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Economic Impact of Farmer Producer Company Membership on Maize Cultivation in Kollegala, Karnataka, India
No full textMaize is an important crop in Indian agriculture, especially in Karnataka, where it contributes significantly to food security and industrial value chains. Similar to other farmers, smallholder farmers face perennial challenges of expensive inputs, scattered land holdings and restricted market access that impair their profitability. The Kollegala Horticulture Farmer Producer Company Limited (KHFPCL) has emerged as a transformative solution, providing collective procurement, technical support and stronger linkages with the market. An econometric study based on a comparison of 160 farmers 80 KHFPCL members and 80 non-members was undertaken to determine the economic impact of membership in KHFPCL on maize cultivation. Primary data were collected through structured interviews and key cost components like labor, seeds, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals were analysed. Using descriptive statistics and t-tests, the findings revealed that KHFPCL members achieved higher productivity, with an average yield of 25 quintals per acre compared to 23 quintals for non-members. Besides reporting 22.9% higher gross returns, members also achieved 53.3% more net returns based on reduced inputs and better resources management. All these results put forward the sizeable economic gains of Farmer Producer Companies, signifying their prospect to improve profitability for small-scale farmers, maximize cost structures and strengthen market access, which is eventually going to contribute to sustaining agricultural communities. Statistically significant gains since KHFPCL members have higher productivity, gross returns and net returns Policy interventions should strengthen FPCs, input access and promote sustainable practices for resilience of farmers
An Overview of Coal Gangue Resource Utilisation: A Brief Study
No full textAs a major solid waste, coal gangue not only occupies land but also pollutes groundwater and air, and even triggers geological disasters. Therefore, comprehensive resource utilization of coal gangue has received increasing attention. This paper analyzes research progress in backfilling treatment, extraction of valuable elements, improvement of agricultural production, development of sound-absorbing and noise-reducing ceramsite, manufacturing of building materials, and subgrade filling. It is proposed that efforts should be intensified in strengthening top-level design, enhancing pretreatment of coal gangue, extending industrial chains, fostering talent cultivation, and improving industrial policies to create an environment for harmless disposal and resource utilization of coal gangue
Indian Stock Market Developments & Interest Rates: An Association Assessment
No full textIn this research paper, the objective was to map the influence interest rates have on Indian stock market. Monthly frequency data of weighted average of call money (interest rates), closing prices of BSE indices and NSE indices from April, 1991 to March, 2023 are employed for the analysis. Granger Causality proved inconclusive in respect of finding any relationship between variables. In further establishing relationship VAR models are run. Evidence of lead-lag causal relationship from interest rates to the indices, both BSE and NSE exist. The conclusions establish that interest rates do have the capability to drive the Indian stock market movements. Further, analysis can help establish in which direction the interest rates can initiate the Indian stock market progress
Characteristics of Improved Oil Palm Production Technologies Disseminated by Fatuma Mwasa AgriTecH in Western Tanzania: A Farmers’ Perspective
No full textAims: This study aims at describing the characteristics of improved oil palm production technologies that have been disseminated by Fatuma Mwasa Agricultural Technology Transfer Hub (AgriTecH) in Tabora and Katavi regions in the Western parts of Tanzania.
Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the selected regions of Western Tanzania namely Tabora and Katavi from June, 2024 to August, 2024.
Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a sample of 120 respondents, while focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed to obtain qualitative data
Results: The study revealed that the majority of the farmers perceived that the disseminated technologies are environmentally friendly (94.2%), boost oil palm productivity (92.5%), cost- effective (91.6%), can be easily applied (90.0%), resource-efficient (89.2%) and are not constrained by the infrastructures (76.7%).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that TARI should increase investment in both research and technology transfer to ensure that improved agricultural technologies for oil palm and other crops are available and accessible to farmers. This will enable them to incorporate these technologies into their farming activities, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing income, and ensuring food security
A Comparative Study on the Udder and Gut Health among Three Goat Breeds of Northwest Himalayan Region
No full textAims: India ranks second in goat population (148.88 million) globally after China and contributes 9% in livestock GDP. Goat is multifaceted animal which provide meat, milk, hide, wool and manure. Goats contribute significantly to livelihood of small, marginal and poor households. Somatic cell counts (SCC) and faecal egg count (FEC) both are indicator of health status of goats; therefore, this study was done with the objective to access health status of three goat breeds found in north west himalayan region.
