmers generated an average marketed surplus of 17.32 kg of milk per day per household, contributing to the local dairy economy. Furthermore, farmers preferred (68.33%) un-organized milk marketing channels, highlighting the need to strengthen dairy cooperatives and market infrastructure. The cost of milk production was estimated at ₹ 90,864.05 per annum per buffalo, with a net income of ₹ 22,227.97. The break-even point for milk production was 953.93 kg per buffalo per annum, representing 45.38% of the total milk production. Additionally, Murrah buffalo milk production generated an average of 215.12 man-days of employment per annum per household, emphasizing its role in rural employment generation. These findings highlight the significance of targeted interventions to enhance sustainability and livelihoods in Murrah buffalo farming, contributing to regional socio-economic development.