International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

The present study was undertaken to identify farmer-perceived constraints and elicit actionable suggestions to inform evidence-based livestock development policies. An ex-post-facto research design was employed in Udaipur and Banswara districts of southern Rajasthan. A total of 240 farmers were selected from 16 villages using random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, mean percent score and ranking.

Results indicated that marketing constraints were the most severe, recording the highest overall MPS (85.47), followed by feeding (82.22), healthcare (78.30), management (77.12) and breeding constraints (76.17). The perception that bovine rearing was uneconomical emerged as the dominant marketing barrier (MPS 94.31), reflecting weak price realization, limited cooperative presence and inadequate market infrastructure. Feeding constraints primarily involved high concentrate prices and fodder scarcity, highlighting the need for feed security interventions. Breeding constraints were associated with inadequate access to pedigree bulls, weak artificial insemination outreach and low productivity of local breeds. Management challenges centered on the high cost of housing and limited knowledge of scientific care for pregnant and lactating animals. Healthcare barriers reflected gaps in preventive knowledge on hygiene and vaccination.

Policy implications include strengthening last-mile extension, expanding mobile veterinary and artificial insemination services, promoting low-cost housing and balanced feeding models and investing in dairy cooperatives, value addition and transparent pricing mechanisms. Targeted capacity-building, inclusive credit access and digital advisory platforms are essential to enhance adoption, resilience and incomes. The study provides actionable insights to guide region-specific, farmer-centric livestock policy.