Involvement of Women Dairy Farmers in Decision Making Regarding Dairy Farm Activities in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the decision making of 225 women dairy farmers regarding dairy farm activities in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The data was collected by administering the interview schedule to the respondents. The data collected during the period of study was scrutinized and tabulated. The study revealed that majority of farm women were participating in decision making regarding taking loans (82.67%), health care of animals (80.00%), management of newborn calves (80.00%), insurance of animals (73.33%), culling of uneconomic animals (73.33%), construction of animal sheds (58.67%), and breeding practices (56.00%) in Narasaraopeta division. .Majority of  women dairy farmers in Pedaravuru division were participating in decision making regarding farm expansion (64.00%), purchase of loans (61.33%) and insurance of animals (60.00%) whereas  majority of women in Guntur division were participating in decision making in purchase of roughages and feeding of animals (64.00%). Overall, significant (P≤0.01) majority of farm women were participating in decision making regarding purchase of roughages and feeding of animals (44.89%). Only 13.30%, 12.40%, 11.60% and 6.70% were participating in decision making regarding management of pregnant animals, management of sick animals, utility of dung and adoption of scientific management practices, respectively. Overall, 35.60% and 12.90% were regularly participating in decision making regarding preparation of milk products and sale of milk, respectively.