Vol. 10, Special Issue 1 (2021)

Author(s):
Mohd Younas Beig, SA Khandi, Rayees Ahmed Bafanda and Rizwan Jeelani

Abstract:
Mixed dairy farming system is an option to improve productivity among small-scale farmers. It has been seen that if properly managed, mixed dairy farming system can be a powerful tool for poverty reduction and socio-economic empowerment of the rural population. The study was conducted in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir state to assess the constraints perceived by the field veterinarians in different areas of mixed dairy farming. Lists of field veterinarians working in Jammu district were prepared, and thirty field veterinarians working in Jammu district were selected randomly as respondents by simple lottery method. Data were collected through well structured questionnaire after proper testing of schedule and using appropriate scales. The field veterinarians were given fifty statements in total for the perception rating regarding the constraints in mixed dairy farming. Respondents were asked to rate them on three point continuum i.e. very serious (score = 3), serious (score = 2) and somewhat serious (score = 1), based on seriousness of the perceived constraint. The constraints were then ranked based upon their mean percent score. The study reveals that Constraints like, lack of knowledge about balanced ration, lack of interest of young generation in animal husbandry related work, and poor knowledge of farmers about marketing strategies were perceived as most serious constraints by the field veterinarians in mixed dairy farming system. On the other hand, items like, high burden of work, considering mixed dairy farming an unprofitable enterprise, perception of animals causing diseases and elders as decision makers not allowing adoption of new technologies, were perceived as least serious constraints.