Loading...
Theses
Browse
9 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Women empowerment through self-help group with special reference to animal husbandry: ASRLM perspective(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Deka, Rahul Kanti; Borthakur, BikashIn recent years the group approach to poverty alleviation is getting recognition in Asian countries. Mostly, women are mobilized in to groups for undertaking mutually beneficial social and economic activities. The group provides the women a base for self-employment and empowerment through group dynamics. In India these mutual help based groups are known as Self Help Group (SHG). In 1999, GOI introduced Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana, a programme aimed at bringing families above the poverty line by ensuring sustainable level of income over a period of time which later in 2011 renamed as NRLM and in 2016 again renamed as DAY-NRLM. NRLM is being implemented in Assam by Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Society (ASRLMS) with the objectives laid by NRLM for enhancing the social and economic empowerment of the rural poor of Assam. Although several researches have been conducted on SHGs in general, negligible research has carried out in Animal husbandry in particular. So, the present study entitled “Women empowerment through self - help group with Special Reference To Animal Husbandry is proposed with the objectives a) to study the socio-personnel and economic profile of women SHG members, b) to appraise the organizational dynamics and financial management of SHG, c) to study different dimensions of empowerment of women SHG members, and d) to delineate the constraints as perceived by the respondents in rearing and marketing of livestock and poultry. Four block namely Rangia and Kamalpur from Kamrup (R) and Pub Nalbari and Paschim Nalbari from Nalbari district have selected. As such, 25 respondents or women SHG members from each block were selected randomly making the total sample size 100. A pretested, reliable, and valid interview schedule was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Majority of the respondents i.e. 64.00 per cent were in middle age category and the average age was found to be 47.00 years. 87 per cent of respondents were married while only 5.00 percent were widows and 8.00 per cent were unmarried.It was observed that 75.00 per cent farm women resided as nuclear family while 25.00 per cent as a joint family. 81.00 per cent of the respondents having medium family size with average size of 6. It was found that most respondents i.e. 78.00 per cent had medium educational qualification. Majority of the respondents 53.00 per cent were doing agriculture and animal husbandry as the major occupation. Majority of the respondents having medium level of experience in animal husbandry. Majority of the respondents i.e. 55.00 per cent are doing goatery, dairy and poultry as their livestock occupation. 100 per cent of the respondents took loan from bank, village organization and cluster level federation. 47.00 per cent of the respondent’s medium level of social participation. 100 per cent of the respondents attended either formal or consultancy based training. 62.00 per cent of the respondents having medium level of mass media exposure. 67.00 per cent of the respondents having medium level of extension agency contact. Majority i.e. 89.00 per cent of the respondents adopted middle man as the marketing channel. It was observed majority of the respondents having medium level of land holding. It was reflected in the study that most respondents in all four blocks, respondents had medium level of income from livestock with an average of Rs. 118819/year. Total annual income of respondents in selected block was of medium level with an average of Rs. 226667. Among 9 variables age shown negative correlation with women empowerment where as other other 8 variables have shown positive correlation. In case of correlation with constraints, among 9 variables, age shown positive correlation whereas other 8 variables shown negative correlation. Significant relation in regression analysis between independent variables and women empowerment is shown by age (p< 0.05) and educational qualification (p<0.05). In constraints with independent variables experience in animal husbandry showed a negative and significant relation (p< 0.05). The co-efficient of multiple determination (R2) value was found to be 0.426, and the F value for R was found to be non-significant.ThesisItem Open Access Participation of tribal farmwomen in livestock management activities in Dima Hasao District of Assam(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara Campus, 2022-09) Bodo, Komolika; Bora, LeemaThere are diverse ways in which livestock contributes to the household food and nutrition and rural women in India plays a crucial role in managing livestock. India has a long history of involving women in raising of livestock because domestic animals have long been an essential component of the family farming system. Studies on varied tasks shouldered by the rural women in livestock management are of utmost relevance in highlighting their contributions at the family level. For the planners, decision-makers and extension workers such studied serve as the baseline for initiating projects for rural development. With this reality in mind, the current study on the "Participation of Tribal Farm Women in Livestock Management Activities in Dima Hasao District of Assam" carried out.The study was conducted in two selected blocks of the Dima Hasao district i.e., Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block