Analysis of Constraints Faced by Gaushalas in Punjab State

The present study was conducted in 2 districts of Punjab, Hoshiarpur and Fazilka to identify the constraints perceived by managers of Gaushalas for smooth functioning of Gaushalas. Data were collected using structured interview schedule from the total 20 random Gaushalas, 10 Gaushalas from Hoshiarpur and 10 Gaushalas from Fazilka district respectively. Garrett’s ranking technique was used to prioritize the different sets of constraints in terms of their mean score. Findings of the study regarding infrastructural constraints perceived by managers of Gaushalas revealed that, “Inadequate knowledge about preparation of mineral mixture” (mean score: 63.42); was perceived as most important constraint and ranked first and “Improper location of veterinary hospitals and A.I. centres” (mean score: 31.29) was ranked last. Regarding technical constraints “Inadequate knowledge about preparation of mineral mixture” (mean score: 63.42); was perceived as most important constraint and ranked first and last is “Lack of awareness about general animal welfare practices” (mean score: 37.95). In case of economic constraints “High cost is involved in providing a balance diet to the dairy animals” (mean score: 63.16); and last ranked is “Lack of transportation facilities” (mean score: 34.37). In case of communicational constraints “Lack of internet and other ICT facilities in the study area” (mean score: 63.33); was perceived as most important constraint and “Non availability of information providers/channels regarding animal welfare management practices at Gaushala”(mean score: 35.87) is last ranked constraint. Hence, for smooth functioning of Gaushalas, Government should look into this matter and should try to resolve these constraints for the betterment of animals.