Organic Goat Farming in Kerala: Breeds, Feed & Our Farm Story

Goat farming is one of the smartest choices for Kerala land. We share what actually works from our experience at Organified.

Why Kerala Is Ideal

• Warm climate suits local breeds
• Half acre supports 10-15 goats
• Year-round green fodder
• Strong demand for meat and milk

Best Breeds

Malabari Goat

Kerala’s champion. Hardy, disease-resistant, 1.5-2 litres milk/day. Twinning common. Browses efficiently on local plants.

Attappady Black

From Palakkad. Smaller but incredibly tough. Premium meat price. Thrives on undulating terrain.

Housing

Raised platform (2-3 ft), slatted bamboo floor. Three open sides + wire mesh. East-facing. 15-20 sq ft per goat. Cost: ₹40,000-60,000 for 15-20 goats.

Natural Feeding

• 5-6 hours daily browsing (jackfruit leaves, banana stems, grasses)
• Evening supplement: rice bran, groundnut cake, copra meal
• Mineral lick block always available
• Fresh water changed twice daily

Health Without Antibiotics

• Prevention: clean housing, good nutrition, no overcrowding
• Herbal deworming: neem leaves, papaya seeds, turmeric
• Prompt isolation of sick animals
• Vaccination (PPR, Enterotoxaemia) is permitted
• Mortality under 5% with good management

Our Farm Story

Started 2023 with 8 does and 1 buck. Lost kids to pneumonia from poor ventilation. Learned from local elders. Now 30+ goats, producing fresh goat milk and fresh goat meat.

Economics

Initial investment (10 does + 1 buck): ~₹1.5-1.9 lakh. Annual income from year 2: ₹1.5-2.5 lakh (kids) + ₹30-50K (milk) + ₹10-15K (manure). Profitable from second year.

FAQ

How many to start?

5-10 does + 1 buck. Scale after 6-12 months experience.

Profitable without subsidy?

Yes. Break even in 12-18 months. Direct-to-consumer sales improve margins.

Best breed for milk?

Malabari — 1.5-2 litres/day. Stick with pure breed for organic farming.

Small plot possible?

Yes — half acre with stall-feeding + limited grazing. Grow fodder crops like CO-4 grass.