which were purposively selected in keeping adherence with the objectivesto explore a) The socio-economic profile of the respondents in the study area, b) The extent of involvement of womenfolk in livestock management activities in the study area, c) The extent of participation of women in decision making process in livestock management activities, and d) The relationship between extent of involvement and decision making of womenfolk in livestock management activities. As such, 60 respondents or tribal women from each block i.e., Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block were selected snow ball sampling making the total sample size 120. A pretested, reliable, and valid interview schedule was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 24.Majority of the tribal women livestock farmers i.e. 68.33 per cent were in middle age category and the average age was found to be 41.35 years. 96.67 per cent of respondents were married while only 2.50 percent were widows and 0.83 per cent were unmarried.It was observed that 81.67 per cent farm womenresided as nuclear family while 18.33 per cent as a joint family. Majority of respondents inDiyungbra ITDP Block i.e. 81.67 per cent and Jatinga Valley Development Block 76.67 per cent had medium family size with 3-6 numbers. Majority (35.00 per cent) of the respondents were engaged in Agriculture + Animal husbandry + Weaving in Diyungbra ITDP Block and 33.33 per cent were engaged in Agriculture + Animal husbandry + Government employed in Jatinga Valley Development Block. It was found that most respondents inDiyungbra ITDP Block andJatinga Valley Development Block i.e., 63.33 per cent and50.00 per cent had medium educational qualification. The majority of respondents in both the blocks i.e. 81.67 per cent and 83.33 per cent had medium-sized herd. The majority of respondents in both the blocks i.e. 75.00 per cent and 73.33 per cent had a medium level of social participation. Most respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block showed low level of extension contact, i.e., 46.67 per cent and 48.33 per cent respectively. Majority of the respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block, i.e., 93.33 per cent and 90.00 per cent in Jatinga Valley Development Block did not receive any training on livestock management. Mass media exposure in both the blocks was of medium level with 45.00 per cent respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block and 70.00 per cent in Jatinga Valley Development Block.It was observed that in Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block most respondentsi.e.,48.33 per cent and58.33 per cent had low farm land holding. The majority of respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block i.e., 63.33 per cent and 71.67 per cent had medium total land holding. It was reflected in the study that most respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block had medium level of income from livestock with an average of Rs. 25983.33/year. Total annual income of respondents in Diyungbra ITDP Block and Jatinga Valley Development Block was of medium level with an average of Rs. 151166.67. Majority of the respondents i.e., 41.67 per cent faced a medium level of distance to reach the market. Most respondents i.e., 76.67 per cent had a medium level of involvement in livestock management activities with a mean of 13.72 in the sub-area of feeding and watering,12.17 in breeding, 12.15 in general management and 11.59 in animal health care.Most respondents i.e., 71.67 per cent had a medium level of decision-making in livestock management activities with a mean of 14.48 in household activities followed by a mean of 12.42 in feeding and watering of animals, 10.75 in general management, 7.01 in animal health care, and 6.77 in breeding. In correlational analysis 3 independent variablesviz.age had a positive and highly significant correlation and mass media exposure had a negative and highly significant correlation withthe extent of involvement of womenfolk in livestock management activities in Diyungbra ITDP Block. In Jatinga Valley Development Block also age had a positive and highly significant correlation and mass media exposure had a negative and highly significant correlation withthe extent of involvement of womenfolk in livestock management activities. In Diyungbra ITDP Block, 3 independent variables viz. age, herd size and extension contact, showed a positive and significant correlation but mass media exposure had a negative and significant correlation withthe extent of participation of women in decisionmaking process of women in livestock management. In Jatinga Valley Development Block, age had a positive and highly significant correlation, extension contact had positive and significant correlation, mass media exposure had a negative and highly significant correlation and farm landholding showed a negative and significant correlation withthe extent of participation of women in decisionmaking process of women in livestock management. Regression analysis between independent variables and the extent of involvement of womenfolk in livestock management activities could not attain a level of significance. The co-efficient of multiple determination (R2) value was found to be 0.269, and the F value for R was found to be non-significant.regression analysis between independent variables and the extent of decision-making process of women in livestock management showed that the age of respondents of Dima Hasao District had a positive and significant relation (p<0.05). Herd size also had a positive and significant