Dairy Farmer/Entrepreneur
Manages the day-to-day care of dairy cows and the production, quality and marketing of milk.
Overview
A Dairy Farmer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and care of dairy cows, so they produce the maximum quantity of milk. The individual ensures proper care of the animals, their health and productivity, milking and marketing of the produced milk.
Where they work
- Dairy Co-operative Organizations
- Dairy Product Companies
Work environment
It is a field job. You may have to handle a team of field workers. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. If you work for a co-operative or company, you are likely to work in a shift system. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own business.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to take care of animals
- You would like to start your own business
- You are good at planning and work according to the plan
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Certificate: Complete 10+2 with Science stream - Biology as a subject. Look for schools offering vocational education in Dairy Farming or Animal Husbandry under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
- 2Diploma (After Class 10 or 12): Diploma in Dairy Technology. Diploma in Animal Husbandry. These are offered by agricultural universities and polytechnics.
- 3Undergraduate (After Class 12): Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Dairy Technology, B.Sc. in Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & AH). Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics) in Class 12. Entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA for admission to agricultural universities.
- 4Postgraduate: M.Sc. in Dairy Technology, M.Sc. in Animal Husbandry, Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.).
Forms, exams and applications
Entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA are used for admission to agricultural universities. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam
- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
- College of Dairy Technology, Udgir, Maharashtra
- College of Dairy Technology, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
- Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidhyalay, Raipur, Chhattishgarh
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Dairy Farmer/Entrepreneur
- 2Dairy Supervisor
- 3Dairy Manager
- 4Dairy Owner
Related careers to explore
Dairy Technologist
Handles the processing, storage, packaging and distribution of milk and milk products.
Animal Health Worker
Provides preventive health care, disease-control support and first aid to farm animals and poultry.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Agriculture.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to working outdoors.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Maheshbhai Mafatbhai Solanki — Of the Kheda district of Gujarat, took the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) training in 2018 in a bid to build his capacity for Dairy Farming. Before joining the training, his annual net income was INR 74,880. But after completing the training, his annual net income increased to INR 3,52,320.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 11 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3krcTGM
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.