Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Yield Gap Analysis and Its Sources in Potato Production in North Bank Plain Zone of Assam, India
No full textThe present study analysed the magnitude of yield gap and identified the sources of yield gap in potato production in Undivided Sonitpur and Lakhimpur districts of Assam. Both primary and secondary data were used. A multi-stage purposive cum random sampling technique was employed to select the ultimate sample farmers (n=120), who were stratified into four farm-size groups, namely marginal, small, semi-medium, and medium. Yield gaps between potential, demonstration, and actual farm yields were estimated using International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) yield gap method, and Yield Gap-II was analysed using two regression models. Model I included technology-related variables along with socio-economic factors, while Model II incorporated the technology adoption index (TAI) and socio-economic variables. The results revealed substantial yield gaps, with Yield Gap-II and Total Yield Gap remaining high, indicating considerable scope for improving potato productivity. The yield gap was higher in the Lakhimpur district than Undivided Sonitpur district and declined with increasing farm size. Regression analysis showed that the use of certified seed, balanced fertilizer application, plant protection measures, FYM application, irrigation, and access to credit significantly reduced the yield gap. The technology adoption index (TAI) emerged as the most important determinant of yield gap reduction, indicating that incomplete adoption of recommended production practices was the major constraint in potato production. Therefore, strengthened efforts by extension agencies to promote farmers’ acceptance, adoption, and effective utilization of recommended technologies, along with improved access to quality inputs and credit, are needed to enhance productivity and reduce yield gaps in potato production in the study area
Agricultural and Livelihood Development of Tribal Communities in Melghat: Challenges and Recommendations
No full textThe present study explores the constraints faced by tribal farmers in the Melghat region of Amravati district, Maharashtra. An exploratory research design was adopted to systematically investigate the challenges impeding agricultural and livelihood development among tribal communities. The study was conducted in Dharni taluka, selected purposively for its high concentration of tribal populations. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, involving the random selection of 12 villages and 120 tribal farmers actively engaged in farming and allied activities. The study identified four major constraints: lack of market intelligence and regulated markets (91.66%), absence of agro-based and rural industries (87.50%), inadequate education systems (81.66%), and limited awareness of developmental schemes (63.33%). Based on these findings, the study proposed actionable suggestions to address these challenges. The top-ranked recommendation was the development of regulated markets to reduce the interference of middlemen (93.33%), followed by enhancing tribal infrastructure, particularly in education and subsidiary occupations (86.66%), establishing employment-focused agro-industries (77.50%), and conducting awareness campaigns about government schemes (65.00%). This research underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to enhance the socio-economic conditions of tribal farmers, emphasizing the role of government support and community-based strategies in fostering sustainable agricultural and livelihood development
An Analysis of Farmer Awareness for Banana Production from a Technological and Geographic Perspective in Indapur Tahsil of Pune District, India
No full textThe Indapur tehsil an arid climate region is gaining recognition as a prime location for banana cultivation. The identification of water sources, fertile soil, favourable climate, and income resulted in a shift towards cultivating bananas. This research identified a gap between the practices of farmers and modern agricultural techniques. The study is the first to survey farmers\u27 understanding of geography, farming techniques, challenges faced, and factors for successful production in the region. Data was gathered from 270 banana farmers in various villages using qualitative and quantitative research methods, official documents, and on-site observations. The findings indicated that the farmers displayed a good understanding of drip irrigation and the use of liquid fertilizer through this method. Farmers showed a moderate understanding of soil quality, organic farming, tissue culture plantlets, banana variety selection, year-round farming, and crop protection. Factors such as land ownership, gender of the family head, family size, age, education, farming experience, subsidies, crop insurance, and access to information influence modern agricultural practices which is evident in the perception index. The perception index also highlights the necessity for focused attention on aspects such as application of agrochemicals to leaves, bunch feeding, the use of humidity sensors in irrigation, mulching, crop rotation, diseases caused by fungus, intercropping, cold storage, and ISO certification. Dry environments and the adoption of plantlets grown through tissue culture can reduce the risk of pest and disease issues. Rise in fertilizer and raw material cost, price fluctuations, commissions, middlemen’s dishonesty, domestic and export market support and labour costs are major issues. It is recommended to offer awareness programs and training on modern farming techniques and banana export, along with strengthening of farmers organizations and communication channels. The findings will provide important information to support sustainable banana farming for researchers, farmers, policymakers, and agricultural services
