Title: CONSTRAINTS PERCEIVED BY THE DAIRY FARMERS REGARDING IMPROVED DAIRY PRACTICES

Authors: Quadri javeed Ahmad Peer

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: dairy farmers, economic constraints, personal constraints, situational constraints

Volume: 40

Issue: 2

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.2.0003

Abstract: Dairy farming constitutes a vital component of India's agricultural economy, serving as a major source of income and nutritional security for millions of rural households. Despite its growing importance, the sector continues to face multiple constraints that limit the adoption of improved dairy practices. The present study was conducted to identify and analyze the key situational, personal, and economic constraints perceived by dairy farmers in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 120 dairy farmers were selected through multistage purposive and random sampling methods across three major veterinary blocks-Sopore, Baramulla, and Pattan. Data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics and t-tests to assess differences among constraint categories. The results revealed that shortage of green fodder during winter (70.00%) was the most severe situational constraint, while excessive stress due to dual responsibilities (80.00%) emerged as the leading personal constraint. Among economic factors, high cost of concentrates (62.50%) ranked highest. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences across constraint categories (p > 0.05), suggesting that challenges are interrelated and collectively influence farmers' adoption behavior. Path analysis further revealed that personal constraints exerted the strongest negative effect on adoption, followed by economic and situational constraints. The study concludes that improving adoption of dairy innovations requires a holistic approach that integrates technical training, economic support, and stress management mechanisms. Policy interventions focusing on fodder availability, input subsidies, and capacity-building programs are essential to strengthen the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming in the region.