relation (p<0.05). The co-efficient of multiple determination (R2) value was found to be 0.273, and the F value for R was found to be non-significant.ThesisItem Open Access DYNAMICS OF URBANIZATION IN THE LIVELIHOOD OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THE PERI-URBAN AREAS OF GUWAHATI CITY(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2021-12) Choudhury, Parag Sankar; Hazarika, PulinSince urbanization is described under specific conditions and time period so going by the changes in the livelihood of livestock farmers in the Deepor Beel areas a study entitled “Dynamics of Urbanization in the Livelihood of Livestock Farmers in the Peri-Urban Areas of Guwahati city” is taken up which will give an insight into the livelihood status of the villagers in a holistic way. The study was conducted in the peri-urban areas in and around Deepor Beel in five revenue villages which was purposively selected namely Pamehi, Mikirpara, Chakardoe, Lakhara and Azara with four objectives-1) To study the socio- economic status of the livestock farmers in the fringe areas of Deepor Beel. 2) To explore the implications of rural-urban linkages in the livelihood of livestock farmers in the study area. 3) To find out the factors that influences the intensity of market participation of the farmers in Deepor Beel. 4) To study the relationship of rural urban linkages and intensity of market participation on socio-economic status of the farmers. Livestock farmers having two or more species of animals including poultry birds in their backyard were taken into account as respondents in the study. 20 livestock farmers from 5 revenue villages were taken into account to make a total sample size of 100. The data was collected personally by visiting the selected respondents through the use of a pretested, reliable and valid interview schedule. Data so collected was compiled, analyzed, tabulated and interpreted using appropriate statistical methods and software. Majority of the respondents (68.00 per cent) belonged to middle age group and average age was found to be around 43.82 years. Again majority, i.e., 71.00 per cent of the respondents were male. Further, majority of the farmers (87.00 per cent) were married and again majority (78.00 per cent) resided as nuclear family. It was observed that 82.00 per cent of livestock farmers had medium sized family with 5-6 members and majority of them (39.00 per cent) belonged to Scheduled Tribe category. Moreover, 76.00 per cent of respondents had education up to high school level and it was found from the study that 73.00 per cent of the respondents had medium herd size ranging from 1.91 to 14.58 cattle equivalent units. Again, majority (67.00 per cent) of respondents had medium level of experience in livestock farming ranging from 13.26 years to 34.54 years. However, in case of land holdings, majority of them (68.00 per cent) had low land holding i.e., <0.76 acres. It was indicated that majority (59.00 per cent) of respondents revealed medium distance from home to market (2.62 kms to 6.61 kms) and 99.00 per cent of the respondents reported good transportation/access to market. Again, majority (64.00 per cent) of livestock farmers was found to have medium exposure to mass media and majority of them (48.00 per cent) had medium extension contact. Moreover, Majority (69.00 per cent) of livestock farmers had medium annual family income from livestock and poultry (Rs. 14339.84 to Rs. 33142.16). Majority (66.00 per cent) of the livestock farmers belonged to medium income category on including annual income from all sources (Rs. 17118.00 to Rs. 287942.00). On assessing four sub-areas of implications namely social implications, implications on asset-base, implications on information flow and implications of house hold economy it was indicated that implications on asset- based is highest followed by household economy on livelihood of livestock farmers. A sum of total implications on mean, S.D. and range was found to be 46.82, 4.57 and 32-54 respectively. On distribution of respondents on the basis of implications of rural-urban linkages in the livelihood of livestock farmers it was further observed that majority of respondents (71.00 per cent) were in medium category. Furthermore, on distribution of respondents on basis of Intensity of Market Participation of Livestock Farmers on basis of 13 indicator statements it was found that majority of livestock farmers (66.00 per cent) were in medium category. In co-relational analysis age with respect to implications had a positive and significant correlation (r= 0.223*) among the livelihood of livestock farmers in rural-urban linkage. However, years of experience on livestock farming of the livestock farmers to implications was negatively and significantly correlated (r= -0.197*). Mass media exposure was found to be positively and significantly correlated in the statistical level of significance (r= 0.213*) with intensity of market participation. Last but not the least, income from all sources was found to be positively and significantly correlated in the statistical level of significance (r= 0.196*) with intensity of market participation.