Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Green Product Consumption: A Rural Women\u27s Perspective
No full textConsumer awareness and perception towards green products have become increasingly significant in the context of sustainable consumption and environmental conservation efforts. This study investigates the dynamics of consumer behavior regarding green products, examining factors that influence awareness, attitudes and purchasing decisions. The study was conducted in Hisar and Mahendergarh districts of Haryana during the period of 2022-23. In each district, two villages were chosen, Dabra and Neoli Kalan in Hisar and Kanina and Dewas from Mahendergarh. From each village, a total of 10 rural women were selected. Impact of training and workshop programs on KAP of rural women was assessed by using self- developed interview schedules on consumer behavior of rural women with regard to green products. The objective of study was providing training and workshops to rural women regarding eco friendly products. Results reveal that 52.5% of respondents within the age group of 27-33 years, 37.5% had completed senior secondary education, and 57.5% were married. About 45% to 65% of respondents reporting an \u27average\u27 level of awareness in both districts. Among respondents, 60% experienced the highest gain in knowledge regarding point-of-purchase and health benefits. The mean difference noted post-exposure consistently exceeded that observed pre-exposure, indicating significant improvements. Cent percent of respondents exhibited a favorable overall attitude and training and workshops had significantly enhanced respondents\u27 attitudes towards various aspects of green products. The data also reveals a 10% to 15% rise in green product usage post-exposure, accompanied by a decrease in non-usage from 10% to 35% across all green product categories in both districts. Results also revealed that approximately 10% of respondents from each district perceived green and non-green product prices as similar on average. A majority of respondents from Hisar (75% always, 25% often) and Mahendergarh (70% always, 30% often) expressed willingness to purchase green products if priced equivalently to non-green alternatives. Conclusively results showed significant knowledge gain and favorable attitudes toward green products
Determinants of Farmers\u27 Awareness and Perspectives on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Southern Tamil Nadu, India
No full textFarmers in India face numerous risks that significantly impact their crop production, highlighting the need for effective crop insurance. Recognizing the limitations of the existing crop insurance system, the Government of India initiated the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during the Kharif 2016 season. This scheme offers competitive premiums and favourable terms, yet coverage of farmers remains low. This study investigates the factors influencing the farmers’ awareness and perceptions of the PMFBY scheme. The survey was conducted to collect primary data from 350 cotton farmers in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Findings reveal that while farmers have partial awareness of various aspects of crop insurance, they are generally informed about premiums and procedural requirements. The probit model analysis identifies that education, organizational membership, mass media exposure, and extension contacts have a positive influence on farmers\u27 awareness levels. However, negative perceptions persist, particularly concerning delayed claims, inadequate compensation, and high premium rates. This study recommends the implementation of government-led awareness programs designed to educate and cultivate greater awareness among farmers regarding crop insurance and its benefits. Such initiatives could enhance demand for crop insurance to mitigate the adverse impacts and ensure greater sustainability of farmers\u27 livelihoods
Study of Bajra Production in Solapur District, India: An Economic Perspective
No full textThis study examined the economics of Bajra production in Solapur district between 2021-22 using primary data. The study employed stratified and purposive random sampling data technics to select 90 bajra farmers through the use of well-structured questionnaire. The result shows that per hectare cost of cultivation of Bajra at cost “C3” was the highest in large group i.e. 40023.95 followed by medium group Rs. 31095.14 and small group Rs. 26086.85. To estimate cost and returns in Bajra production was achieved by tabular analysis with cost concepts i.e., Cost A1, Cost A2, Cost B1, Cost B2, Cost C1, Cost C2, & Cost C3 percentage and output-input ratio was emphasized. Study of constraints and suggestion of Bajra grower in production and marketing of Bajra was achieved by applying frequency and percentage method. The average yield and gross returns per hectare increased with the increase in size of farms. The Input Output ratio of Bajra at “C3” was 1.22 in small group, 1.24 in medium group and 1.26 in large group. This indicates that, Cultivation of Bajra crop was economically profitable. The average main production was 275.89 qt/ha
Chatbot for Promoting Best Crop Management Practices to Rice Farmers in Odisha, India
