Socio-economic characteristics of dairy farmers associated with village dairy co-operatives

摘要

A study was conducted in the western parts of Uttar Pradesh (India), in order to ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of dairy farmers associated with 'Village Dairy Co-operatives'. 36 members from 4 different dairy Co-operative Societies, belonging to one milk-route, were selected for the study. 'Dairying' was given as the secondary occupation for all but 5% of the respondents, although their primary occupation was given as 'farming'. The main dairy animals reared were buffaloes, althoughsome of also possessed a few crossbred cattle. Types of farming implements and equipment used were also examined. In terms of land-holdings, most of the respondents were either small (33.33%) or medium (33.33%) farmers (the other categories being landless, marginal or large). All but 22.22% of the respondents had studied up to high school level or above; and none were illiterate. However, in caste terms, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (91.67%) belonged to the 'General' category, which indicated that more encouragement was needed for farmers belonging to the 'Backward' or 'Scheduled' categories to become involved in Village Dairy Co-operatives.