THESIS SEMINAR

INFORMATION NEED
ASSESSMENT
OF BUFFALO FARMERS
IN JAMMU
DISTRICT
Presented by
ANNA SINGH
J-19-MV-580
Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
Extension Education
 ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
NAME
Dr. S. A. Khandi (Major Advisor)
Dr. Pranav Kumar (Member from Major subject)
Dr. A. K. Pathak (Member from Minor subject)
Dr. M. A. Malik (Dean PGS Nominee)
DESIGNATION
(Assistant Professor)
Division of Veterinary & Animal
Husbandry Extension Education.
(Assistant Professor)
Division of Veterinary & Animal
Husbandry Extension Education.
(Assistant Professor)
Division of Animal Nutrition
(Professor and Head)
Division of Veterinary Public health
and Epidemiology
INTRODUCTION
 INTRODUCTION
 Livestock rearing is one of the most important economic
activities in the rural area of the country contributing
significantly to the national economy.

 According to the 20th Livestock Census 2019, the total

livestock population is 536.76 million in the country, with an
increase of 4.8 per cent. Buffalo population in the country is
109.85 million i.e. 20.47% of the total livestock population.

Estimated Buffalo population of Jammu and Kashmir is 8.03%

of the total livestock population of UT, which counts to 7.89 lakh
(19th Livestock Census) with 7.68 lakh in Jammu division itself.
 INTRODUCTION

Livestock Population of India 2019 (20th Livestock Population of Jammu and

Livestock census) - Share of major species Kashmir 2012 (19th Livestock census) - Share
of major species
 INTRODUCTION

 For the development of the individual, society and whole

country the most necessary factor is information and for this
development to be continuous, new and latest information is
needed (Shahaji et al, 2009).

 Demands of development in any sector are, better and

improved setup and approach for information delivery.
 INTRODUCTION
The process of recognizing the basic difference between an
ideal state of knowledge and the actual state of knowledge is
what information need stands for (Kamal et al, 2020).
The systematic process for determining the needs or gaps
between the current information and desired information
(wants) is called INFORMATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT
(Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh).
The needs are identified by the farmers and assessed by the
extension workers and they recommend support.
 Information can be obtained or retrieved from a variety of
sources.
 State Department of Animal Husbandry has been indicated
as major information provider for livestock farmers . (Kareem
et al, 2017; Shweta, 2014).
NEED OF THE
STUDY
 NEED OF THE STUDY

 In the whole array of agricultural system, the most powerful

restriction to the farmers is the lack of livestock information.

 Nowadays, livestock rearing is becoming more information

oriented, and access to accurate and adequate information is
very essential for increasing the overall production and
productivity.

It is reported that hardly 5% of the farm households in India

are able to access information about animal husbandry, the
reason of which is primarily, lack of efficient livestock extension
system in place (Singh et al, 2016).
OBJECTIVES
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To identify the Information need of the buffalo farmers living

in the Jammu district.

 To examine the channels of information communication and

sources of information dependence used by the buffalo
farmers.

 To establish a Mobile application for better and fast

information dissemination and to promote better rearing of
buffaloes.

 To analyze the Constraints of assessing the information needs

of the farmers.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

 Babu et al. (2012) studied the major constraints perceived by the farmers to
access the information. He revealed that poor availability and unreliability of
information, lack of awareness of information sources available, untimely
provision of the information, Lack of credit , low risk taking capacity. High
costs of inputs, labour availability, and access to markets were also the
major bottlenecks in improving farm incomes.

 Naveed and Anwar (2013) conducted a study on Pakistani farmers with the
aims to identify their information needs. Their information needs were
centred on: soil preparation, seeds, taking care of crops, harvesting
activities, and animal husbandry. They depended mainly on interpersonal
relationships in meeting their information needs. The role of mass media
and printed materials as sources of information was found to be very low.
The findings of this study would be helpful in planning and designing need-
based information infrastructure for rural farmers.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

 Subash et al. (2015) in this study highlighted the importance of carrying

out information need assessment and prioritization studies before
developing any ICT based module for the benefit of farmers. He revealed
that the benefit of ICT based extension system is to share information or
knowledge, to access information swiftly, and to promote the better
farming. The study also proves that at the development stage of ICT
module preparation, the involvement of farmers would be extremely
useful for it’s implementation amongst the intended end users.

 Siddiki et al. (2016) in their study reported that in the selected areas
buffalo rearing was a profitable practice and improve the socio-economic
status of buffalo farmers. The annual educational capacity of the buffalo
farmers increased through buffalo rearing.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 Prasad and Ponraj (2016) studied the various sources and extent of use of
these sources of information by the livestock rearers for obtaining scientific
livestock farming information. They reported that most of the dairy farmers
obtained information from veterinary surgeon (93.75%), VLDA (90.88%),
progressive farmers (83.75%), and experts from agricultural university
(71.43%) regarding various aspects of breeding, feeding, health care and
management practices.

