- It is a low-cost and highly profitable goat farming breed.
- Suitable for small-scale farmers and rural households.
- Known for high fertility, meat quality, and early maturity.
- Requires minimal space and feed.
- Can earn up to ₹1.5 lakh net profit per year from 20 goats
Black Bengal goat farming is gaining immense popularity across India due to its low investment needs and high return potential. This native breed is not only hardy but also highly adaptable to Indian climate conditions, making it ideal for beginners and rural farmers. If you are planning to start a black Bengal goat farm, this guide will help you understand everything from investment, care, breeding, to marketing and profits.
What is a Black Bengal Goat?
- A native Indian breed from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of Bangladesh.
- Small-sized goats with a black (sometimes brown or grey) coat.
- High meat-to-bone ratio and is known for soft, tasty meat.
- Excellent fertility and faster growth rate.
Characteristics:
- Adult Male Weight: 20-25 kg
- Adult Female Weight: 15-20 kg
- Litter Size: 2-3 kids per birth
- Breeding Cycle: Twice a year
Note: Their small size makes them ideal for stall-fed systems and backyard farming.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Origin | Bengal region |
| Coat Color | Black (dominant) |
| Average Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Kidding Frequency | 2 times/year |
| Litter Size | 2-3 |
Expert Tip: Choose purebred goats from government or certified breeders for better returns.
Investment Required for Black Bengal Goat Farm
Starting a Black Bengal goat farm requires relatively low capital compared to other livestock businesses.
Breakdown of Initial Investment (20 goats):
- Goats Purchase (18 females + 2 males): ₹60,000 – ₹70,000
- Shed Construction: ₹30,000 – ₹40,000
- Feed & Fodder (6 months): ₹20,000
- Medicine & Vaccination: ₹5,000
- Water & Equipment: ₹5,000
- Total: ₹1.1 to 1.3 lakh
| Expense Head | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Goat Purchase | ₹60,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Shed & Infrastructure | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Feed & Maintenance | ₹20,000 |
| Medicines & Vet Support | ₹5,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 |
| Total Setup Cost | ₹1.1 – 1.3 Lakh |
One-Line Expert Note: Always include contingency funds (10-15%) in your investment plan.
Income from Black Bengal Goat Farming
Income depends on litter size, market price, survival rate, and management quality.
Yearly Income Potential (from 20 goats):
- Each female produces 4-6 kids/year.
- Kid survival rate assumed: 85%
- Average sale price per kid: ₹3,000
Calculation:
- 18 females x 5 kids = 90 kids/year
- 85% survival = ~76 kids
- 76 kids x ₹3,000 = ₹2.28 lakh
Expenses (feed, medical, labor): ~₹70,000 Net Income: ~₹1.5 lakh/year
| Particulars | Estimated Amount (INR) |
| Kids Sold (76 @ ₹3,000) | ₹2,28,000 |
| Yearly Expenses | ₹70,000 |
| Net Profit | ₹1,58,000 |
Quick Tip: Selling manure can add ₹5,000-₹8,000 additional income.
Housing and Space Requirements
- Provide well-ventilated, dry, and clean sheds.
- Use elevated flooring to avoid waterlogging.
- Separate space for kids, sick goats, and pregnant females.
Space Guidelines:
- Adult Goat: 10 sq. ft.
- Kid: 4 sq. ft.
Note: Use bamboo, wood, or bricks for cost-effective construction.
| Type of Goat | Space Required (sq. ft.) |
| Adult | 10 |
| Kid | 4 |
| Breeding Male | 12 |
Expert Tip: Always keep 15-20% area for quarantine/isolation unit.
Feeding and Nutrition Plan
A well-fed goat ensures better growth and fertility.
Diet Includes:
- Green fodder (Lucerne, Napier)
- Dry fodder (Hay, Straw)
- Grains (Maize, Wheat Bran)
- Mineral Mixture & Salt
- Clean water (2-4 litres/day/goat)
Feeding Ratio (Daily Per Goat):
- 3 kg green fodder
- 0.5 kg dry fodder
- 250g concentrate
| Feed Type | Quantity/Day | Purpose |
| Green Fodder | 3 kg | Digestion, nutrients |
| Dry Fodder | 0.5 kg | Roughage |
| Grains/Concentrates | 250g | Energy & protein |
One-Line Note: Provide mineral lick blocks to avoid deficiencies.
Breeding Management
- Breeding starts at 8-10 months of age.
- Mating ratio: 1 male per 20 females.
- Keep breeding records (date, parent, litter size).
Tips for Efficient Breeding:
- Select healthy, pure-bred stock.
- Avoid inbreeding.
- Isolate pregnant goats during the final 2 weeks.
Table: Breeding Calendar
| Activity | Timeline |
| First Mating Age | 8-10 months |
| Gestation Period | 150 days (5 months) |
| Weaning Age | 2 months |
| Kidding Frequency | Twice/year |
Expert Guide: Use AI (artificial insemination) services in areas with access to veterinary support.
Disease Management & Vaccination Schedule
- Deworm every 3 months.
- Maintain hygiene to prevent PPR, FMD, and Enterotoxaemia.
Vaccination Schedule:
| Disease | Vaccine Timing |
| PPR | 3 months of age, yearly |
| FMD | 4 months, then every 6 mo |
| Enterotoxaemia | 3 months, then yearly |
| Goat Pox | 3 months, then yearly |
One-Line Tip: Always isolate new or sick goats for 10-15 days.
Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Target local meat shops, online goat selling platforms, and mandis.
- Offer home delivery of live goats during Eid or festival seasons.
- Use social media to promote your farm.
Sales Channels:
Note: Keep attractive packaging and hygiene if selling meat directly.
| Channel | Strategy |
| Butcher Shops | Bulk, regular orders |
| Festival Sales | Premium pricing possible |
| Online Ads | Wider reach, low cost |
Expert Advice: Build customer trust by offering farm visit experiences.
Conclusion
Black Bengal goat farming is a sustainable and highly profitable business, especially for small and marginal farmers in India. With proper care, feeding, and management, one can earn a stable income with minimal investment. It is an ideal agribusiness venture combining traditional knowledge and modern techniques.
Explore more blogs to boost your farming knowledge and make smarter agri-business moves.
FAQs on Black Bengal Goat Farming
Yes, it can yield ₹1.5 lakh or more annually from a small farm with 20 goats.
The price ranges between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per goat, depending on age and health.
Usually, 2-3 kids per birth and two deliveries per year.
Around 400-500 sq. ft. is enough for a shed and movement space.
They eat green fodder, hay, and grains, and require mineral supplements.
Yes, NABARD and state governments offer 25-33% subsidy for SC/ST and women.
Yes, regular vaccination against PPR, FMD, ET, and pox is a must.
Yes, Black Bengal goats are suitable for small backyard farming.
8-10 months for both males and females.
From government farms, ICAR institutes, or registered private breeders.
