Abstract

Lavleen Kaur*

The present study examines the role of rural women in dairy farming, a study in Amritsar district of Punjab. The study was based on the primary data collected for 2019-20 year from female dairy farmers selected through multistage purposive sampling technique. The requisite primary data was collected to accomplish the objectives of the study. The data was analysed by using simple tabular analysis and other statistical tools. All the activities related to dairy farming was performed by female dairy farmers. Small size female dairy farmers performed all the activities related to dairy farming ranging from disposal of cow dung to care of sick and new born animals. Large size female dairy farmers hired labour for dairy activities due to higher income of the households and large number of animals. The role of rural women in decision making is paradoxical to their contribution in dairy farming. For various dairy related decision like feeding of milch animals, management of milch animals, sale of milk and utilization of amount obtained from dairy farming rural women either only consulted and no role in decision making. Independent decision making by rural women dairy related activities was negligible. The major factors affecting the income of female dairy farmers was educate, operated area and herd size. The main problem faced by female dairy farmers were that they were unable to took independent decision related to dairy activities. Non availability of adequate veterinary services, illiteracy of dairy farm, lack of staff at government hospitals, lack of capital. The study suggested that to increase the income of rural women from dairy. Rural women should be more educated and empowered the regarding extension facilities by government. Due to stagnate in growth of agriculture dairy can be use as an alternate for marginal and small farmers. Marginal and small female dairy farmers should be give more subsidies, loan and training for dairy business. Strict rules should be made regarding working of veterinary hospitals as the doctors were not available in to government veterinary hospitals.