Published Paper Details:

Dairy farming plays a vital role in economic sustainability , employment and nutritional security of rural farmers. The livestock sector has witnessed a phenomenal growth especially in the last decade owing to increased demand for food and food products of animal origin. In India majority of rural households belong to small and marginal farmers in terms of land and animal holding. In Andhra Pradesh in order to create employment , income generation and nutritional security Govt of Andhra Pradesh ,A.H. Department implemented Mini Dairy scheme in drought prone area like Y.S.R. Kadapa district. 2 Murrah buffaloes were given to farmers on subsidy and their nutritional security and calorie intake were calculated through information obtained by structured questionnaire interview schedule and also from A.H Department .The net income generated by the beneficiaries of Mini dairy scheme stood at Rs. 1,41,939 per annum, Non-beneficiaries received an amount of Rs.30,776. Mini dairy provided family labour with an employment of 137 man days against 119 man days in respect of non-beneficiaries. This study indicates that rearing Murrah Buffaloes helps the rural farmers in income generation and employment.