 Singh et al. (2019) developed a need-based Web Module for Scientific Dairy
Practices (WMSDP) for dissemination of scientific dairy practices. The
information needs of the farmers were prioritized and assessed. Information
on healthcare management , fodder production and management, general
management, nutrition and feeding and breeding and reproduction were
prioritized. Latest Microsoft dot (.) net technology was used to develop an
interactive IT-enabled web module.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

 Kamal et al. (2020) conducted a study on buffalo farmers of Haryana, with the aims to
identify their information needs. Their information needs were centred on feeding,
breeding, healthcare, market, farm credit and management. The study revealed that
more than half (56.70%) of the respondents had medium level of information needs
while 22.50 per cent had low and 20.80 per cent had high level of information needs.
Ranking on the basis of most perceived information needs was given to each parameter
selected.

 Balkrishna et al. (2021) conducted a study on Agricultural mobile apps used in India:
current status and gap analysis. In the study they revealed that around 70 mobile apps
were used by Indian farmers in various agricultural sectors viz. farm management,
fisheries, poultry, livestock and animal husbandry, food traceability and pure agriculture
sectors. Now information and data can be effectively generated, stored and used by
farmers to improve agricultural productivity due to rapid development of Information
and Communication Technologies.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME
Research design

Locale of the study

Sampling plan and sampling procedure

Operationalisation of variables and their measurement

Tools and techniques used for data collection

Statistical tool used for data analysis and interpretation

 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME
• Locale of the Study:
The present study was conducted in Jammu district of UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Research design:
Ex-post facto/exploratory research .
• Sampling plan
Multistage sampling method has been used for the present study. Purposive sampling for
district selection, based on the population of buffalo in Jammu division whereas simple
random sampling method for block, village and respondent selection.
(a) Selection of Blocks
Five blocks, namely, R.S. PURA, SUCHETGARH, MIRAN SAHIB, SATWARI AND MARH were
randomly selected from 20 blocks of Jammu district.
(b) Selection of Villages
From each of the 5 selected blocks, list of villages was prepared and from the list, 2 villages
were selected randomly. Thus, making a total of 10 villages.
(c) Selection of respondents
A list of farmers practicing buffalo farming was prepared and respondents were then
selected by simple random sampling method. Twelve farmers were selected from each of
the 10 selected villages, constituting a total sample size of 120 respondents.
 TECHNICAL PROGRAMME
SELECTED SELECTED NUMBER OF
S.NO
BLOCK NAME VILLAGE NAME RESPONDENTS

1. RS PURA CHOHALA 12
SUNDERPUR 12
2. SUCHETGARH GHARANA 12
SATOWALI 12
3. MIRAN SAHIB CHAK ASLAM 12
KOTLI MIAN FATEH 12

4. SATWARI SATWARI 12
HAKAL 12
5. MARH GAJANSOO 12
GHO-MANHASAN 12

GRAND TOTAL 5 BLOCKS 10 VILLAGES 120

RESPONDENTS
VARIABLES
S. NO. VARIABLES MEASUREMENTS
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
Socio-economic profile

1 Age Chronological age in years

2 Education Scale developed by Pareek and Trivedi (1964) was used

3 Family type Schedule was developed

4 Family size Schedule was developed

5 Land holding Criteria laid by GOI

6 Herd size Schedule was developed

7 Occupation Schedule was developed

8 Income from animal husbandry Schedule was developed

practices

9 Total annual income Schedule was developed

10 Social participation Scale developed by Supe (1969)

11 Mass media exposure Schedule was developed

12 Extension contact Schedule was developed

13 Information Seeking behaviour Modified Bhairamkar (2009)

(Cosmopoliteness-Localiteness)
S. NO. VARIABLES MEASUREMENTS

DEPENDENT VARIABLES

1. Information needs of buffalo Schedule was developed

farmers in Jammu district

2. Sources and channels of

information available to the
Schedule was developed
farmers about buffalo rearing
practices.

Constraints of assessing the

3. information needs of the buffalo Schedule was developed
farmers.
DATA COLLECTION
 DATA COLLECTION
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
• Extensive and well-structured
• Based on the objectives of the study.
• Consisted of 4 parts :
a) Part I : Social economic profile of the respondent.
b) Part II : Information needs of the buffalo farmers.
c) Part III : Sources and channels of information used by the Buffalo farmers.
d) Part IV : Constraints of assessing information needs of buffalo farmers.

PRE-TESTING OF THE RESEARCH SCHEDULE

• Pretesting was done on 25 respondents in the non sampled area.
• Suitable modifications were made based on experience.
• Done to make the schedule more extensive and orderly before finalizing it.
 DATA ANALYSIS
AND
INTERPRETATION
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

 Keeping in view the objectives, the data

was subjected to appropriate statistical
analysis.

