Milch cattle in integrated rural development programme

Integrated Rural Development Programme aims at transfer of productive assets and creation of gainful employment to improve income levels of rural poor. Choice of varied income generating schemes are offered under this programme. "Milch Cattle" has been the most popular among them because of its compatibility with socio cultural practices, resource structure and skill of the rural poor.
A very large number of beneficiaries have opted for the milch cattle scheme for augmenting their income. There have been arguments about the economic viability of the scheme and the irregularities allegedly associated with the implementation of this particular scheme. The present study critically examines the details of operation of the scheme in the states of Haryana and Orissa and brings out evidence to establish suitability of the scheme in generating additional employment. It is argued by the researchers that the Milch Cattle scheme works out to be a profitable proposition for the landless rural poor because dry and green fodder requirement of cattle is primarily met by family labour.