Dairy Production Constraints in Kolar and Chikkaballapur Districts of Karnataka

Abstract

India owns the largest livestock population in the world. Dairy farming is one of the important activities of the rural population of our country. This study was undertaken to assess the production constraints in dairying using semi structured interview schedule through exploratory method, involving 120 sample dairy farmers in two districts of Karnataka, viz. Kolar and Chikkaballapur. The study revealed that majority of the farmers are engaged in dairying from the last 25 years and it is an important subsidiary occupation for most of the respondents. Majority possess <4 dairy animals and also possess good information on dairying and most of them buy feed for their animals from the market. Study also revealed that majority of them sell their animals more frequently (every half yearly) and it was observed that lack of feed and fodder and high cost of production were the reason for the same. Unavailability of green fodder throughout the year, high cost of feed and fodder, poor conception rate through artificial insemination and poor knowledge about feeding and healthcare were the major constraints perceived by the dairy farmers. Animal husbandry income is negatively correlated with dairy production constraints while different categories of constraints are positively correlated with each other. Suitable extension and feeding strategies are required to combat the constraints so that it leads to better production.