Impact Evaluation of Training Programmes on Dairy Farming in Punjab State

Dairy farming is emerging in a big way in the recent years. Although production of milk has increased, productivity is still not up to the mark. KVK, Kapurthala has helped increase the knowledge, inculcate skills and improve socioeconomic status of the rural poor. It was found that the average herd size with dairy farmers increased from 7.68 to 9.21 after the training. Knowledge level of trainees in breed characteristics, disease management, feed management etc. also increased. Number of trainees having knowledge about feed preparation technology increased from 6.67 to 100.00 per cent. Average knowledge score of the trainees increased from 3.64 to 6.39. The acquired knowledge farmers actually applied at their farms, which resulted in enhancement of their daily income. It was noticed that none of the trainees used Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) licks before the training, while after training percentage of trainees using UMMB licks was 18.75 per cent. Hence, besides gain in knowledge there was adoption of demonstrated technologies among the dairy farmers. Because of improved management at dairy farms, the average milk production per animal per day increased from 6.76 l to 6.93 l. The average reduction in cost of management of disease per animal per year was approximately Rs. 708.22. Increase in net profit per animal per year was Rs. 2607.82. Thus, it can be concluded that specialized training courses in dairy farming are proving to be beneficial to the dairy farmers by enhancing their socio-economic status