This was revealed in a research project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Punjab, entitled ‘An analytical study of existing dairy technology transfer system, information needs, problems and development of new technology transfer models’ by Dr Rajinder Kaur Kalra and Dr Ravinder Kaur Dhaliwal, extension educationists at PAU.

The study found that the problems in animal feeding practices were also because of non-availability of quality feed (63.67%) and adulteration of feed (43%). The project was undertaken in six agroclimatic zones of Punjab covering 600 farmer families.

Dr Kalra pointed out that the related problems highlighted by the dairy farmers were lack of knowledge about fodder production (87%) and non-availability of high-yielding variety of fodder seed (84.67%). The other adoption problems in dairy farming, says the study, are lack of insurance schemes, poor knowledge of farmers about scientific dairy farming, and absence of milk collection centre.

The extension personnel also spoke of problems in the transfer of dairy technology; 85 % of the extension personnel said there were insufficient opportunities to execute new ideas about the transfer of dairy technology.

Dr Ravinder Kaur pointed out that the lack of transport facility and non-availability of sufficient inputs such as quality feed, fodder seed were indicated by the extension personnel. In the supply system, the main problems identified by extension personnel were scarcity of fodder, poor feed quality, lack of good quality semen and lack of proper artificial insemination facility.

Fluctuating milk prices, lack of incentives for good quality and clean milk production, low price of milk and poor value addition of milk emerged as the main problems related to marketing that affected dairy farming.

The study also found that the problems related to credit were fewer subsidies on loans, lack of insurance schemes, and cumbersome procedures for getting dairy loans. The study suggested that the knowledge of women regarding dairy farming should be updated, as at most places, women were handling the management of the cowshed, feeding the animals, milking them and marketing the milk. The role of cooperatives was stressed, as they can take up group marketing of milk to reduce the gap in the milk price from field to the homes.