Objective: This study investigated procurement pattern and main factors affecting fluid milk in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
Statistical/analysis: Secondary data were collected from selected co-operative dairy plant for procurement pattern and factors affecting milk procurement for the period 2003 to 2013 and 2008-2013, respectively. The main determinants of factors affecting fluid milk have been identified. The average procurement indices in lean season, mean season and flush season were constructed.
Findings: The results indicated that procurement pattern has an increasing trend in the monthly procurement of milk. The milk procurement was at peak in March and lowest in June (summer). It has been found that procurement of milk was usually low in lean season thereafter rising progressively in mean season followed by flush season. On the basis of regression analysis, the study has been found that all the explanatory variables were statistically significant except average value of incentives provided on technical inputs and average kilometers distance travelled per litre of milk procured.
Improvements: The study has observed that seasonality affects the level of milk procurement.