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY ENTERPRISES IN ENSURING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AMONG SELECTED TRIBES/ ETHNIC GROUP IN GOALPARA DISTRICT OF ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2022-01) ROY, DEEPJYOTI; RAY, M. N.A study titled “Impact of Female Participation in Livestock and Poultry Enterprises in Ensuring Women Empowerment and Household Food Security among Selected Tribes/ Ethnic Group in Goalpara District of Assam” was conducted with a view to investigate gender participation in livestock enterprises, to find the socio-personal, socio-economic and psychological parameters of the women of four tribes/ ethnic group along with their time spent in livestock related activities, their nature and extent of participation and to assess the impact of their participation in these activities on their overall household empowerment and food security. The Goalpara district of Assam was purposively selected, from where a total of two hundred respondents- fifty each from Rabha, Garo, Hajong and Koch-Rajbongshi communities were surveyed for the study, the selection being done via snowball sampling method. The study revealed that majority of the respondents belonged to young age category (54.00 per cent), had small sized family (54.00 per cent), lived in a joint family system (56.50 per cent), had small land holding (69.00 per cent), possessed small sized herd (59.50 per cent) and had low level of education (37.00 per cent), social participation (65.50 per cent), mass media exposure (65.00 per cent) and extension contact (55.50 per cent). They also earned low annual income from livestock and poultry rearing (61.50 per cent), from other sources (67.20 per cent) and as well as from all sources (66.00 per cent). In respect of experience in livestock and poultry rearing majority (61.50 per cent) of them had short experience, had favourable attitude towards improved livestock farming (51.00 per cent) and high level of liking for information sources (46.50 per cent). Majority (54.50 per cent) of the respondents considered animal husbandry as a secondary source of income. The highest number (38.00 per cent) of the respondents spent medium time engaged in various livestock rearing activities. Significant difference was observed among the communities in respect of their level of education (15.799**, P<0.01), level of social participation (6.029**, P<0.01), level of experience in livestock rearing (4.131**, P<0.01), level of mass media exposure (16.890, P<0.01), level of extension contact (13.496**, P<0.01), herd size (3.021*, P<0.05), land holding (10.166**, P<0.01), annual income from livestock and poultry rearing (7.197**, P<0.01), annual income from sources other than livestock and poultry rearing (8.962**, P<0.01), total annual income from all sources (9.552**, P<0.01), liking of information sources (17.560**, P<0.01), attitude towards improves livestock farming (19.586**, P<0.01), time spent in livestock activities (7.595**, P<0.01). Gender-wise it was seen that all the activities involved the participation of both males and females. No such activity was observed where only lone male or lone female participation was present. The chi-square analysis revealed that the activities like ‘collection of fodder’ (18.361*), ‘milking’ (12.989*), ‘selling of milk and milk products’ (14.633*), ‘preparation of milk products’ (14.010*), ‘collection of dung’ (13.448*), ‘preparation of dung cake’ (13.448*) and ‘bathing of animals’ (19.215*) revealed significant chi-square values at P<0.05 level of probability which indicated that gender was significantly associated with tribe/ethnicity in respect of these activities. In respect of nature of participation, respondents alone participated in higher number in most of the activities in comparison to with husband, with in-laws, with children or together. In respect of extent of participation it was seen that the respondents regularly participated in the activities common to both livestock and poultry rearing. The percentage of women who perceived high level of women empowerment through their participation in livestock and poultry rearing was 52.00 per cent while majority (71.00 per cent) of the respondents had a high level of perception that their participation in such activities ensured household food security. Relational analysis was conducted between independent variables and the extent of participation, women empowerment and household food security which revealed that herd size (r=0.292**, P<0.01), land size (r=0.208**, P<0.01), attitude towards improved livestock farming (r=0.409**, P<0.01), time spent in livestock activities (r=0.302**, P<0.01) showed highly significant and positive correlation with extent of participation while education (r= -0.195**, P<0.01) and total annual income from all sources (r= -0.200**, P<0.01) exhibited highly significant and negative correlation with extent of participation. While mass media exposure (r= -0.179*, P<0.05) showed significant and negative correlation with extent of participation. Regression analysis showed that herd size (2.706**, P<0.01), land size (2.635**, P <0.01), attitude towards improved livestock farming (4.953**, P<0.01) and time spent in livestock activities (3.335**, P<0.01) showed a highly significant effect on the extent of participation. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.369 which indicated that 36.90 per cent of variation in extent of participation could be explained by these variables. The F value (7.164) was found to be positive and highly significant and indicated that these variables were good predictors of extent of participation. In respect of women empowerment, it was observed that 7 out of 15 variables viz. age (r= 0.249**, P<0.01), social participation (r= 0.363**, P<0.01), experience in livestock farming (r= 0.235**, P<0.01), extension contact (r= 0.323**, P<0.01), annual income from livestock rearing (r= 0.335**, P<0.01), attitude towards improved livestock farming (r= 0.278**, P<0.01), time spent in livestock activities (r= 0.459**, P<0.01) exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with household women empowerment while family size (r=-0. 