Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Author(s):
Pooja Karki and MA Ansari

Abstract:
Dairy farming has been an integral component of agricultural in India as it plays a critical role in sustainability of rural livelihoods and provides insurance to farmers in case of crop failure. However, the updated knowledge of dairy farmers about improved dairy farming practices is very important for getting good economic returns. The major objective of study was to determine dairy farmers’ knowledge about improved dairy farming practices. The knowledge of dairy farmers on five major areas of dairy farming (feeding, breeding, healthcare, general management and clean milk production practices) was determined using a standardized Knowledge Test. The study sample comprised 240 dairy farmers spread across eight villages in two districts of Kumaon division. Data was collected using structured interview schedule, and the respondents were personally interviewed by the researcher. The study findings revealed that 65 percent of the respondents displayed medium level of knowledge whereas 32.08 percent were having low and 2.92 percent high level of knowledge regarding improved dairy farming, respectively. Thus, in order to increase milk productivity, we need to undertake extensive efforts to improve their knowledge.