An Empirical Study of Factors’ Driving Livestock Production and Associated Marketing Problems in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Livestock production forms an essential part of the agriculture, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. The researchers have mainly focused on the various key factors to expansion, major challenges, several problems, various skill-sets required for the expansion of livestock production in Western Maharashtra. The study has also highlighted on the perceived profitability and needed improvements in livestock production and marketing in Western Maharashtra.  Researchers have selected Western Maharashtra as the study area and used Taro Yamane’s Sample Size determination method for selecting of samples and samples were distributed among the districts such as Kolhapur, Pune, Satara, Sangli and Solapur by the using of proportionate sampling method, in accordance with their respective population size. The random sample selection method has used for selection of sample. This research study was purely based on the primary data which was collected by self-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Researchers have found that various factors were influencing the livestock production of which the continuously increasing the demand for animal products, better veterinary services, socio-economic importance, breeding improvement, nutrition was the major influential factors. the financial and record-keeping skills, planning and managing livestock, knowledge of animal husbandry and marketing skills were very much required skill-sets in livestock production and marketing in Western Maharashtra. The majority of selected respondents perceived livestock production as moderately profitable. Researchers have suggested to develop the infrastructure, proactive role of government required, adoption of farm-mechanization, minimize the cost of production, strengthening of cooperatives institutes, ensure credit and insurance access and promote training and awareness among the livestock producer and marketers in Western Maharashtra. The study concluded that livestock production helps to boost socio-economic condition of rural people and acts as “living bank” that helps to farmers cope with crop failures, droughts and financial emergencies. In recent years, the perception, attitude and outlook of youth towards livestock production have undergone a notable transformation.