Nisha, A.
M.V.Sc. Scholar
Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Madras Veterinary College
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Chennai- 600 007, Tamil Nadu (India)
N. Vimalrajkumar
Assistant Professor
Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Madras Veterinary College
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Chennai- 600 007, Tamil Nadu (India)
Abstract
The present study has featured various constraints perceived by tribal livestock farmers of Attappadi under different livestock management practices. The study was conducted purposively in Attappadi block of Mannarkkad taluk in Palakkad district of Kerala. A total of 120 tribal farmers were randomly selected from the three panchayats of Attappadi block viz., Agali, Pudur and Sholayoor. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interview schedule, focus group discussion, observation and secondary sources. A list of constraints consisting of four major domains viz., socio- psychological, technical, ecological and livestock management related constraints was prepared. The domain socio – psychological constraints were further divided in to two sub domains viz., socio – economic and psychological constraints. Livestock management related constraints were further divided in to five sub domains viz., managerial, constraints pertaining to veterinary aid, feeding, breeding and marketing constraints. The respondents were requested to express their consent to each of listed constraint based on their perceived degree of seriousness. On the basis of ranks assigned by the respondents Rank Based Quotient was calculated for to each constraint. Technical constraints were considered as the most serious major domain constraint with a mean RBQ value of 66.67. Problems related to livestock activities in forest buffer zone, high cost of treatment for diseased animal, high cost of inputs, non availability of green fodder throughout the year and lack of knowledge and skill in scientific animal husbandry practises were the major sub domain constraints reported by the respondents with RBQ values 93.92, 86.88, 72.50, 69.50 and 68.33 respectively.
Key words: Tribal Livestock Farmers, Constraints, Rank Based Quotient (RBQ), Attappadi.
