gujarat journal of extension education · mo. : 99980 12219 email: [email protected] dr. v. t....

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Society of Extension Education, Anand (Gujarat)Directorate of Extension Education

Anand Agricultural UniversityAnand-388 110, Gujarat, India

Gujarat Journal of

Extension EducationVol. : 25Issue : 2Year : 2014

ii

EDITORIAL BOARD(Gujarat Journal of Extension Education )

Chief Editor : Dr. M. R. Prajapati Prinicpal, C. P. College of Agriculture Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University SK Nagar-385506 Mo. : 99249 77250 Email: [email protected]

Associate Editors : Dr. M. R. Bhatt(Southern Gujarat Region) Associate Professor, Dept. of Extension Education N.M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari-396450 Mo. : 99980 12219 Email: [email protected] Dr. V. T. Patel Associate Professor, Dept. of Extension Education C.P. College of Agriculture Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University SK Nagar-385506 Mo. : 99985 53060 Email: [email protected] Dr. J. B. Patel Associate Editor (Middle Gujarat Region & Other State) Associate Professor, Dept. of Extension Education B.A., College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University Anand – 388 110 Mo. : 94273 85081 Email: [email protected] Dr. V. J. Savaliya Assistant Professor, Dept. of Extension Education College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural Univeristy Junagadh-362001 Mo. : 94277 41952 Email: [email protected] Dr. N. V. Soni Associate Extension Educationist Publication Dept., DOEE, Anand Agricultural University Anand – 388 110 Mo. : 94278 56045 Email: [email protected] Dr. J. K. Patel Associate Professor, Dairy Vigyan Kendra Dairy Science College, Anand Agricultural University Anand-388110 Mo. : 96012 79243 Email: [email protected]

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Guidelines to AuthorGujarat Journal of Extension Education

General rules

1 Gujarat Journal of Extension Education is published yearly by “Society of Extension Education”, Anand, which includes the articles contributed by the members of the association and invited articles of eminent researchers.

2 The journal publishes full- length papers, short communication based on new finding/approaches and review articles in English only.

3 The paper submitted for the publication in the journal should not contain material already published in any form or even a part of it offered for publication elsewhere.

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9 The research paper should contain only three author names. The research paper contains more than three names will not be accepted for publication.

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1 Articles should not exceed 1 .5 double spaced typed pages including references, tables, figures etc.

2 Title of contribution should be short, specific and phrased to identify the content in the article and include the nature of the study. It must written in running letters with first letter capital.

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4 Paper may be outlined under main heading- ABSTRACT, INTRODUCTION, METHOLOGY, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION if -any, -ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, REFERENCES etc should be in capitals.

5 Manuscript should be submitted in duplicate typed in 12 pt Times New Roman in double space throught on A4 size paper with a minimum 3 cm left margin and Soft copy will be required at thetime of submission of revised paper.

6 Abstract should not exceed 200 words. Key words upto six may be given beneath the abstract. 1 Where the methods are well known, citation of standard work would suffice.

8 The result may be supported by tables or graphics, wherever necessary. Self-explanatory tables should be on separate sheets, with appropriate titles. While referring in texts, the first letter in Table and Fig. should be capital with Fig. in short form.

iv

9 References should be cited chronologically in the text. All references in the text must be listed at the end of the paper, with names of the author arranged alphabetically; all entries in the text must correspond to references in the text.

10 The references should include the names of the authors, year, full title of the article, name of the journal, volume number and pages. In case of book and monographs etc. the name of publishers, place, and year with total number of pages should also be given. Journal title should be italic in abbreviated form Example :

Journal Article:

Munikishor, S., Chandargi, D.M. and Hirevenkanagoudar, L. V. (2008).Development of Scale to Measure the Attitude of Beneficiaries towards Sujala Watershed Project.Karnataka J. Agric. Sci., 21(1): 144-145.

Whole book:

Federer, W.T. (1955). Experimental Desingns. The MacMillin Co., New York.

