PERCEPTION OF YOUNGER DAIRY FARM WOMEN TOWARDS ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AS OCCUPATION

Abstract

Animal husbandry is a significant economic activity in rural areas, and that it provides livelihood and economic support to rural families. The investigation focused on the decision-making ability of young dairy farm women in the Navsari district of South Gujarat, specifically in the talukas of Navsari, Gandevi, and Vansda. The study selected respondents from six villages using simple random sampling methods, with a total of 360 young farm women participating in the research. The ex-post facto research design was followed, which involves the collection and analysis of data from past events. The study found that the majority of the respondents had a medium level of perception about animal husbandry as an occupation. Additionally, factors such as age, education, occupation, annual income, herd size, types of ruminant kept, experience of animal husbandry, and mass media exposure were positively and significantly correlated with the perception of animal husbandry as an occupation during the study. Overall, the findings suggest that there is potential to increase the perception of animal husbandry as a viable and lucrative occupation among young dairy farm women in rural areas of Navsari district. The factors identified by the study could be used to inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting animal husbandry as a means of livelihood and economic support in rural areas.