Impact of calf feed subsidy scheme on farm women

Abstract

The impact of the calf feed subsidy scheme, a continuing dairy development scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala, on farm women in terms of behavioural changes in the areas of attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption regarding scientific calf and dairy management practices was assessed. A static group comparison design of research was adopted. The study was carried out in Thrissur district of Kerala state, among 75 each of beneficiary and and non-beneficiary

women.

The non-beneficiary group served as the control.

Comparison was made on 11 variables and since it was required to know differences in the attitude towards scientific calf rearing, knowledge of scientific calf rearing, extent of

adoption

of

calf

rearing

as

well

as

dairy

farming

technologies between beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups and since ready to use measuring scales were not available to measure these variables, suitable scales were developed. In general, beneficiary women differed significantly in

their

attitude,

knowledge

and

extent

of

adoption

of

scientific

calf

rearing

and dairy

farming

technologies

indicating the positive impact of the scheme.

However

certain deficiency areas were identified which need immediate

educational

intervention. For instance, most

beneficiary

women

did not

have correct knowledge regarding early

breeding as well as etiology of infertility; two-third' had not adopted these technologies as well. Many of beneficiary

women did not have correct knowledge of the schedule of foot and mouth disease vaccination as well as deworming and a majority had either discontinued or not adopted these technologies. Fewer women had correct knowledge of the amounts of green fodder and ration to be fed to heifers, dry animals and those pregnant: adoption of these technologies was substantially low. Knowledge and adoption of the correct procedure of ligation of navel cord was one low. None of the beneficiaries had adopted post milking teat dipping while a few had adopted record keeping. Nearly half of the beneficiaries had not adopted the practice of quick reporting of out breaks and had either not adopted or discontinued technologies pertaining to flooring and drainage in cattle sheds. Two-third had not adopted the practice of culling bull calves at the right time. To make up these deficiencies, intensive extension educational measures are to be organised under the auspices of the scheme. In all such instances, women participatory programs need emphasis. Attitude building exercises, demonstrations etc wherever required should be organised and followed up.