Socio-Economic Status of Buffalo Farmers and Management Practices of Buffaloes at Shahjadpur Milk Pocket Area in Bangladesh.

Abstract:

Buffalo is the most neglected species of large ruminant, despite contributing safe and sustainable milk and meat production in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted at five unions of Shahjadpur upazilla under Sirajganj district which is called the milk pocket area in Bangladesh. The objective of the survey was to find out the socio-economic condition of buffalo farmers in these areas. Prior to conducting the survey work from February to June 2024, a questionnaire was designed and pre-tested. SPSS software was used to statistically analyze the collected data. The results revealed that majority (84%) of buffalo farmers were male and mostly (72%) practiced by middle aged (30-45years). Education level of farmers had no schooling (12%), primary (50%), secondary (22%), higher secondary (16%) and graduation (0%), respectively. In the survey area, majority (76%) of the farmers reared young male (1.5 to 2 years) buffalo of for fattening. Additionally, 72% farmers raised buffaloes with intensive system and rest 28% with semi-intensive. The involvement of respondents in farming, business and others were 84, 8% and 8%, respectively. Most (60%) of the farmers dewormed their buffalo regularly but only 28% practiced regular vaccination. The main factors limiting buffalo production in the study locations were high price of concentrate feed (88%), lack of pond for wallowing (70%), lack of improved dairy buffalo breeds (60%), lack of green fodder (30%), unavailability of lank loan (18%) and training facility (24%). The net income from fattening one buffalo per half yearly was BDT 26713. It indicates that rearing buffaloes for fattening purpose in the selected areas was profitable.