Methodology: This study was conducted at Division of Livestock production Management, F.V.Sc & AH, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu.
Samples were randomly collected from animals of same age group to keep variation minimum. Sixty milk and sixty faecal samples from each breed were considered for study.
Results: The Somatic cell count is represented in log10 form. There was no significant difference among breeds was observed, highest log SCC/ml was found in Beetal and minimum was observed in Gaddi. All animals observed from different breeds were infested with severe (500-1000) parasitic burden. Maximum FEC/gm was observed in Bakarwali and least was observed in Gaddi. Significant difference in FEC/gm was found in Gaddi and Bakarwali (p=0.05), Bakarwali and Beetal (p<0.01) whereas no significant difference was found between Gaddi and Beetal.
Conclusion: The lower and normal somatic cell count of Gaddi and Bakarwali indicates good udder health of observed herds while moderately high somatic cell count in Beetal breed represents poor udder health. High number of faecal eggs were found in studied population of all breeds reflecting high prevalence of endoparasitic disease. High incidence of parasitic disease severely affects the health status of goats, which results in poor production ultimately leading to economic loss
Influence of Row Spacing and Seed Rate on Growth, Yield, and Productivity of Irrigated Rice in Somali Region
No full textA field experiment was conducted in Gode, Kelafo, Jarati, and Dolo Ado experimental fields of the Somali region of eastern Ethiopia to evaluate the effects of seeding rate and inter-row spacing, as well as their interaction, on the performance of irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study is noteworthy as it addresses the lack of region-specific agronomic recommendations for irrigated rice in the Somali Region, where rice production is a recent practice under irrigation. Identifying the optimal inter-row spacing and seed rate is essential to enhance yield, improve resource use efficiency, and support food security in this under-researched agro-ecological zone. The study employed a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, using the rice variety ‘Nerica-1’. Treatments included four inter-row spacings (10, 20, 25, and 30 cm) and four seeding rates (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg/ha). Results revealed that both seeding rate and row spacing significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) influenced most yield and agronomic parameters. Optimal effective tiller numbers were recorded at 60 kg/ha and 30 cm spacing, while the tallest plants (up to 82.32 cm) occurred at 120 kg ha⁻¹) and 30 cm spacing. The longest panicle length (22.73 cm) was observed at 10 cm spacing, although the highest number of filled grains per panicle (45.28) and maximum thousand seed weight (30.73 g) were achieved with wider spacing (30 cm) and moderate seed rates. The highest straw yield (6172 kg ha⁻¹) was obtained at the highest seeding rate (120 kg ha⁻¹), while the maximum grain yield (3624 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded at 100 kg ha⁻¹) with 30 cm spacing. These findings suggest that a seeding rate of 100 kg ha⁻¹) combined with 30 cm inter-row spacing optimizes rice productivity under irrigated conditions in the Somali Region. Future research could explore the interaction of inter-row spacing and seed rate with other agronomic factors such as fertilizer application and water management to further optimize irrigated rice production in the region
Enhancing Income Generation through Participatory Adoption of Improved Beekeeping Practices: A Case Study from Goljano District, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textThis study was conducted in the Goljano district, Fafan Zone, to evaluate and demonstrate the productivity of modern beekeeping technologies. A Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research and Extension Group (PAPREG) was established, comprising 25 members with prior experience in beekeeping. The participants received both theoretical and practical training on honeybee colony transfer and management. Essential beekeeping tools and modern hives were distributed to the beekeepers. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with statistical comparisons conducted using a T-test. The results showed that modern hives produced a significantly higher average honey yield (25.8 kg per hive per year) compared to traditional hives (10.55 kg per hive per year). Seasonal comparisons also indicated that modern hives yielded more honey in both Season 1 (12.3 kg) and Season 2 (13.5 kg) (P<0.05). PAPREG members identified higher yield (54.01%), ease of inspection (24%), and ease of harvesting (21.99%) as the main advantages of modern hives. However, challenges associated with modern hives included high cost (53.63%), the need for advanced skills (34.12%), and additional accessories (12.25%). Based on these findings, scaling up modern beekeeping technologies with full technological packages is recommended to enhance honey production and improve the income of beekeepers in agro-pastoral communities