Book chapter:

Cochran, W.G. (1972). Sampling techniques.Wiley Eastern pvt.ltd., New Delhi. 87-107.

Report/Bulletin:

Anonymous (1996).Annual report.Department of Agricultural Statistics, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand.

11 Authors are requested to follow the international system of units for exact measurement of physical quantities.

12 All Correspondence should be addressed to : Dr. N.V. Soni Managing Editor Gujarat Journal of Extension Education Office of the Directorate of Extension Education Univeristy Bhavan, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388110

Check List

1 Manuscript is typed in double space throughout in 12 pt Times New Roman

2 Title is written in running letters only.

3 AUTHORS NAME is capitalized

4 Main heading (ABSTRACT, METHODOLOGY, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION, REFERENCES etc are capitalized.

5 Sub-heading are left aligned.

6 Check all reference cited in the text are in the reference and vice-versa.\

7 Give journal name in abbreviated forms in italic in the references.

8 Book title and report name are given in full

9 Tables and Fig are on separate page and numbered in the order in which discussed in the text.

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Our reviewers

• Dr. J. P. Sharma, Pricipal Scientist, IARI, New Delhi

• Dr. Dipak De, Prof. & Head, BHU, Varansi

• Dr. K. L. Dangi, Prof. & Head, MPUAP, Udaipur

• Dr. S. B. Shinde, Prof. & Head, MPKV, Rahuri

• Dr. S. K. Kher, Prof. & Head, Sher-E Kashmir Uni. of Agri. Sci. & Tech., jammu

• Dr. Nalin Khare, Prof. & Head, JNKV, Jabalpur

• Dr. M. L. Sharma, Prof. & Head, IGKVV,Raipur

• Dr. S. S. Shisodiya, Prof., Ext. Edu., MPUAT, Udaipur

• Dr. K. A. Thakkar, DEE, SDAU, S.K. Nagar

• Dr. B. T. Patel, Ex. DEE, GAU, Ahmedabad

• Dr. A. O. Kher, Ex DEE, GAU, Junagadh

• Dr. M.C. Soni, Ex DEE, SDAU, S.K. Nagar

• Dr. R. B. Patel, Ex DEE, NAU, Navsari

• Dr. V. V. Mayani, Rtd. Ext. Educationist, AAU, Anand

• Dr. V. D. Joshi, Rtd. Prof., NAU, Navsari

• Dr. N.B. Chauhan, Prof. & Head, Ext. Edu. Dept., AAU, Anand

• Dr. P.R. Kanani, Prof. & Head, Ext. Edu. Dept., JAU, Junagadh

• Dr. R.D. Pandya, Prof. & Head, Ext. Edu. Dept., NAU, Navsari

• Dr. K. B. Kamaliya, Principal, Polytechnic in Food Sc. & Hom. Eco., AAU, Anand

• Dr. Y. R. Godasara, Librarian, AAU, Anand

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From Chief Editor’s Desk......

Even though India is the highest or second highest producer of milk, vegetables, potato, meat, spices etc, our contribution to global market is below one percent less than two percent of the green produces undergo value addition process. Agricultural extension and Advisory Services currently face several new and complex challenges.

The social ecology of Indian farming is consisted of 143 million hectare of land under agriculture, distributed amongst 121 million holdings and the average size of holding is just 1.31 hectare. In addition to it, this small holding is split into, on and average, 4.6 fragments that has invited extreme managerial problems both at the farmers and policy makers level.

SocialMediacanplayanimportantroleinenhancinginteractionsandinformationflowsamongdifferent actors involved in agricultural innovation and also enhance capacities of agricultural extension and advisory service providers which are primarily led by voluntary efforts of few individuals, groups and professional networks.

Really it is gratify to note that publication of Gujarat Journal of Extension Education is being brought out as a sincere commitment to the farmers’ community and the contributors of research papers. The contributors are to be commended for bestowing their attention, which is time consuming, towards contributing high quality research papers.

