Exploring constraints in the adoption of dairy management practices by dairy farmers: A study in Uttarakhand

Abstract

Dairy farming stands as a cornerstone of India's agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to the nation's economy and providing livelihoods to millions of rural households. However, despite its pivotal role, the adoption of modern dairy management practices remains a challenge for many Indian dairy farmers. In this context, understanding the constraints impeding the uptake of efficient dairy management practices is crucial for enhancing productivity, production efficiency and sustainability within dairy farming sector. This study was carried in purposively selected two districts of Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand state. Further, two blocks from each district were chosen purposively based on the highest number of dairy cooperative societies, and two villages were selected from each block. Thirty (30) dairy farmers were selected from each selected village through purposive sampling method applying criteria of possession of 2 or more dairy animals. Thus, total sample size for the present study was two hundred forty (n=240). The descriptive research design was followed for the study. The study found that major constraints faced by dairy farmers were: non-availability of vaccines (89.58 percent) under infrastructure constraints, low price of milk offered (79.17 percent) under financial constraints, lack of training facilities in dairy sector (100%) under technical constraints and inadequate information about government schemes related to dairy enterprise (88.33) under miscellaneous constraints. These findings will illuminate the blindspots in understanding the major factors affecting adoption of advanced dairy farming practices; and will be helpful to the dairy professionals, dairy cooperative societies and extension workers and policy advocates in formulating appropriate strategies for promotion of dairy farming.