An analysis of constraints and suggestions for effective dairy extension delivery system in Karnataka state: Multi stakeholders perspective

The present study was conducted in eight districts of Karnataka State to analyse the constraints perceived by the dairy farmers and different dairy extension service providers and also to elicit their suggestions for effective extension delivery system in Karnataka State. A total of 400 dairy farmers who were availing the services from different extension service providers in the study area were selected as respondents for the study using multi-stage random sampling method. A total of 100 field extension functionaries representing different dairy extension service providers in the study area were also contacted to elicit their constraints in technology transfer and suggestions for the improvement. The constraint analysis by Garrett ranking technique revealed that inadequate ‘EAS in DAH&VS (54.31’)’, ‘non-remunerative milk procurement price/incentives by DCS’ (67.56) and ‘limited coverage of extension programmes by the KVKs (64.33)’ were the major constraints expressed by the dairy farmers. The major constraints of various extension service providers include; ‘administrative work load (81.18)’, ‘inadequate staff for EAS in DAH&VS’, delayed services (65.28),‘inadequate staff for EAS in DCS (56.76)’, ‘lack of convergence among KVK with other line-departments at district level (80.04)’ and ‘limited geographical coverage by NGOs (55.74)’. The major suggestions expressed by the dairy farmers for improved dairy extension service delivery system includes; ‘adequate extension & training services on dairy production and processing aspects by DCS and KVKs (93.47%)’, ‘improved access to timely veterinary services from DAHVS (88.00%)’, ‘strengthening EAS at panchayat level through ICT (65.00%)’, ‘regular supply of feed & fodder resources through DCS (60.00%)’ and ‘remunerative milk procurement price and regulation of cattle feed price by the government (42.50%)’. Whereas,the field extension personnel expressed ‘adequate manpower and exclusive cadre for extension services (94.00%)’ ‘promotion of inter-institutional convergence among various stakeholders (87.00%)’, ‘capacity building programmes for field extension functionaries (79.00%)’, ‘promotion of ICT based technology transfer (68.00%)’ and ‘better infrastructure facilities at the centres (62.00%)’. The present study concludes that concerted efforts needs to be made by all the stakeholders for possible convergence among the different dairy extension service providers in reaching out the dairy farmers and providing emphasis on ‘dairy extension education services’ in addition to ‘providing inputs & support services’ to the dairy farmers.