Indeed, we are extremely grateful to the contributors for their sincere dedication in contributing to the journal. We do hope that the keen interest shall be sustained in making the journal grow from strengthentostrengthen.Wearesurethatthejournalshallbeofsignificanthelptoallthereaders.Atthesame time, we request our readers to provide feedback for improvement of journal.

We would like to place on record my thanks to Dr. P. P. Patel, Director of Extension Education and President of the Gujarat Society of Extension Education and all the members of the society for providing us this opportunity. I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues and associate editors s/s Dr. N. V. Soni, Dr. J.K. Patel, Dr. M. R. Bhatt, Dr. V. T. Patel, Dr. J. B. Patel and Dr. V. J. Savaliya for their extensive effortsandavailabledifferentsourcesfinalizedthearticles.Iwouldliketoexpressmysincerethanksto Dr. N. B. Chauhan, Dr. R. D. Pandya and Dr. P. R. Kanani for sharing their valuable experiences, insights and knowledge to make our journal recognized.

We hope this publication will achieve its heights in disseminating information as well as evoking a feedback from the scientists, extension workers and academicians interested in prosperity of farmers.

Your suggestions and comments are always welcome and we solicit the same.

(M.R.Prajapati) Chief Editor

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Society of Extension Education, Anand Gujarat

HAPPY TO ANNOUNCESHRI KHUSHALBHAI REVABHAI PATEL

MEDAL -CUM -CASH PRIZE(FROM: APRIL – 1992)

For the Students of B. Sc. (Agri.) of SAUs of Gujarat

: Contact : Seceretary

Society of Extension Education, Anand (Gujarat)Directorate of Extension Education, University Bhavan

Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388110, Gujarat, IndiaPhone : 02692-261921, 225987

Statement showing the details for the award of “Khushalbhai Revabhai Patel Medal / cash Prize” for B.Sc. (Agri.) degree course examination of State Agricultural Universities of Gujarat in the subject of Extension Education for Securing Highest Grade Point in the Academic year 1992-2013.

Year Name of the Students University Centre1992 Solanki Gunvantsinh Hirasinh GAU Sardarkurshinagar1993 Upadhyay Jayeshkumar Babulal GAU Sardarkurshinagar1994 Marvanya Ajay Maganlal GAU Junagadh1994 Patel Shailesh Dalpatbhai GAU Navsari1995 Patel Dipakkumar Mafatbhai GAU Anand1996 Pandya Sandipkumar Bhanuprasad GAU Sardarkurshinagar1997 Surendrasinh Krshrisinh Chauhan GAU Anand1998 Moumita Nag GAU Anand1999 Chauhan Dilipsinh Arjunsinh GAU Sardarkurshinagar2000 Dixit Shital Anilkumar GAU Anand2001 Lakhana Rameshkumar Bhimaji GAU Junagadh2002 Kodapully Vikas Chandran GAU Sardarkurshinagar2004 Nair Santosh Parmeshwar GAU Navsari2005 Vikram Budharaja SDAU Sardarkurshinagar2006 Vinja Ranavaya JAU Junagadh2007 Abhishek Kumar SDAU Sardarkurshinagar2008 Jasani Himal Kamleshkumar JAU Junagadh2009 Dheeraj Singh Rathore JAU Junagadh2010 Deepa B. Hiremath AAU Anand2011 Tanvi Pal AAU Anand2012 Chauhan Surabhi Surendrasinh SDAU Sardarkurshinagar2013 Kavita Kumari SDAU Sardarkurshinagar

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CONTENTSSr. No.

Title Page No.

