Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Farmers’ Use of Social Media and Constraints Faced: A Study in Uttarakhand, India
No full textThe emergence of social media has opened-up new avenues for information dissemination, social interactions and communication in various sectors, including agriculture. Farmers are also actively using social media for seeking and sharing information related to agriculture through various social media platforms. However, farmers often encounter several constraints in leveraging these technology platforms effectively. This research investigated the multifaceted challenges faced by farmers in utilizing social media for agricultural purposes. The present study was conducted in one district (U.S. Nagar) of Uttarakhand, known as food bowl of the state with the objective to find out farmers’ usage pattern of social media and identify constraints faced by the farmers in accessing and using the social media. The study followed an exploratory research and the study sample comprised of purposively selected 200 farmers (those who owned a smartphone) spread over eight villages. The data was collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. The study findings revealed that the primary constraints faced by respondents in using social media were lack of awareness about useful websites and mobile apps, poor digital literacy, and poor competency in its use. Further, it also revealed that while younger, more educated farmers tend to use social media more readily, older and rural farmers face substantial hurdles. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, including digital literacy programs, infrastructure improvements, and the creation of relevant, localized content to enhance social media\u27s utility in agriculture. These insights will inform the policymakers, scientists, agricultural extension services, and technology developers in crafting relevant and appropriate strategies to bridge the digital divide and empower farmers through effective use of social media
Factors Affecting Crop Production due to Land Degradation in Jhajjar District of Haryana
No full textLand degradation, particularly through waterlogging and soil salinization, poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examined the economic impact of these issues on crop returns in Haryana, India, with a focus on Jhajjar district. The research assessed input utilization, crop yields, and profitability for Bajra and Mustard crops on both normal and degraded farms. Utilizing primary data from 60 farmers and employing tabular analysis and the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study found that soil salinity and waterlogging lead to significant reductions in crop productivity and profitability. For instance, Bajra yields on degraded farms resulted in lower gross returns and net profits compared to normal farms, primarily due to increased costs in field preparation and pest management. The Cobb-Douglas production function analysis further revealed that while fertilizers significantly enhance yields on normal farms, their effect is negative on degraded farms, likely due to over use of fertilizers. Mustard farming showed similar trends, with problematic farms incurring higher variable costs and achieving lower profitability. The study highlighted the urgent need for targeted policies to manage soil health and improve the economic outcomes of farming in degraded lands
Causes and Impacts of Various Agricultural Extension Service Strategies in Bangladesh
No full textPurpose: The success factors of agricultural extension are not well known. In addition, extension services are often treated as homogeneous actors in agricultural research. We intend to show the impact of different strategies in agricultural extension.
Methodology: A survey of 396 extension officers asking, for example, about the officer’s strategies and the perceptions of their clients revealed important differences within the sample and explained both the strategies and their perceived success among farmers, according to a structural equation model.
Findings: The analysis showed that extension officers who considered the knowledge of their clients to be good tended to focus on the environmental problems in agriculture and that this was taken up positively by their clients. A higher education of officers led to a stronger observance of farmers’ interests. Both the institutional environment and the sociodemographic factors also influenced the choice of strategies. Younger extension workers, for example, had a stronger environmental focus than older workers.
Practical implications: A focus on environmental issues in agricultural extension seems to benefit farmers which indicates that more attention in extension should be given to ecological questions.
Theoretical implications: These findings call for a thorough exploration of different agricultural extension strategies and their success.
