Perfil dos produtores de leite de comunidades rurais de Monteiro-PB.

Abstract

Milk production plays a crucial role in the economy of rural communities in the semiarid region of the Northeast, constituting an important source of income and subsistence for farming families. In the municipality of Monteiro, specifically in the community of Cacimba de Cima, this activity stands out not only for its economic character, but also for its social and cultural relevance, being strongly marked by the tradition of family farming. Given this context, this study aimed to outline the profile of milk producers in the aforementioned community, seeking to understand their socioeconomic conditions, production practices and challenges faced in carrying out the activity. The research is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative), carried out through the application of structured questionnaires to 19 local producers. The results revealed the predominance of men (58%) in the dairy activity, with a greater concentration in the age group of 46 to 60 years (74%), and low level of education, with 65% of the interviewees having incomplete elementary education. Exclusive dedication to milk production was observed, with more than three people participating in the properties and with over 15 years of experience in most cases (68%). Membership in cooperatives was significant (74%), indicating the importance of these organizations in the flow of production and in obtaining better negotiation conditions. The predominant management system was semi-intensive (58%), aimed at raising cattle and goats, with emphasis on the mixed breed (SRD) and Saanen breeds. All producers reported performing zootechnical control and receiving technical assistance; however, sanitary practices before milking still lack greater rigor, since 84% limit themselves to washing the teats. Milk is sold exclusively in its naturais form, with 79% of producers opting to sell through cooperatives, which highlights the lack of initiatives aimed at adding value, such as the production of cheese and yogurt. It is concluded that dairy farming is essential for the subsistence of the community studied, reinforcing the need for public policies that encourage technical training, rural succession and production diversification, with a view to enhancing the production chain and strengthening family farming in the semi-arid region of Paraíba.