Introduction
As part of my ongoing field-based research project activities, I recently visited 28 dairy-rearing households in the villages of Bandala and Saliyana, located just 3-4 kilometers from our college. Over the course of two days, I observed the dairy farming practices of 28 farmers, predominantly women.
The stark differences in management practices highlighted significant challenges for many farmers but also revealed a standout example in Mr. Ashish Sharma. His scientific approach to dairy farming resulted in significantly higher productivity and profitability. This blog post explores the common challenges faced by the majority of dairy farmers in these villages and highlights the effective practices employed by Mr. Sharma that could serve as a model for others.
Observations in Bandala and Saliyana
General Findings
During our visits, we found that over 90% of households had at least one dairy cow, with an average milk production of 7-8 liters per day. Despite the potential for higher yields, most animals were producing less than their capacities due to suboptimal management practices. Common issues included improper feeding, lack of green fodder, and inadequate housing conditions.
Common Challenges
Feeding Practices
In Bandala, farmers typically provided a normal diet without the right balance of nutrients. Essential practices like chaff feeding, feeding good quality green fodder which optimizes feed efficiency, were notably absent. Consequently, cows produced less milk than they were capable of.
Health Issues
Health problems such as mastitis, parturition issues, diarrhea, and general weakness were widespread. These health issues not only reduced productivity but also increased veterinary costs. A lady in Bundla complained of recurrent bloat in her animal, to which we offered a local homemade remedy. Another farmer reported intermittent hardening of the udder. An animal with a good build produced less milk because its elderly owner lacked awareness and resources for proper feeding.
Cowsheds remain damp,hygiene and management practices are not upto the mark
In Saliyana, one woman lamented how her cow’s health declined during parturition, leading to a significant drop in milk production from 8 liters to just 1-2 liters per day. She had spent Rs 4,000 on treatment and considered disposing of the cow. Few women reported facing problems with mastitis. Most women farmers relied on veterinary pharmacists for treatment, who, although effective, had limited knowledge of animal husbandry practices and is most cases do not have inclination to educate dairy owners.
Housing Conditions
Many cowsheds were cramped and poorly maintained, leading to stress and disease among the animals. In several cases, the animal houses were kutcha structures with closed chambers, limiting the animals’ comfort and contributing to health problems.
Gender Dynamics
In most households, middle-aged to older women were primarily responsible for dairy farming. With limited mobility, access to resources, and reliance on traditional practices, these women faced significant challenges in optimizing dairy production.
A Standout Example: Mr. Ashish Sharma
Contrasting sharply with the common challenges faced by other farmers, Mr. Ashish Sharma from near Saliyana demonstrated how scientific management could revolutionize dairy farming. Starting with just two animals in 2014, he expanded his herd to eight crossbred Holstein Friesian cows by 2018 and now plans to increase to 30 animals in the near future. His success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including sound scientific management, his inclination to apply new things in his farm,proper housing, superior feeding practices, and advanced management techniques.
Housing and Hygiene
Mr. Sharma’s housing system was both spacious and cost-effective. He invested in pucca floors and animal mats, costing Rs 4,500 each from Ludhiana, ensuring easy cleaning and comfort for the cows. The cowshed was equipped with fans to alleviate summer stress, and the animals were kept clean with bright coats, reflecting their good health.
Superior Feeding Practices
Mr. Sharma’s feeding regime was a model of efficiency and balance:
- Green Fodder: He cultivated super Napier grass on 5 karnals of land, obtaining five cuts annually from April to November. This practice ensured a steady supply of high-quality green fodder and mitigated the problem of wild animals.
- Chaff Cutting and Silage: Using a chaff cutter, Mr. Sharma finely chopped the grass and mixed it with straw. He also fed his cows straw blocks purchased at Rs 11 per block and silage blocks, providing a consistent and nutritious diet.
- Concentrate Feed and Mineral Mixture: To further enhance milk production, he included concentrate feed and a daily mineral mixture of 50 grams.
Advanced Practices
- Teat Dips: Unlike many farmers, Mr. Sharma used teat dips to maintain udder hygiene and prevent mastitis, a common and costly disease.
- Milking Machine: He invested in a milking machine worth Rs 20,000, although it was not operational at the time of our visit, indicating his willingness to adopt technology to improve efficiency.
- Azolla Cultivation: Experimenting with innovative practices, Mr. Sharma cultivated azolla on a limited basis, aiming to further enhance his cows’ diet.
- Artificial Insemination: By using superior semen straws of high genetic merit, Mr. Sharma ensured high-quality offspring, enhancing the overall productivity of his herd.
Conclusion
Mr. Ashish Sharma’s dairy farm exemplifies how adopting scientific management practices can lead to significant improvements in dairy production and profitability. His success story offers valuable lessons for other dairy farmers in Bandala and Saliyana, demonstrating that with proper housing, balanced feeding, and advanced management techniques, dairy farming can be a sustainable and profitable venture.
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By embracing these practices, farmers can overcome common challenges and unlock the full potential of their dairy cows, contributing to their livelihoods and the local economy. Mr. Sharma’s experience also highlights the importance of support and knowledge transfer to women farmers, who are the backbone of dairy farming in these regions, to ensure they have the resources and training needed to succeed.
People like Ashish Sharma bring hope to dairy farming in regions of Kangra, where we have fewer success stories and where dairy farming is typically limited to one or two animals managed by older women. His approach serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through scientific and efficient farming practices.
Key takeways from Blog
- Common Challenges: Many dairy farmers in Bandala and Saliyana face significant challenges such as improper feeding practices, health issues like mastitis and parturition problems, and inadequate housing conditions. These issues result in lower milk production and increased costs, particularly for women farmers who manage the majority of dairy operations with limited resources and mobility.
- Model Practices: Mr. Ashish Sharma’s farm near Saliyana stands out due to his implementation of scientific management practices. His success is attributed to efficient housing, balanced and high-quality feeding, advanced health management, and the use of technology and superior breeding methods. These practices have led to significantly higher milk production and overall herd health.
- Path to Improvement: Mr. Sharma’s example demonstrates that adopting scientific and efficient dairy farming practices can greatly enhance productivity and profitability. His approach provides a valuable model for other farmers in the region, highlighting the importance of education, resource availability, and support for women farmers to improve their dairy farming outcomes.