Challenges for Rural Women in Nutritional Management of Dairy Animals

Abstract

The current study was carried out in four villages of Samrala Block, Ludhiana district under a project implemented by Plant clinic, PAU to encourage efficient dairy farming among rural women in order to address challenges of livelihood and nutritional security. Data were collected from 60 purposively selected rural women who were beneficiaries under the project, through personal interviews with a structured schedule. Data was analyzed using Garrett's ranking technique. The findings revealed that women faced multiple challenges in dairy nutrition management which included lack of access to land for cultivation of fodder crops, high cost of compounded feeds for dairy animals, limited access to technical knowledge, resources and markets, insufficient infrastructure at household level and lack of knowledge regarding balanced ration preparation, feed additives, bypass nutrients etc. In order to address these challenges it was necessary to hand hold them in terms of scientific training and guidance, easy approach to market for beneficial returns along with capacity building of these women in terms of skill development.