Cost-Benefit analysis of small ruminant farming in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The study was carried out to analyze the economics of small ruminant farming in Kashmir valley. The data was collected by using multistage stratified random sampling from two hundred small ruminant farmers of fourty villages of two blocks from the each five district of the region. The data was collected by personal interview using a structured survey schedule. Three groups of farmers were identified on the basis of flock size i.e. Small (n=121), medium (n=38) and large (n=41). Net profit over total cost/flock/year was Rs. 5074.56, Rs. 57825.34 and Rs. 117084.3 for small, medium and large flock size group, respectively. However the overall net return over total cost per flock per year was found to be Rs. 27259.72 and the net returns over variable cost in a flock increased as the flock size increased which were Rs.5537.52, Rs.52912.18 and Rs.153934.94 for small, medium and large group respectively. Overall net return over variable cost per unit of animal per year was Rs. 970.85. It was observed that as the flock size increases, the total returns also increases. Net returns over total cost increases as the size of the flock group increased. It was concluded that small ruminant farming was most popular in this region and if input resources are properly managed, would improve productivity and profitability of their production to support them substantially to cater their needs and provide gainful employment.