Livestock farmers constraints faced and coping strategies adopted in high Himalaya (Gurez) Valley of Kashmir

The study was conducted to explore farmer's perception to the constraints faced and coping strategies adopted in various animal husbandry practices in Gurez valley of Kashmir. The data were collected from a total of 63 households owning livestock in three arbitrary zones viz., Lower, Middle and Upper Gurez through interview and direct observation. The survey results revealed feed shortage especially during winter seasons was the main problem faced by livestock farmers (98.40 %) throughout Gurez. The coping strategies adopted with winter season feed scarcity were increasing use of conserved fodders (29.40 %), increasing use of home-made concentrate feeds (27.50%), reducing flock/herd size (27.50%) and increasing use of agro-industrial by-products (15.70%). Respondents (34.60%) also reported high incidence of reproductive problems in livestock followed by high cost of treatment. There was fair level of awareness in livestock farmers regarding protecting their animals against parasitic infestations and contagious diseases. Farmers (98%) particularly in Lower and Upper Gurez reported no or poor nearby markets facilities. High figures of unawareness among farmers regarding various scientific animal husbandry practices depicted very weak extension services. It is concluded that promoting extension services on training and technical knowhow is essential to overcome constraints faced by farmers, while financial, and physical support to farmers are critical for the development of sustainable coping strategies in livestock practices.