No full textThe increasing penetration of mobile phones has made it easier to reach remote farmers and bridge the knowledge gap between them and researchers/extension workers and agricultural stakeholders. Farmers need concise, context-specific, information to address the challenges which arise due to lack of near-real time updates. Scaling up innovative agricultural technologies is essential to ensure these advancements reach the farmers for their benefit. Chatbots represent an informative tool for delivering the latest agricultural developments to farmers in a user-friendly and interactive format. Chatbots can deliver information on best agronomic practices, weather forecast, market information thereby improving the decision-making capacity of farmers. This paper discusses the development of a rule-based chatbot under a pilot-study and presents findings from a user study conducted with 102 farmers in Odisha, India in 2021. The content topics were decided using a participatory approach wherein farmers selected the topic of interests and information required. The content was developed using the digital tools Rice Crop Manager (RCM), Seed Cast and Rice Knowledge Bank (RKB), developed and deployed by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The chatbot is hosted on Facebook messenger platform and needs the internet support to operate. Farmers having this app can use the chatbot without any additional expense. The results indicate that farmers acknowledged and appreciated interactive features of chatbot and the content but expressed a desire for more comprehensive information on insect-pest management and other crop management practices. The findings highlight the potential of chatbot as a complementary channel to disseminate agro advisories, complementing the existing agricultural extension services. The study has its limitations in terms of small sample size which may or may not represent the variability of the entire population of the area
Socio-Economic and Buying Behavior of Groundnut Growers towards Micronutrient Fertilizer in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat, India
No full textThe study aims to analyze the impact of socio-economic, knowledge level and buying behavior of groundnut growers towards micronutrient in Sabarkantha district. This study employed a multistage sampling technique in the Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat, known for its high groundnut productivity. The focus was on three talukas-Himmatnagar, Idar and Talod-chosen for their extensive groundnut cultivation areas in 2024. From each taluka, five villages were randomly selected and eight growers from each village, totaling 120 growers, were selected. The study aimed to explore the socio-economic profiles of groundnut growers, assess their knowledge of micronutrient fertilizers, analyze their buying behavior. The majority of growers (55.83%) were between 36 and 50 years old, with more than 15 years of farming experience. Most belonged to nuclear families and had completed higher secondary education. Borewells and open wells were the main irrigation sources, with 57.50% also involved in animal husbandry. Annual incomes ranged between ₹1,44,901 and ₹6,72,800. Additionally, 73.33% between ₹3,38,501 and ₹8,26,500 from both farming and other sources. Groundnut growers demonstrated high awareness of the importance, access and benefits of micronutrients, though only 19.17% had soil health cards. Agro-input dealers (54.16%) were the primary information source and mixed micronutrients (49.16%) were most preferred. The study found a strong relationship between socio-economic variables and buying behavior, with 96.20% of the variation explained. Positive influences on purchasing included the price of micronutrients, growers’ income, farming experience and larger landholdings, while older growers and those with higher knowledge were less likely to purchase micronutrients. Most growers (75.00%) purchased from agro-service centers or dealers. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the socio-economic profiles, knowledge and buying behavior of groundnut growers in the Sabarkantha district
Analysing Knowledge Gain in Women Farmers: Insights from Tuber Crop Cultivation Training
No full textAims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge gain of women farmers participating in a training program on tuber crop cultivation in Thrissur district, Kerala. The training focused on improving their understanding of key agricultural practices related to crops such as cassava, elephant foot yam, coleus, and sweet potatoes.
Study Design: Ex post facto design.
Place and Duration of Study: The training was organized and conducted by the Center for Gender Studies in Agriculture and Farm Entrepreneurship Development, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala on March 2024.
Methodology: A total of 50 women farmers were randomly selected from various panchayats in the Thrissur district to attend the training. A pre- and post-training evaluation was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising 15 questions, covering topics such as variety selection, soil fertility management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest value addition, and so on. Using grapesAgri1 in R Studio 4.3.1 software, the data were analysed using statistical methods like frequency, percentage, t-test and coefficient of correlation.
Results: Pre- and post-training knowledge scores were calculated and analysed using simple percentage formulas to assess knowledge gain. The study revealed a significant improvement in participants\u27 knowledge post-training. The overall average pre-training knowledge score was 9.67 out of 50 (19.34%), while the average post-training score increased to 41.53 out of 50 (83.06%). T-test was also employed to compare the mean of pre-test and post-test evaluation. The percentage of knowledge gain in the pre-training and post-training evaluation were correlated with the independent variables such as age, education, family size, category and information source utilization. The results of correlation revealed that the independent variable such as age (X1), Education (X2), Category (X3) and farm size (X4) are negatively correlated and information source (X5) was positively correlated with the dependent variable.
