Evidence on Milk Consumption and Production Linkages from Rural Bihar, India

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Economics
• Nutritional Science
• Rural Development

Background:

• Milk is a vital protein source for Indian households, yet consumption remains low.
• Low milk intake necessitates examining production-consumption linkages concerning accessibility, availability, and affordability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between milk production and consumption in rural Bihar, India.
• To analyze factors influencing milk production investments and their association with household dietary diversity.

Main Methods:

• A two-round panel survey of 2001 households in Gaya and Nalanda districts, Bihar (2019-2020).
• Data collection on household milk consumption, production, sales, and other food intake.
• Ordinary least squares regression analysis to identify factors associated with milk consumption, particularly own production.

Main Results:

• Milk-producing households consumed significantly more milk (β: 7.1 L/wk) than those purchasing milk.
• Higher milk production tertiles correlated with increased household milk consumption (β: 14.3 L/wk).
• Higher milk sales correlated with decreased household milk consumption (β: -8.8 L/wk).

Conclusions:

• Household milk consumption is positively associated with milk production levels.
• Milk sales act as a limiting factor for milk consumption within producing households.
• Addressing production-consumption linkages is crucial for enhancing milk availability and nutritional outcomes in rural India.