 The results that emerged out from the

analysis of data were suitably
interpreted and necessary conclusions
and inferences were drawn.
RESULTS
 RESULTS
Socio-Economic profile of the buffalo farmers.
 Information needs of the buffalo rearing farmers
as perceived by them.
Sources and channels of information used by
buffalo farmers
Mobile Application developed for better and fast
information dissemination and to promote better
rearing of buffaloes.
 Constraints perceived by buffalo farmers in
accessing the information.
Socio-Economic profile of the
buffalo farmers.
AGE
S.NO CATEGORY (IN YEARS) FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. YOUNG (<39 years) 16 13.33

2. MIDDLE (39-65 years) 90 75.00

3. OLD (>65 years) 14 11.67

EDUCATION
S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. Illiterate 21 17.50

2. Up to Primary School 22 18.33

3. Middle School 37 30.83

4. High and above 40 33.33

FAMILY TYPE
S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. Joint 21 17.50

2. Nuclear 99 82.50

FAMILY SIZE

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. Small (≤4) 51 42.50

2. Medium (5-8) 58 48.33

3. Large(≥9) 11 9.17
LAND HOLDING
S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
1. Landless (no land) 3 2.50
2. Marginal (below 1.00 hectare) 81 67.50
3. Small (1.00-2.00 hectare) 29 24.17

4. Semi- Medium (2.00-4.00 hectare)

6 5.00

5. Medium (4.00-10.00 hectare) 1 0.83

6. Large (10.00 hectare and above) 0 0

HERD SIZE

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. Small (≤2) 12 10.00

2. Medium (3-8) 90 75.00

3. Large (≥9) 18 15.00

HERD SIZE
S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
BUFFALO
1. In lactation 226 33.68
2. Dry 77 11.47
3. Heifer 40 5.96
4. Female calves 99 14.75
5. Male calves 5 0.74
6. Bull/bullock 3 0.44
Total 448 66.76
CATTLE
7. In lactation 112 16.69
8. Dry 29 4.32
9. Heifer 14 2.08
10. Female calves 34 5.06
11. Male calves 5 0.75
12. Bull/bullock 2 0.29
Total 194 28.91
OTHERS (Goat, Sheep and Horses)

13. Total 29 4.32

GRAND TOTAL 671 100
OCCUPATION

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

MAIN
1. Agriculture 65 54.17
2. Animal Husbandry 21 17.50

3. Private Job 8 6.67

4. Retd./Pension 6 5.00

5. Business/Shop 12 10.00

6. Govt. Job 4 3.33

7. Student 1 0.83
8. Casual labor 6 5.00
9. MGNREGA 0 0
10. Others 0 0
SUBSIDARY
1. Agriculture 52 43.33
2. Animal Husbandry 98 81.67

3. Private Job 0 0
4. Retd./Pension 0 0

5. Business/Shop 0 0

6. Govt. Job 0 0
7. Student 0 0
8. Casual labor 5 4.16
9. MGNREGA 7 5.83
10. Others 0 0
INCOME FROM ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. LOW (<Rs 50000) 1 0.83

2. MEDIUM (Rs 50000-Rs 104 86.67

330000)
3. HIGH (>Rs 330000) 15 12.50

TOTAL ANNUAL INCOME

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. LOW (< Rs 1,85,505) 16 13.33

2. MEDIUM (Rs 185505- Rs 85 70.83

550255)
3. HIGH (> Rs 550255) 19 15.83
SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. NO MEMBERSHIP 18 15.00

2. MEMBER OF ONE 46 38.33

ORGANISATION
3. MEMBER OF MORE 46 38.33

THAN ONE
ORGANISATION
4. OFFICE BEARER 9 7.50

5. DISTINCTIVE 0 0
LEADER
MASS MEDIA EXPOSURE

MASS MEDIA EXPOSURE

LOW (<3) MEDIUM (3-6) HIGH (>6)

8%

82%

10%

EXTENSION CONTACT

EXTENSION CONTACT

13%

16%
LOW (<3)
MEDIUM (3-5)
71% HIGH (>5)
COMMUNICATION PROFILE

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

MASS MEDIA
1. Radio 64 53.33
2. Television 115 95.83
3. Mobile phone 107 89.17
4. Internet 87 72.50
5. Newspaper/magazines/bulletins 54 45.00
6. Short film 1 0.83
7. Documentary 0 0
8. Kisan call centre 0 0
9. Farm publication 1 0.83
10 Veterinary camps 33 27.50
11. Kisan melas/cattle show 58 48.33

12. Exhibitions 1 0.83

13. Folk media 0 0
14. Others 0 0
COMMUNICATION PROFILE

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

EXTENSION CONTACT

1. Department of Animal 118 98.33

Husbandry (VAS/Livestock
Assistant)

2. Department of Agriculture 87 72.50

(AO)
3. Scientists from State/Central 19 15.83
Universities

4. Private input dealers 77 64.17

5. KVK personnel 90 75.00

6. Progressive dairy farmers 85 70.83

7. Milk union supervisors 5 4.17

8. Others 1 0.83
INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR
S.NO INFORMATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
SEEKING BEHAVIOUR

1. LOW (≤9) 39 32.50

2. MEDIUM (10-13) 62 51.67
3. HIGH (≥14) 19 15.83

INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOR

LOW (≤9) MEDIUM (10-13) HIGH (≥14)

