Commercial aspects of goat farming simplified
Of late, there has been a tremendous interest in commercial goat farming amongst urban dwellers. There is no denying that it is a good business to be in given the uncertain and bleak scenario prevailing in the IT and Non-IT corporate sector. Just as there is considerable interest in commercial goat farming, there is an equal amount of information that confuses rather than enlighten potential entrepreneurs.
Without exception, all potential goat farming entrepreneurs want to start at a small scale and then gradually scale up. Nothing wrong in it except that small needs to be defined before taking the plunge. Even a small-scale operation has to necessarily offer some profits for the enterprise to succeed and grow. Any losses during the initial stages can destroy the aspirations of emerging entrepreneurs. Every successful businessman will tell you that commercial aspects take precedence over everything else in a business venture. Therefore it is prudent to first ascertain a level of operations that ensures that the farming enterprise is profitable from the word to go.
At the very outset, we need to realize that goat farming is a capital-intensive industry that offers an excellent return on investment, and the income generated is exempted from income tax. With a proper base plan, strategic positioning and tireless efforts, an enterprise involved in goat farming can not only generate excellent returns on investment in the short term but also offer exponential growth within 5 years of commencement of business.
The objective here is to let emerging, prospective and potential entrepreneurs know what it takes to get into commercial goat farming purely from a commercial point of view. The technical aspects of a commercial goat farm like farm location, housing, breed selection, healthcare facilities, fodder management, stock procurement, and logistics, etc. are secondary and can be obtained from the local agricultural officers, veterinarians, and equipment suppliers after the commercial aspects have been ascertained and addressed.
Based on our own experience and observations, we have prepared a chart that will help potential entrepreneurs understand the commercial aspects and financial implications involved in goat farming. The accompanying charts do not go into the minute details of establishing a goat farm since the intent here is only to offer a broad overview of goat farming as a business venture. Though these charts were prepared with an intent to offer an insight into the business of goat farming, they suffer from certain inadequacies as they do not dwell into the cost of land, cost of capital and opportunity cost since it varies from individual to individual and we have left it to the discretionary judgment of those setting up a goat farm project. In spite of these inadequacies, the charts will still be of help to understand the minimum scale of operations that gives the enterprise a reasonable chance of success.
Let us look at the other factors that influence the profitability of a goat farm: –
Land: The cost of land has not been included in the calculations primarily because some entrepreneurs may own the land themselves, some may buy it to start the farm on it and some may establish the farm on leased land and therefore putting a value on it may not necessarily reveal the correct picture. If it is leased land, then it comes at a cost since rental may have to be paid and that will have an impact on the return on investment. If it is already owned by the entrepreneur himself and it is being put to use now, then it is actually an additional benefit accruing to the land-owning entrepreneur. If the land is going to be acquired now to start a goat farm, the appreciation in land value is an additional benefit that accrues to the farming entrepreneur
Sales: We have indicated that you may realize a sale price of Rs 300/- per kilogram of live weight. This is pretty much the normal going rate. By avoiding middlemen and by selling meat instead of living goats, the farmer can expect to get rates as high as Rs 350/- per Kg. The impact this difference makes on the overall profitability of the enterprise is quite substantial. Modify the charts if you are able to obtain a better sale price for your goats.
Concentrated feed: We have considered 200 grams of concentrated feed per Buck per day in our calculations, 100 grams for mother goat during her pregnancy, and 200 grams during her lactating stage (The quantity is doubled to ensure that the goat kids get a very healthy upbringing). The goat kids can be fed 100 grams after they are weaned away from the mother.
The cost of procuring concentrated feed comes to Rs 30/- per Kg. Based on local conditions, there is some scope to modify these figures by altering the quantity, compensating it through grazing or growing it on the farm, etc.
Veterinarian’s services: If a farmer thinks that he is a good veterinary doctor himself, good luck to him since he may need lots of it. It is a safe and prudent practice to sign up for the committed services of a veterinary doctor to handle the healthcare of your stock. One additional benefit of engaging the services of a Veterinarian is with regard to insurance. You need the services of a veterinarian whenever you need to obtain insurance cover for your asset and also to make a claim on it.
Biggest positive: By retaining healthy alpha female goat kids for further expansion, the business can see exponential growth with minimal additional investments. Sales of goat milk and goat pellets are other sources of income that do make a small difference. Remember, the income that you earn is tax-free and the food business will never go out of vogue. Happy farming then.
The author is not a farmer but an entrepreneur involved in the business of farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to define yourself as a goat farmer in the initial stages, you won’t succeed. However, if you are looking at yourself as an entrepreneur in the business of goat farming, the future is very bright for you.
