Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Spread and Acceptance of Arka Sahan–Annona Hybrid
A study was conducted to assess the spread and acceptance of ICAR-IIHR released annona Hybrid–Arka Sahan in 3 major states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. From each state, predominant annona growing district was purposively selected. Using multistage sampling methodology, 60 annona growers were selected. The data was collected using pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools. The results revealed that Arka Sahan was spread in 12.50 per cent of total area under annona production in Tamil Nadu, followed by 9.78 per cent in Karnataka, 1.60 per cent in Rajasthan and 0.28 per cent in Andhra Pradesh. Higher pulp recovery (90.00 %) and higher productivity (76.67 %) were the major reasons for adoption of Arka Sahan variety. Non availability of quality planting material (96.67 %) and drudgery in doing hand pollination (86.67 %) were the major constraints faced by the farmers in adoption of Arka Sahan
A Review on Financial Literacy for Farmer-educate to Empower
The volume of farming community in the world ranges upto 30% [1]. India is a significant global contributor in the agriculture industry. Agriculture and allied sectors are the main source of livelihood to about 55% of India’s population. Of the country\u27s population engaged in agriculture and related sectors, 69% live in rural areas, with the majority of these people being farmers [2]. Although, India is having top standings in terms of highest milk production, livestock population etc., but on the ground reality farmers face many constraints hindering the sustainability in production and productivity of agriculture sector. Among several constraints exist, financial literacy poses to be one of the major constraints hindering farmers growth. Financial inclusion and, eventually, financial stability were seen as much aided by financial literacy in India. Among all farming households, about 27-37% are financially literate and have access to official credit sources [3]. Recognizing the importance of agriculture and allied sector in India’s development, the Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and many financial research institutes in collaboration with farmer-oriented universities like agriculture, veterinary and allied universities have played an important role for catering to the increasing awareness on financial literacy and access to credit services among farmers as there exist visible lacunae in achieving improved farmers economy [4]. The financial literacy was found to have direct impact on socio-economic factors and hence protocols containing suitable delivery services that addressing financial concepts results in producing beneficial effect and long-term sustainability on farming communities [5]
Mobile Technology for Farmers: An Overview of Agricultural Apps
A growing trend in agriculture is the use of mobile applications or apps on smartphones. Through the apps, farmers may obtain all information and answers with a single tap. Information about pests and diseases, scheme-related facts and the specifics of the package of practices are all kept in mobile devices for convenient access. Small-scale farmers make up the bulk of Indian farmers. They frequently lack access to the technological and informational resources that could help them raise the productivity of their crops and products and obtain higher prices. The ubiquitous mobile phone network provided a solution to this issue. The majority of apps are only useful for a certain amount of information, while some have multiple uses. This study examines the mobile applications for agriculture that are accessible in India and are intended for farmers. It is more likely that mobile apps in the agricultural and related industries will become more integrated and dependent. In the present study the Plantix application more effective as it is informative, simple and easy to use app
Cross-generational Analysis of Consumer Behaviour towards Convenience Foods: A Study of Convenience Foods in Kerala
Aims: From customs dating back thousands of years to contemporary conveniences, food has always played a significant role in our societies. As we travel through history, we can see the tremendous change that has paved the way for the emergence of convenience foods in our lives. The behaviour of various generations is also on the go with time. Considering this, the study emphasises the intricate relationship between consumer behaviour towards convenience foods and age cohorts.
Methodology: The data for the study was collected from a total of 180 respondents. Among these, 60 belonged to Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z respectively from the central region of Kerala state.
Results: The results showed that all the respondents taken for the study irrespective of their generation showed a higher inclination towards home-cooked meals rather than convenience foods regardless of their popularity in today\u27s market. For Gen X and Y, convenience food was a choice because of the little time and effort required for preparation while Gen Z preferred it as it fixes their hunger in a snap of a moment. The majority of the respondents purchased convenience food from the supermarkets. All the generations were moderately satisfied with the convenience foods available. Even though most showed modest satisfaction towards various parameters of satisfaction, the degree of satisfaction toward the availability of convenience food options differed among generations.
