Steep drop in cattle herds strains Kerala’s dairy livelihoods as milk prices fall sharply.
Kerala is experiencing a dramatic downturn in its dairy sector, with cattle numbers plummeting amid sustained low milk prices. Producers report that thin margins—driven by feed and input costs outpacing returns—have prompted herd reductions and threaten the viability of small-scale dairy operations.
Many farmers are abandoning dairy altogether, saying that milk procurement rates don’t cover production expenses. The crisis has been exacerbated by rising costs and inadequate compensation for feed, leaving little incentive to maintain cattle herds .
This structural strain has broader implications for rural welfare and food security. A shrinking dairy base erodes incomes for numerous households and undercuts the cooperative collectives that anchor local economies .
Experts warn that without urgent intervention, Kerala risks losing dairy self‑sufficiency. The plight underscores the need for policy support—either in price stabilization, feed subsidies, or procurement interventions—to revitalize the sector.
Unless Kerala introduces systemic reforms to arrest cattle loss and improve milk price support, dairy farmers face the grim prospect of bankruptcy. Coordinated steps involving cooperatives, state agencies, and price regulators will be essential to reverse the trend.
Source: Mathrubhumi – Kerala sees sharp decline in cattle numbers; farmers struggle with low milk prices https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala-sees-sharp-decline-in-cattle-numbers-farmers-struggle-with-low-milk-prices-rw065fx2
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