Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Content Analysis of Farm Magazine ‘Vigiyanik Pashu Palan’: A Study
No full textThe present study was conducted to quantitatively analyze the contents published in Vigiyanak Pashu Palan (VPP), the monthly Punjabi magazine of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, during Time Period I (2008-2010), Time Period II (2014-2016) and Time Period III (2020-2022). A total of 105 monthly issues were selected. The study revealed that the mean number of articles per issue stood at 11.65 ± 1.98, occupying an average space of 25.93 ± 5.04 pages (72.03%). The average number of advertisements per issue was 3.77 ± 2.37, encompassing 2.28 ± 1.91 pages (6.33%). The articles published in VPP were mostly related to animal health (25.3%), their format being essay type (92%), authored by two experts (75.6%) mostly designated as Teachers (58.9%). The majority of articles (77.7%) focused on a single species, while 18.5 percent did not cover any livestock species. A major focus was on bovine species, appearing in 46.8 percent of articles. The average article length was 2.23 ± 0.84pages. Articles typically comprised of 8.29 ± 4.20 paragraphs, 127.77 ± 65.18 lines, 49.37 ± 24.10 sentences, and 890.27 ± 687.22 words, with an average of 2.66 ± 1.56 technical words in each article. Additionally, articles included an average of 2.26 ± 3.29 pictures, figures, or illustrations. The average readability index of VPP was 9.26 ± 10.37 suggesting that 9th or 10th standard students can read it with fair understanding. The present study suggests that Vigyanak Pashu Palan magazine has consistently served as a crucial medium for transferring veterinary extension education and innovative agricultural technologies to livestock farmers in Punjab and adjacent area
Rice Post-harvest Value Addition Agricultural Extension Training Model for Smallholder Farmers and Extension Agents in the Southern Region of Sierra Leone
No full textA study was conducted to develop an agricultural training model for smallholder farmers and extension agents (farming actors) in rice post-harvest value addition in the Southern region of Sierra Leone. The study sought to identify the training needs and competencies of the farming actors in rice post-harvest value addition with a vision to identify their required training contents. Three ethical issues that guided the conduct of the study include informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality since the study dealt with human participants. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 400 smallholder farmers from 157,114 households by the use of Yamane\u27s formula. A census of 50 extension agents operating in the region was also done. The training model development was aided by undertaking a training needs assessment. The model is largely a synthesis of the study objectives of the rice post-harvest value addition study. The assessment revealed that farming actors have limited resources, low-value addition competencies, imperfect market situation, inadequate extension services, low profit margin, low livelihood, peasant farming, and low motivation for extension agents. The study further reveals low competency levels for the farming actors. The key expressed training needs of the farming actors include milling, packaging and marketing, and storage of rice whilst the majority preferred group training methods in rice post-harvest value addition. For effective training, the study further shows that training support such as subject matter specialists, input suppliers, service providers, and infrastructure, among others, are to be provided. The study also provided a dynamic extension model as an alternative option to the generic type since farming situations are constantly changing. This dynamic model ensures that as the context issues change, there is a need for the farming actors to respond to those changes. It is therefore recommended that regular needs assessment, provision of support services, and monitoring of training actors must be done for full utilisation of the proposed model
Challenges Faced by Agri-Input Dealers in Delivering Agro-Advisory Services: Constraints and Suggestions
No full textAims: The aim of this research study is to identify and analyze the various constraints faced by agricultural input dealers in delivering effective agro-advisory services in the districts of Kannauj and Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the study seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing these services through specialized training, improved communication strategies, and increased collaboration among manufacturers, researchers, and farmers.
Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used for the study.
Place and Duration of Study: Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh was selected for the study from which Kannauj and Farrukhabad districts of were chosen purposively. From each district 5-5 blocks were chosen randomly between 2022-2023.
Methodology: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method to ensure a representative sample from each block. From the each selected block, 25 input dealers were selected randomly for study, who had minimum 5 year of dealership experience, thus, total 250 input dealers were finalized for the present study, who were involved in providing both agricultural inputs and extension services to farmers.
Results: The study identified key constraints faced by input dealers in providing agro-advisory services, including insufficient field diagnostic abilities, inadequate technical competence, and limited communication with farmers. Socio-economic challenges such as unprofitable diagnostic visits and insufficient dealer networks were prominent. To address these issues, recommendations included specialized training, improved communication strategies, and enhanced collaboration between dealers, manufacturers, and farmers, emphasizing the need for institutional support and regionally tailored advisory services.
Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing diagnostic, communication, and financial challenges through training, collaboration, and institutional support is essential to improve agro-advisory services and enhance agricultural productivity
Effectiveness of Different Extension Methods Used by KVKs Beneficiaries
No full textKrishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) in India play an important role in transfer of Agricultural technologies (Jiyawan et al., 2012). Presently, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) have been recognized as an effective link between agricultural research and extension systems in the country. KVK scientists give the necessary information, train individuals to enhance their skills and attitudes towards a particular subject. Effectiveness of different extension methods used by KVKs was studied in terms of perception of beneficiaries. The effectiveness of teaching methods included major aspects - Convincing ability, imparting knowledge, skills and changing attitude of the farmers. The ‘farm and home visit’ was perceived as the most effective individual contact method in changing the attitude of KVK beneficiaries. The adaptive of mini kit trial and farm clinic were also perceived as very effective and ranked second and third by the respondents
An Economic Analysis of Maize Production across Major Producing States of India
No full textNational Food Security Mission has been taken by Government of India to increase coarse cereal Maize production in the country to meet food, feed for livestock and poultry and industrial raw material, domestic as well as global demand. The traditional and modern industrial uses have made it one of the fastest growing cash crops in the world. Considering its global as well as national importance, In this article, we have analysed the relative change, growth rate and CDVI (cuddy-della valle-index) in cost, returns, profitability and break-even production of maize during the study period 2000-01 to 2018-19 of Maize across major Maize growing states of India. The study found that Cost A1, cost A2, cost B1, cost B2, cost C1 and cost C2 of maize was found to be increased higher in Madhya Pradesh with highly significant annual growth rate during the study period than other states. These cost concepts showed low to medium instability for almost all the leading states. The findings revealed that maize was more profitable in Bihar, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, owing to higher net income and B:C ratios than in other states. Bihar states had higher differential yield and a greater discrepancy between the cost of production and the minimum support price. In some states, actual yields were lower than break-even, and production costs were greater than the minimum support price, resulting in losses for maize growers. The study\u27s findings would help policymakers and governments devise appropriate development strategies and effective policies for less lucrative states
Relationship between the Profile of Soybean Growers and their Knowledge and Adoption of Liquid Biofertilizer in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra
No full textThe study “Knowledge and adoption of liquid biofertilizers among the soybean growers” was conducted to delineate the relationship between profile of soybean growers with their knowledge and adoption of liquid biofertilizers in Parbhani district of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. 120 respondents were randomly selected for the present study from 12 villages of 2 talukas of Parbhani district. Data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule. There were two dependent variables namely “knowledge” and “adoption” and ten independent variables. Data were analysed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. According to the profile of soybean growers, majority of the soybean growers were educated up to Middle school level (29.17%), having small land holdings (40.83%), with medium annual income (89.17%), area under soybean cultivation (71.67 %), extension contact (70.00 %), level of social participation (55.83%), economic motivation (70.00%), risk orientation (64.17%), using medium source of information (74.17%), and belonged to medium innovativeness (72.50%). According to correlation analysis, Education, Source of information and Innovativeness of soybean growers showed positive and highly significant relationship with their knowledge and adoption of liquid biofertilizer technology. Area under soybean cultivation, Extension contact, Social participation, Economic motivation, and Risk orientation of soybean growers showed positive and significant relationship with knowledge and adoption about liquid biofertilizer technology. Land holding and annual income of soybean growers showed non-significant relationship with the knowledge and adoption about liquid biofertilizer technology
Consumption of Milk and Other Dairy Products as Influenced by Dietary Habits of Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians in Kamrup District of Assam, India: A Study
No full textConsumption of dairy products plays a critical role in enhancing nutritional security of the humans. Current study was planned to estimate the expenditure on milk consumption pattern and preferences by different dietary groups in Kamrup district of Assam. Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) of various food commodities also revealed significant differences in household spending patterns. Cereals had the highest mean expenditure pointed out their importance as a staple food item across households. Consumption of Pulses showed more consistent spending suggesting a steady role in household diets. Fruits and vegetables, demonstrated substantial variations in spending on food items. Expenditure on Meat consumption indicated substantial variability as per household preferences followed by Fish which highlighted the diverse consumption preferences in the study area. The multivariate test statistics indicated significant differences in the consumption patterns. This supported that there was a significant difference in the consumption of food products between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Further, approximately forty percent of the variance in food consumption was explained by dietary pattern differences as expressed by Wilks\u27 lambda, and remaining 58% was due to other factors. Moreover, Pillai’s trace and Lawley-Hotelling trace had confirmed significant differences, suggesting that dietary preferences substantially impact food expenditure. Vegetarian families tend to spend more on liquid milk, implying that milk plays a central role in the vegetarian diet, possibly as a primary source of protein. The most significant difference was seen in powder milk expenditure, where vegetarians spend more than non-vegetarians. Non-vegetarian households, spend more on curd, and also showed higher expenditure on paneer, ghee, and butter, though the differences in these items were less pronounced. Overall, the vegetarian households allocated more of their budget to powdered milk, sweets, and ice cream, while non-vegetarian households spent more on curd, paneer, and other dairy products
