Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Socio-economic Impact of Technological Interventions on Sheep Farming Productivity
No full textAims: The study aimed to assess the impact of technological interventions on sheep farming productivity and farmer livelihoods in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. The primary objectives should be improved production and profitability of sheep farming.
Methodology: A benchmark survey of 200 sheep farmers was conducted to identify production challenges. Fifty farmers were selected for targeted interventions, prioritizing women and marginalized groups. The interventions included introducing improved rams to reduce inbreeding, strategic supplementary feeding during flushing, pregnancy, and lactation, hydroponic fodder and Azolla supplementation, ethno-veterinary first aid training, and improved marketing strategies. Farmers underwent training, and the impact was assessed through productivity and economic indicators.
Key Findings and Discussion: The interventions significantly improved reproductive efficiency and lamb growth. Conception rates increased from 50–60% to over 80%, while prenatal nutritional support enhanced birth weight and weaning weight by over 20%. Lactation-phase supplementation led to a 15% increase in postnatal lamb growth. Farmers observed a reduction in lamb mortality and faster weight gain, enabling earlier market sales. The introduction of improved rams and better nutrition resulted in increased meat yield and profitability. Ethno-veterinary practices improved flock health, and training enhanced marketing efficiency. Farmers reported higher incomes, selling more animals per cycle and reducing rearing costs.
Conclusion: Strategic technological interventions significantly enhanced sheep farming productivity and farmer income. Improved breeding, nutrition, and health management practices resulted in better reproductive efficiency, lamb survival, and economic gains. The study highlights the importance of integrating scientific innovations into traditional sheep farming systems for long-term sustainability and rural development
Strengthening Litchi Farming through Targeted Training: Insights from Dinajpur District, Bangladesh
No full textThe study aimed to assess the extent of training needs among litchi farmers in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila and examine the relationship between their training needs and selected personal and socio-economic characteristics. It also sought to identify key problems faced in litchi production. The research was conducted in five villages Nayonpur, Borol, Kathalipara, Masimpur, and Mahabbotpur within Dinajpur Sadar Upazila. A total of 81 litchi farmers were selected through simple random sampling from a population of 270. Data were collected via personal interviews using a pre-tested structured schedule between September 2 and October 5, 2024. The extent of training needs was the main variable of interest, while eleven characteristics served as explanatory variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis.The majority of litchi farmers (62.9%) had medium training needs, 30.9% had high, and 6.2% had low training needs. Age, experience in litchi gardening, and communication exposure showed significant positive relationships with training needs, whereas education and knowledge of litchi production, post-harvest handling, and marketing had significant negative relationships. Pesticide application ranked highest among the fifteen identified training priorities, while harvesting ranked lowest. Key problems included the lack of training support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), poor transportation to markets, and inadequate knowledge of litchi processing and preservation. The findings suggest the need for targeted, need-based training programs focused on areas such as pesticide use, marketing, and post-harvest management. Strengthening the role of the DAE and improving communication infrastructure could enhance knowledge dissemination and boost productivity among litchi farmers
Perceptions of Maize Farmer’s towards Agricultural Extension Agents’
No full textThe objective of this study was to determine perception of the maize farmers towards agricultural extension agents. Result indicate that the majority 90.0% of the respondents had high favorable perception towards extension agents by providing agricultural information, while 8.9% of them had medium favourable perception and only 1.1 % of them had low favourable perception towards agricultural extension agents. Majority of the respondents they don\u27t feel a problem about getting in accessing modern agricultural information. Five Out of ten selected characteristics of respondents such as family size, annual family income, training received, aspiration, and extension. media contact, had significant positive relationship with their perception in this regard. The other selected characteristics of the farmers. Namely, age, education qualification, farm size, maize farming experience, agricultural. knowledge, did not show any significant relationship with the farmer\u27s perception. Different question item and scales interviews were developed to measure perception and other key issues for the study. The Focus Issue was measured by using a five-point Likert scale
Assessing the Bio-Pesticide Market in Khordha District of Odisha, India: A Study on Market Intermediaries\u27 Attitudes and Behaviors
No full textAims: This research analyses and explores the market status of bio-pesticides, attitudes and behaviour of intermediaries, the responsible factors and constraints in Khordha district of Odisha to deliver meaningful insights for the all the stakeholders involved.
