Mapping Out the Motivations, Housing Patterns and Management Practices Adopted by 2018 Kerala Flood Affected Dairy Farmers

A study on the dairy management practices adopted by dairy farmers who had been affected by the floods of 2018 was carried out in selected districts of Kerala state. A cross sectional survey design was employed for the study in which data were collected using structured interview schedules. Analysis of data revealed that 76.70 per cent of the respondents had housed their animals in traditional kutcha sheds. Raised platforms were seen in 84 per cent of the animal sheds. It was observed that 84.70 per cent of sheds had floors of concrete. Regarding the roof, it was observed that 89.30 per cent were constructed with sloping roof. The predominant roofing material used was sheets of galvanized iron (62.70 Per cent). Analysis of the occupational status of the farmers indicated that dairying was their primary occupation that majority of them undertook for self-employment (42 per cent) and additional income (32.70 per cent). On the adoption of important management practices, it was evident from the study that all the respondents had adopted scientific management practices such as regular vaccinations and regular deworming of dairy animals. However, it was also notable that 33.30 per cent of them had not adopted the practice of scientific disposal of carcass. This is important from the public health point of view, especially in event of natural calamities such as the Kerala Floods, 2018.