211**, P<0.01) showed highly significant and negative correlation with household women empowerment. On the other hand, multiple regression analysis showed that age (2.680**, P<0.01), social participation (4.208**, P<0.01), herd size (-3.950**, P<0.01), attitude towards improved livestock farming (5.456**, P<0.01) and time spent in livestock activities (4.227**, P<0.01) showed a highly significant contributing effect on household women empowerment and liking of information sources (-2.274*, P<0.05) showed a significant contributing effect on women empowerment. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.466 which indicated that 46.60 per cent of variation in household women empowerment could be explained by these variables. The F value (9.968) was found to be positive and highly significant and indicated that these variables were good predictors of household women empowerment. While in case of household food security, out of 15 independent variables social participation (r= 0.242**, P<0.01), mass media exposure (r= 0.216**, P<0.01), annual income from livestock farming (r= 0.276**, P<0.01), attitude towards improved livestock rearing (r= 0.343**, P<0.01), liking of information sources (r= 0.204**, P<0.01), time spent in livestock activities (r= 0.228**, P<0.01) exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with household food security while extension contact (r= 0.162*, P<0.05) showed significant and positive relationship with household food security. The regression analysis further revealed that social participation (3.680**, P<0.01), mass media exposure (2.678**, P<0.01), attitude towards improved livestock farming (5.262**, P<0.01) showed highly significant effect on household food security while herd size (-2.065*, P<0.05) had significant effect on the same. The coefficient of determination (R2) was found to be 0.334 which indicated that 33.40 per cent of variation in food security could be explained by these variables. The F value (6.144) was found to be positive and highly significant and indicated that these variables were good predictors of the household food security. Further correlation co-efficient was calculated of extent of participation with that of women empowerment and household food security. No significant relation between the extent of participation of the respondents in livestock and poultry enterprises with the level of household empowerment of women or household food security was present.ThesisItem Open Access AVENUES OF EMPLOYMENT AND WELFARE FROM PIG FARMING IN AIZAWL, MIZORAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Fanai, Vanlalhmangaihi; Saharia, K. K.ThesisItem Open Access ETHNICITY IN LIVESTOCK REARING AMONG THE NYISHI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Yadik, Nich; Borgohain, A.An investigation was undertaken to study the ethnicity in livestock rearing among the Nyishi Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh .Two predominantly Nyishi dominated districts namely Papum Pare and Lower Subansiri district were purposively selected. Four villages were selected and 15 respondents from each village were selected, making the sample size 120.Only the farmers having at least one animal were selected for the study in consultation with the officials of Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy, Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the study purpose. Two sets of variables viz., independent and dependent variables were chosen for the study in consultation with available literature, faculties in college of veterinary science AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. Data were collected by personally by interviewing the respondents. Study revealed that majority of the respondents, 65.84 per cent belonged to middle age group, and about 62.50 per cent of them were male and 100.00 per cent were married. Majority 75.83 per cent had nuclear family type with 70.80 per cent medium family size. Almost 54.20 per cent were illiterate educational level and majority 73.30 per cent of the respondents were involved in agriculture as their main occupation. Majority of the respondents 70.00 per cent had medium herd size of livestock other than mithun,75.83 per cent had medium mithun herd size .Most of them had medium family income (rupees 90000-190000) of which majority of the respondents 79.17 per cent belonged to medium category. Majority 85.00 per cent of the respondents had medium income from livestock (rupees 60000-90000).About 55.83 per cent of the respondents had medium extension contact and 62.50 per cent of the respondents had social participation. As regards to socio-cultural practices associated with livestock rearing, 100 per cent of the respondents used mithun and poultry during festivals, 100.00 per cent the respondents used mithun, pig and poultry during marriage, 100.00 per cent of respondents used poultry in rituals, 100.00 per cent in birth ceremony, 95.00 per cent of the respondents used mithun in barter system and 95.00 per cent of the respondents used mithun in legal laws. The study revealed that larger herd size enhances livelihood (89.17 per cent), more numbers of livestock increase social status (74.17 per cent), availability of transportation facilities enhances livestock rearing (77.50 per cent), animal husbandry provides supplementary income (76.66 per cent) and livestock provides social status (70.83) were the different type of assets which played major role in livelihood support of the farmers. As per the preferred means of