Constraints faced by the dairy farm women in animal husbandry practices and solutions to overcome those constraints

Abstract

The study was conducted in Vijapur and Mehsana talukas of Mehsana district, where milk production was the highest as compared to other talukas. Ten villages having a larger number of females in milk producers' cooperative societies were selected purposively. The sample consisted of 120 respondents for the study. The major economic constraints faced by dairy farm women, in sequential order, were: high cost of concentrate feed, high rates of interest on loans, high cost of milch animals, high cost of construction of cattle sheds, and lack of loan facilities. The important technological constraints were lack of knowledge about recommended practices of animal husbandry, lack of technical know-how about feed, fodder and health management aspects, inadequate knowledge of vaccination schedules, and lack of knowledge about the latest technologies related to milk and milk processing. The most important input-supply constraints were non-availability of roughages, lack of supply of crossbred animals, and non-availability of medical aids for animal treatment. The important marketing constraints were non-availability of remunerative prices for milk and milk products, high cost of preparation of milk products, and irregular collection of milk. The major administrative constraints were lack of proper training in animal husbandry, lack of artificial insemination facilities in villages, and lack of timely veterinary services.The major suggestions offered by dairy farm women to overcome the constraints in animal husbandry practices were: supply of roughages and concentrate feed should be made available; loan/subsidy facilities should be provided for the construction of cattle sheds and purchase of dairy animals; supply of good-quality crossbred cows should be regular; provisions should be made for regular training of dairy farm women; veterinary healthcare and cattle camps should be organized from time to time; at least five members of each dairy cooperative society should be trained to solve problems related to animal husbandry; and technical guidance regarding the latest technologies related to milk and milk processing should be provided to dairy farm women.