The numbers paint a stark picture for the dairy economics of the state. Despite the efforts of the State Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union Ltd (Goa Dairy), the amount of milk procured locally is a fraction of what is consumed daily. This forces the state to import the vast majority of its dairy supply from neighboring states, particularly Karnataka and Maharashtra. This reliance on external imports poses a substantial challenge to the long-term sustainability and stability of Goa’s market.

Several key factors are contributing to this production crisis. A primary cause is the declining interest among the local youth, who increasingly favor careers in the burgeoning tourism and service sectors over dairy farming. This shift in workforce dynamics has led to a critically low number of dairy cattle in the state. The situation is further compounded by issues like fragmented land holdings and a lack of organized community or cooperative farming initiatives, which hinder large-scale production.

This structural weakness has created a challenging environment for local agribusiness. With a small number of cattle and a decentralized approach to farming, the state’s production cannot keep pace with the demands of a growing population and a vibrant tourism industry. The article highlights that even with government support schemes and subsidies aimed at encouraging dairy activities, these foundational issues continue to suppress local output.