Study of the Socio - Economic Characteristics of Dairy and Non- Dairy Farmers

The present study was conducted during the year 2012-13 in Belgaum district of Karnataka state. The 72 dairy farmers and 72 non-dairy farmers were selected randomly from same area to constitute the total sample size of 144. Structured interview schedule was used to collect the data through personal interview. Data were analyzed by using suitable statistical tools. The findings of the socio-economic profile of dairy and non - dairy farmers revealed that dairy farmers (54.17%) and non-dairy farmers (51.39%) belonged to old age, educated up to high school level (26.39% and 27.78%, respectively), medium annual income (50% and 43.06%, respectively), big size of landholding (45.83% and 40.28%, respectively), medium and low experience in dairying (48.61% and 100%, respectively), high economic motivation (37.50% and 50%, respectively) and engaged with business along with agriculture (100% and 51.39%, respectively). Education, annual income and economic motivation showed positive and significant correlation at 5 per cent level of probability with knowledge level. Land holding, dairy experience and subsidiary occupation showed positive and significant relationship at 1 per cent level of probability. The remaining two variables namely, age and family size did not establish any significant relationship with knowledge level.