Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Dissemination of Agricultural Technology and Constraints Analysis in Paddy-Wheat Residue Management in Punjab, India
No full textAs extension personnel are in direct contact with the farmers, methods used and constraints faced by them play an important role in the transfer of technologies. Also, farmer’s constraints are significant to bring about the adoption of straw management techniques. The study was conducted in the state of Punjab consisting of 210 respondents (i.e. 150 extension personnel and 60 farmers). During the study, it was found that all the extension personnel made use of visit to farmers’ field and meetings/discussions to disseminate information on straw management in the state. The findings revealed that the major constraints faced by the extension personnel in disseminating straw management alternatives were inadequate and irregular supply of funds (98.67%), perceived ineffectiveness of technologies (89.33%) and lack of training facilities (86%). While all the farmer respondents agreed that high transportation of the straw, high labor charges and crop residue interference with tillage and seeding operations were the major constraints in adoption of straw management techniques. From the findings, it is important to direct the attention from the government and policy makers to design an effective strategy which can overcome these constraints faced by the extension personnel and farmers to ensure adoption of straw management techniques
An Economic Analysis of Vellore GI Spiny Brinjal in Organic and Inorganic Vegetable Farming
No full textThis study investigates the economic analysis of Vellore GI Spiny Brinjal cultivated through both organic and inorganic farming methods in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Organic farming systems have gained popularity due to their sustainability benefits and resource conservation, which can reduce output costs by 10% to 30% compared to conventional farming. Vellore GI Spiny Brinjal, recognized for its unique characteristics and recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag, serves as a focal point for this analysis. The study collected primary data from 25 organic and 25 inorganic farmers, as well as from various market participants. Cost and return analyses revealed that the total cultivation cost per acre is Rs. 90,482 for organic and Rs. 77,322 for inorganic methods. Despite higher cultivation costs, organic farming proved more profitable with a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.59 compared to 1.35 for inorganic farming. Marketing channel analysis showed that the primary distribution pathways involved wholesalers and retailers, with organic brinjal channels displaying higher efficiency. Price spread and marketing efficiency calculations indicated that Channel II was the most efficient for both farming methods due to fewer intermediaries and lower consumer prices. Overall, the study underscores the economic viability of organic farming for Vellore GI Spiny Brinjal, highlighting its potential for higher profitability and marketing efficiency
Emotional Labour: Its Effect on Work Performance
No full textThe previous two decades of the 20th century has witnessed a dynamic change in the distribution of employment that has shifted from agriculture and industry to the service sector. With the rise of the service sector, more numbers of employees are involved in direct contact with the client and in such occupations, the job demands expression of appropriate emotions during the interaction. Concomitant with this transition a relatively new labour market has been created, which is marked by work roles that focus on direct communication between service workers and customers. Many a times the front-line service workers have to regulate their emotions in jobs so as to appear professional, even when during unpleasant situations. This new type of labour which has emerged from the work demand is termed as ‘Emotional labour’. Emotional labour is not confined tocustomer service workers, it can be challenging for most of us, because it is not easy to hide true emotions and display emotions required in work place. Organizational expectation of emotional expression by employees at work place leads to emotional labour. Arlie Hochschild (1983) was the first sociologist to distinctively point out the management and display of emotions by workers as part of their work role. She defined emotional labour as the management of emotions in order to bring out visible facial and bodily display. Hochschild asserted that emotional labour is a stressor that maybe harmful for the psychological and physical well-being of employees. Her findings suggested that the need to manage emotions in work place may bring in contradiction between the emotions an employee feels and the emotions he/she has to display while working with customers. This discrepancy between required and true emotions is referred to as ‘Emotional dissonance’. The more the conflict between the required and true emotions, the more employees tend to experience stress, job burnout, and psychological alienation from self. Hochschild proposed two different approaches to reduce emotional dissonance, which are surface acting (outward behavior) and deep acting (inner feelings). As the emotional state of employees is directly related to work performance, management of factors causing emotional labor is an important aspect at work environment
Determination of Adoption Traits and Key Production Constraints of Improved Maize Varieties Using Participatory Research Appraisal
No full textIntroduction: Maize is a staple crop critical to the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of improved maize varieties, adoption rates among farmers remain suboptimal. Understanding the traits that drive adoption and identifying key production constraints is essential for the development and dissemination of varieties that meet farmers\u27 needs.
