Analysis of Farmers' Information Needs on Fodder Production

Fodder situation in India is extremely precarious and gap between its demand and availability is very wide. However, fodder production is profitable to livestock farmers. A study was therefore conducted to know fodder shortage experienced by livestock farmers, farmer's information source consultancy pattern and analyse their information needs on fodder crops cultivation in Karnataka covering under 4 agro-climatic zones, 4 districts, 4 taluks, 12 villages and 120 farmers' selected using stratified random sampling. The mean green fodder deficiency was comparatively more in hilly zone followed by coastal zone, northern transition zone and northern dry zone. Progressive farmers/farmer's friends from own or neighbouring villages were consulted very often by the respondents to seek information. Information need on 'Green fodder production throughout the year' was ranked first by the farmers of all the zones. Extension functionaries of these zones should educate farmers on methods to produce green fodder throughout the year.