Karnataka State has always remained in the forefront of all agricultural development initiatives in the country and dairy development is not an exception. Karnataka stands sixth in milk production in the country and it occupies third position with respect to milk production under cooperative sector in the country. The milk production was around 45.98, 47.84 and 45.39 lakh tones in 2000-01, 2001-02 & 2002-03 respectively. The per capita availability of milk is 228 grams per day1, which is slightly above the national average. The dairy industry in India is spread over the entire country in innumerable small units in a much disorganized form. In recent years, the Indian dairy industry is on the threshold of many changes that would totally transform the dairy scene and give the needed thrust to its rapid growth to meet the challenges ahead. This paper makes an attempt to look into the socio economic status of women dairy farmers and suggest suitable measures to improve their living condition.

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Keywords: Socio Economic Status, Milk Production, Agricultural Development, National Average.