Rural Women’s Attitudes Towards Dairy Farming: Insights from Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand

Dairy farming constitutes a vital livelihood for rural households in India, particularly for women who play an indispensable role in animal rearing and milk production. In Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Division, women actively participate in feeding, milking, livestock management, and milk marketing, yet face multiple challenges due to socio-economic and structural barriers. This research paper examines the attitude of rural people towards dairy farming, focusing on their perceptions, participation, and the socio-economic significance of dairying in their lives. This study, conducted in the Nainital district, aimed to (i) to explore the socio-personal, economic, psychological, and communication characteristics of rural women and (ii) to assess the attitude of rural women towards dairy farming. A descriptive research design was employed, with 154 respondents selected through probability proportionate to size sampling from three villages in the Kotabagh block. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule and analysed using suitable statistical tools. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were from the middle age group (39–54 years), engaged in farming, and belonged predominantly to the general caste. Most had a moderate level of education and marginal landholdings, with 73.38% residing in nuclear families. A total 52.6% displayed a favorable attitude toward dairy farming. These results underscore the potential for targeted interventions through gender-sensitive extension services, improved access to veterinary care, and enhanced training opportunities to empower rural women and strengthen their contributions to the dairy sector.