Constraints of beneficiary and non-beneficiary ATMA dairy farmers in adoption of scientific dairy farming practices in North Gujarat
Author(s): Parmar DV, Sutariya DR, Johari M and Patel VK
Abstract: Dairy farming has proven to be a highly promising sector, serving key income source for unemployed person. It plays a vital role in enhancing food supply, generating employment, and improving nutritional levels. To boost productivity, it is crucial to adopt advanced scientific dairy farming practices. However, farmers encounter various challenges in implementing these practices. Identifying these constraints is essential for planners and administrators to pinpoint the underlying issues and address any gaps, ultimately helping to increase profitability. This study was undertaken to examine the constraints faced by both ATMA beneficiaries and non-beneficiary dairy farmers in adopting scientific dairy farming practices. A random sample of 300 respondents was selected from the Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Patan districts of North Gujarat, India. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using frequency and percentage methods. Farmers were asked open-ended questions to identify the challenges they were encountering. The data revealed that the major constraints faced by both ATMA beneficiary and non-beneficiary dairy farmers included the 'non-availability of sufficient time,' 'high cost of animals,' and concentrate ration.' Other significant issues included the 'forced rearing of male calves' and 'low productivity of dairy animals.' Additionally, ATMA non-beneficiary dairy farmers faced challenges such as 'no extra incentives for clean milk production,' 'government schemes not reaching the real beneficiaries,' and 'lack of knowledge about recommended animal husbandry practices,' ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
