Insights into the socio-economic dynamics of dairy farmers in Haryana

Abstract

Dairy farming stands as a cornerstone of agricultural practices in Haryana, India, shaping the socio-economic landscape through its widespread adoption and profound impact on rural livelihoods. Socio-economic analysis helps in identifying opportunities for growth and development within the dairy sector. Based on this consideration, the study was conducted with a sample size of 120 dairy farmers in Haryana to explore the unique socio-economic factors influencing dairy farming practices and livelihoods. A majority of respondents were middle aged with mean age of about 45 years. Most of the respondents were having medium to high level of formal education. Most of them were members of nuclear families and having medium sized families. Similarly, a large majority were having agriculture (cultivation) as occupation with small or marginal land holdings. Respondents, in general, preferred to have small to medium herd of dairy animals. The respondents scored generally higher in case of risk orientation. Further, they exhibited medium level of aspiration. A large majority of respondents were having medium level of cosmopoliteness and scores obtained by respondents in case of scientific orientation were fairly high. Further innovation proneness scores indicating their favourable attitude towards innovations.