TN milk down as feed shortage hits output; Karnataka fares better
Milk production in Tamil Nadu is under visible stress as chronic shortages of cattle feed and rising fodder costs begin to bite harder at the farm level. According to field observations and official assessments, inadequate availability of quality green fodder and balanced concentrate feed has led to lower per-animal productivity, particularly among crossbred cows. Farmers report that even with stable animal numbers, daily yields have declined, eroding incomes at a time when feed expenses account for the largest share of milk production costs.
In contrast, Karnataka has managed to perform relatively better on the milk production front. A stronger fodder ecosystem, wider adoption of silage and dry fodder management, and more consistent cooperative support have helped cushion farmers against sharp productivity losses. Better integration between feed availability, extension services, and milk procurement systems appears to be playing a stabilising role in the State’s dairy economy.
The emerging divergence between the two neighbouring dairy states once again highlights feed and fodder security as the weakest link in India’s milk value chain. Without targeted investments in fodder cultivation, silage hubs, and affordable compound feed, productivity gains achieved over decades risk stagnation — or even reversal — especially in high-milk-density states like Tamil Nadu.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 16th 2026 Read full story here
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Image Credit : Gemini