Dairy farmers in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, face significant challenges that hinder the adoption of improved farming practices, as detailed in Somvanshi et al.’s study “Constraints Perceived by Dairy Farmers of Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh While Adopting Animal Management Practices“. Key issues include inefficient breeding, inadequate feeding practices, substandard animal management, and financial limitations. Problems like repeat breeding (67.5%) and insufficient knowledge about heat detection (65.83%) are compounded by limited access to high-quality breeding bulls and the low genetic potential of local livestock. These challenges are exacerbated by financial constraints such as high-interest credit and low milk prices, which make it difficult for farmers to procure better breeds or invest in their farms.

Feeding practices are another major concern. Farmers prioritize high-value cash crops like soybean, onion, and garlic over fodder crops, leading to fodder shortages (68.33%) and forcing reliance on expensive feed alternatives. A lack of awareness about improved feeding techniques and tools such as chaff cutters further affects livestock health and productivity. The financial burden of feed ingredients like soybean cakes adds to the problem. Additionally, veterinary care is often inaccessible due to high service charges (69.16%) and a lack of quality medicines, vaccinations, and disease awareness. Poor hygiene and housing practices further deteriorate animal health, contributing to low milk yields and high mortality rates. These interlinked challenges necessitate integrated, farmer-focused interventions.

Shunya Agritech offers a promising solution to address these issues with its innovative fodder-as-a-service model. This subscription-based service ensures the delivery of fresh, nutrient-rich hydroponic green fodder directly to farmers, bypassing the need for cultivation. It allows farmers to focus on profitable crops while ensuring their livestock’s nutritional needs are met, resulting in better health and increased milk productivity. The model is cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and highly accessible, making it a game-changer for small-scale farmers. Additionally, Shunya’s AI-powered tools provide real-time insights on livestock quality and market trends, empowering farmers with data-driven decisions to enhance their profitability.

By integrating solutions like Shunya’s services with government and institutional support, dairy farming in Mandsaur can experience a transformative shift. Awareness campaigns, affordable credit facilities, strengthened veterinary services, and incentives for fodder cultivation must complement technological innovations to address these deep-rooted issues. With collaborative efforts, the region’s dairy farmers can achieve sustainable growth, improved productivity, and enhanced livelihoods, paving the way for a more resilient agricultural economy in Madhya Pradesh.