At the outset, we have to concede that a scale of operations that offers you a negative return on investment is not to be considered as a commercial goat farm. We consider goat farms with: –
- 100 mother goats as a Hobby-scale farm,
- 300 mother goats as a Micro-scale farm, and
- 500 mother goats as Small- scale farm.
Based on our own experience and observations, we had prepared a chart that contains the details like investment required, working capital needs, annual profits and return on investment etc. Please peruse the charts and use the calculations therein to assess the size that suits your circumstances best.
From a technical point of view, any place which is higher than the surrounding area, land is fertile and has adequate groundwater availability should be perfect. From a commercial angle, if you were to buy land for more than 8 Lakhs per acre to set up a goat farm, it will become difficult to scale up and grow
Loss of animals during grazing, death of an animal due to improper / inadequate veterinary care, and epidemics are the primary risks involved in goat farming. You can reduce/eliminateimproper/inadequate risks by growing fodder inhouse, engaging a veterinarian on retainer basis and obtaining insurance cover for your animals. These steps entail additional costs but they largely safeguard your assets.
- He has to inspect the farm at regular intervals for hygiene and animal health related issues and suggest remedies.
- Handle medical emergencies of animals whenever the need arises.
- Keep an eye on epidemics before they arrive on your farm.
- Issue valuation certificates for obtaining insurance policies.
- Carry out postmortem and issue death certificates whenever an insurance claim has to be made.
Of course, you can but you have to take into account that an insurance claim can’t be made if an animal/animals go missing during grazing.
If you want to be like Mukesh Ambani, then insurance is a must. If you wish to be like his younger brother, then insurance can be avoided.
For your perusal, we have attached a copy of the insurance policy for goats. Click here
4% plus GST.
Every breed has its pros and cons in terms of growth rate, market value, adaptability to the farm conditions and resistance to diseases. There is no ‘One size fits all’ solution. As an entrepreneur, you have to evaluate the market and the local environment to decide which breed is most suited for your farm.
You will find that the price of gold goes down sometimes, but have you ever seen the price of goat meat going down in the last 50 years? If you are not getting a good price for your goat, the problem is with your marketing skills rather than the goat.
We would suggest that you seriously consider what we call it as forward integration. If you can supply goat meat directly to consumers instead of selling goats to middlemen or butchers, you will find your profits going up by another 30%. That should be your second aim after you have succeeded at goat farming.
Our Farmhouse Projects
Farmhouse close to Chennai
Paalaar Valley is a serene and visually stunning farmhouse project located just a 45-minute driving distance away from Chennai. The 35-acre gated community is surrounded by hillocks on three sides, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring backdrop for a farmhouse. This natural setting not only adds to the beauty but also ensures privacy and seclusion for its occupants.
Farmhouse off ECR
Paalaar Sangamam – a site for your dream farmhouse near the breathtaking East Coast Road. Located in the town jurisdiction of Cheyyur off ECR, Paalaar Sangamam is just 2 kilometers away from the main market and bus terminus, has an excellent sandy loamy soil and a good water table.
Farmhouse plot for Rs 60/- per SFT.
Ammu Farms is a perfect location for individuals interested in setting up various types of farms, such as dairy farms, goat farms, poultry farms, or integrated farms, as commercial enterprises. Additionally, it may also appeal to those who desire to own or develop a large farmhouse on a large plot.
Farmhouse near Chengalpattu
Paalaar Greens Phase 2 is located diagonally opposite Chengalpattu and 13 Kms from Mahindra World City. Being located in the vicinity of Paalaar river, the site has abundant groundwater and is ideally suited to set up a farmhouse off GST road.
Farmhouse in Kodaikanal
If you are someone who wishes to own a large plot comprising of a winding sloped driveway leading to a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by trees, complete with a campfire and barbeque set up, in the cool and misty ambience of a hill station, then Paalaar Heights is your ultimate destination
Cows & Goats
Your Cow - Our Farm
Experience Pure, Unadulterated Milk Delivered to Your Doorstep – Own a Cow with Our Exclusive Milk Sharing Initiative!”
Indulge in the delight of wholesome, unadulterated milk right at your doorstep through our unique initiative. Simply own a cow, and we’ll take care of it with utmost dedication on our farm, ensuring its well-being and health. Under our milk sharing arrangement, you’ll enjoy the benefits of owning a cow without the hassle, and in return, relish the pure goodness of its milk.
Your Goat - Our Farm
Get into goat farming and gain goat-rearing experience with minimal investment, Paalaar Urban Farms has brought out the concept of Your goat – Our farm. Those interested in getting into goat farming can buy some goats and entrust them to our farm to start with. We will maintain your goats for a monthly fee. In the process, goat owners can get the platform to learn the techniques and challenges involved in goat farming.