identification of livestock in order to avoid disputes 60.00 per cent of the respondents responds practiced ear notching, followed by 50.08 per cent of the respondents by different colour pattern and 50.08 per cent by horn. Majority of the respondents 95.83 per cent preferred means of processing of livestock meat and followed 63 per cent by drying. In respect of ethno-veterinary practices leaves, roots and stems of different plants like garlic, guava, ginger, taro, mugorut, white seed, fern, banana etc were used by Nyishi tribe for treatment of different ailments of livestock. Constraints such as non availability of labourers, lack of fodder and good quality seed and lack of proper marketing channel has been identified as sever constraints perceived by the Nyishis’ in performing their livestock rearing practices.ThesisItem Open Access TRANSITION IN ETHNO-CULTURAL LIVESTOCK PREFERENCES AMONG FARMERS IN KAMRUP (R) DISTRICT OF ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2017-07) Das, Gayatri; Saharia, K. K.ndia is predominantly an agrarian society where animal husbandry is an integral part of the agricultural system and as such helps forming the backbone of national economy. The scale of production in animal husbandry has been subsistent in nature and method of rearing, traditional in nature. Commercial or market oriented production systems have not developed much. The composition of livestock population of Assam consists of 63.3 percent cattle followed by goat (21 percent). Buffalo accounts for 5.8 percent while the share of pig is 8.62 percent and sheep is the lowest, i.e. 0.66 percent. Assam does not have any economically important breeds of livestock except the indigenous bullock (2.06 million) on which most of the agricultural operations depend. Because of constantly changing atmosphere in addition to many other factors, animal husbandry in the traditional society in the state has been in transition necessitating the preferences in the farmers’ priorities. therefore a study entitled as “Transition in ethno-cultural livestock preferences among farmers in Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam “was taken up to study with the objectives- (i) Personal profile and the traditional livestock reared by the farmers. (ii)The ethno-cultural values the farmers endow to livestock (iii) The change in number and pattern of animals reared and the transition, if any since the time of his/her father (iv) The reasons of perceived transition among the farmers in livestock rearing (v) The relationship among the ethno-cultural values, transitions of livestock rearing and the reasons behind such a situation. The study was conducted in four selected developmental blocks of Kamrup (Rural) District of Assam situated to the East, West, North and South directions from the headquarters. These four blocks were Bejera, Hajo, Rangia and Boko. Twenty five farmers having at least one milch cow were selected randomly as respondents from each of the blocks thus making the sample size 100. A pre-tested, reliable and valid interview schedule was used for data collection by the researcher personally and the responses were collected on the interview schedule comprising of independent and dependent variables. Based on the data collected and the results obtained the conclusions were drawn and findings were expressed. The salient findings were- Majority of the farmers belonged to middle age group (38-50 year), Majority of respondents were male (72.00 percent), Quite a high majority of the respondents were married (94.00 percent),Quite a good number of the respondents had low educational status (46.00 percent), Majority (79.00 percent) of the respondents had medium sized families (4-7 number) Majority of the respondents belonged to nuclear family type (84.00 per cent), Majority (51.00 percent) of the respondents were medium land holders (3-5 bighas), Quite a good number had agriculture as their primary occupation (43.00 percent), Majority (81.00 percent) of the respondents belonged to middle income group (Rs.48,000-217000) of family income from all source, Majority (83.00 percent) of the respondents belonged to middle income group of (Rs. 4000 to 10,000) of family income from animal husbandry or livestock sector, A good number of the respondents (49.00 per cent) had medium (Rs. 3000- to Rs. 5000/-) respondent’s own monthly income, Majority of farmers (75.00 per cent) had maintained medium herd size (3-6 numbers) presently. Majority of farmers (77.00 percent) had maintained medium herd size (2-3 numbers of equivalent cattle units) 5 yrs. back. Quite a good number (47.00 percent) respondents had medium level of social participation. Majority of farmer (54.00 per cent) were categorized ABSTRACT in medium extension contact, Among the farmers, 34.00 per cent respondents had high level of exposure to various information sources. Highest respondents (6.08 percent) reared livestock for agricultural purposes mainly for draft and manure. Cattle were highly preferred (40.83 percent) among the various farm animals, Majority (87.00 percent) of farmers had kutcha type of house, Majority of farmers (61.00 per cent) were categorized in medium risk orientation group towards animal husbandry practices. Quite a good number (49.00 percent) had medium level of attitude towards animal husbandry. Highest respondents (4.73 percent) kept animals let loose throughout the day &gave shelter at night, Highest respondents (8.90 percent) fed colostrum to the new born calves followed by regular vaccination against infectious diseases. In ‘t ‘test mean number of livestock between the two phases of study