Comparative Socio-economic Analysis of Dairy Farmers Across Agro-climatic Zones in Chhattisgarh
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the socioeconomic profiles of dairy farmers across three agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh—Chhattisgarh Plains, Northern Hills, and Bastar Plateau. Dairy farming is a crucial livelihood activity in the region; however, significant disparities exist in farmer characteristics and economic outcomes across these zones. Using a multi-stage sampling method, data were collected from 360 dairy farmers representing diverse ecological and cultural contexts. The findings reveal that middle-aged males dominate the dairy farming population, with notable caste-based variations. Tribal communities are predominant in the Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau, whereas the Plains have a higher representation of general caste farmers. Education levels vary sharply, with illiteracy highest in Bastar Plateau (49.16%) and lowest in the Plains (23.33%). Economic indicators show that 70% of Plains farmers earn a medium level of income, compared to over 54% of low-income earners in the Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau. Non-farm income and training exposure also exhibit significant regional gaps, with Bastar Plateau notably lagging. Most farmers operate on small landholdings and rely on traditional kachha animal shelters. Milk production and sales are strongest in the Plains, while the Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau demonstrate lower productivity and weaker market access. Social participation, mass media exposure, and confidence levels are moderate overall but are significantly lower in Bastar. Marketing is dominated by direct sales and middlemen, with minimal cooperative involvement and frequent delays in payment. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted, zone-specific interventions to improve education, training, infrastructure, and market connectivity, especially in the marginalized Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau regions. Future research may focus on evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions over time and exploring innovative models—such as cooperatives, FPOs, and digital platforms—to bridge structural gaps and enhance the resilience of dairy farming systems in underserved regions.