1 Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of the Farmers towards Drip Irrigated Banana CultivationKrunal Gulkari and N. B. Chauhan

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2 Correlate of Socio-Techno Economic Changes at Rehabilitated Place of Project Affected FarmersUmesh R. Chinchmalatpure and V. V. Mayani

121

3 Constraints Perceived by the Farmers in Preparation of VermicompostA.C.Vaidya, A.R.Macwan and D. D. Patel

126

4 Problems Faced by Vegetable Growers in Using PesticidesHiralal Jana, R. K. Kole and D. Basu

130

5 Perception of PG Students About Educational Environment of Anand Agricultural UniversitySunil R. Patel and H. C. Parmar

134

6 Attitude, Knowledge and Adoption Level of Dairy Farm Women Towards Dairy FarmingR.N. Patel, V.T. Patel and M. R. Prajapati

138

7 Formulation of Supplementary Mix Using Minor Millet and Its Sensory Evaluation M. R. Prajapati, K.B. Kamaliya, H. H. Chawda

140

8 Critical Evaluation of Gujarat State Agricultural Universities Web Portals R.S.Parmar, D.R. Kathiriya and M.P.Raj

143

9 Knowledge and Attitude of Farmers Regarding BiofertilizersD.K. Magarvadiya and V.T. Patel

149

10 Awareness of Farmers Regarding Organic farmingJ.K. Patel, V.T. Patel and M. R. Prajapati

152

11 Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of Rural Youth Towards Agriculture as an OccupationDweep B. Ramjiyani, Sunil R. Patel and K. L. Chaudhary

155

12 Impact of Front Line Demonstrations in Transfer of Sesamum Production Technology A. K. Rai, S. Khajuria and Kanak Lata

158

13 Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of Demonstrated Paddy Growers Towards the SRI TechniquePravin Y. Borole, Mahesh R. Patel and Arun Patel

163

14 Adoption of Clean Milk Production Practices by Dairy Farm WomenYogesh Gade, Arun Patel and Hemant Borate

166

15 Assessment of Training Needs of Farm WomenS.P.Pandya, M. R. Prajapati and K. P. Thakar

169

16 Knowledge and Adoption of Tomato Growers About Improved Tomato production Technology Sandeep Yadav, R. R. Prajapati and M.R.Prajapati

172

17 Motivational Sources and Knowledge of Farmers in Adoption of Drip Irrigation System Surbhi Gauttam, K. A. Thakkar and Sushi Suthar

175

18 Farm Women Participation in Vermicompost ProductionR.M.Naik and B.M.Tandel

178

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19 Technological Gap Analysis in Adoption of Groundnut-Pigeonpea Inter-Relay Cropping System G. R. Gohil, J. G. Markana, B. N. Kalsariya

181

20 Opinion of Farmers About Information of Animal Husbandry Practices Given During Krishi Mahotsav Arti N. Soni , Dipal N. Soni and H. B.Patel

184

21 Standardization and Nutritional Evaluation of Health BarK. B. Kamaliya, D. H. Patel and M. R. Prajapati

189

22 Correlates of Adoption of Recommended Groundnut Pigeonpea Inter-Relay Crop Production Technology by FarmersG. R. Gohil, B. N. Kalsariya and J. G. Markana

193

23 Technological Gap in Adoption of Recommended Maize Seed Production Practices by the Maize Seed ProducersB.S. Patel, U.M. Patel and K.V. Chaudhary

197

24 Gain in Knowledge of Jaljivan Farm Magazine Subscriber FarmersSunny Jani, Mahesh R. Patel and Arun Patel

201

25 Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on the Yield of CuminK. N. Sondarva, R. M. Parmar and P. J. Jaiswal

205

26 Technology Utilization Behaviour of Paddy Growers H.N.Maheriya, R.C.Patel and J.B.Patel

209

27 Opinon and Usefulness of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Perceived by Groundnut Growers J.R. Patel and R.N. Patel

212

28 Constraints Faced by Farmers in Adoption of Turmeric Production TechnologyDipika D. Aglawe, M. Lairenlakpam and D. S. Kokate

215

29 Usefulness of Information About Cotton Production Practices Given During Krishi Mahotsav Arti N. Soni , H. B.Patel and N.V.Soni

