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Type : Other Article

Knowledge and Constraints of Cottage Scale Soy Processor Dairies in Punjab : An Assessment

Rajni Goel and G.P.S. Sodhi

Abstract

The rural youth and farmers in Punjab particularly small and marginal are showing keen interest in adoption of soy processing as an enterprise because of its high profitability. As the rice-wheat system being followed from decades has ruined our eco system in Punjab, popularization of this enterprise can promote diversification by boosting soybean cultivation. Status of its adoption in the state needs to be assessed. An initial survey reveals that though the enterprise is very lucrative, there are number of constraints being encountered by soy processors at various levels. So, the present study was carried out to find out the knowledge level of soy processors about soy processing technologies, explore the relationship between each of the selected characteristics of the soy processors and their knowledge level and identify the constraints confronted by the soy processors. Majority of the respondents (70.0 %) had medium level of knowledge on soy processing technologies. The characteristics of the respondents’ viz. education, training experience and extension media contact had positive influence on the knowledge level of the respondents regarding soy processing technologies. The analysis showed that processing of soybean into soymilk, tofu, soy flour and soy nuts were found to be preferred by the respondents owing to their demand in the market. The study showed that 92.0% of the respondents highlighted the high cost of soybean as major constraint whereas 82.0% showed short shelf life of products as a limiting factor followed by unavailability of trained labour (74.0%) and lack of finance (62.0%). Lack of awareness regarding health benefits of soybean (58.0%) and lack of direct marketing channels (52.0%) were also among the important constraints perceived by the respondents

Keyword: Constraints; Soybean; Soy dairies; Knowledge level; Soy milk;

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