16%
32%

52%
COSMOPOLITENESS-LOCALITNESS
S.NO INFORMATION ALWAYS OCCASIONAL NEVER
SOURCE FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %

PERSONAL LOCALITE
1. Family 120 100.00 0 0 0 0
2. Friends and 120 100.00 0 0 0 0
relatives

3. Progressive 39 32.50 72 60.00 9 7.50

farmers

4. Neighbors 120 100.00 0 0 0 0

5. Technical 0 0 45 37.50 75 62.50
persons

6. Village leader 0 0 64 53.33 56 46.67

7. Religious head 0 0 3 2.50 117 97.50

8. Veterinary/ 0 0 20 16.67 100 83.33

agriculture
student
S.NO INFORMATION ALWAYS OCCASIONAL NEVER
SOURCE FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %

PERSONAL COSMOPOLITE
1. SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM
Veterinary 0 0 102 85.00 18 15.00
officer/doctor

Private 0 0 49 40.83 71 59.17

medicine dealer

Milk 0 0 3 2.50 117 97.50

cooperative
society
Personnel of 0 0 0 0 120 100.00
voluntary
organizations

Agri-Input 1 0.83 63 52.50 56 46.67

dealers
2. PANCHAYAT SAMITI
Gram sevak 0 0 47 39.17 73 60.83
Rural development 0 0 0 0 120 100.00
officer

Agriculture 0 0 8 6.67 112 93.33

extension officer

Block development 0 0 23 19.17 97 80.83

S.NO INFORMATION ALWAYS OCCASIONAL NEVER
SOURCE
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %

3.
University

Livestock 0 0 21 17.50 99 82.50

assistant

Subject matter 0 0 12 10.00 108 90.00

Specialist

Scientist 0 0 6 5.00 114 95.00

4. Bank

Agriculture 0 0 1 0.83 119 99.17

officer

Veterinary 0 0 0 0 120 100.00

officer

Branch officer 0 0 17 14.17 103 85.83

Branch 0 0 2 1.67 118 98.33

manager
Information needs of the
buffalo rearing farmers as
perceived by them.
HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Scientific and low cost animal shed 2 1.70 43 35.80 75 62.50
preparation

2. Aeration or ventilation in shed. 2 1.70 40 33.33 78 65.00

3. Summer and winter management 2 1.70 35 29.20 83 69.20
of buffalos.

4. Care of buffaloes (before, during 18 15.00 76 63.30 26 21.70

and after parturition).

5. Care of new born calf (dehorning, 20 16.70 68 56.70 32 26.70

weaning and castration).

6. Clean milk production 0 0 54 45.00 66 55.00

7. Milking techniques (Best Milking 0 0 35 29.20 85 70.80
method and Best Time of milking)

8. Milk testing techniques (Normal 20 16.70 97 80.80 3 2.50

and mastitic milk)

9. Preservation of milk 17 14.20 63 52.50 40 33.30

10. Dung disposal. 39 32.50 30 25.00 51 42.50

11. Manure utilization 39 32.50 29 24.20 52 43.30

12. Cleaning and sanitization of shed. 4 3.30 67 55.80 49 40.80

13. Maintenance of farm records. 0 0 19 15.80 101 84.20

FEEDING AND NUTRITION
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Feeding according to age, sex, 11 9.20 51 42.50 58 48.30
weight
2. Concentrate feeding 2 1.70 59 49.20 59 49.20
3. Mineral mixture supplementation 15 12.50 69 57.50 36 30.00
4. Enrichment of poor quality 29 24.20 73 60.80 18 15.00
roughage and its storage.
5. Preparation of economical and 8 6.70 59 49.20 53 44.20
balanced ration
6. Feeding of urea molasses block. 6 5.00 94 78.30 20 16.70
7. Importance of salt in feed 3 2.50 41 34.20 76 63.30
8. Importance of colostrum feeding 15 12.50 75 62.50 30 25.00
9. Importance of clean feeding and 10 8.30 21 17.50 89 74.20
watering
10. Fodder production for buffalos 4 3.30 33 27.50 83 69.20
11. Nutrition management of breeding 11 9.20 97 80.80 12 10.00
buffalo.
12. Feeding of pregnant buffalo 26 21.70 77 64.20 17 14.20
13. Feeding of lactating buffalo 31 25.80 72 60.00 17 14.20
14. Feeding of new born calf. 38 31.70 43 35.80 39 32.50
15. Feeding of sick buffalo. 34 28.30 68 56.70 18 15.00
BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Breed selection 15 12.50 68 56.70 37 30.80
2. Breeding age and weight 13 10.80 79 65.80 28 23.30
3. Selection of parent stock and 4 3.30 57 47.50 59 49.20
breeding strategy
4. Care of breeding bull. 2 1.70 41 34.20 77 64.20
5. Indigenous breeds of the region. 57 47.50 47 39.20 16 13.30

6. Advantages of crossbred over 50 41.70 54 45.00 16 13.33

indigenous breed.
7. Heat detection and correct time of 0 0 46 38.30 74 61.70
mating.
8. Pregnancy diagnosis 2 1.70 36 30.00 82 68.30
9. Service after calving 1 0.80 37 30.80 82 68.30
10. Practice of reducing chance of 22 18.30 96 80.00 2 1.70
repeat breeding and anestrus.
11. Delayed puberty 58 48.30 52 13.30 10 8.30
12. Silent heat 65 54.20 53 44.20 2 1.70
13. Veneral diseases 101 84.20 18 15.00 1 0.80
14. Peripartum care and management. 15 12.50 89 74.20 16 13.30

15. Artificial insemination in buffalo 65 54.20 35 29.20 20 16.70

with improved germplasm.