Analysing Costs and Marketing Channels in Natural Rubber Marketing in Karnataka, India
No full textThis study examines the costs and marketing channels involved in the trade of natural rubber in Karnataka, the third-largest rubber-producing state in India. Conducted in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the research focuses on the marketing arrangements for rubber latex and rubber sheets. The findings reveal that a significant majority (63.33%) of farmers prefer selling rubber sheets through Type-2 Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS), which handle over 60% of the rubber production. The study highlights that transportation is the largest cost component across all channels. The study also identifies three primary marketing channels: Channel-1 (Farmer → Type-1 RPS → Manufacturers), Channel-2 (Farmer → Type-2 RPS → Marketing Co-operatives → Manufacturers), and Channel-3 (Farmer → Primary Dealer → Secondary Dealer → Manufacturers). The analysis of price spreads shows that Channel-1 provides the highest producer share in the consumer’s rupee (97.94%), followed by Channel-2 (95.72%) and Channel-3 (95.03%). The study underscores the need for optimized logistics and improved marketing efficiency
Competences of Agricultural Extension Agents in Dissemination of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Misungwi District, Tanzania
No full textThis paper assessed the awareness and competencies of extension agents regarding climate change in Tanzania, utilizing questionnaires from 64 agents and analysing data through descriptive statistics. Results indicated a high knowledge level, with an overall mean score of 6.36; 70.3% identified drought and extreme weather as significant climate change effects, and 82.8% recognized soil conservation as vital for adaptation. However, knowledge gaps were noted in crop diversification (53.1%) and climate-resilient crop varieties (46.9%). Skills assessment yielded a mean score of 6.8, with 70.3% competent in recommending mulching and drip irrigation, and 75.0% guiding farmers in organic farming. Attitudes towards climate adaptation were generally positive, with a mean score of 3.97; 73.5% valued continuous learning. Yet, practice inconsistencies emerged, as only 23.4% frequently recommended climate-resilient practices and 37.5% regularly implemented innovative solutions. Institutional support was inadequate, with the highest support observed in policy availability (54.7%), while the lowest was in digital tool provision, as none of the extension agents (100%) had access to such resources. The findings suggest that enhanced training, improved communication, and better resource allocation are essential for strengthening extension agents\u27 roles in aiding farmers\u27 climate change adaptation in Tanzania
Evaluation of the Socioeconomic Status of Local Tribes in Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve of Mungeli District
No full textChhattisgarh is one of the tribal-state of India in which most of the tribes are concentrated in the dense forests of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR). Tribal primarily depend upon agriculture, forest products, handcrafts, and medicinal plants for their existence. Traditionally, Gonds are agriculturalists, and Baigas are actively engaged in the medicinal aspects of plants to treat ailments. However, with time, the social, economic, and cultural life of the tribes in forest reserves has changed due to increased anthropogenic pressure on the wildlife, which has endangered their survival. These tribes often practice collecting forest products and selling them in the market for their livelihood. To address these issues, we have done a comprehensive study of the AABR falls under, Khudia and Lormi Region of Mungeli District of Chhattisgarh State. We have observed seven tribes viz., Gond, Baiga, Kanwar, Oraon, Muria, Bharia and Kol, among them the Gonds were dominant. We have included the type of family, assets, drinking water, house/land, livestock, toilet facility, availability of electricity and Fuel for Cooking for the evaluation of the socioeconomic profile of the study area. The outcome of the present research work will help to understand the socio-economic status of the indigenous tribes of AABR of Mungeli district. Further extension of present research work would be focused on the cultural practices, educational attainment, employment status, and access to healthcare facilities, which could be able to provide the ongoing socio-economic changes among the tribal communities, and support the effective implementation of tribal welfare schemes
Green Trails & Golden Fields: Agri-Ecotourism in Rajasthan, India
No full textEcotourism involves environmentally conscious tours to natural environment, promoting local communities and fostering educational experiences. Integrating agriculture with eco-tourism, also known as agri-ecotourism, combines agricultural experiences with sustainable travel practices. Agri-ecotourism refers to a business model that combines agricultural activities with tourism, drawing visitors to farms, ranches, and other agricultural enterprises for entertainment or educational purposes. This approach helps to generate income for the owners. It also includes heritage tourism, village tourism, farm tourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism, nature tourism, which lead to development of community, eradication of poverty and protection of cultural heritage. The diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan make the state an ideal destination for tourists. Agri-ecotourism offers significant potential by combining sustainable agriculture with tourism, promoting rural development and environmental conservation
