1Division of Livestock Economics, Statistics and Information Technology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Uttar Pradesh
Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-246 135, Uttarakhand
*E-mail address: dwaipayanbardhan@gmail.com
Online published on 8 October, 2015.
A study was undertaken in Almora district of Uttarakhand to investigate the constraints faced by goat keepers. Atotal of 100 goat rearing households were selected randomly from Hawalbagh and Lamgarha blocks of Almora district. Farm household typologies were constructed by using two multivariate statistical techniques (Principal component analysis and cluster analysis). Five homogenous groups (clusters) were obtained. Constraints faced by the respondents in goat rearing were analyzed using the Garrett scale of ranking method. Attack by wild animals emerged as the most severe constraint faced by the respondents in the area of study. High cost of mineral mixture was cited by the respondents as the next most important constraint, followed by non-availability of green fodder throughout the year and high cost of fodder. It is necessary to focus on goat development programmes by providing necessary technical know-how and making available emergency veterinary services at farmers ’doorstep and high genetic merit bucks.
Cluster analysis, Constraints, Goat farmers, Principle component analysis