16. Infertility problems 57 47.50 60 50.00 3 2.50

17. AI centers nearby 40 33.30 46 38.30 34 28.30
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Signs of common diseases of 5 4.20 21 17.50 94 78.30
buffalo

2. Precautions when animal is 7 5.80 39 32.50 74 61.70

sick.

3. Information about the 109 90.80 9 7.50 2 1.70

common zoonotic diseases.

4. Deworming schedule 14 11.70 42 35.00 64 53.30

5. Vaccination schedule. 14 11.70 33 27.50 73 60.80
6. Diagnosis of contagious 88 73.30 31 25.80 1 0.80
diseases and their treatment

7. First aid treatment 11 9.20 51 42.50 58 48.30

8. Deficiency diseases of animals 108 90.00 11 9.20 1 0.80
and their symptoms.

9. Isolation of diseased animals 3 2.50 81 67.50 36 30.00

and reporting same to the vet

10. Proper disposal of dead 22 18.30 30 25.00 68 56.70

carcass.
FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Information about 109 90.80 11 9.20 0 0
credit facilities.

2. Information about 109 90.80 10 8.30 1 0.80

institutional and non
institutional loans.

3. Information about 73 60.80 40 33.30 7 5.80

Farmer producer
organization (FPO)
and it’s benefits.

4. Mode of 98 81.70 21 17.50 1 0.80

disbursement

5. Information about 109 90.80 11 9.20 0 0

government schemes

6. Information about 111 92.50 9 7.50 0 0

subsidies.

7. Information about 81 67.50 37 30.80 2 1.70

investments.
FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING
S.NO INFORMATION ABOUT MOST NEEDED(3) NEEDED(2) LEAST NEEDED(1)

FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %

8. Information of local 19 15.80 47 39.20 54 45.00

market.

9. Insurance of animal. 100 83.30 17 14.20 3 2.50

10. Information regarding 64 53.30 43 35.80 13 10.80

Pashu kisan credit card.

Information about 22 18.30 87 72.50 11 9.20

11.
demand and supply of
the products in market.

12. Information about value 14 11.70 28 23.30 78 65.00

addition of milk.

13. Marketing of milk and 16 13.30 69 57.50 35 29.20

milk products.

14. Selling milk through 35 29.20 59 49.20 26 21.70

cooperatives

15. Purchasing animals 85 70.80 31 25.80 4 3.30

from reliable sources
Level of information need
among the buffalo rearing
farmers.
LEVEL OF INFORMATION NEED AMONG THE BUFFALO REARING FARMERS.

S.NO CATEGORY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

1. LOW (<127) 10 8.33

2. MEDIUM (127-149) 96 80.00

3. HIGH (>149) 13 10.83

LEVEL OF INFORMATION NEED

120 96
100 80

80 FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
60

40 13
10 8.33 10.83
20

0
LOW (<127) MEDIUM (127-149) HIGH (>149)
Overall information needs of
buffalo farmers.
OVERALL INFORMATION NEEDS OF BUFFALO REARING FARMERS.

S.NO ANIMAL TOTAL WEIGHTED RANK

HUSBANDRY SCORE MEAN SCORE
PRACTICES
1. HOUSING AND 2542 28.18 III
MANAGEMENT
2. FEEDING AND 3218 26.82 IV
NUTRITION
3. BREEDING AND 4088 34.07 II
REPRODUCTIO
N
4. HEALTH CARE 2310 19.25 V
PRACTICES
5. FARM CREDIT 4410 36.75 I
AND
MARKETING
OVERALL INFORMATION NEEDS OF BUFFALO REARING FARMERS.

40 36.61

35

30
24.67
MEAN SCORE

25
19.42

20 15.34
13.94
15

10

0
t es g
en on tio
n
tic tin
em rt iti c c ke
ag nu du ra ar
an d pro epr m
m an re ca nd
an
d ng d lth ita
g edi g an ea ed
in OVERALL
Fe INFORMATION n NEED OF BUFFALO
H FARMERScr
us di rm
Ho r ee Fa
B
 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
AND INFORMATION NEED OF
BUFFALO FARMERS
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDEPENDENT VARIABLES AND INFORMATION NEED OF BUFFALO FARMERS