218

30 Participation of Farm Women in Animal Husbandry Activities Heli Raval, J.B. Patel and B. M. Patel

221

31 Identification of Dryland Farming Systems Adopted by Dryland Farmers Umesh R. Chinchmalatpure and N.Y. Said

224

32 Technological Gap in Adoption of Sugarcane Cultivation Practices by Sugarcane GrowersA.G.Patel and H.U.Vyas

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Guj. J. Ext. Edu. Vol. 25 : Issue 2 : December 2014

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INTRODUCTION

Banana is one of the oldest fruit known to mankind. Banana is grown throughout the year and is well within the reach of a common man, that’s why this fruit is called as “Poor man’s apple.” In India, Gujarat is one among the major banana growing states with an estimated area of around 60863 hectares of cultivation, out of this 16 per cent of the area under banana is under drip irrigation.Gujarat is known locally as jewel of the western India.It is located on the western coast of India, has witnessed unprecedented economic growth for almost a decade and significantly contributed towards overall development of country. Strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, business friendlypolicies and proactive governance are the key catalytic strengths of Gujarat.The total geographical area of Gujarat state is 196.12 lakh ha, out of this, 106.31 lakh ha land is under gross cultivation, while total area under horticultural crops is 11.24 lakh ha. In Gujarat, slightly more than three-fourth (76.00 per cent) of the area under irrigation depends largely upon rainfall and remaining about one-fourth (24.00 per cent) of land is under irrigation (Anonymous, 2009). The area under drip irrigation in Gujarat has been increased sizably during last five to eight years.Drip irrigation system as a major plunk of modern science

and technology has been introduced with assumption that it’s wide spread adoption will generate a dynamic spark resulting into techno-economic developments among the banana growers. The consequent effects of drip irrigation system are reflected in terms of generating more income from the banana cultivation by saving of water, labour, fertilizers and plant protection measures, improving yields and quality of produce which ultimately improving the overall economic condition of banana growers.The understanding of existing feeling of the farmers towards drip irrigated banana cultivation to develop agriculture as a whole and economic condition of farmers is one of the important issues to analyse in popularizing use of drip irrigation system in banana cultivation for agricultural development. For this, to collect reliable information on the attitude of the farmers towards drip irrigated banana cultivation there was a need of systematically developed valid and reliable attitude scale.Attitude has been defined as “the degree of positive or negative feeling, affect, opinion, action and belief associated with some psychological object” (Thurstone, 1946). Psychological object may be any symbol, institution, person, phrase, slogan, idea or ideal towards which people may differ from each other with respect to positive or negative aspect. The cognitive component of an

Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of the Farmers towards Drip Irrigated Banana Cultivation

Krunal Gulkari1 and N. B. Chauhan2

1 Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand 388 1102 Professor and Head, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand 388 110

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A scale was developed to measure the attitude of the farmers towards Drip Irrigated Banana Cultivation (DIBC) based on “Scale Product Method” which combines the Thurston’s technique of Equal Appearing Interval Scale for selection of the items and Likert’s techniques of summated rating for ascertaining the response on the scale. A tentative list of 25 statements was drafted keeping in view the applicability of statements suited to the area of study. The statements collected were edited in the light of the suggested criteria. These statements were framed in such a way that they expressed the positive or negative attitude of the farmers. The score of each individual item on the scale was calculated by summing up the weights of the individual items. Scale and Q value was calculated by using Thurstone and Chave inter-quartile range. Finally the scale consisted of 12 statements whose median (scale) values were greater than Q values. However, when a few statements had the same scale values, statements having lowest Q value were selected by arranging the scale value in an order. Reliability was tested with 20 respondents and its value was 0.76 and validity of the scale was examined.

Keywords: Attitude, Reliability, Validity, Drip irrigated banana cultivation


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attitude consists of the beliefs, which involves attributes like favorable or unfavorable, desirable or undesirable, good or bad etc. The feeling component refers to the emotions which give attitude a motivating character or action tendencies. The action tendency component of an attitude includes all behavioral readiness associated with it. These three components of attitude, are, however, consistently related to each other.