Study Design: A descriptive and exploratory research design was utilized in this study.
Place and Duration of Study: This research, conducted in the crop year 2023–24, was confined to the Khordha district of Odisha.
Methodology: This research is based on descriptive and exploratory research design. The primary data was collected for the crop year 2023–24, using experts’ advice based structured schedules via snowball sampling (n=27), complemented by secondary data. Snowball sampling was used for its cost-effectiveness and this method leveraged existing social networks of the researcher. The sample was limited to 27 in number because of time-constraints and availability of the intermediaries during the data collection process. Based on the literature review and suitability of the data, statistical tools and techniques such as One-way ANOVA, Chi-square, Multiple Linear Regression, and Logistic Regression, etc. were analysed using MS Office and IBM SPSS software.
Results: This research revealed annual turnover of bio-pesticide to be positively influenced by number of villages served and number of dealerships of bio-pesticide based companies, while credit period for farmers (days) had a negative impact (F(14,12)=5.393, P=.01, R2=0.937). Among the dealers and retailers, DAESI (Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers) certification was founf to be the significant and influencing factor in selling bio-pesticides (coefficient 4.252, Pseudo R2=0.673). Dealers and retailers largely preferred national level tours (59 percent), and 52 percent favoured doing business with local companies. They valued working with business-oriented company representatives (63 percent). Their preferred method of business transaction with farmers was cash (56 percent), and 81 percent of the respondents had plan for business expansion. As of promotion, posters/banners (96.30 percent) and farmer meetings (92.59 percent) were the most preferred tools among the dealers and retailers. Major constraints in pesticide business included high transportation costs (mean score: 3.41), lack of farmer knowledge (mean score: 3.22), and High cost of labour (mean score: 3.15).
Conclusion: To promote sustainable agriculture, stakeholders should consider expanding awareness initiatives to educate farmers, retailers and dealers about the benefits of bio-pesticides. Bio-pesticide companies can play a vital role by boosting promotional efforts about the advantages of using bio-pesticides. Moreover, companies should prioritize ethical sales and distribution practices. This study also lays the groundwork for further in-depth research into bio-pesticide sales and marketing strategies, offering opportunities for future exploration and development
Understanding Consumer Preferences and Market Constraints in Urban Fish Markets of Hyderabad, India
No full textAims: To analyze consumer behaviour in urban fish markets of Hyderabad by assessing purchasing patterns, species preferences, consumption attributes, and market-level constraints, and to suggest possible improvements in fish marketing infrastructure.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Ram Nagar and Begum Bazaar fish markets, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Methodology: A total of 120 fish consumers were selected using purposive sampling from the two major fish markets. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The questionnaire included sections on socio-economic profile, frequency and quantity of fish purchase, consumer preferences, key consumption attributes, and perceived market constraints. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Rank-Based Quotient (RBQ) method to rank species preferences, attributes, and constraints.
Results: The majority of respondents were male (86.87%) and aged between 28-48 years. Most consumers purchased fish once a week, typically in quantities of 2-4 kg. Freshwater fish was overwhelmingly preferred, with Rohu, Catla, and Murrels ranked highest. Taste and health benefits were identified as the most influential factors in consumption decisions. The most commonly reported constraints included poor hygiene, limited vehicle parking, and market congestion.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted infrastructure improvements in urban fish markets. Enhancing hygiene, managing traffic flow, and providing adequate parking facilities could significantly improve the consumer experience and encourage more regular fish consumption in urban areas
Assessing the Dynamics and Scope of Farm Mechanization in Karnataka, India
No full textAgriculture plays an important and significant role in the development of a country. The Indian economy has undergone a tremendous change from agriculture dominance to non-agriculture dominance, as it is reflected in the decline in the share of agriculture in total income from 55 per cent in 1950-51 to 18.30 per cent in 2022-23. Farm mechanization holds substantial scope and importance in an agricultural landscape. It involves the integration of modern machinery and technology into various farming processes, ranging from initial soil preparation to the final harvest. In this regard, the study aimed to conduct research on the dynamics of nature and extent of farm mechanization across zones and crop-wise over the years and to understand the extent of farm mechanization in different operations of various crops.