CORRELATION
S.NO INDEPENDENT
COEFFICIENT OF
VARIABLE
INFORMATIONT
NEED

1. Age -0.37
2. Education -0.100
3. Family Type 0.098
4. Family Size -0.039
5. Land Holding -0.270**
6. Herd Size -0.106
7. Occupation -0.184*
8. Income From Animal -0.204*
Husbandry
9. Total Income -0.177
10. Social Participation -0.166
11. Mass Media -0.018
12. Extension Contact -0.117
13. Cosmopoliteness- 0.004
Localiteness

*Significant at 0.05 level of probability

**Significant at 0.01 level of probability
 Sources and channels of
information used by buffalo
farmers
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
S.NO SOURCES OF INFORMATION ALWAYS(3) SOMETIMES(2) RARELY(1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Veterinary assistant 0 0 104 86.70 16 13.30
surgeon
2. Agriculture officer 0 0 51 42.50 69 57.50

3. Livestock assistant 0 0 26 21.70 94 78.30

4. Extension officer 0 0 15 12.50 105 87.50

5. Progressive livestock 13 10.80 64 23.30 43 35.80

owners
6. Local leader 0 0 99 82.50 21 17.50

7. Panchayat member 0 0 89 74.20 31 25.80

8. Co-operative personnel 0 0 2 1.70 118 98.30

9. Neighbors 110 91.70 9 7.50 1 0.80

10. Friends 116 96.70 4 3.30 0 0

11. Relatives 116 96.70 4 3.30 0 0

12. Subject Matter Specialists/ 0 0 12 10.00 108 90.00

Scientists

13. Others 0 0 1 0.80 119 99.20

 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
AND SOURCES OF
INFORMATION OF BUFFALO
FARMERS
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDEPENDENT VARIABLES AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION OF BUFFALO FARMERS

CORRELATION
S.NO INDEPENDENT
COEFFICIENT OF
VARIABLE
SOURCES OF
INFORMATION

1. Age 0.045
2. Education 0.051
3. Family Type 0.109
4. Family Size -0.076
5. Land Holding -0.005
6. Herd Size -0.166
7. Occupation 0.187*
8. Income From Animal -0.204*
Husbandry
9. Total Income -0.155
10. Social Participation -0.013
11. Mass Media 0.043
12. Extension Contact 0.175
13. Cosmopoliteness- 0.153
Localiteness

*Significant at 0.05 level of probability

**Significant at 0.01 level of probability
CHANNELS OF INFORMATION
S.NO CHANNELS OF INFORMATION ALWAYS (3) SOMETIMES (2) RARELY (1)
FREQ % FREQ % FREQ %
1. Radio 16 13.30 41 34.20 63 52.50
2. Television 83 69.2. 33 27.50 4 3.30
3. Mobile phone 94 78.30 10 8.30 16 13.30
4. Internet 67 55.80 15 12.50 38 31.70
5. Veterinary hospital 0 0 100 83.30 20 16.70
6. State/Centre University 0 0 24 20.00 96 80.00
7. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) 0 0 61 50.80 59 49.20
8. Field trips/field visits 0 0 29 24.20 91 75.80
9. Newspaper/Magazine 1 0.80 36 30.00 83 69.20
10. Farm Publications 0 0 2 1.70 118 98.30

11. Short film 0 0 1 0.80 119 99.20

12. Documentary 0 0 0 0 120 100.00

13. Folk media( Puppet show, 0 0 0 0 120 100.00

drama etc.)
14. Exhibition 0 0 1 0.80 119 99.20

15. Demonstrations 0 0 0 0 120 100.00

16. Trainings 0 0 3 2.50 117 97.50

17. Others 0 0 0 0 120 100.00

 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
AND CHANNELS OF
INFORMATION OF BUFFALO
FARMERS
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDEPENDENT VARIABLES AND CHANNELS OF INFORMATION OF BUFFALO FARMERS

S.NO INDEPENDENT CORRELATION

VARIABLE COEFFICIENT OF
CHANNELS OF
INFORMATION

1. Age -0.197
2. Education 0.284**
3. Family Type 0.126
4. Family Size -0.107
5. Land Holding 0.091
6. Herd Size -0.144
7. Occupation 0.073
8. Income From Animal -0.094
Husbandry
9. Total Income -0.034
10. Social Participation -0.012
11. Mass Media 0.571**
12. Extension Contact 0.223*
13. Cosmopoliteness- 0.024
Localiteness

*Significant at 0.05 level of probability

**Significant at 0.01 level of probability
 MOBILE APPLICATION
DEVELOPED FOR BETTER AND
FAST INFORMATION
DISSEMINATION AND TO
PROMOTE BETTER REARING
OF BUFFALOES
BUFFINFO: BUFFALO INFORMATION APP
BUFFINFO: BUFFALO INFORMATION APP
CONSTRAINTS PERCEIVED BY
BUFFALO FARMERS IN
ACCESSING THE
INFORMATION.
OVERALL CONSTRAINTS

