Challenges encountered by dairy farmers in Udaipur district of Rajasthan

Abstract

Dairy farming holds significant importance in the social and economic structure of Udaipur, Rajasthan. This study was conducted within Udaipur district and focused on four specific tehsils: Mavli, Vallabhnagar (NT), Kotra and Jhadol (T). In each of these tehsils, four villages were chosen, and from each village, ten dairy farmers who owned at least five dairy animals were randomly selected. A total of 160 dairy farmers participated in this study, providing data through well-structured, pre-tested interview schedules conducted in person. The collected data was subsequently analysed using basic statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean per score (MPS), and standard deviation (S.D). The study's findings shed light on the challenges that dairy farmers face, affecting critical aspects of their livelihoods. These challenges were diverse, covering nutrition and breeding constraints affecting the health and genetics of dairy animals, housing issues highlighting the need for affordable and proper facilities, and healthcare management obstacles due to limited access to veterinary services and costly treatments. Additionally, marketing constraints, such as low milk prices and limited market access, coupled with gaps in record-keeping and value-added product knowledge, hindered farmers' profitability and growth opportunities.