Conclusion: The results showed the importance of understanding the behavioural differences across generations and how they can impact the acceptance of convenience food. With a comprehensive understanding of the needs and drives of each generation, marketers can adeptly navigate through the complexity of this fast-paced convenience food industry and can be a success
Optimizing Compost Supply Methods for Enhanced Crop Yields in the Zinder Region of Niger
This article aims to study the effect of the compost application method on grain yields of cereals (sorghum and millet) and legumes (cowpea and peanuts) in the Zinder region of Niger. The study sites are characterized by four municipalities; Albarkaram, Dakoussa, Zinder 4 and Hamdara. The data collected concerned socio-economic characteristics, compost application methods, yields with and without compost.
The results characterize the views of 87 people in total. They are made up of 97.7% men and only 2.3% women. These respondents constitute 93.1% married, 4.6% single and 2.2% widows/widowers. The group variable has five levels. The addition of compost to the field on the fly with 4 effective, the micro dose in the field with 18 effectives, the addition on the broadcast to the garden with 6 effective, the use of any two of these methods with 31 effectives and the using any three of these methods with 28 as effective. The descriptive statistics show a physical difference between the yield of millet with the use of broadcast compost (319.5) in the field and in the gardens (295.5) and that of the use of compost by micro dose (1467.83). The result is also different between the yield of sorghum from the gardens with the broadcast method (88.5) and that of the same speculation from the fields (609.16) with the micro dose compost addition method. The results of the analysis show a significant difference between the yields of millet from the micro dose at the field level and those from spreading in the garden. Likewise, a significant difference is observed between the yield of millet in the garden from spreading and that which comes from spreading the combined micro dose in the same environment
Comparative Analysis of Agritourism Service Quality for Domestic and Foreign Tourists in Kerala: A SERVQUAL Approach
Aims: The article aimed to measure the quality of services offered at the agritourism centre to ensure the operational effectiveness of centres as well as the tourist satisfaction. The study uses the SERVQUAL model, which assesses dimensions such as tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, to identify the strengths and weaknesses in service delivery in Kerala\u27s agritourism sector. Understanding these differences is critical for tailoring experiences to meet the diverse expectations of both domestic and foreign visitors [1].
Objective: Analyse the Service Quality for Domestic and Foreign Tourists at Agritourism centres.
Methodology: Primary survey was conducted among 150 domestic tourists and 150 foreign tourists who visited agritourism centres in Kerala using pre tested structured questionnaire.
Results: The service quality analysis shows the highest satisfaction level of domestic tourists and lowest satisfaction level of foreign tourists towards the overall services provided at the agritourism center. The analysis revealed a lack of efficient signage boards, lack of trained guides and lack of accessibility features for disabled individuals at the agritourism destinations. Aside from these areas, the services demonstrated a higher level of performance. Neglecting these aspects will results in various negative outcomes, affecting tourists’ satisfaction and overall efficiency. Signage boards at agritourism destinations offer essential directions, enhance the overall visitor experience, and ensure both safety and accessibility. By focusing in clear, informative, and thoughtfully designed signs, agritourism destinations can boost visitor satisfaction, enhance their operations, and achieve success in a competitive market. The presence of trained guides will also enhance the tourists experience by ensuring safety, delivering valuable educational content, boost operational efficiency, provide personalized customer service, and support cultural and community engagement. Investing in well-trained guides enables agritourism destinations to improve the quality of their services, create memorable and rewarding experiences for visitors. Prioritizing the disability-friendly practices will play a key role in shaping a welcoming, inclusive, and successful industry that serves all individuals equitably.