Mps (total
score/maximu
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± std m score)100 Rank
error
GENERAL 2561 21.34±0.26 59.28 IV
CONSTRAINTS
HOUSING AND 2060 17.17±0.22 57.22 V
MANAGEMENT
FEEDIND AND 1798 14.98±0.29 55.49 VI
NUTRITION
BREEDING AND 2395 19.95±0.22 66.53 II
REPRODUCTION
HEALTH CARE 2714 22.62±0.25 62.82 III
PRACTICES
FARM CREDIT AND 3515 29.29±0.25 81.37 I
MARKETING
GENERAL CONSTRAINTS
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100
GENERAL CONSTRAINTS
Lack of awareness about information 238 1.983±0.037 66.111 5 26
delivery.
Poor financial condition to access 195 1.625±0.065 54.167 7 43
information.
Lower literacy rate. 182 1.517±0.059 50.556 8 47
Inefficient extension personnel 300 2.5±0.054 83.333 2 17
Language barrier 130 1.083±0.025 36.111 12 65
Lack of buffalo specific information and 153 1.275±0.041 42.5 9 56
excess of unrelated information
Lack of infrastructure 149 1.242±0.039 41.389 10 58
(electricity/transport)

Lack of communication facilities and 137 1.142±0.032 38.056 11 61

technology (laptop/computer)
Pre conceived notion that traditional 270 2.25±0.064 75 3 20
method is better than sustainable
method.

Long distance from information centres. 228 1.9±0.040 63.333 6 29

Lack of interest of young generation in 268 2.233±0.061 74.444 4 21

animal rearing.
Lack of training of farmers. 311 2.592±0.051 86.389 1 15
HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100

HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT

Lack of finance for dairy management 209 1.742±0.047 58.056 5 37
practices.

Lack of information about keeping up 135 10125±0.030 37.5 9 63

to date management records.

Lack of information about new born 213 1.775±0.055 59.167 4 34

calf management.

Lack of information about importance 180 1.5±0.049 50 7 48

of sanitation and hygiene

Lack of information about clean 163 1.358±0.049 45.278 8 53

milking practices.

Lack of information about the milk 203 1.692±0.059 56.389 6 40

preservation.

Non availability of transport facility 132 1.1±0.03 36.667 10 64

for timely sale of milk.

Lack of information about antibiotics 338 2.817±0.037 93.889 1 6

in milk and their ill effects to human
population

Non availability of milk testing 252 2.1±0.046 70 2 24

centres.
Lack of infrastructure and 235 1.958±0.072 65.278 3 28
FEEDING AND NUTRITION
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100
FEEDING AND NUTRITION
Non-availability of green and dry 137 1.142±0.032 38.056 9 62
fodder.
Lack of information about preparation 188 1.567±0.053 52.222 6 45
of economical and balanced ration
High cost and lack of information about 237 1.975±0.043 65.833 1 27
availability of mineral mixture/ UMMB.
Lack of information about preservation 180 1.5±0.053 50 7 49
of fodder.
Lack of information about 169 1.408±0.06 46.944 8 51
feeding according to age, sex,
weight
Lack of information about the 227 1.892±0.049 63.056 2 30
utilization of roughage and
concentrate.

Lack of information about 212 1.767±0.073 58.889 5 35

feeding of new born calves.

Lack of information about 225 1.875±0.052 62.5 3 32

nutrition management of
breeding animal.

Lack of information about 223 1.858±0.049 61.944 4 33

feeding during different stages
of reproductive life of buffalo
BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100
BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION
Non- availability of superior bulls for 259 2.158±0.07 71.944 6 23
mating.
Lack of information about A.I. method 284 2.364±0.068 78.889 4 18
and perceiving it as an unnatural
process.

Lack of information about the nearby 329 2.742±0.043 91.389 2 10

AI centres
Non availability of doctors and 156 1.3±0.051 43.333 9 55
professionals at AI centre.
High charges by staff for doing A.I in 339 2.825±0.037 94.167 1 5
animals.
Lack of information about proper time 143 1.192±0.045 39.722 10 59
of mating/ insemination after heat.
Lack of information about grading up 231 1.925±0.073 89.167 3 13
technique for herd improvement.
Lack of information about the 275 2.292±0.065 76.389 5 19
indigenous breeds
Lack of information about detection of 167 1.392±0.049 46.389 8 52
heat signs in animals.
Lack of information about the 212 1.767±0.045 58.889 7 36
precautions of abortion and repeat
breeding in buffalos
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
Lack of information 143 1.192±0.045 39.722 12 60
about signs of common
diseases
Lack of information 323 2.714±0.046 89.722 3 12
about the common
zoonotic diseases.
Unawareness about 191 1.592±0.061 53.056 9 44
importance of
Deworming and
Vaccination in buffalos
Unavailability of medical 201 1.675±0.062 55.833 7 41
store/pharmacy nearby.
Location of veterinary 206 1.720±0.063 57.35 6 39
dispensary/ hospital at a
far off place.
Veterinary centre/ 152 1.267±0.041 42.222 11 57
dispensary functioning
without a veterinary
HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100

HEALTH CARE PRACTICES

Lack of information about 172 1.433±0.055 47.778 10 50

First aid treatment

High cost of allopathic 348 2.9±0.03 96.667 1 4

veterinary medicines and
veterinary consultation.

