Training needs of pig famers of Thrissur district

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify the profile and training needs of

pig farmers of Thrissur district. The study was conducted in five panchayaths having highest pig population. A proportionate random sample of 60 pig farmers was selected for the study. The datawere collected by interview method using a structured schedule. The study revealed that majority of the pig farmers were middle aged, Christians, middle school educated, 1 -5 years experience in pig farming and not undergone any training. They were mainly marginal farmers having less than 1 hectare of land holding and of medium income group. Most of the pig sties were located in the homestead, and hotel or butchery waste feeding was given to the pigs. It was also noted that exotic breeds were reared by them, and pig farmers depended on other farmers for information about pig farming. Most of them had medium risk preference, innovation proneness, marketing orientation 'and high economic motivation. Diseases and prevention was most preferred major subject matter area for training for both the knowledge and skill aspects among the eight studied. This was followed by housing, breeding, feeding, management, integrated farming, marketing and economic of pig farming. Under the eight major domains studied, the minor farm operations preferred by the respondents for training were deworming, vaccination, scientific construction ef cage, exotic breeds, selection of animals for breeding, unconventional feeds for pigs, swill feeding, disposal of excreta and waste materials, mixed farming, marketing and loan for pig farming The pig farmers preferred training through print media and electronic media. For the 'institutional training they preferred training of one day duration. According to them farm visit was the best method of training where as the Veterinary College was the most preferred venue of training.