Resource Use Efficiency Analysis for the Cucumber Production in the Bishnupur District of Manipur and Sepahijala District of Tripura, India
No full textVegetable crops offer high yields, better profits, and job opportunities, making diversified agriculture successful in the northeastern region. Cucumbers are a popular and in-demand crop, especially among small and marginal farmers due to low cultivable land. The research study\u27s conclusions regarding the cultivation and marketing of cucumbers in the Northeastern states of Tripura and Manipur are emphasized in this article. Data was collected from 80 respondents by adopting random sampling in 2022–2023. The study used a production function approach to analyse the efficiency of various input resources in cucumber production. The Cobb Douglas production function was used for Manipur and Tripura farms to fit the analysis. Factors affecting crop yield were identified, such as seeds, fertilizer, plant protection chemicals, human labor charges, and organic manure. The results showed that the unadjusted coefficient of multiple determinations (Ṝ2) was 0.62 and 0.58, respectively, which explained 62 and 58% of the variation in output. The remaining 38 and 42% variation in total output was explained by factors not included in the model. In Manipur, all coefficients of seed, plant protection chemical, and organic manure were positively significant at a 1% level of significance. In Tripura, all coefficients of fertilizer, human labor, and organic manure were positively significant at a 1% level of significance and also examined the relationship between the average value productivity of a resource with the factor\u27s cost about resource use efficiency in cucumber production. The optimal resource use efficiency of a particular input occurs when the marginal value product (MVP) and marginal factor cost (MFC) are equal, or when MVP/MFC=1. The calculated values of the ratio of marginal value product to marginal factor cost were less than unity except for fertilizer in Tripura, indicating that seed, fertilizer, PPC, and organic manure in Manipur are overutilized, and fertilizers in Tripura are underutilized
Land and Water Resource Degradation in Agricultural Zones of Haryana: Drivers, Consequences, and Remedial Measures
No full textThe study uses empirical field data to explore land and water resource degradation in Haryana, focusing on three agro-ecological zones: Zone-I (dry sub-humid), Zone-II (semi-arid), and Zone-III (arid). Primary data were collected from 360 farmers across six districts (Karnal, Panipat, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jhajjar, and Mahendragarh), with 15 normal and 15 problematic farms selected from each of the 12 villages. A pretested structured schedule was used for personal interviews, and the data were analyzed using logistic regression (logit model) to identify key factors influencing degradation. The findings revealed that abiotic stress, saline irrigation water, and excessive fertilizer use were major contributors to land degradation, while erratic rainfall and poor drainage exacerbated water resource issues. Majority of farmers reported declining crop yields and rising cultivation costs as primary consequences. Mitigation strategies such as conservatory tillage, crop rotation, and proper drainage systems were widely recommended. The study underscored the need for policy interventions promoting sustainable practices, efficient irrigation, and extension services to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and ecological balance in the state
Impact of Integrated Management Practices on Virus Disease Management in Papaya (Carica papaya l.) at Farmer’s Field Level
No full textPapaya is susceptible to various virus diseases, among these leaf curl and papaya ring spot are major virus diseases in papaya. A total 15 front line demonstrations for virus disease management in papaya were conducted for three years from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 at farmer’s field, Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The higher incidence of papaya ring spot virus disease was observed during 2022-23 (50.2%) followed by 2021-22 (43.6%) in farmer practice over the demonstration. In 2023-2024, recorded low virus incidence in both farmer and demonstration plot because of unfavorable environmental condition to virus vectors population due to the farmers were planted in August first fortnight. At last stage of harvesting i.e. in May the higher virus disease incidence was observed due to farmers are not followed management practices. The yield and fruit quality was increased in demonstration plot than farmer practice because following and timely application of integrated management practice. An average 13.53% yield was increased in demonstration plot over farmers practice. The average cost of production was less in demonstration (Rs.2,61,800/-) over the farmers practice (Rs.2,76,047/-), gross and net returns were high in demonstration than farmers practice. The higher B:C ration was observed in demonstration plot (3.28) and in farmer’s practice it was recorded 2.86. by adopting of demonstration technology the virus diseases were controlled effectively and also yield & gross returns were increased