Improved dairy production systems

Non Plot level Diversification

Overview

The pathway focuses on dairy farming in Sunsari district, specifically in the villages of Kalijhora and Lalpur, with the vision of increasing milk production and commercializing dairy farming. The region predominantly involves hybrid cows, which are the result of Artificial Insemination (AI) of local cows with Jersey breed semen. This hybridization is aimed at improving milk yield and overall productivity. In Kalijhora, most farmers engage in both household milk consumption and selling surplus milk. On average, participating farmers sell around 4-5 liters of milk per day, with an annual milk sale totalling about NPR 68,000 over an 8-month milking period, which is typical for a cow’s annual lactation cycle.

The justification for this pathway lies in its potential to boost local economies by enhancing milk production and introducing better dairy farming practices. Since dairy farming is a common livelihood activity in the region, improving productivity and commercialization can significantly enhance household incomes, particularly in rural areas where alternative income sources may be limited. Furthermore, this pathway supports sustainable agricultural practices through improved breeding techniques, leading to healthier cattle and higher milk yields. By focusing on enhancing production and encouraging more commercial dairy farming, this pathway aims to increase the overall economic resilience of farming households while tapping into broader market opportunities.

Who is working in the Pathway

SAGUN Agriculture Cooperative, Ministry of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Koshi Province, (MoIAC), Agriculture Knowledge Center Sunsari (AKC), Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center Sunsari (VHLSEC)

Activities

Activities Planned for this Pathway

Involvement of SAGUN’s Cooperatives (Future Prospect): Leverage the cooperative structure to enhance collaboration and resource pooling, helping farmers to access services and support for dairy farming.

  • Capacity Building: Provide training and knowledge on dairy farming techniques, including the management of dairy cows, hygiene practices, and health protocols, to increase overall productivity and quality.

  • Cattleshed Design and Model Building: Train farmers on designing and constructing efficient cattlesheds that ensure better ventilation, cleanliness, and cow comfort, leading to improved milk production.

  • Silage Preparation and Fodder/Forage Cultivation: Teach farmers how to prepare silage and cultivate quality fodder to ensure year-round availability of feed, improving milk yield and cow health.

  • Collection Center and Small Processing Center (Future Prospect): Explore the establishment of milk collection and small dairy processing centers to increase value addition, ensure fair pricing, and reduce post-harvest losses.

  • Selection of Farmers by SAGUN Cooperative with Local Body: Collaborate with SAGUN cooperatives and local bodies to identify and select suitable farmers for participation in the dairy farming program.

  • Hoarding Board: Install hoarding boards for awareness campaigns, promoting dairy farming and the benefits of modern farming practices.

  • Hiring of Expert Trainers for Fodder/Feed Preparation: Engage experts who can provide hands-on training on preparing nutritious and cost-effective fodder and feed, enabling farmers to improve the quality of livestock nutrition.

  • AI Programs by Local Government: Collaborate with local government agencies offering Artificial Insemination (AI) programs to ensure farmers can access high-quality breeding services.

  • Visits to Successful Cattle Farms: Organize visits to successful cattle farms to expose farmers to best practices, successful farming models, and practical knowledge that can be replicated in their own operations.

  • Multiple Training Programs on Disease Control, Cattleshed Management, Awareness, Vaccination, Treatment, and Cattle Insurance: Conduct a series of training sessions covering key topics like disease prevention, vaccination, cattle health management, and insurance, to ensure farmers are well-equipped to handle livestock health challenges.

  • WhatsApp Group Formation for Sharing Digital Information: Create a WhatsApp group to share important updates, digital materials, and resources with farmers, providing real-time assistance and knowledge sharing.

  • Distribution of Chilling Vans (Future prospect): Provide chilling vans to facilitate transportation of fresh milk, ensuring that it reaches collection points or processors in optimal condition.

  • Providing Silage Making Machines to Cooperatives (Future prospect): Distribute silage-making machines to cooperatives, enabling them to process and store fodder efficiently for year-round use.

  • Linkages via Partners for Information on High Milk Yield Breeds: Establish connections with partners to provide farmers with information on high-yielding breeds, such as Jersey or Holstein, through demonstrations and outreach programs.

  • Information on Low-Cost Feed Preparation: Offer practical advice on preparing low-cost feed, helping farmers reduce feed expenses while ensuring their cows receive nutritious meals for optimal milk production.

Results for each year – achievements and what we have learned

In the first year, a range of activities were successfully implemented to support the dairy farming initiative. Technical trainings were conducted for farmers, focusing on essential topics such as disease control, cattle shed management, fodder preparation, and cattle nutrition. These sessions equipped farmers with the skills needed to improve their practices and increase milk production. Market promotions were organized to raise awareness about dairy farming and its potential for economic growth. These activities helped in connecting farmers with local markets and provided insights into better pricing and sales strategies. Additionally, village visits and meetings were carried out to engage directly with the farming community, observe their practices, and offer personalized support. Through these interactions, it was learned that while farmers are eager to adopt modern dairy farming techniques, they face challenges related to feed availability, livestock health management, and marketing.