METHODOLOGY

Attitude refers to the degree of positive or negative feelings associated with some psychological objects. In the present study, attitude is conceptualized as positive or negative feelings of farmers towards the acceptance of the drip irrigated banana cultivation as major crop understanding its positive and risky aspects. Among the techniques available for the construction of the scales, the Thurstone’s Equal Appearing Interval Scale (1928) and the Likert’s Summated Rating Scale (1932) are quite well known. Both the methods suffer from the limitations, the first one in getting discriminating response and second one in the selection of items. Thus, the technique chosen to construct the attitude scale was of “Scale Product Method” which is combination of the Thurstone’s technique of equal appearing interval scale for selection of the items and Likert’s technique of summated rating for ascertaining the response on the scale as proposed by Eysenck and Crown (1949).

Item collection

The items making up an attitude scale are known as statements. A statement may be defined as anything that is said about a psychological object. As a first step in developing the scale, 36 statements were collected from the relevant literature, major advisor, extension educationists, experts of horticulture and agricultural engineering from Anand Agricultural University. The statements, thus selected, were edited on basis of the criteria suggested by Thurstone and Chave (1928), Wang (1932), Likert (1932) and Edward andKilpatrick (1948) and at last, 25 statements were selected as they were found to be non-ambiguous and non-factual.

Judges rating of attitude statements

In order to judge the degree of “Unfavourableness” to “Favorableness” of each statement on the five point equal appearing interval continuum a panel of 50 judges was selected. The judges selected for the study comprised extension educationist, horticulturist and statistician with

considerable practical experience in horticulture from the Anand Agricultural University and officials of horticulture department, Anand. The judges were visited personally along with letter of instructions to guide them for rating the statements in desired manner for each set of the statements.

Determination of scale and quartile value

The five points of the rating scale were assigned, ranging from 1 for most unfavorable and 5 for most favorable. On the base of judgment, the median value of the distribution, and the Q value for the statement concerned was calculated, the inter-quartile range for each statement was also worked out for determination of ambiguity involved in the statement from the following formulas.

S=L +0.50 - Σ Pb

x iPw

Where,

S = Median or Scale value of statement

L = Lower limit of the interval in which the 50th centile falls

Σ Pb = Sum of the proportion below the interval in which the 50th centile falls

Pw = Proportion within the interval in which the 50th centile falls

i = Width of the interval, which was assumed as equal to 1.0

Thurstone and Chave (Edwards, 1957) used the inter-quartile range Q as a means of the variation of the distribution of the judgments for a given statement. To determine value of Q, two other point were measured, the 75th centile and 25th centile. The 25th centile was obtained by the following formula:

C25+0.25 - Σ Pb

x iPw

Where,



Σ Pb = Sum of the proportion below the interval in


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which the 25th centile falls



C75=0.75 - Σ Pb

x iPw

Where,



Σ Pb = Sum of the proportion below the interval in which the 75th centile falls



Then the interquartile range or Q value was obtained by taking the difference between C75 and C25 thus,

Q = C75 - C25

Final statements for attitude scale

When there was a good agreement among the judges, in judging the degree of agreement or disagreement of a statement, Q was smaller compared to the value obtained, when there was relatively little agreement among the judges it was reverse. Only those items were selected whose median (scale) values were greater than Q values. However, when a few items had the same scale values, items having lowest Q value were selected (Thurstone, L. L. 1946). Based on the median and Q values 12 statements were finally selected to constitute attitude scale. The scale values were ranging from 1.14 to 4.30 with 0.5 class intervals.

Reliability of the scale

A scale is reliable when it consistently produces the same result when applied to the same sample. In the present study, split-half method of testing reliability was used. The 12statements were divided into two halves with six odd numbered in one half and other six even numbered statements in the other. These were administered to 20 respondents. Each

of the two sets of the statements was treated as a separate scale and then these two sub-scales were correlated. The co-efficient of reliability was calculated by the Rulon’s formula (Guilford, 1954), which came to 0.76.Thus, scale developed for the purpose was found quite reliable.

