International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Patel HM, Dr. Narendra Singh, Dr. YA Garde, Dr. Alpesh Leau, Dr. JJ Makadia, Dr. Vishal S Thorat and Patel UB

abstract
Dairying has been a longstanding tradition rural households, providing food, income, and employment, particularly for marginal and small farmers. Understanding the constraints that dairy households face in the milk production is crucial. With these considerations in mind, the current study set out to determine the primary problems encountered by dairy household improvement of the milk sector especially in South Gujarat region of Gujarat State. A field survey was conducted in Valsad, Navsari, Surat and Tapi districts of South Gujarat region in Gujarat to identify various constraints perceived by dairy households in adoption of improved dairy husbandry practices. Information was collected from randomly selected 320 dairy households through personal interview with the help of structured interview schedule. The study revealed that in feeding constraints high cost of cattle and buffalo feed and mineral mixture was a very important constraint and least important constraint was an irregular and inadequate availability of grazing lands with Garrett’s mean score 62.02 and 34.97, respectively. In breeding constraints, unavailability of Indian bulls of high genetic merit was important and the least constraint was poor knowledge about breeding practices with Garrett’s mean score of 61.08 and 40.75, respectively. Poor knowledge about health care practices (with Garrett’s mean score of 65.25 was important health constrains. As well as in marketing constraints low price for milk was the most important with mean score 61.53 and Irregular sale of milk was the least important with mean score 32.81. Shortage of capital was an important financial constraint with mean score of 63.09. Some other constraints faced by dairy households was lack of knowledge about government scheme with mean score 63.16. It was suggested that simultaneous and cumulative efforts be made by the govt. and related agencies to overcome these constraints.