Resource Use Efficiency in Milk Production in Different Dairy-Integrated Farming Systems in Terai Region of West Bengal

Abstract

The study is undertaken in Terai region of West Bengal with the objective to assess the resource use efficiency in milk production in different dairy-integrated farming systems. The study covers a total of 180 dairy farmers from different farming systems. The results of Cobb-Douglas production function reveal that milk production in Dairy (D), Dairy + Crop + Goat (D + C + G), Dairy + Crop + Mushroom (D + C + M) and Dairy + Crop + Fishery (D + C + F) farming systems could be increased by feeding more amount of green fodder. Similarly, dry fodder has positive effect on milk production in Dairy + Crop (D + C), Dairy + Crop + Goat (D + C + G) and Dairy + Crop + Poultry (D + C + P) farming system whereas in Dairy (D) farming system it has negative impact on milk production. The study also reveals that green fodder is under-utilised and concentrate is over-utilised in Dairy + Crop + Mushroom (D + C + M) farming system. In Dairy + Crop + Fishery (D + C + F) farming system concentrate is over-utilised. In overall farming system, concentrate is over-utilised in indigenous cattle in the study area, resulting in higher per litre cost of milk production.