Information Needs of Dairy Farm Women in Nainital District of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Dairy farming is one of the prominent enterprises, which supports the rural households by providing profitable employment and steady income. Dairy farming is an integral part of homestead farming system. In hill areas dairy farming is totally dependent on women. Many research studies have indicated that women in hill areas are unaware about many aspects. Thus, present research investigation was conducted in Jeoli, Bhaluti, Sariyatal and Kausani villages of Bhimtal block of Nainital district to assess the needs of hill women engaged in dairy farming. The study revealed that majority of respondents belonged to middle age group category and belonged to General caste. They were educated upto primary level. Majority of respondents were involved in dairy farming and farming and have 3-7 nali. All the farmers owned Mobile Phone and television. Majority of respondents have Cow, buffalo and goats. Majority of respondents were unaware about feeding schedule for milch animal, feeding schedule for young heifer, feeding schedule for pregnant animal, time and frequency of feeding, information on mineral mixture, formulation of ration, complete feed block, feeding schedule for young calves, colostrums feeding for new born calf, selection of breed, high yielding breed, pregnancy diagnosis, gestation period, suitable cross breed to their region, selection of adult of Bull or Semen, age of breedable heifer, selection of milch animal, castration of scrub bulls, care and management of new born calf, milking methods, vaccination schedule, knowledge about disease, control of external parasite, deworming practice, disinfection of shed, disposal of dead animal, treatment against contagious disease, precaution against parasitic disease, sterility treatment , Govt programme for Dairy farming etc.