i.e. five years back and at the time of conducting the study, significantly differed and showed increase from earlier,(6.84 p=<.01),In relational analysis age of the respondents was positively and high significantly related (r=0.29, p=<.01)to mass media exposure. Whereas it was positively and significantly correlated (r=0.20,p=<.05) with earlier (5 years back) herd size , Educational qualification had positive and high significantly related (r=0.31,p=<.01) to annual family income from all sources and mass media exposure ,Whereas it had positive and significant correlation (r=0.20,p=<.05) with earlier (5 years back) herd size. Family size was found to be positively and high significantly related(r=0.27, p=<.01) to land holding, whereas it was found to be negatively and high significantly related to mass media exposure, Land holding was positively and high significantly related to occupation and risk orientation, Annual family income from all sources was found to be positively and high significantly related to educational qualification , Annual family income from livestock was positively and high significantly related to with annual family income from all sources, Social participation was positively and high significantly (r=0.31, p=<.01) related to annual family income from all sources, herd size, preference of livestock ,Mass media exposure was positively and high significantly related to age, educational qualification and social participation, whereas it had significant correlation with respondent own income per month ,Risk orientation was positively and high significantly related (r=0.25, p=<.01)to land holding ,Purpose of livestock rearing was positively and high significantly related to respondent own income per month, Preferences of livestock was positively and highly significantly(r=0.18, p=<.01) related to annual family income from all sources and annual family income from livestock, Herd size (5 yrs. earlier) was positively and high significantly(r=0.79, p=<.01) related to herd size (at the time of data collection). Whereas it had significant correlation with Age, Educational qualification, annual family income from all sources and Social participation, In multiple regression out of 12 independent variables, family size, occupation, Extension contact, and risk orientation had positive and significant influence on purpose of livestock rearing. The coefficient of determination R square =0.98, indicating that 98.00 percent variation in the purpose of livestock rearing was explained by 12 independent variables taken together. ‘F’ value for R= 4.41** which is highly significant.ThesisItem Open Access ISSUES AROUND NIANG MEGHA BREED OF PIG REARING IN MEGHALAYA(College of Veterinary Science Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2016-07) Suchiang, Rimiki; Ray, M. N.A research study was undertaken to study the issues regarding Niang megha breed of pig in two purposively selected districts of Meghalaya namely, East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills district. From each district four villages were purposively selected and from each village 15 Niang megha farmers were randomly selected making the total sample size to 120. Two sets of variables viz., independent and dependent were chosen for the study in consultation with available literature and experts of the field. Data were collected by personally interviewing the selected respondents with the reliable and valid interview schedule. The respondents were interviewed personally at their residence/ farm during the month of November 2015 to April 2016. The study revealed that the average age of the respondents was around 43 years. Majority of the respondents read up to primary school (30.84%), had nuclear families (60.83%) with mean family size of about 7 and were married (90.00%). Agriculture was their primary occupation with their mean annual income from pig farming being Rs. 11336 and mean annual income from all sources being Rs. 76,847. Most of them had medium experience of rearing Niang megha, with an average of about 34 years with about 4 numbers of pigs and mostly rearing for both breeding and fattening purpose (63.33%). Most of them had medium level of social participation (71.66%) and extension contact (68.33%). Majority of the respondents’ attitude towards piggery enterprise was neutral with medium level of liking towards information source. A total of 8 green forages and 10 medicinal herbs were identified which were used for feeding and treatment of Niang megha respectively. Most of them reared their pigs in semi-intensive system (55.84%), mostly hiring a boar for breeding purpose (44.17%). Most of them feed their pigs with garbage feeds (84.17%) and most of them had weaned (45.83%) and castrated their pigs (59.17%) and sometimes treated and dewormed them (48.33%). The common marketing channel of pigs was through local trader and the piglets were normally bought through the co-farmers and the common mode of marketing pork was through local trader. A total of fourteen constraints were identified through Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) technique, where high cost of feed was found to occupy the Rank 1 among the constraints in both the districts with a rank correlation coefficient of 0.70** and 0.95** in East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills district respectively.ThesisItem Open Access PROGRESSIVE POULTRY REARING VENTURES IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF MEGHALAYA(College of Veterinary Science Assam Agricultural University Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2016-07) Pyrtuh, Riwanki; RAY, M. N.The