Impacts of COVID-19 on Small-Scale Dairy Enterprises in an Indian Megacity—Insights from Greater Bengaluru

Abstract

Natural calamities and pandemics massively affect small-scale entrepreneurs. In this paper, we aim to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected small dairy farms in the megacity of Bengaluru, India, where they supply a high share of the milk demand. In 2020 a total of 129 farms were visited before the first lockdown (January to March) and interviewed again after the lockdown had been loosened (August to September). Questions addressed feed supply to dairy cows, milk yield and marketing, and coping strategies for lockdown impacts. Results showed that the share of farmers not feeding concentrates increased from 1% before lockdown to 7% afterward (p < 0.05), and those not offering dry forages increased from 20% to 33% (p < 0.05) due to increasing forage prices. Milk yield dropped in all surveyed farms from 3905 L before to 2861 L after lockdown (p < 0.05) due to the sale of 30% of lactating cows across the farms. Enabling farmers to better cope with shocks through feed storage and by processing their surplus milk into durable products should be prioritised by supporting institutions such as dairy cooperatives. Alternatively, insurance schemes can capacitate farmers to maintain a fresh milk supply to urban consumers in the wake of global challenges.

Young Farmers’ Entrepreneurship during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…In Indonesia, the additional capital was unable to solve entrepreneurial problems for young farmers; thus, requiring other ways, such as finding opportunities, mentors, and a supportive environment (Grubbström & Joosse, 2021). Despite the lack of available funds in other countries, farmers utilized accessible financial and labor resources within their families and bank loans to carry on dairy farming (Alam, Schlecht, & Reichenbach, 2022). The problem of capital was not only related to the large number but the ease of access, which was crucial.…”

Rurbanity: a concept for the interdisciplinary study of rural–urban transformation

“…The concept of rurbanity provides a better understanding of how agricultural traditions of animal keepers from formerly rural communities are closely intertwined with their new urban-based capital-oriented Livelihood in which they sell and purchase cows as required by cash needs, market opportunities, and abrupt changes of the social–ecological environment, such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Alam et al 2022 ). It also highlights that Bengaluru’s animal sheds, as a formerly rural unit now adapted to the necessities of the city, are washed with tap water several times per day to prevent odour from disturbing urban neighbours.…”

“…In addition to the direct flow of materials, this practice is also an example of the social connection between milk-producing farmers and food waste-dispensing neighbours who may be pursuing a wasteful lifestyle (Ganguly 2017 ). From the perspective of Institutions and Behaviour we have seen that grazing cattle on roadsides and open construction sites, and collecting fodder from lakeshores is a widely used strategy (Reichenbach et al 2021a ; Alam et al 2022 ) building on common property principles that traditionally support Livelihoods in rural India (Gaur et al 2018 ). Beyond their contribution to the cattle-keepers’ income, the animals provide food products, and employment along the pre- and post-harvest value chain (Younas 2013 ).…”

Pandemic (Covid-19) Induced Impacts on Dairy Industry

“…Many studies have been conducted on impacts of pandemic (C19) on dairy industries. For instance, dairy farm operations (Hambardzumyan & Gevorgyan, 2022), issues of small & medium farms (Alam, Schlecht, & Reichenbach, 2022), resilience of dairy farms (Perrin & Martin, 2021), issues of short supply chain (Thulasiraman, Nandagopal, & Kothakota, 2021), changes on dairy products consumption (Janssen, et al, 2021), comparison of dairy sector in different economies (Vall, et al, 2021) (Pavase, Memon, Pawase, & Soomro, 2021) and continents (Acosta, et al, 2021) were a few of many.…”