Information needs and seeking behaviour of dairy farmers of Punjab

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to ascertain the information needs and seeking behaviour of dairy farmers of Punjab State (India). This is based on the data collected from 102 farmers at Pashu Palan Mela (Livestock Fair) held at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana during September 2014 via structured Interview Schedule. The study revealed that age of farmers, experience in dairy farming, herd size owned and membership of dairy farming related organisations have a significant relation with their information needs. In view of advancements in Information and Communication Technology and its growing adaptability among farmers, the cyber extension is expected to play a crucial role in dissemination of animal husbandry information in near future. The mobile based information services grounded on the partnership between milk co-operatives, telecommunication companies and veterinary university could be an imperious venture for delivering information to the palms of dairy farmers. 

Title:     Information Empowerment of Dairy Farmers of Punjab: A Study of their Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour