Abstract            Volume:13  Issue-3  Year-2025         Original Research Articles

Online ISSN : 2347 - 3215 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcret@gmail.com

This study examines the economics of milk production and marketing in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on resource structure, production costs, and marketing channels. Primary data were collected from 75 milk-producing households across three villages (Dhanesari, Koirajpur, and Wajidpur) in Harahua block during June-July 2025. Farmers were categorized into marginal (1-2 animals), small (3-4 animals), and large (≥5 animals) based on herd size. The study revealed that buffalo milk production was more cost-effective than cow milk across all farm categories. Per-liter production costs ranged from ?44.30 to ?78.89, with large buffalo farms showing the lowest costs. Three major marketing channels were identified: direct producer-to-consumer sales, producer-vendor-consumer, and producer-cooperative-retailer-consumer chains. Direct sales provided the highest producer share (100%) in consumer price, while cooperative channels, though offering lower margins, provided more stable market access. The study highlights significant opportunities for improving dairy profitability through better breed management, feeding practices, and marketing channel optimization.

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