Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
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Constraints in Paddy Procurement in Kerala: Farmers’ Perspectives
Paddy is a staple food crop in Kerala State, and the government\u27s paddy procurement policy aims to support and strengthen farmers by ensuring a Minimum Support Price as well as maintaining market stability. The study aimed to identify and prioritise farmers\u27 challenges in the paddy procurement system. The study was conducted during the agricultural year of 2023-2024 in the Palakkad and Alappuzha districts, the major rice-growing tracts among the districts of this State. A total of eight Panchayats were randomly selected from the two major procurement centres in each district, and ten farmers were randomly chosen from each Panchayat, resulting in a sample size of 160. The application of Garrett\u27s ranking technique assessed the intensity of each constraint and ranked them among the top ten identified constraints. The study found that the absence of immediate payment of procurement price was the most significant issue with a total Garrett score of 12260 and an average score of 76.62. This delay in payment causes financial difficulties for farmers in continuing the cultivation for the next season. The difficulty to meet quality standards of procurement was the next severe challenge for the farmers. The study recommended policy interventions to overcome the challenges in paddy procurement in the State
Development Strategy for Village Owned Enterprises: A Case Study in Majalengka Regency, West Jawa Province, Indonesia
Village-Owned organizations (BUMDes) are one of the strategic units in empowering village communities. South Maja BUMDes is one of the BUMDes which has several commercial enterprise units inside it and up to now, it has survived. This studies objectives to determine the internal and outside factors of BUMDes South Maja and to decide the strategic priorities that want to be taken for BUMDes development. The research technique used became quantitative descriptive research via taking 33 respondents. The evaluation finished is a SWOT analysis preceded with the aid of an hobby degree analysis. The effects of the IFE matrix analysis are the primary power in control which does now not involve many human beings, making operations and choice making easier. meanwhile, the principle weak spot is that there may be no era that can facilitate communique among administrators, managers and consumers. The outcomes of the IE matrix show that BUMDes South Maja is in cellular or box which has function presents an outline of the country of BUMDes South Maja which is in a maintain and maintain circumstance
Impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Frontline Demonstrations on Mustard Productivity in Jammu Region, J&K (UT)
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) cluster frontline demonstrations (FLDs) are essential in encouraging farmers to adopt advanced agricultural practices by showcasing proven technologies in real field conditions. These demonstrations help bridge the gap between agricultural innovations developed in research institutions and their adoption by small-scale farmers. This study evaluates the impact of FLDs provided by KVK Samba in Jammu and Kashmir on mustard productivity. Based on yield data and farmer feedback, the study reveals a significant increase in mustard yields among participants due to the adoption of improved cultivation methods, better seed varieties, and efficient resource management. The average productivity for beneficiaries increased by approximately 40 per cent from 8.76 quintals to 12.25 quintals after FLDs, marking a statistically significant improvement. Additionally, beneficiaries experienced a slight increase in average sale prices from 5075.00 rupees to 5166.66 rupees after FLDs. The study also notes key changes included reduced thinning, optimized fertilizer application, and improved seed management, contributing to higher yields and enhanced crop management. These findings underscore the vital role of extension services in facilitating the adoption of advanced farming techniques and provide useful insights for policymakers and agricultural agencies focused on boosting mustard production and improving farmer livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir
Agrarian Distress in Indian Agriculture: Causes, Socio-economic Consequences and Coping Strategies
Agrarian distress is the economic, political and social challenges faced by the farmers and rural communities due to factors such as low crop yields, fluctuating prices of agricultural produce, high input costs, indebtedness, and lack of access to credit, markets, and infrastructure. Over 8,00,000 individuals are dies by suicide each year because of various reasons. More over the suicides are happening in the families whose own land is less than 1-2 hectares, who are in debt, have been identified the most at risk for suicide. The present article aims at better understanding of the causes, consequences and possible coping strategies for the agrarian distress in India. Causes such as fluctuations in crop sales, weather and climate conditions, dependent on natural resources, etc. are discussed in detail. Consequences of agrarian stress are suicides of farmers, rural migration, food insecurity, environmental impacts and so on. Solutions such as strengthening the forward markets, comprehensive crop insurance schemes for the framers where the non-MSP (Minimum Support Price) crops also may be covered, assured price to the farmers are discussed. Many researchers argued that farmers suicides are increasing but the research is limited in the specialised area of interest. In addition to that, researchers are focussing only on the socio-economic variables rather than the psychological variables. In order to mitigate the risks out of agrarian distress, farmers should be encouraged by the government and extension service providers to take up the subsidiary occupations and secondary agricultural occupations which helps them in getting profits in the situations where the crop damages due to the extreme weather patterns. As rightly pointed out by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), distress of the framers should have a long-term potential solution such as major reforms in the existing agricultural laws rather than farm loan waivers which acts as the short-term relief to the farmers
