Structure of Milk Production in Punjab — An Analysis of Trends and Sources of Growth

Abstract

Dairy sector in Punjab state has shown tremendous growth in terms of milk production from 3.22 million tonnes (1980-81) to 9.38 million tonnes (2009-10). In the present paper, the contribution of number of milch animals and productivity of animals has been studied with a view to analyze the relative importance of these determinants and their interactions towards the increase in total milk production in the state. The distribution of animals has shifted from low to high milk yield levels. A structural change in the composition of milk production has taken place in the state. The dominant factor contributing to the growth in milk production was the productivity of animals. The relative contribution of yield effect in the growth of cow and buffalo milk production increased and that of population declined overtime