Lack of information about 332 2.767±0.042 92.222 2 9

supplementation in case of
deficiency diseases.

No separate shed for isolation 197 1.642±0.051 54.722 8 42

of buffalo in case diseased
condition.

Lack of information about 239 1.992±0.045 66.389 4 25

services available for animal
health care in veterinary
centres.

Unawareness about proper 207 1.725±0.069 57.50 5 38

disposal of dead carcass.
FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING
CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean± Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100

FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING

Less information on 226 1.883±0.069 62.778 10 31

marketing channels

Less information about 334 2.783±0.038 92.778 5 8

credit/loan source.

Lack of information on 161 1.342±0.052 44.722 12 54

value addition of milk

Lack of milk processing 263 2.192±0.045 73.056 9 22

infrastructure.

Biased approach of bank 317 2.642±0.046 88.056 7 14

officials in providing loan
to buffalo farmers.

Lack of personal interest 308 2.567±0.054 85.556 8 16

on market and credit.
FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING

CONSTRAINTS Total score Mean±Std error MPS (total score/maximum Rank Overall Rank
score)100

FARM CREDIT AND MARKETING

Distance of market from 185 1.542±0.051 51.389 11 46

the village.

Lack of information 349 2.908±0.026 96.944 3 3

about government
schemes for the farmers

Risk of being in debt 326 2.717±0.046 90.556 6 11

Lack of information 337 2.808±0.036 93.611 4 7

about right channels of
investment.

Unawareness about 350 2.917±0.025 97.222 2 2

animal insurance scheme.

Absence of FPOs in 359 2.992±0.008 99.722 1 1

village.
CONCLUSION
 Majority of buffalo farmers were middle aged, having education up to high school and
above, belonged to nuclear family type with medium family size (5-8 members) and
were having marginal land holding with medium herd size of 5-8 animals. Main and
subsidiary occupation of majority of respondents was agriculture and animal husbandry
respectively. The average income earned from animal husbandry practices of majority of
respondents lied between Rs 50,000-Rs 3,30,000 per annum and total annual income of
majority of respondents lied between Rs 1,85,505- Rs 5,50,255. Considering the social
participation, majority of respondents were either member of one organization or more
than one organization. The mass media exposure, extension contact and information
seeking behaviour of majority of the respondents was medium.

 Majority of the respondents (80.00%) were having medium level of information need.
With respect to the overall information needs of farmers on buffalo rearing practices,
farm credit and marketing (36.75 WMS) was most preferred by the farmers. The most
needed information under different buffalo rearing practices like ‘housing and
management’, ‘feeding and nutrition’, ‘breeding and reproduction’, ‘health care
practices’ and ‘farm credit and marketing’ were found out to be dung disposal and
manure utilisation (32.50%), feeding of the new born (31.70%), venereal diseases
(84.20%), information about common zoonotic diseases (90.80%), information about
subsidies (92.50%) respectively.
 The sources which were ‘always’ utilized by the farmers for information
seeking about buffalo rearing practices were friends and relatives (96.70%),
whereas the ‘occasionally’ utilized source was VAS (86.70%). The source
‘rarely’ contacted was co-operative personnel (98.30). The channels which
was ‘always’ used by the farmers for seeking information about buffalo
rearing practices was mobile phone (78.30%), whereas the ‘occasionally’
utilized channel was veterinary hospital (83.30%). The channels ‘rarely’
used were folk media, documentary and demonstrations (100%).

 With respect to the overall constraints perceived by the farmers on buffalo

rearing practices, farm credit and marketing (81.37 MPS) was the most
serious of all the selected parameters. The most serious constraint perceived
by the farmers under ‘general constraints, ‘housing and management’,
‘feeding and nutrition’, ‘breeding and reproduction’, ‘Health care practices’
and ‘Farm credit and marketing’ were lack of training of farmers, lack of
information about antibiotics in milk and their ill effects to human
population, high cost and lack of information about availability of mineral
mixture/ UMMB, high charges by staff for doing A.I in animals, high cost of
allopathic veterinary medicines and veterinary consultation and absence of
FPOs in village respectively.
RECOMMENDATIONS
AND
SUGGESTIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
 Young farmers need to be encouraged by providing them with the benefits of government
schemes, subsidies, credit, insurance and health facilities to increase their herd size and
production, so that they can earn more income through buffalo rearing.

 Information need assessment of buffalo farmers revealed that farmers had immediate need
of farm credit and marketing information and for that, perception towards farmers must be
changed. They must be viewed as an untapped credit market.

 The buffalo rearing practices of farmers with respect to housing and management, feeding
and nutrition, breeding and reproduction, health care practices and farm credit and
marketing need to be upgraded by educating them through various need based and
periodical training programmes.

 As the findings may provide an in-depth understanding about the relationship of socio
economic character of the farmer with information needs and sources and channels of
information, it would be helpful in arriving at realistic as well as actionable goals for any
buffalo development programme.
THANK
YOU