Conclusion: The study identified the quality gaps that experienced by the tourists at agritourism centres. Upholding high service quality in agritourism destinations is crucial for ensuring visitor satisfaction, gaining a competitive advantage, managing reputation, and maximizing both economic and community benefits [2]. Ultimately, high service quality will become the key driver of growth and prosperity for agritourism destinations
Impact of Rural Finance Institution Building Programme on Socioeconomic Condition of Beneficiaries in Anambra State, Nigeria
Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) was established to improve the income, food security and general living conditions of poor rural households with financial services that will be improved in terms of quality, quantity and access to deposit, loan and transfer services. It is expected that the intervention of RUFIN should result in positive changes in the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. The study evaluated the impact of RUFIN on the socioeconomic condition of RUFIN beneficiaries in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 60 RUFIN beneficiaries (RB) and 60 non-RUFIN beneficiaries (NRB) for the study. Data were collected using structured interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data generated. The average amount of loan obtained by RB was N67,266.70 at an average payback period of one year. Sex (t=-5.61) and years of farming experience (t=2.25) significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the amount of loan obtained while age (t=2.36) significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the number of loans obtained. RUFIN resulted in positive but not significant changes on 12(52.2%) of 23 items used in assessing the impact of the programme on the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. The study recommended that RUFIN should enhance the loanable amount and payback duration which may in a long run, positively affect the socioeconomic condition of the beneficiaries. Also, farmers should be educated by extension agents on all sources of agricultural loans, use of loans, loans repayment plans, and how to diversify agricultural income for lasting impact on livelihood
The Present and Future of the Coconut Cultivation towards the Export Industry: A Case on the Coconut Triangle in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) provides a livelihood for several million people from the production, processing, and marketing. It’s a major plantation product in the country. It is grown in all districts. The coconut triangle, which is distributed in the districts of Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Gampaha, accounts for about 55 per cent of the land used for coconut cultivation. The study was carried out to determine the status of coconut growers’ knowledge of new opportunities and trends in the export market within the coconut triangle. Primary data obtained from a sample survey in the coconut triangle. The study area was covered based on the extent of cultivation. The stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 100 coconut growers and data were collected through a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed through the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and chi-squared test. Five-point Likert scaling was used to determine the coconut growers’ attitudes towards the status of the coconut export industry. The findings of the study revealed that more than half of the coconut growers in the study area (55%) cultivated coconut as their main primary occupation. The younger generation’s participation was very poor in coconut cultivation. Furthermore, highest percentage (81%) of the growers have moderate attitudes towards the exportation of coconut products. There was a positive and highly significant correlation observed between the coconut growers’ attitudes towards the existing coconut industry and attitudes towards the coconut export products at 0.01 level of probability and no significant association was found between the selected independent variables and the coconut growers’ attitudes towards the status of the coconut export products
Product Flow Efficiency and Financial Benefit in the Commercial Soybean Value Chain System in Ghana
Soybean is an important economic crop in Ghana contributing to poverty reduction and food security. A key challenge in Ghana\u27s soybean sector is enhancing product flow efficiency and adding value along the chain. This paper examines perceived efficiency in product flow, the nature of value adding, and perceived financial benefits among value chain actors in Ghana. The study combines quantitative and qualitative techniques to investigate product flow efficiency and financial benefits of the soybean value chain. The study was conducted in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana, between January and April 2013. The study used sample data from 300 value chain actors including input dealers, producers, aggregators, and processors. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, process map, principal component analysis (PCA), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) along the commercial soybean value chain system in the northern part of Ghana. The results show that on average, with the exception of financial institutions, chain actors perceived the soybean product flow along the chain as efficient. Also, the PCA showed two key financial dimensions in the soybean value chain including tangible financial benefit and intangible financial benefit. ANOVA showed that on average, there was no significant difference across stakeholders on the effect of tangible financial benefit on their perception of efficiency of product flow in the value chain. However, there was a significant difference on the effect of intangible financial benefit on their perception of efficiency of product flow in the value chain. The process map mainly showed that the soybean value chain is mainly non-value adding with the exception of the input supply level. The findings revealed that there is less value adding along the soybean value chain in Ghana, requiring that strategic efforts be put in place to improve on value addition along the chain to increase employment creation, poverty reduction and food security
Constraints Faced by the Coir Workers and the Coir Co-operative Societies in the Production of Coir Yarn in Alappuzha and Kollam Districts of Kerala
The research aimed to identify and analyse the constraints faced by the coir workers and the coir cooperative societies throughout the coir yarn production process. Alappuzha and Kollam districts were selected for the study because the coir yarn production in Kerala is concentrated mainly in these districts. A total of 60 coir co-operative societies (30 from each district) were selected randomly. Four coir workers were randomly chosen from each society, totalling 240 coir workers. The study was carried out in the year 2023. Both the workers and the secretaries of these cooperative societies provided insights into the key obstacles impeding coir yarn production. These constraints were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique. The coir workers highlighted some major constraints such as health problems related to the work, inadequate wages, irregular employment, and absence of job security and retirement benefits. Coir yarn production within Kerala’s cooperative sector faced numerous challenges, major ones being shortage of labour, delayed payments from Coirfed for the coir sold by the co-operative societies, lack of financial support from higher organizations/inadequate funding, and lack of active workers. This method provided a detailed understanding of the barriers impacting both the workforce and the operations of the cooperatives. The findings of this study will assist policymakers and authorities in implementing targeted interventions to enhance coir yarn production within the cooperative sector