Constraints Hindering the Adoption of Scientific Dairy Farming Practices by Members and Non-members of Dairy Co-operative Societies (DCS)/Milk Producer Institutions (MPI)

The present study was conducted in four districts of Telangana State of India with 120 respondents in which 60 were members and other 60 were non-members of DCSs (Dairy Co-operative Societies)/MPIs (Milk Producer Institutions). Constraints perceived in dairy farming and suggestions elicited by members and non-members were noted, tabulated and analyzed. The major constraints perceived by half or more than half of members were scarcity of water (91.67%), lack of green fodder (88.33%), preferring NS (natural service) than AI (Artificial Insemination) (83.33%), negligence in feeding pregnant and dry animals (81.37%), insufficient loan amount (78.33%), tendency to feed only grass and brans (71.67%), lack of availability of sufficient labour (70.00%), lack of remunerative price for milk (66.67%), high cost of feed (61.67%), lack of fodder conservation (55.00%) and high cost of animals (50.00%). Whereas major constraints perceived by non-members were scarcity of water (96.67%), lack of green fodder (93.33%), preferring NS than AI (88.33%), lack of availability of sufficient labour (85.00%), negligence in feeding pregnant and dry animals (83.33%), tendency to feed only grass and brans (78.33%), high cost of animals (75.00%), complex procedure for obtaining loans (71.67%) and high cost of feed (66.67%). Suggestions elicited by members majorly were providing subsidy for purchase of animals/providing loans on par with the cost of animal (81.67%), enhancing the procurement price (70.00%), providing more incentives (60.00%), encouraging calf rearing (58.33%) and conducting frequent animal health camps (50.00%). In case of non-members major suggestions elicited were conducting frequent animal health camps (68.33%) and providing subsidy on purchase of animals/providing loans on par with the cost of animal (58.33%). Considering the above constraints perceived and suggestions elicited by dairy farmers a proper linkage strategy should be developed among private and public sectors in providing need based services to the dairy farmers.