MILK MARKETING SYSTEM IN IRRIGATED AND ARANI AREAS OF THE PUNJAB

Abstract

Milk marketing is an important activity that regulates demand and supply of milk. Existing milk marketing system in Punjab. Pakistan is functioning without much attention of planners and policy makers. The conventional milk trades supply the highly unsatisfactory commodity to the consumers. The present study was planned to look into existing milk marketing system to provide proper information and feedback to policy makers and planners for improving the milk marketing. This study 15 based on primary data collected through farm level survey of milk producers, milk carriers and retailers from irrigated and barani areas of the Punjab during 2004. Overall 80 milk producers, milk carriers and 50 retailers from both irrigated and barani areas were interviewed from Faisalabad and Rawalpindi districts. The data indicate that percent share of milk producers in consumers rupees is almost 75. Second high share is of retailers (17 %). Cost of milk borne by milk producers is higher i.e. more than 8 rupees per liter, The net profit margins of milk producers are more than other market agencies. Retailers followed by milk carriers earned high percent profit margins while producers earned low percent profit margins. For improvement of milk marketing soft conditioned loans may be advanced for small milk chilling plants and pickup vans. More milk collection centers may be established and milk may be converted into dried form.