Originality: According to our knowledge, this is the first distinction between the success of different extension strategies
Enhancing Global Food Security through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review
No full textAs the global population rises, addressing food security becomes more critical, particularly in developing regions struggling with hunger and malnutrition. Fisheries and aquaculture provide a vital solution by offering essential nutrition, employment, and economic benefits to millions worldwide. This study conducts an in-depth review of how capture fisheries and aquaculture contribute to global food security, emphasizing ten key areas: sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture growth, nutritional advantages, economic empowerment, climate adaptability, post-harvest loss reduction, policy and governance, technological advancements, biodiversity preservation, and global market access. The review evaluates the strength and consistency of evidence regarding the positive impact of these sectors on food security and poverty alleviation. The findings highlight the importance of cohesive policy and governance, technological improvements, and broader market access to fully leverage the role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing global food challenges. Additionally, this review identifies research gaps that need to be addressed to maximize the sectors\u27 potential for economic growth and environmental sustainabilit
A Study of Gender Perspectives on Farmers\u27 Livelihood Resources in a Dryland Farming Community of Lombok Island, Indonesia
No full textAim: A case study on Lombok Island, Indonesia, examined livelihood resources among rain-fed rice farmers from a gender perspective.
Study Design: Using a descriptive approach, the study purposely selected dryland and rain-fed farming communities reliant on agriculture.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in the southern part of Lombok Island between December 2023 to January 2024.
Methodology: Data from 30 respondents (15 male, 15 female farmers) assessed livelihood resources across human, natural, financial, social, and physical aspects. Analysis employed categorical techniques and mode calculations.
Results: Male farmers predominated in managing human resources and natural resources such as land and water ownership. Females excelled in household water use, technology adoption, and accessing financial aid. Both genders managed income and savings similarly, with males showing greater agricultural knowledge and communication skills.
Conclusion: These insights underscore the nuanced gender dynamics in resource management and highlight the need for gender-responsive policies to foster sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable dryland communities
Challenges in Accessing Agricultural Technology Information Centre’s Services: Identifying Key Constraints in Kanpur District
No full textAim: The current study aims to find out various constraints faced by the respondents in availing the services provided by ATIC and to suggest suitable measures to overcome the constraints.
Study Design: The study was carried out by descriptive type of survey method.
Place and Duration of Study: The present investigation was undertaken in Agricultural Technology Information Centre in Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh, between June 2023 and July 2024.
Methodology: The study employed a descriptive survey method with random and purposive sampling. Particularly Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, was chosen due to the investigator\u27s familiarity with the region. One Agricultural Technology Information Center (ATIC) at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology was selected for analysis. Data were evaluated using percentages, weighted means, and rankings.
Results: The infrastructure issue of "Insufficient facilities for farmers" was reported as being significant. Additionally, the extension problem of "Limited availability of free literature for farmers" and the administrative problem of "Delayed evaluation of training provided" were also identified as being of considerable concern.
Conclusion: Respondents identified inadequate infrastructure and lack of free literature as key constraints, with delayed training evaluations being a major administrative issue. They recommended timely budgets, full-time staff for ATICs, and increased involvement from top officials
Adaptation Practices of Dairy Farmers to Climate Change in Coastal Tamil Nadu, India
No full textAn investigation was conducted to evaluate the adaptation strategies of dairy farmers in light of climate change in Tamil Nadu. For this research, four out of the 13 coastal districts—Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi—were chosen at random. Two blocks were randomly picked from each district for analysis. From each selected block, two villages were randomly identified from the existing villages. Consequently, 16 villages were included in this study. Fifteen dairy farmers were randomly selected from each village, yielding a total of 240 respondents for the research. Data were gathered using a predesigned interview schedule. The information collected was analyzed with suitable statistical tools to interpret the results of this research. It can be concluded that the area studied was primarily populated by crossbred cattle due to their high productivity, and “no distinct alterations of forage in the diet” were observed by fewer than half (48.33%) of the dairy farmers during periods of heat or cold stress. A notable 62.92 percent of dairy farmers did not employ feed additives during these distressing times, opting instead for a feeding strategy that involved “crop residues + unconventional materials” in drought conditions. It emerged that they were compelled to source water from open areas as adequate drinking water was not consistently available during drought periods. The majority of dairy farmers (70.42%) opted for a combination of “consult veterinarian + ethno veterinary practices” for addressing reproductive issues amid extreme weather events
