Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dairy Farmers: A Case Study of Kozhikode District of Kerala

ABSTRACT

The present study assessed the multi-dimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dairy farmers based on primary data collected from 200 farmers of Kozhikode district, Kerala. A drop in milk prices and dry fodder shortage emerged as the major problem during the pandemic. The dairy farmers suffered an average loss of 7175 per milch animal. Farmers were selling milk directly to the consumer households, and those with larger herd sizes incurred comparatively higher losses. Search for new consumers, conversion of surplus milk to ghee and preparation of feed mix at home were the main coping strategies adopted by the farmers. © 2022 The Society of Economics and Development, except certain content provided by third parties.