Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Background: Rathi cattle are an important indigenous dairy breed of western Rajasthan and contribute to the livelihoods of farmers in the region. However, the economic performance of milk production is influenced by production costs, milk productivity, market prices and access to essential veterinary, financial and marketing services. Location-specific assessment of these factors is therefore important for identifying the major constraints affecting the profitability of Rathi cattle-based dairy farming.

Aims: To assess selected cost and return indicators of milk production from Rathi indigenous cattle and to identify and prioritise major technical, financial and marketing constraints perceived by farmers in selected areas of western Rajasthan.

Study Design, Place and Duration of Study: A field survey was conducted during 2025–2026 in Lunkaransar, Suratgarh and Nohar tehsils of Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts, respectively.

Methodology: Six villages were selected, and 120 farmers (20 from each village) were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. Cost and return analysis was conducted on a per-animal-per-day basis, and Garrett’s ranking technique was used to prioritise farmer-perceived constraints.

Results: Milk yield was 6.62, 5.77 and 5.17 litres per animal per day in Lunkaransar, Suratgarh and Nohar, respectively. Corresponding net returns were ₹137.82, ₹101.23 and ₹74.96 per animal per day. Feed and fodder costs and family labour were major components of variable expenditure. Infertility was the highest-ranked technical constraint (Garrett score 69.00), followed by unavailability of emergency veterinary services (67.89), lack of improved equipment (64.02) and lack of training (63.56). Among financial and marketing constraints, lack of knowledge about credit facilities from government and banks ranked first (60.57), followed by low milk price (54.31) and high cost of cattle feed and mineral mixture (50.00).

Conclusion: Economic performance was closely associated with productivity, feed expenditure, milk prices and access to reproductive, veterinary, financial and marketing services. Strengthening these services through coordinated extension, veterinary and market interventions can improve the profitability and sustainability of Rathi cattle-based dairy farming in western Rajasthan.