The milk productivity obtained from the animals is quite low as compared to the average national
production. The dismal
situation related to the obstacles of productions have been identified by various research scholars (
Balaram, 1981, Gupta, 1981, Verma
et al, 1981, Bajarbaruah et al, 1995, Bajarbaruah et al, 2000, Chander Datt, 2001, Sah
et al, 2002).
Shortage of feed and fodders Paucity of feed
ingredients is one of the hurdles faced by the Livestock and Dairy rearers and most of the ingredients are imported and, as a result, the cost of mixed feed is very high and not affordable to the poor farmers. The genetic potential of the animals for milk production cannot be realized until they are properly feed. The deficiency of feeds in entire country is to the tune of 40.4, 24.7 and 47.1 per cent of straws, green fodders and concentrates respectively (Ranjan, 1999). The occurrence of situation is more acute and there is tremendous pressure of livestock on feeds and fodders.
Low genetic potential of animals The majority of the Milch animals are of non-descript type, and poor yielder. The overall milk production has improved over the years due to crossbreeding program but not to the certain desired. Artificial Insemination (AI) facilities are as well not adequate. The age at first calving and intercalving periods are larger which makes the dairy husbandry less remunerative.
Inadequate health cover The number of veterinary hospitals or dispensaries and availability of manpower are not commensurate with the high bovine population. The problem of anestrous and repeat breeding are frequently encountered which have not yet been satisfactorily addressed. Animals are more prone to disease and parasites owing to high rainfall and humidity. The introduction of crossbreed animals are further aggravated the situation as they are more susceptible to diseases.
High density of animal population The high profile of the bovine density marked the pressure on existing meager of feed resources. The farmers reared unproductive animals due to social and other factors.
Poor animal management There is lack of scientific knowledge among the farmers except few progressive farmers about good management, balanced feeding, diseased control, etc. that results poor performance in animals and lesser economic returns.
This is due to lack of desired leveled of linkages among research, development, extension and financing agencies. There is a need to update the working skills of the staff involved in dairy development activities through training etc.
Lack of financing agencies Most of the farmers are poor and are unable to purchase necessary inputs (feed, fodder seeds, medicines, etc) incurred for enhancing the health of animals and productivity. Though the financing agencies exist but due to complexity of procedures it is very difficult to the end users to get the funds.
Insufficient Marketing and testing facilities for milk and milk products Due to the isolation and territorial constraints, the road, transport and communication facilities are poor making the mobilization of milk and milk products very difficult. Except for a few milk cooperatives, milk is handled by vendors or middlemen who do not provide remunerative price to the farmers. There are no effective rules adopted for the prevention of adulteration of the milk and the milk products.
Absence of adequate infrastructural facilities Infrastructural facilities related to health aspects, artificial insemination (AI) coverage, frozen semen centers, milk pasteurization and chilling plants, feed mixing plants, fodder seed production units, roads etc are not adequate.
Cattle lifting The areas bordering Bangladesh faced the problem of cattle lifting particularly where cross-bred population is concentrated.