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DAIRY FARM Over the last thirty-five years, dairy farming has grown from a largely unorganized-if complex-activity, into a vast organized industry. The demand for milk has, in recent years, grown substantially, not only in cities but in small towns and rural areas as well, proportionately increasing the demand for trained personnel in this field. Today, a hundred and eighty-eight dairies spread across the country provide us with over a hundred and forty-three lakh litres of milk per day. The industry currently employs about 50,000 professionals; the number of men among them is at present far greater than that of women. However, this does not mean that women do not have the aptitude for such work. In fact, the trend has been changing lately, with greater number of women beginning to enter the profession, particularly in milk product organizations. Main Area of Work There are two main areas of activity in the dairy industry: LIQUID MILK PRODUCTION Covers milk collection processing and distribution, and is carried out almost entirely in the public sector, through cooperatives. MANUFACTURE OF MILK PRODUCTS Like butter, cheese, ghee, malted foods and ice cream, where value addition ensures profitability. This is largely undertaken by private companies. Work
Work in a dairy plant involves functioning at various levels, all of which require a degree of technical knowledge and skill in specialized areas of operations such as milk handling; condensing and drying; and chemical and bacteriological control. Most jobs in this industry fall under two broad heads: PRODUCTION Where work is mainly with milch cattle in sophisticated dairy farms. PROCESSING Which, as the term implies, covers the handling of milk for distribution, or its conversion into dairy products. Major Tasks Performed Production involves the collection of milk, breeding of high yielding cattle, and taking care of the animals. Veterinary scientists are usually best suited for such jobs. In the area of processing, the first, and most important task is that of obtaining milk. This is usually the job of the Milk procurement officer. The Procurement Officer must visit villages, talk to farmers and influence them to sell their milk. Procurement operations require a specialization in veterinary or agricultural science. Some dairy technologists also work in the capacity of milk procurement officers. Actual processing begins after the milk has reached the plant. Here milk is converted into a variety of dairy products. Dairy technologists deal with this aspect of the industry. Engineering is another vital area. Engineers are in great demand in this industry as they are responsible for plant maintenance and related activities. Marketing is also an essential input, which though not directly related, is in a sense a support service to the industry. Management graduates are normally hired for this job. Courses
As most jobs in the dairy industry require a high degree of specialization and skill, training is essential for all those who wish to make a career in it. A large number of institutions around the country now offer courses for those seeking employment in the industry. The Dairy Diploma Course is of two years duration. The B.Tech. (Dairy Technology) requires four years for completion. Academic Programme The curriculum covers various aspects of dairy technology, and includes subjects such as: DAIRY ENGINEERING This deals with the technological aspects of the product. For example, the technology behind the product, the effects of application of particular technologies on the product, and so on. DAIRY CHEMISTRY It studies the composition of the product, such as the percentage ratio of milk and cream contained in a specific dairy product. DAIRY BACTERIOLOGY This is taught so as to maintain product standards, and includes biotechnology. STATISTICAL AND QUALITY CONTROL It deals with microbiological laboratory testing. Besides this students learn how to run a factory or dairy plant, and classes on plant management, bookkeeping and accounts are included in the syllabus. Most institutions also ensure that students undergo a period of rigorous hands-on training at a commercial dairy. Eligibility
In general, candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination, with chemistry, physics, mathematics and English and with minimum aggregate of 55% are eligible to apply for these courses. Selection is on the basis of an all-India entrance examination. Personal Attributes: Willingness to work hard, commitment, an enquiring mind, cleanliness. Career Prospects
Openings for dairy technologists are available in both the public and the private sector. Co-operatives and federations provide ample scope for the dairy technologists in the public sector. In the private sector, specialists can join rural banks or private enterprises that manufacture and market milk products. A large number of dairy technologists also start their own business or work as consultants. In the procurement section, a specialist starts out as a Milk Procurement Officer, and can rise to become General Manager of the Procurement and Input Wing. In some exceptional cases, a procurement officer can even reach the level of Managing Director. In the sphere of processing, where engineers and dairy technologists are in demand, an individual who starts out as a technical officer can become a General Manager in that particular functional area. As engineers and food technologists are preferred for the post of Managing Director, the prospects for these specialists are almost unlimited. Future Prspects Dairying plays a dynamic role in India's agro-based economy. Our country's dairy industry is one of the fastest expanding in the world. Ten years ago, only 5% of the milk produced came into the dairies. Today it is 10%, and this figure will keep increasing. This is a relatively new field, and offers great scope to those who wish to make their career in dairy farming and related occupations. RELATED CAREERS Academics, food technology, veterinary science and animal husbandry. Remuneration
In general, in the dairy industry trainees receive a stipend of Rs 1,200 per month. Officers, on confirmation, draw between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 per month. General Managers, appointed after a minimum of 10 years experience as specialists, receive a salary of Rs 15,000 and upwards per month. PRESSURES In the area of production, the work requires living in remote areas, far away from the comforts and conveniences of the city, and this could put pressure on those unprepared for this sort of lifestyle. It also means long hours of very hard work. In other areas, the pressures involved in maintaining product quality standards-as milk is a perishable commodity-can be tremendous. REWARDS The knowledge that one is directly contributing to the country's economic development, as well as helping those who are less fortunate, is the greatest reward this career can offer. Institutes
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