Impact of Dairying on Nutritional Status of Women in Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Nutritional status with respect to dairying of 100 scheduled caste (SC) and 100 forward caste (FC) families holding high yield hybrid cows of Chandragiri Mandal were studied for the present work. The household women of both the communities are engaged in dairying as part of their routine household activity to generate additional income for the family. The milk produce from the cows are utilised both for their home needs and for sale. It is observed on the whole that the FC women are managing well compared to their counterpart SC women. The dietary intakes of milk from their own sources are properly consumed by the FC women and their health status appears to be good in comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA, 60%). The SC women neglected the intake of milk, as their daily dietary intakes are very low compared to RDA (38%) due to the reasons related to hindrance from the family, illiteracy and improper management. The present study reflects that the SC women cannot manage their family members because of several reasons like illiteracy, alcoholism, smoking and other bad practices. Even though the FC families also possess the same problems, these women could manage and overcome the problem and gain profits and have a good comfortable life. The present study observes that the SC women are to be given repeated counseling to manage with the problems at household and outside levels.