Understanding Livestock Technology Adoption and Farmer Decision-Making through Participatory Rural Appraisal: Evidence from an Adopted Village in Maharashtra, India

The present exploratory and participatory study was purposively conducted in Shirol village of Udgir tehsil in Latur district of Maharashtra. The village was adopted by the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme. This study explores the dynamics of livestock technology adoption among farmers in Shirol village, utilizing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques. Recognizing the critical role of animal husbandry in rural Indian livelihoods, the research investigates how farmers make decisions regarding modern agricultural practices within a mixed-farming context. Using a whole-village participatory approach, primary data was gathered through PRA tools, specifically technology mapping, matrix ranking, and consequence diagram. The findings revealed that technologies are not simply adopted, but are discontinued, over-adopted, rejected, or reinvented as well based on practical field problems. Matrix ranking demonstrated that farmers prioritize simple, low-cost, and highly effective practices. Furthermore, farmers showed remarkable adaptability by reinventing tools such as creating homemade concentrate feeds and crafting low-cost poultry equipment to minimize daily expenses. While technologies like artificial insemination and vaccination ranked lower in overall farmer preference due to a heavy dependence on external veterinary services and specialized technicians. Ultimately, the integration of these livestock technologies has significantly enhanced animal health, milk yields, and overall socio-economic conditions in the region. However, realizing their full potential is hindered by high initial costs, limited awareness, and irregular technical support. The study concludes that strengthening field-level extension services and improving veterinary accessibility are vital steps toward promoting sustainable livestock development and maximizing technological benefits for rural communities.