Analysis of Sustainable Market Conditions and Determinants Influencing Farmers\u27 Involvement in the Commercialization of Cocoyam in Anambra State, Nigeria
This study on the analysis of sustainable market conditions and determinants influencing farmers\u27 involvement in the commercialization of cocoyam in Anambra State, Nigeria focused on six specific objectives that ascertained the market conditions for cocoyam marketing, identified the commercialization index of the commodity, described the determinants of farmers\u27 participation in the commercialization of the commodity, estimated the profitability of smallholder’s cocoyam production/marketing, and its determinants, and identified the challenges to cocoyam production/marketing in the area. A multistage sampling technique involving purposive and simple random sampling was employed to collect data from 368 cocoyam farmers. The study used a combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, the Lorenz curve, marketing margin analysis, and ordinary least square regression achieved from the SPPS version 25 and Microsoft Excel. The study revealed the farmers’ average age and production/marketing experience as 19 years. The Gini coefficient value of 0.236 closer to zero shows a near-perfect condition in the area, with a 68.0% commercialization index. Gender (11.48)***, marital status (8.98)***, and cooperative membership (4.81)** are the positive factors influencing market participation. The farmers realized a profitability ratio of 0.74 and a return on investment of 1.85. This profitability ratios are positively determined by sex (16.45)***, farming experience (4.58)***, and number of extension contacts (6.48)***. The farmers face the following challenges; inadequate capital, limited access to improved cultivars, and bad road networks among others. However, policymakers should therefore prioritize intervention to address the identified bottlenecks hindering market participation, profitability, and scalability of cocoyam production and marketing
Drivers to Rural Youth Agri-Preneurial Engagement in Specific Agricultural Enterprises in Bundelkhand Region of M.P
Entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector offers significant potential for rural development and economic growth. This study aimed to assess the entrepreneurship skills among rural youth engaged in various agricultural and allied activities in Madhya Pradesh, India. The objectives were to explore and document the entrepreneurship avenues, identify the perceived reasons for selecting particular agricultural enterprises, analyze the support systems availed, and develop an attitude scale to measure entrepreneurship skills. Additionally, the study documented skill acquisition through various entrepreneurship development programs and identified key human capital factors for successful agricultural entrepreneurship.
The research focused on rural youth entrepreneurs aged 18-35 in the districts of Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Sagar, with a total sample size of 210 participants (82 from Tikamgarh, 57 from Chhatarpur, and 71 from Sagar). A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. Key findings revealed that access to training programs, financial support, and market linkages significantly influenced entrepreneurial readiness and opportunity identification. The study also developed an effective model for capacity building among rural youth, emphasizing the importance of human capital, including education, experience, and social networks.
The implications of this study highlight the need for targeted entrepreneurship development programs that address specific challenges faced by rural youth in agriculture. Recommendations include enhancing access to financial resources, improving market infrastructure, and fostering mentorship opportunities. These measures can empower rural youth to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to rural economic development
Construction of a Knowledge Test to Measure the Level of Knowledge of Farmers on Geographical Indications in Agriculture
Geographical Indication (GI), which indicates the unique geographical origin of a product, is protected as one of the categories of intellectual property items included under Article 22 of the TRIPs Agreement. It insists on the quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good, which are attributable to its geographical origin. Geographical Indications are valued in the market because of the uniqueness of quality parameters or the processes involved in production. As GIs have the potential to enhance market opportunities of the producer communities and other stakeholders, they must have sound knowledge of various aspects of this system of intellectual protection and its benefits. This paper explains how a knowledge test was developed to measure an individual\u27s knowledge level on various aspects of GI as part of the study viz. Geographical indications in agriculture and community benefits: A cross-sectional analysis by the authors.