This study was based on the secondary data obtained from the Comprehensive Scheme for studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal Crops of Karnataka. Data from 2011-12 to 2020-21 for 18 major crops were analysed using descriptive statistics, CAGR, and mechanization index. Here, data analysis was done using analytical tools such as Descriptive statistics, Mechanization Index (MI) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) analysis were used. The results revealed that the North East Transition Zone (6.73%) and Hill Zone (6.03%) have positive growth in farm mechanization. In 2020-21, North Eastern Dry Zone (41.76%) and Northern Dry Zone (36.65%) and Southern Transition Zone (28.80%) showed high mechanization, while Coastal Zone (16.18%), North Transition Zone (17.77%) and Southern Dry Zone (23.19%) have low mechanization. Overall, mechanization was 27 per cent in Karnataka, with a CAGR of 2 per cent. In paddy, red gram and green gram, the highest growth in mechanization was observed. The intercrop comparison revealed that paddy (41.81%) and green gram (35.69%) cultivation was more mechanized, while chilli (14.97%) was low mechanized. The share of machine labour cost was highest in paddy (18.67%). Operations such as preparatory tillage (49%), irrigation (41%) and harvesting/picking (41%) are more mechanized. Inter-zonal and inter-crop disparity in the adoption of farm mechanization is reported in this study. This can be overcome by improving the availability of farm power and farm machinery and equipment through expanding new custom hiring centres and developing suitable and affordable farm machinery and equipment engineered to specific crop and regional characteristics. Hence, enhancing farm machinery availability and encouraging private investments in rental services is crucial for expanding mechanization in the Karnataka state
Relationship between Profile of Ornamental Nursery Owners and Their Entrepreneurial Behaviour: An Ex-Post-Facto Research Study
No full textFocus of the Study/Aims/Objectives: The study investigates the relationship between the profile of ornamental nursery owners and their entrepreneurial behaviour.
Research Design: The ex-post facto research design was used.
Sample Size and Sampling Techniques: The present study was conducted during the year 2022-23 in four talukas of the Navsari district of South Gujarat namely Khergam, Chikhli, Gandevi and Vansda. A sample size of 100 respondents was obtained by random selection of 25 respondents from each selected taluka. The data were collected through personal interview method.
Instrument for Data Collection: The data were collected using interview schedule.
Validity & Reliability: The appropriate techniques and scales were used for the measurement of all the variables included in the study.
Method of Data Analysis: Correlation co-efficient, stepwise multiple regression and path coefficient analysis were used to identify and analyse the relationship among variables.
Findings: The correlation co-efficient revealed a negative and significant association between age and entrepreneurial behaviour. Conversely, education, landholding, annual income, social participation, mass media exposure, material possession and extension contact showed positive and significant relations with entrepreneurial behaviour. While, family size, occupation and farming experience exhibited non-significant correlations. Further, stepwise multiple regression analysis highlighted that education, social participation and mass media exposure collectively accounted for 48.80 per cent variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour of ornamental nursery owners. Additionally, path analysis highlighted that education, followed by social participation had the highest positive and significant direct effect on entrepreneurial behaviour. Mass media exposure, followed by material possession exerted the highest positive indirect effect. In contrast, farming experience, followed by age had the highest negative total indirect effect on entrepreneurial behaviour. Moreover, the study further revealed that mass media exposure, followed by material possession had an indirect effect on entrepreneurial behaviour through education and mass media exposure, respectively.
Conclusion: Education followed by social participation and mass media exposure have highest contribution in development of entrepreneurial behaviour.
Recommendation/Implication: Education, social participation and mass media exposures’ influence must be taken into consideration for entrepreneurial behaviour development programmes/trainings/projects
Structural and Institutional Drivers of Investor–Smallholder Land Conflicts in Kilombero, Tanzania
No full textTanzania’s promotion of agricultural commercialization has generated persistent land conflicts between investor farmers and smallholders. This paper argues that these conflicts are not simply the result of competing land uses but are embedded in the structural and institutional weaknesses of the Tanzanian land governance framework. The paper examines the influence of the Tanzanian land governance framework in the investor – smallholder land conflicts.
The study was conducted at the Kilombero Plantations Limited (KPL), in Kilombero District, Tanzania, in June 2019. Drawing on a qualitative case study, the study analyses archival records, legal frameworks, and data from four semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion with village leaders.