An investigation of Agriculture Knowledge Sharing through Indigenous Communication Systems: Insights from Ethnic Communities
No full textDeveloping countries like India are having latest methods of communication, but their effective utilization by people who are less exposed is doubtful. In rural areas indigenous means of communication still play a vital role in social functioning, maintenance and social change. A study was employed with a qualitative research design to explore the indigenous communication systems of four ethnic communities (Ahom, Kachari, Mising and Deori) in Dhemaji district of Assam. The total respondents for the study was one hundred (100) comprising both male and female to capture gender-specific roles in agricultural communication. Focus group discussions, interviews, and auto-ethnographic observations were employed, ensuring a participatory approach to collect data from four selected villages across two culturally diverse blocks. Findings reveal that folk songs such as Bihu songs, Oi-nitom, and Bisugeet encapsulate agricultural processes and seasonal transitions, ensuring the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge. The rituals like Narasiga Sabah, Nakathia Sisha, and Guch Luwa not only serve as cultural markers but also communicate critical agricultural practices to farmers. Similarly, proverbs and riddles acted as mnemonic devices for agricultural techniques and ecological wisdom. The study concludes that integrating these indigenous practices with modern extension systems can significantly enhance rural communication strategies. The findings of the present study hold a great potential in the field of communication for development research as well as for planning and dissemination of need based information among rural families for agricultural development that elevate sustainable rural livelihoods
Adoption of Improved Package of Practices of Soyabean Crop and Its Constraint Faced by Soyabean Growers
No full textThe broad bed and furrow system has been mainly developed at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India.The scientist and farmers are concerned with the low productivity of Soybean under present agro-situations, keeping the aforementioned perspectives in mind and realizing the importance of broad bed furrow technology for soyabean crops in dissemination of technology. The study was carried out to know the effect of demonstration conducted at different locations on the production and profitability of the farmers. The field experiments were conducted at the farmer’s fields in the operational village of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangvi (Rly) Yavatmal-II district of Maharashtra. The selection of 50 respondents was randomly drawn from villages a cluster of five villages namely Dhulapur, Lohi, Tarnoli, Chikhali in Darwha tehsil and Karkheda, in Ner tehsil of Yavatmal. Thus, an attempt was made to examine the adoption of broad bed furrow technology in accordance with all the 21 recommended agronomic practicesin order to obtain important conclusions and suggestion for extension experts and soybean growers to update farmers technical knowledge. The majority of soybean growers (60%) had low level of overall adoption of the recommended practices. Under broad bed furrow technology, soybean growers are advised to implement 21 agronomic practices. Of these, 52% fully adopt the improved soybean varieties, 56% use recommended seed rate, 76% use herbicides to control weeds, and 50% of soybean growers partially adopt the improved package of practices to control insects and diseases. The majority of soybean grower encounter obstacles such as the unavailability of BBF machine (96 %) and skill labours (56%), as well as challenges while utilizing BBF technology (92%). Only 50 per cent of large size holding soyabean grower use BBF technology and 44 per cent of those with higher family income have access to it. It was concluded that improved package of practices of soybean cultivation was found superior in comparison with conventional seed drill
Revolutionizing Agriculture Libraries in India: A Comprehensive Study on Implementing Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology for Enhanced Access and Knowledge Sharing
No full textThis article delves into the potential impact of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology on addressing the challenges faced by agriculture libraries in India. It specifically focuses on issues such as limited accessibility, outdated infrastructure, and resource constraints. Recognizing the importance of modernization, the research proposes the use of NFC as a solution to enhance the functionality of these libraries. NFC enables seamless communication, allowing users to instantly access relevant information by simply tapping their NFC-enabled devices on tags or stickers. The study outlines its objectives, which include evaluating the needs of users, creating NFC-enabled resources, developing mobile applications that are user-friendly, providing training, and ensuring continuous monitoring. Results from a survey of 105 participants from various agricultural universities indicate positive perceptions, awareness of NFC, and a willingness to adopt this technology. The discussion highlights how integrating NFC aligns with the expectations of users, thereby paving the way for modernized and enhanced library experiences in the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural education and research in India