Socio-economic status of select dairy farmers - A study

Abstract

The study examines the socio-economic status of dairy farmers in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, focusing on their challenges and opportunities. It aims to evaluate their demographic profile, awareness, and access to modern dairy practices. The methodology involved both primary data collection from 30 respondents, categorized into small, medium, and large-scale dairy farmers, and secondary data from journals, newspapers, and websites. Findings reveal that 50% of farmers are unregistered with dairy cooperatives, 73% are male though women perform most tasks, and 93% lack sufficient knowledge of advanced practices like Total Mixed Ration (TMR). Furthermore, only 13% own basic dairy machinery, and 37% lack animal sheds, reflecting limited access to resources and training. Recommendations include targeted government training programs, financial support for infrastructure development, and increased awareness of cooperative benefits to enhance productivity and economic resilience.