The Relationship between Strategies in Dealing with Disruptive Behavior and the Teachers’ Perception of Their Preparedness in Teaching Students with Special Needs
No full textTeacher preparedness and behavior management remain critical aspects of inclusive education, especially as educators respond to the growing diversity of learners in Philippine classrooms. This study examined the relationship between strategies used in managing disruptive behavior and teachers’ perception of their preparedness in teaching students with special needs. Employing a non-experimental descriptive-correlational design, the study involved 200 SPED and general education teachers from South Cotabato, selected through total enumeration sampling. Standardized instruments were used to assess levels of behavior management strategies—namely positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment—and multiple dimensions of teacher preparedness. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were utilized for data analysis. Results showed that both strategy used and perceived preparedness were at a moderate level. However, no significant relationship was found between the two variables, indicating that the application of behavior management strategies alone does not influence how prepared teachers feel in inclusive settings. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive training and institutional support systems to strengthen teacher readiness and inclusive practices in diverse educational contexts
Economic Evaluation of Alternative Crops and Cropping Systems for Sugarcane under Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka
No full textThis study examined alternative cropping systems for sugarcane in command areas by integrating different crops for sustaining the productivity and famers’ income throughout the year. A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Hukkeri, Belagavi, Karnataka, India during 2018-19 and 2019-20. There were 11 treatments involving different cropping systems viz., soybean - sorghum - ridge gourd, pigeon pea + green gram(1:1) - beans, pigeon pea + soybean(1:1) - cowpea, soybean - wheat - groundnut , groundnut - sorghum - sesame, maize - cabbage - fallow , soybean - wheat - green gram, maize - wheat - sesame, Bt cotton - groundnut, sugarcane + onion (1:2) and sugarcane (sole) replicated thrice and laid out in randomized complete block design. The intercropping treatments were in additive series. Considering field crop + vegetable alternative cropping systems for sugarcane, maize-cabbage-fallow system recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs.2,49,923 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.54) compared to rest of the cropping systems and sugarcane (sole) (Rs.1,21,919 ha-1 and 1.97, respectively). Based on alternative cropping systems involving only field crops, significantly higher net returns and B:C ratio were recorded compared to sugarcane (sole), from soybean-wheat-groundnut (Rs.1,51,651 ha-1 and 2.21), maize-wheat-sesame (Rs.1,50,231 ha-1 and 2.28), soybean-wheat-green gram (Rs.1,40,907 ha-1 and 2.29), Bt cotton-groundnut (Rs.1,33,519 ha-1 and 2.40) and sugarcane + onion (1:2) intercropping (Rs. 1,31,294 ha-1 and 1.52), respectively. As these alternative cropping systems are more productive, can be recommended as viable option to sugarcane monocropping in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka
Exploration of Plant Growth-promoting Traits of Diazotroph Isolates Obtained from Rhizospheric Soil
No full textRhizospheric diazotrophs play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient availability and promoting plant growth. The present study was conducted to explore native plant growth-promoting diazotrophic bacteria from the rhizosphere of different plants. 3 isolates (Hb1R 1, WhR 2, and GrR 1) were selected out of 24 as promising based on plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphate (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) solubilization, as well as production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and ammonia (NH3). All three isolates exhibited quantitative P solubilization and NH3 production, ranging from 13.55 ± 1.20 to 300.3 ± 7.78 µg/ml and 1.074 ± 0.15 to 9.584 ± 0.165 mM/ml, respectively. Indole acetic acid (IAA) production of 85.6 ± 0.33 to 156.75 ± 1.62 µg/ml after 96 hours of incubation was demonstrated only by GrR 1. Maximum N fixation of 2.15 ± 0.22 mg/ml was exhibited by Hb1R 1, followed by GrR 1 (1.85 ± 0.1 mg N/ml) and WhR 2 (1.03 ± 0.09 mg N/ml). 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified isolates Hb1R 1, WhR 2, and GrR 1 as Enterobacter cloacae subsp. dissolvens strain Hb1R1, Enterobacter cloacae strain GrR1, and Enterobacter cloacae strain WhR2, respectively. These isolates show promise as bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture, warranting further studies on field application and adaptability to enhance crop productivity