Manure waste management: Perceptions and practices of dairy farmers in Punjab, India.

Background: Manure waste disposal is an essential aspect of dairy farm biosecurity and significantly impacts farm productivity, animal health, public health, and environmental sustainability. Improper manure management can contribute to pathogen spread, groundwater contamination, and environmental pollution, necessitating targeted interventions.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceptions, practices, needs, and challenges faced by dairy farmers in Punjab in relation to manure management and its broader implications.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 275 dairy farmers in Punjab using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included closed-ended, Likert scale-based, and open-ended questions addressing key aspects of manure management. Data were analyzed to explore associations between demographic factors (gender, age, education, herd size) and manure management practices.

Results: The analysis revealed that most respondents (66.9% strongly agreed, 33.1% agreed) recognized manure as an effective fertilizer. However, 43.6% strongly disagreed that dung odor should be considered a source of environmental contamination or health concern, and only 47.3% linked manure to pathogen spread. The opinions on groundwater contamination were divided, with 41.1% agreeing and 43.6% strongly disagreeing. Risk practices identified included 92% of farmers storing dung within residential areas and 50.9% handling dung barehanded. Significant associations were observed between demographics and perceptions/practices, with higher education and larger herd sizes positively influencing adherence to proper manure management practices. The farmers emphasized the need for subsidies and training to improve their manure management practices.

Conclusion: The study highlights gaps in manure management practices among dairy farmers and underscores the need for targeted interventions, policy support, and awareness campaigns. Strengthening sustainable manure management through collaboration with farmers, extension agencies, researchers, and policymakers, along with innovative approaches, is essential for enhancing farm biosecurity, safeguarding animal, and public health, and ensuring agricultural sustainability.