Seasonal Behaviour of Arrivals and Prices of Major Crops in Krishi Upaj Mandis of Chhattisgarh, India
No full textChhattisgarh state is famous for its forest wealth and mineral resources and there is abundant production of crops. According to total area of crops, Paddy (77.47 percent) and Chickpea (5.43 percent) are major crops of Chhattisgarh state. Arrivals and price data (Year 2014-15 to 2023-24) of major crops were collected from website of Chhattisgarh state Mandi Board. The study was observed that the peak arrivals & price of paddy were started in the same months November to January in both market (KUM, Bemetra & KUM, Bhatapara) except peak price season starts in August to October with narrow difference in KUM, Bhatapara. In case of Chickpea, the peak arrivals and price started in the month of March to May & September to November, respectively. The Price stability of both crops (paddy & Chickpea) was higher in KUM, Bhatapara as compared to KUM, Bemetra. The less price fluctuation of paddy as compared to chickpea in Chhattisgarh state due to purchasing directly to farmers by the Government with Minimum Support Price (MSP) and also provided the Bonus. The study was suggested that the economic development of farmers in state, the government should purchase agricultural products other than paddy and cooperate in setting up dal mills & processing units. Necessary steps should be taken to increase of marketable surplus and development of community level threshing area. The study was importance in knowing the market behaviour and price fluctuation during the peak season and the major reason behind. The studies also throw light on the aspect how to enrich the economic condition of the farmers
Financial Literacy among the Students of Junagadh Agricultural University
No full textFinancial Literacy has become one of the top priorities for most of the world today as it is directly proportional to the economic growth of a country. This is alarming to know that the financial literacy rate in India is way behind other countries, so a study was carried out to measure the financial literacy of students of Junagadh Agricultural University during 2021-2023. The data was collected from 600 students, 300 from Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) each using a structured interview schedule. Financial Literacy Index and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used for the study purpose. The study revealed that, there is a low level of financial literacy especially in terms of financial knowledge among the students. Financial knowledge, behavior, and attitude have significant positive effects on the financial literacy of students hence it is suggested that to enhance the financial literacy of students, training should be imparted on financial attitude, financial behavior, and especially financial knowledge as low level is more prevalent in this area of financial literacy
Economic Evaluation of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Intercrop within Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) Based Agroforestry System in Semi-arid Region of Bundelkhand, India
No full textBundelkhand region of India is known in the entire country for moisture scarcity and crop failure due less rainfall and falls in the semi-arid zone. Short-duration crops having the capacity to withstand moisture scarcity are generally grown in this region, apart from Kharif and Rabi season crops. Moong bean (Vigna radiata) is one such short-duration crop which mainly grown in this region. Hence, Moong bean intercrop was selected to cultivate within agroforestry systems for resources optimization and mutual benefits. Nevertheless, agroforestry is gaining momentum in the Bundelkhand region due to multiple benefits for ecological and economical aspects. Apart from decreasing the chance of total crop failure, agroforestry provides subsidiary output such as timber and firewood. Among various trees preferred under agroforestry, Malabar neem (Melia dubia) is one of the important tree species that is highly valued for its timber that is used in the furniture industry as well as in the pulpwood and plywood industry. Combination of both Moong bean and Malabar neem not only enhances the chance of profitability but also provides an alternative to sole cropping of both the components. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted at Forestry Farm, RLBCAU, Jhansi to investigates the economics of Vigna radiata within Melia dubia based agroforestry system for its feasibility over sole cropping of both the agro-systems. The result showed that the highest BCR (3.14), gross return (3,78,566 rupees/ha), net return (2,65,940) and land equivalent ratio (2.19) observed in T5 [Melia dubia with spacing 5m×3m + Vigna radiata] as compared to other agroecosystems. On the basis of economic feasibility, Moon bean should be grown under Malabar neem with spacing 5m×3m based agroforestry system which is recommended to the farmers of Bundelkhand region for higher profitability