Economic study of gaushalas in Haryana: functioning and profitability

Abstract

Cow is revered by more than 70% of the population of our country. Although the total cattle population of the country is dominated by indigenous cattle but the population of crossbred cattle has increased significantly. This poses threat to genetic diversity of our indigenous cattle. There is yet another problem of large number of stray cattle in the country and their number is still increasing. They need to be managed properly. Gaushalas are considered to be a good alternative to manage the ever increasing stray cattle population and also to conserve our deteriorating genetic base. Hence it becomes important to study how economically the Gaushalas are managed provided the type of animals they keep; identify their functioning, net returns etc. For this purpose Haryana was selected as this state has initiated many programs for indigenous cattle conservation and particularly for Gaushalas. Both primary and secondary data was taken on different aspects of Gaushala for triennium ending (2014, 15 & 16).

            The major sources of income were donations (75%) followed by government grants (8%) sale of milk (6%).  Feed and fodder constituted half of the total expenses and 70% of the operating expenditure of Gaushalas. For the whole sample net income was positive (₹ 14 lakhs per annum). It was found highest for Panipat Gaushala (₹ 37.85 lakh per annum), while Bhiwani Gaushala had the lowest and negative net income (₹ -15.51 lakh per annum). Net income was negative for some Gaushalas because of addition of fixed expense component in total expenses of Gaushalas. On the other hand the average returns over variable cost were positive (₹29.36 lakh per annum) for all the Gaushalas. Operating and gross ratios were found to be 0.73 and 0.97 respectively which shows that though Gaushalas were able to cover their operating expenses but they exhausted almost all of their income to cover their total expenses.

 

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