Aims: This study aimed to identifying the most valued traits of improved maize varieties from the farmers\u27 perspective, assessing the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing the adoption of these varieties and identifying the main production constraints faced by farmers in different agro-ecological zones.
Study Design: The study was conducted in three regions representing diverse agro-ecological zones. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of maize farmers. Data collection involved focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household surveys. PRA tools such as pairwise ranking and matrix scoring were employed to capture qualitative and quantitative data on adoption traits and production constraints.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Ejura Sekyeredumasi, Nkoranza South District and Wenchi Municipal district, between June 2017 and December 2017.
Methodology: Descriptive statistics were used analyzed the demographic characteristics of maize farmers as well as socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technology using SPSS 16 version. Data collected included; socio-demographic characteristics, adoption of improved maize varieties and constraints to maize production.
Results: The results showed that about 78 % and 18 % of farmer respondents perceived that both fertilizers and improved seed were too expensive. Other constraints to maize production were drought, high cost of other agro-inputs, lack of improved cultivars and poor soil fertility significantly influenced the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the area
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of incorporating farmers\u27 preferences and addressing context-specific production constraints in maize breeding programs. Enhanced extension services, improved seed distribution systems, and tailored agronomic practices are recommended to increase adoption rates and improve productivity. Participatory approaches in agricultural research are vital for aligning breeding objectives with the real-world needs of smallholder farmers, ensuring the relevance and impact of improved maize varieties in the Ghana
Costs and Profit Assessment of Layer Eggs Farming in Punjab, India
No full textA study was conducted with primary data collected from 100 layer producers chosen by proportion probability sampling technique distributed across all the regions of Punjab. The results showed that the educational status of the head of the family was observed in 41 per cent of layer farmers who got the above matric standard. The variable and fixed costs accounted for 96.66 and 3.34 per cent, respectively of the total costs. Poultry feed followed by pullets feed was found to be the most important item of variable cost to the extent of ₹657.19(US 13.04) per bird. The output-input ratio on layer farms was 1.09 which revealed that poultry is a profitable enterprise and based on output-input ratios, large poultry farms were more efficient as compared to medium and small. While comparing the mortality rate across categories the large layer farmers were found efficient due to better management and adequate needed infrastructure. On the whole, it can be concluded that poultry production is a profitable venture and eggs production a most favoured subsidiary enterprise among the Punjab farmers
Role Perception of Agro Input Dealers in Providing Agro Advisory Services to the Farmers in Gaya, Bihar, India
No full textRole performance of agri input dealers plays a key role in increasing the extension services potential of the input dealers. The present study was conducted in Gaya district of Bihar, India. It aimed to analyse the role performance of agri input dealers towards agro advisory services. The blocks namely Gaya, Manpur and Tekari were selected purposively due to large number of dealers present in the area. Data were collected from 320 respondents using pre-tested interview schedule and were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. The study inferred that half of the respondents had medium level of perception (51.88%), followed by (18.75%) and (14.69%) high and very high levels of perception. A small percentage of (8.75%) and (5.94%) respondents had low and very low level of perception respectively. Role perception is crucial because it governs the quality and efficiency of agro advisory services
Exploring the Role of Environmental Ethical Consideration in Advancing Green Growth: Perspectives from India
No full textAims: The current study explores the intricate nexus between environmental ethical considerations and green growth in the context of India, a country grappling with dual challenges of rapid industrialization and environmental sustainability. As India seeks to balance rigorous economic growth, ecological preservation and integration of ethical principles into environmentally friendly policy design it is necessary to understand the meaning of ethical consideration and green growth relationship.
Theoretical Framework: The research aims to understand the interrelationship and implication of the of environmental ethical consideration into driving green growth, by exploring the challenges and prospects in context of India- a rapidly developing economy. This paper is structured in the form of exploration of available literature and through providing a vast perspective and strategic framework in regards of Indian policy makers and scenario in context of countries socio-economic and cultural structure.