Knowledge on GI was operationalized as the accuracy with which various aspects of GI, registration, and the impact have been understood. The steps to develop and standardize the test included selection of items; item analysis and pre-testing; calculation of difficulty, estimation of discrimination index and point bi-serial correlation; final selection of items; and testing of reliability and validity. The final knowledge test retained 24 items out of 36 raw items. The test was found to be significantly reliable and valid, as indicated by a significant value of reliability coefficient and content validity. Researchers can use this test to measure farmers\u27 knowledge on GIs
Resource Use Efficiency and Profitability of Rice Production in the Terai Belt of Nepal
Rice is the major cereal crop in terms of area under cultivation and known as primary staple food with significant contribution to gross domestic product in Nepal. The high production cost and inefficient use of available resources are major problems observed in rice production. The study was carried out in three major rice producing districts of Terai belt of Nepal to analyze the level of resources used and profitability in rice production. A total of 100 samples from each district were taken using simple random sampling technique. The benefit cost ratio was used to determine the profitability while the Cobb-Douglas production function was used to determine the resource use efficiency analysis. The study revealed that the average land holding size under the rice production was more than the national average and the average productivity (4.86mt/ha) of rice production in the districts were also higher than the national average (3.47mt/ha). The BC ratio of rice (1.67) production was found more than which implies the profitable nature of rice production in Nepal. The per hectare total cost incurred in rice production from land preparation to marketing was found NPR. 96, 905 (±24044)/ha and the profit after deducting cost incurred for rice production was NPR. 58, 559. The costs on seed and irrigation were found overused, however the costs incurred in organic manures, harvesting and post-harvest operations were found underused. The cost on seed and irrigation need t0 be decreased by 129 and 218% whereas the cost on organic manures, harvesting and post-harvest operations need to be increased by 97, 74 and 76%, respectively for optimal allocation of resources used in rice production. The return from rice production is low as compared to other major economic crops in Nepal, thus this study helps the policy makers, producers and other stakeholders for better planning and policy formulation for massive promotion of rice cultivation as it has high contribution to food and nutrition security of Nepali people
Dissemination Approaches that Enhance Adoption of Climate Resilient TIMPS for Pigeon Pea, Sorghum and Green Grams Value Chains in Machakos County, Kenya
Dissemination approaches play a key role in facilitating the adoption of climate smart technologies, innovations and management practices among farmers. Various approaches used in Kenya include the top down approaches and bottom up approaches. This study was conducted to determine and validate dissemination approaches that enhance sustainable adoption of climate resilient TIMPs for Sorghum, Green grams and pigeon peas value chains among farmers in Machakos county. The objectives included: to Identify dissemination approaches for TIMPS in sorghum, green grams and pigeon peas in Machakos county, to assess the frequency of use of dissemination approaches for TIMPS by stakeholders and to determine the stakeholders’ perception on the effectiveness of the dissemination approaches for TIMPS. The study used a survey research design where 27 key informants comprising champion farmers and extension service providers were purposively selected for data collection. The descriptive analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 16. A weighted index was computed to aid comparison for various values chains and categories. The results showed that farmer-to-farmer (96%) and T&V (88.9%) dissemination approaches were the frequently used dissemination approaches whereas education institution (14.81%) was the least used dissemination approach in the three value chains in the county. Farmer to farmer effectiveness was ranked highest in Sorghum and Green grams while the T&V was highest for Pigeon peas Enhanced utilization of farmer-to-farmer, T&V and demand driven dissemination approaches for enhance adoption of green grams, pigeon peas and sorghum for improved productivity and household income
Exploring the Socio-economic Conditions of Potato Farmers in Farrukhabad District of Uttar Pradesh, India
This study investigates the socio-economic profile of potato growers in Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh, aiming to understand their demographic composition, educational background, caste distribution, marital status, family structure, landholding size, occupation, income levels, social participation, and possession of farming resources. A sample of 100 respondents cultivating potatoes as the main crop was selected from Kamalganj block, Farrukhabad district. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured schedule and analyzed using percentages. The results reveal that the majority of respondents are middle-aged, literate, and belong to scheduled castes. Most respondents are married and come from joint families with medium-sized households. Marginal and small landholdings dominate, and agriculture is the primary occupation, supplemented by subsidiary activities such as dairying and business. Income levels vary, with a significant proportion falling within the medium-income bracket. Social participation is moderate, with most respondents engaging in multiple organizations. Farm resources such as farm power and implements are moderately possessed. Extension services and information sources play a crucial role, with most respondents exhibiting moderate contact. This study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic landscape influencing agricultural practices among potato growers, which can inform policy formulation and extension activities aimed at fostering agricultural development and rural prosperity