Conclusion: The training program effectively enhanced the knowledge of women farmers in key aspects of tuber crop cultivation, contributing to improved agricultural practices and the potential for increased productivity
Pricing of Groundwater and Constraints of Farmers in Groundwater Marketing in North Eastern Karnataka
No full textThe present study was conducted in North Eastern dry Zone of Karnataka which falls under semi arid tropic region. The study is based on primary data obtained from 45 water sellers and 45 water buyer farmers through snow ball sampling techniques. The data collected were analysed by using descriptive statistics and Garret ranking method. The cost of irrigation was calculated by employing amortization technique. The findings revealed that there were mainly two methods of transactions that could be seen in the groundwater markets in the study area viz., cash payment and crop share/ kind method. It is also found that relationship between water sellers and water buyers among the sample farmers in the study area. The percentage of neighbourers in the total transaction of groundwater marketing was 55.23 and relatives constituted 26.66 per cent, and the percentage of friends was 21.11. The water price or rents varied with type crops grown by water buyers (₹7848.06, ₹2240, ₹1950 and ₹2350 for paddy, groundnut, pigeon pea and cotton, respectively.) per acre in the study area. High water charges, lack of money to pay for water rent, unable to get water timely, etc were the major constraints of water buyer farmers and difficulty in fixing the price or rent for groundwater, delaying in payment of groundwater by water buyers, irregular power supply in rural area were the major constraints faced by water seller farmers in the study area. Therefore, Government and Agricultural extension institutions should educate the farmers about the pros and cons of over exploitation of groundwater not only for present generation and but also on future generation
Climate Change Adaptation Mechanisms for Smallholder Farmers in Côte d’Ivoire
No full textThis paper analyzes the adaptation mechanisms employed by smallholder farmers in Côte d\u27Ivoire in response to climate change. Using data from the World Bank’s CGAP survey (2016) and applying the Heckman’s probit model with sample selection, the study accounts for farmers\u27 perception of climate change and its impact on adaptation strategies. The findings show that perception is a key factor in adopting climate-smart strategies, with access to agricultural information, cooperative membership, insurance, gender, education, and income levels being decisive variables. The study recommends policies that enhance advisory support, promote cooperatives, and ensure gender equality in accessing productive resources. These measures are essential for strengthening the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers in Côte d\u27Ivoire
Global Perspectives on Women’s Empowerment: Challenges, Policies, and Case Studies
No full textEnhancing women\u27s social, economic, political, and legal authority to guarantee equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life is the goal of the multifaceted notion of women empowerment. This overview examines the global history, present state, and potential futures of women\u27s empowerment. It explores the historical background, tracking the movement\u27s origins and emphasising significant turning points in the path to gender equality. The review highlights important obstacles that impede the advancement of women\u27s empowerment, including cultural norms, economic impediments, and political resistance, by examining worldwide trends and regional variances. It also covers how international institutions and policies—like the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations—affect the advancement of gender equality. Additionally, case studies of effective empowerment programmes are included in the study to show how focused interventions can result in profound transformation. This analysis concludes by highlighting the significance of a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for women\u27s empowerment and by promoting ongoing efforts at the individual, group, and institutional levels to build a more just and equitable society for all
Engaging Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) Members in Conservation Training Programs: A Case Study from Kerala, India
No full textThe participation of BMC members in training programs on biodiversity conservation holds immense importance in fostering effective stewardship of natural resources. These training initiatives equip BMC members with essential knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for understanding and addressing biodiversity challenges within their communities. By enhancing their capacity, BMC members can play a pivotal role in implementing conservation strategies, promoting sustainable practices, and safeguarding local ecosystems. Moreover, their active involvement in training programs fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts at the grassroots level. Ultimately, BMC member participation in training programs not only enhances their capabilities but also contributes significantly to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity resources for present and future generations. The BMC member\u27s participation in training programmes on biodiversity conservation was investigated in this study. Based on the biodiversity richness and ecological sensitivity four blocks each were selected purposively from low lands of Kannur and Alappuzha districts, mid lands of Kollam and Malappuram districts and the high ranges of Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala. A sample of 180 BMC members were selected from the 6 districts for the study. The results of the study indicate that approximately 18.89 per cent of BMC members have not received any training on biodiversity conservation. In contrast, 40 per cent of the members have participated in two training sessions, while 32.22 per cent have attended at least one training program on the subject. Only 8.89 per cent of the members have participated in three or more training programs related to biodiversity conservation. These findings suggest that there is a need to enhance the participation of BMC members in training programs related to biodiversity conservation. Increasing the number of training sessions and ensuring the availability of relevant resources can help enhance the capacity of BMC members to implement conservation strategies, promote sustainable practices, and safeguard local ecosystems