Navigating challenges in dairy value addition: A holistic examination of constraints and strategic roadmaps for sustainable growth

Abstract

The global dairy industry, pivotal to agriculture and livelihoods, has witnessed a surge in the integration of value addition practices, responding to market dynamics and consumer preferences. This paper delves into the challenges faced by dairy farmers in Haryana, India, as they navigate the adoption of Value Addition Practices (VAPs) for milk. Covering technical, economic, infrastructural, and miscellaneous aspects, the study offers nuanced insights and strategic roadmaps for sustainable growth. The research methodologically selects Hisar and Kurukshetra districts, involving 120 dairy farmers through a multistage random sampling approach. Utilizing the Mean Percent Score (MPS) formula, the study quantitatively evaluates constraints, revealing notable issues in scientific knowledge, economic expenses, infrastructural gaps, and miscellaneous hurdles. The findings underscore the urgency for targeted interventions, proposing enhanced training, financial support, infrastructure investments, and awareness campaigns to propel the dairy industry towards competitiveness, sustainability, and adaptability in the evolving agricultural landscape.