Findings point to five key structural drivers. First, there are unresolved issues from villagisation. Second, there is exclusion of village institutions after the land turns into general land. There is also confusion between compensation and discretionary compassionate payments, and denial of long-term occupation claims due to the prohibition of adverse possession. Lastly, there is weak enforcement of land development conditions. These institutional factors systematically restrict community rights, concentrate authority in central agencies, institutionalize exclusion, diminish tenure security and contribute to land conflicts.
The paper extends debates on land conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa by connecting local grievances to systemic governance failures. The paper argues for structural reforms that decentralize authority, clarify compensation regimes, and strengthen accountability in land investment processes
Extent of the Constraints Faced by the Smallholder Farmer in Thrissur District, Kerala
No full textAims: The present study aims to systematically identify, prioritize, and analyze the major constraints faced by smallholder farmers in Thrissur District, Kerala. It seeks to assess the relative importance of production, economic, technological, environmental, and institutional barriers that limit the efficiency and sustainability of homestead farming.
Study Design: A descriptive survey research design was adopted to assess and rank the key constraints perceived by homestead farmers using Garrett’s Ranking Technique.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Thrissur District, Kerala, covering three Agro-Ecological Units—Chavakkad block (AEU 2), Puzhakkal block (AEU 6), and Ollukkara block (AEU 10). The selected panchayaths were Vadakkekad, Kaiparambu, and Pananchery, and the survey was carried out during the year 2024.
Methodology: The study was conducted in Thrissur District, Kerala 10°55′N latitude and 76°22′E longitude. A total of 120 homestead farmers were selected through a random sampling technique, ensuring proportional representation from the three panchayaths. The sample size was determined considering population heterogeneity and resource constraints, following the standard social science sampling framework. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and direct observation. Data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2021 and SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive statistics and Garrett’s Ranking Technique to prioritize constraints. Eight categories of constraints—financial, market, land, labour, knowledge and adoption, technological and infrastructural, environmental, and institutional access—were analyzed using Garrett’s Ranking Technique by converting rank orders into percent positions and mean scores.
Results: Land constraints emerged as the most critical (mean score 65.94), reflecting the challenges of fragmented and limited landholdings. Lack of family interest ranked second (63.94), indicating reduced youth participation in farming. Environmental problems such as pest incidence, erratic rainfall, and declining soil fertility ranked third (61.10). Financial limitations (36.50) and inadequate technology or infrastructure (34.31) were moderately severe, while gaps in knowledge and adoption (33.87), weak institutional access (32.47), and market constraints (31.63) were comparatively less significant. The findings suggest that production-related challenges outweigh marketing barriers in determining the sustainability of homestead farming.
Conclusion: The study concludes that homestead farming in Thrissur District is primarily constrained by land scarcity, declining family participation, and environmental stresses. Enhancing land-use efficiency, promoting youth involvement, and improving access to technology and institutional support are critical to strengthening the economic and ecological sustainability of homestead farming
The Effectiveness of the Function of the Agricultural Extension System in Encouraging Local Food Independence in North Buton Regency, Indonesia: An Analysis of the AGIL Framework
No full textFood issues are becoming increasingly crucial amid climate change and population growth. The agricultural extension system plays a strategic role in ensuring food sustainability. However, its Effectiveness depends on the ability to carry out the Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency (AGIL) functions simultaneously. This research generally aims to strengthen the agricultural extension system for food, and specifically, to analyze the effectiveness of the system\u27s functions in encouraging local food independence using the AGIL Parsons framework. The research informants include researchers, agricultural extension workers, farmers, policy makers, and the private sector. The research design uses a combination of qualitative methods, including case studies, thus allowing detailed, in-depth analysis of the implementation of functions between subsystems. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory Observation, and document analysis. The results show that adaptation is more carried out individually by researchers, extension workers, and farmers, with limited institutional support. The achievement of goals is driven more by actors\u27 intrinsic motivations than by institutional goals. Integration between subsystems remains weak and occurs informally, while local values, integrity, and moral responsibility are the main forces maintaining the system\u27s sustainability. The extension system in North Buton Regency is actor-driven. It faces structural vulnerabilities to policy dynamics, but the potential for food independence remains significant through the roles of individuals and local values. These findings provide insights into the development of resilient local food systems and theory-based analysis tools in assessing the effectiveness of system work