Methodology: The study explores the available literature in the field and synthesizes the challenges available in the path of green growth management. Analysis of barriers to green growth in developing country framework is done by identifying chances of market failure, underinvestment in green technologies, and the lack of clear ethical guidelines present in the Indian developmental structure.
Results: The findings of this paper suggest the possibility of enhancing current scenarios to achieve what is needed to follow the path of green growth in economic context and coming future challenges. The findings are supported by rational policymaking and strategic investment, which can significantly advance India’s green economy, ensuring long term benefits and environmental well-being
Attitude of Onion Growers towards Drip Irrigation System in Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThe drip irrigation system is a kind of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to salvage the water and other nutrients by entrance water to drip gradually to the main roots if plants and other plant parts, which is from on the soil surface or buried inside the soil surface. The main aim of drip irrigation is to place water directly into the main root zone and decrease the water vapour. This study investigates the attitude of Onion growing farmers towards drip irrigation system. The survey was conducted to collect primary data from 119 onion growing farmers in Thondamuthur block of Coimbatore district. Findings reveal that less than three-fifths (57.14%) of the respondents expressed neutral attitude level towards drip irrigation system followed by 21.85 per cent had favourable and 21.01 per cent of the respondents had un-favourable attitude level towards drip irrigation system respectively. This study recommends the implementation of an extensive agricultural institution with more prevalent and periodic visits to drip owners should be established in order to provide regular technical advice and valuable data on the maintenance and repair of the drip irrigation scheme. Such initiatives could enhance the livelihood status of the onion growing farmers in Tamil Nadu
Determinants and Constraints of Access to Credit by Poultry Egg Farmers in Ogun State Nigeria
No full textAccess to credit is crucial for the advancement of the poultry industry in Nigeria, yet a significant portion of poultry farmers lack access to formal credit sources. This study investigates determinants and constraints to credit access among poultry egg farmers in Ogun State, based on data collected from 180 farmers using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and a Logit regression model were employed for analysis. About 33.3% of the farmers were within the age range of 41-50, poultry farmers of 62.2% within the region were more of male farmers while 75.6% of the farmers were educated up to tertiary level. Only 45% of respondents had credit access, with varying sources: 19.8% from commercial banks, 37% from cooperatives, 18% from microfinance banks, 2.5% from the Bank of Agriculture, 6.2% from government sources, and 12.3% from private organizations. The Logit model revealed that farming experience and flock size significantly influence credit access (p<0.01). For each year of farming experience, there is a 4.8% increase in the likelihood of credit access. Similarly, for each unit increase in flock size, there is approximately a 0.04% rise in credit access likelihood. Descriptive statistics highlight constraints to credit access: lack of awareness (5.1%), absence of collateral (30.3%), lack of interest (5.1%), loan denial (12.1%), high interest rates (27.2%), regulatory hurdles (8.1%), and inadequate documentation (12.1%). It is recommended that policymakers and financial institutions develop tailored credit products for poultry farmers, addressing specific challenges such as collateral requirements and high interest rates, this is because once financial barriers are removed production is likely to improve. Additionally, enhancing farmer awareness of available credit options and simplifying application processes can improve credit accessibility in the sector
Impact on farm Income by Jalasamrudhi Project, Thiruvananthapuram, India
No full textThe study analysed the impact of the Jalasamrudhi watershed development programme on farm income. The data regarding the crops and income were collected from the Kattakada legislative constituency of the Jalasamrudhi Project, Thiruvananthapuram. A systematic sampling technique was adopted for the data collection and information was collected from 80 beneficiaries and 80 non-beneficiaries of the project, thus bringing the total sample size to 160. In addition to the watershed development programme implemented by Jalasamrudhi project, the beneficiaries of the project received one cattle per person and five poultry birds per person, enhancing their livelihoods and agricultural capabilities in the Kattakada constituency of the Jalasamrudhi Project in Thiruvananthapuram. Thus, the beneficiaries benefited from increase in an adoption of the water conservation measures and net farm income