Abstract
A milk production function WWI estimated from the primary data collected from the dairy producers. Results obtained provide evidence that the profit of the dairymen can be increased through the efficient use of resources.
INTRODUCTION
Over the period 1971.72 to 1982-83, the total milk production in Pakistan increased from 6.3 to 7.8 million tonnes with an annual growth rate of 1.30 per-cent, Over the same period, human population increased from 65.31 to 89.12 million heads with an annual growth rate of 3.10 perc'ent. Consequently, the average annual per capita consumption of milk in Pakistan declined from 97 to 88 kilograms (Government of Pakistan 1981.83).
The bulk of milk production in our country is in the hands of millions of small producers scattered all over the country. To most of them, it is a supple-mentary or complementary enterprise only. Therefore, there exists a vast scope for improving the milk production by commercialising this enterprise. Milk pro. duction can be increased either by increasing the number of mulch animals or by improving the productivity of the individual animal. It may not be possible to rear substantially additional number of animals as there is already a heavy pressure of animals per unit of land, (Irfan, 1979). Moreover, pressure of cash and food crops on land is increasing day by day leaving less land for growing fodder crops.
However, milk production can be increased significantly by improving the productivity of animals which presently is very low. The average daily milk yield. for a buffalo in the country is estimated to be 5,3 litres. Increase in the productivity of animals may come from two directions, namely, feeding and, managment and breeding. Compared to the former, bree-ding and selection are relatively slow processes, In the short run, feeding and management are the major factors influencing milk production (Reiman, 1952). The dairy men who rear the lunch animals liavo little specific knowledge about
*Department of Agricultural Marketing, University of Agri., Faisalabad-
