Constraints perceived by dairy farmers in Anantapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was carried out in three mandals of Anantapur district to assess the challenges being faced by dairy farmers with the help of pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 180 dairy farmers in 3 mandals through personal interview of respondents. Most of the respondents selected for the study were illitrates (42.78%) of middle age (64.44%) having Marginal farm holding size (47.22%) with medium family size (71.11%) small herd size (63.89%) and high social involvement (86.11%), mainly dependent on agriculture followed by dairy (63.89%). The study revealed that lack of green fodder round the year (69.44%) was the main constraint followed by non-remunerative price for milk (67.22%), lack of knowledge on balanced ration (64.44%). Underfeeding due to limited financial sources (33.33%), Lack of own capital (30.56%), Lack of credit supply (26.67%) are major financial constraints faced by the dairy farmers. A few farmers in the study area identified lack of availability of insemination on time (13.33%), low conception rate through AI (12.78%) as major constraints. The study suggests measures such as Facilitating market linkages for farmers, imparting knowledge on cultivation and conservation of fodder crops for round the year supply and Creating awareness about scientific dairy management practices with a focus on nutrition, breeding and health care for sustainable development of dairy sector as a whole.