LIVELIHOOD PATTERNS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF DAIRY FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN NAGPUR DISTRICT

Dairy farming remains a primary livelihood strategy for rural households across India, blending traditional agrarian practices with income-generating activity and supporting food and employment security. In Nagpur district of Maharashtra, where agricultural activities dominate rural life, dairy farming plays a significant socio-economic role. This study examines the livelihood patterns of dairy farming households and assesses their socio-economic conditions, including demographic characteristics, income levels, asset ownership, educational background, farming practices, market participation, and challenges faced in dairy production and marketing. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with randomly selected dairy farmers across major dairy-producing blocks of Nagpur, combined with secondary data from district-level agricultural profiles. Findings reveal that a large proportion of dairy households depend significantly on dairying as a supplementary or principal source of livelihood, generating steady cash flows and employment across seasons. Socio-economic factors such as education, herd size, landholding, and extension contact influence dairy productivity and adoption of scientific practices. Constraints such as market accessibility, infrastructure gaps (fodder, milk cooling), and limited access to credit and veterinary services persist, affecting profitability and livelihood security. The study discusses policy implications for enhancing dairy value chains, strengthening cooperatives, and improving rural incomes.