Milk Procurement Procedure: Opportunity and Challenges in the context of Jharkhand
Amit Kumar
Since inception livestock rearing is a primitive occupation. But it is not merely an occupation but it is the way of life which for centuries, has been shaped the life and outlook of millions of people. Jharkhand is popular for its mining projects, but the plateau of Jharkhand has immense potential to stand up with dairy projects. It can shape the life and livelihoods of the rural masses. As it is a rain fed area, hence; to secure ones’ livelihood Agriculture could not be the only suitable option. It requires proper amalgamation of Agriculture with livestock based projects.
Keeping the aforesaid objectives in view and looking at the prospect of dairy projects at Jharkhand, the study will be conducted with some specific objectives: Knowing about primary producers and assessing their needs in study area, Understanding milk procurement process and role of all players who procuring milk, Conducting comparative analysis and opportunity matching study of milk procurement and Understanding challenge and constraint with primary producer prospective. The empirical study was conducted with a broader objective: To provide some concrete suggestions which may contribute to bring positive changes in the life of rural masses. Present study would be a comparative and descriptive one and based on Ex- post facto research design.
Medha under Jharkhand Dairy Project is working very well in Harhi village. In village level there is an Automatic Milk Collection Unit (AMCU). Milk procurement is based on Integrated Milk Management Software (IMMS) linked with Jharkhand Dairy Project is completely transparent in the village. It has also good payment system. Most of the primary milk producers rear cows for commercial purpose in the village level. It has been their primary source of income. The study has also pointed out the problem faced out by primary milk producers as well as a clear picture of the marketing channel. Finally, recommendations have been given based on the opportunities for further development.
Key words: Milk Procurement, Integrated Milk Management Software, Milk Collection unit.