poultry rearing is the most dynamic venture in animal husbandry playing a vital role for socio-economic development of the country. It also plays a significant role in supplementing family income, employment generation, enhances nutrition and alleviates poverty. Thus the study had been conceptualized with the overall objective to study on “Progressive Poultry Rearing Ventures in Selected Districts of Meghalaya”. The study was carried out in two purposively selected districts of Meghalaya viz. East Khasi Hills district and South West Khasi Hills district. Mawphlang block from East Khasi Hills district and Mawkyrwat block from South West Khasi Hills district were purposively selected considering their poultry population. Six villages from each of the two selected blocks were randomly selected and ten poultry farmers were again randomly selected to make the sample size 120. Data on socio-personal and psychological profile of poultry farmers, the factors and areas influencing poultry rearing in the districts, the changes occurred in poultry rearing in recent years, the progressive economic and social contribution of poultry rearing to the family and society respectively and the poultry farmers’ contribution to the local markets were gathered by the researcher through personal interview method. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were of middle age (64 per cent), married (95 per cent), males (52 per cent) and having a nuclear type (95 per cent) of family. Majority of the respondents had medium sized family with a highly significant difference between the two blocks (‘t’ value= 2.019*, p<0.05). A large number of the respondents could read and write (40 per cent), were daily wage earners (56 per cent) in occupation with an average annual income of Rs 80, 483.33 from all sources (82 per cent) and an average of Rs 6883.33 as annual income from poultry (92 per cent). Majority (95 per cent) of the respondents had medium flock size with a highly significant difference between the two blocks (t= 2.18*, p<0.05). Majority of the respondents had medium length of experience (69 per cent) in poultry rearing with medium level of training (93 per cent). All the respondents utilized their income from poultry for day-to-day household upkeep. They had also utilized their income from poultry in the fields of education (54.78 per cent), health care (49.80 per cent), sustaining of poultry production (34.03 per cent) and in agricultural activities (2.49 per cent) in a mutually exclusive manner. Majority of the respondents had medium level of social participation (92 per cent), extension contact (84 per cent) and mass media exposure (58 per cent). Majority of the respondents had neutral attitude (78 per cent) towards poultry rearing with medium level of economic motivation (68 per cent). In respect of changes in poultry rearing, there was a reduction in the number of respondents who were found to practice free range system whereas there was an increase in the number of respondents who practiced backyard and intensive system of rearing. In case of floor material, there was an increase in the number of respondents who used concrete. There was an increase in the number of respondents who used GI sheet as roofing material as well as a combination of concrete and wire net as side wall construction. Similarly the number of respondents using plastic-make as feeding trough and commercial feed also increased. The number of respondents who adopted improved variety of chicken also increased. In respect of source of chicks, there was an increase in the number of respondents who procured chicks through private dealers and Government schemes. The number of respondents who vaccinated, de-wormed, provided treatment, buried the dead birds and kept records also showed a markedly upward trend. Majority of the respondents (64 per cent) fell under the medium category of perception in respect of factors and areas that influenced poultry rearing and agreed that ‘finance’ (86.00%), ‘diseases’ (81.00%), ‘Government policies of helping farmers’ (42.00%), ‘knowledge on scientific practices’ (38.00%) and ‘training on poultry rearing’ (59.00%) had ‘very much’ influenced on poultry rearing. Majority of the respondents (76 per cent) had medium level of perception with respect to the economic and social contribution of poultry rearing to their family and society respectively. There was highly significant difference between the two blocks in economic and social contribution of poultry rearing to their family and society respectively. (‘t’ value= 3.12**, p<0.01). Further majority of the respondents felt that poultry rearing had ‘very much’ contributed to their family in terms of ‘Increase in family income’. Similarly, majority of the respondents (74 per cent) fell in medium category with respect to their perceived contribution of poultry rearing to the local markets and perceived that the item ‘Enhances employment opportunities’ (86.00%) had ‘very much’ contribution to the local markets. In relational analysis, educational status (‘r’=0.20*) and extension contact (‘r’= 0.23*) had positive and significant (p<0.05) correlation with the factors and areas affecting poultry rearing. Further, annual income from all sources (‘r’=0.35**), mass media exposure (‘r’=0.36**) and economic motivation (‘r’=0.38**) had positive and highly significant (p<0.01) correlation with the factors and areas affecting poultry rearing. In regression analysis, experience in poultry rearing and economic motivation had a positive and significant (p<0.05) influence on the factors and areas affecting poultry rearing.
