International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Varsha Jain, K Mukherjee, Deepti Kiran Barwa, Kaiser Parveen, Naveen Sahu and P Satheeshkumar

abstract
A field survey was conducted to evaluate the socio-economic status of 96 buffalo farmers from peri-urban and rural areas of Jagdalpur, Dantewada, and Narayanpur districts of the Bastar Plateau, Chhattisgarh. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire through personal interviews. Variables studied included farmer demographics, family structure, education, landholding, herd size, and management practices. Results showed that most respondents (63.54%) were under 55 years of age, predominantly male (80.21%), and belonged to Scheduled Tribes (69.79%). Illiteracy was high (73.95%), and 64.58% of respondents lived in joint families. Agriculture was the primary occupation for 76.04% of households, while 68.75% engaged in labour as a secondary occupation. Nearly half (50%) maintained medium-sized buffalo herds (6-10 animals), and the majority of buffaloes were medium (2-5 liters/day) milk yielders (62.5%). Most farmers owned less than 1 ha of land (36.45%), while only 13.54% were large landholders (>4 ha). The study identified major constraints to buffalo rearing in the region, including the scarcity of genetically superior stock, poor feeding practices, limited access to veterinary services, and the low educational status of farmers. Targeted interventions such as farmer-oriented extension programs, literacy and training initiatives, provision of improved germplasm, and better veterinary support could enhance buffalo productivity and strengthen livelihood security among tribal farming communities in the Bastar Plateau.