Validity of scale

Validity of the scale examined for content validity by determining how well content were selected by discussing it with 20 specialists, extension academicians, etc. thus, the present scale satisfied the content validity.

Scoring system

The selected 12 statements for the final format of the attitude scale presented in Table 2 are randomly arranged to avoid response biases, which might contribute to low reliability and detraction from validity of the scale. The responses can be collected on five point continuums viz., strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree and strongly disagree with respective weights of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 for the favorable statements and with the respective weights of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for the unfavorable statements.

Table 1: Final statements of the scale to measure attitude of farmers towards drip irrigated banana cultivation

No. Statement SA A UD D SDA1 I like drip irrigated

banana (DIBC) cultivation as it saves water. (+)

2 I believe that DIBC is not viable for illiterate farmers. (-)

3 I favour DIBC as it reduces labour cost. (+)

4 I am not in favour of DIBC due to the problems of intercultural operations. (-)

5 I think that irrigated banana cultivation is possible even for average farmers. (+)


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No. Statement SA A UD D SDA6 I believe that DIBC is

not possible for longer period. (-)

7 I believe that DIBC helps to produce quality banana production. (+)

8 I feel that DIBC is unworkable due to mechanical damage caused by rodents. (-)

9 I like DIBC as it helps in maintaining low weed infestation. (+)

10 I hesitate to go for DIBC due to frequent mechanical damage. (-)

11 I feel that DIBC requires less input. (+)

12 Investment on drip irrigation system for banana cultivation is wastage of money. (-)

SA – Strongly Agree, A-Agree, UD-Undecided, D Disagree, SD – Strongly Disagree

REFERENCES

Anonymous (2009).StrategicResearch and Extension Plan (SREP) District : Anand, publishedby SAMETI, Gujaratstate, Gandhinagar.

Edwards, A. L. and Kilpatrick, F. P. (1948).A technique for the construction of attitude scale.Journal of Applied Psychology, 32(4): 374-384.

Eysenck, H. J. and Crown, S. (1949). An experimental study in opinion attitude methodology.International J. of Attitude Research,3: 47-86.

Guilford, J. P. (1954). Psychometric methods. Tata McGraw hill publishing Co. Ltd., Bombay: 378-382.

Likert, R. A. (1932). A technique for the measurement of attitude scales. Arch. Psychol. New York, No.140.

Thurston, L. L. and Chave, E. G. (1928).The measurement of opinion. J. of Abnormal Social Psychology. 22:415-430.

Thurstone, L. L. (1946). The measurement of attitude, American J. Soci., Chicago Univ. Chicago Press, 39-50.

Wang, K. A. (1932). Suggested criteria for writing attitude statements.Journal of Social Psychology, 3: 367-373.

Received : October 2014 : Accepted : December 2014


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Correlate of Socio-Techno Economic Changes at Rehabilitated Place of Project Affected Farmers

Umesh R. Chinchmalatpure1 and V. V. Mayani2

1 Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Dr. PDKV, Akola2 Extension Educationist, EEI, AAU, Anand - 388 110


ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted in 121 vasahat of five talukas of Baroda district and planned tomeasure thesocio-technoeconomicchangesofPAFsat rehabilitatedplaceand factors influencingon it.Forthe measurement of socio-techno-economic changes, the scale developed by Prajapati (1993) was used. The results of the study depicts that the majority of the PAFs had medium socio-techno economic changes. It is also foundthatsocio-technoeconomicchangesofPAFswassignificantlyinfluencedbysixvariablesnamelysocialparticipation, type of house, material possession, socio-economic status, annual income, and innovativeness. Hence these factors are showing greater importance towards the socio-techno-economic changes of PAFs at rehabilitated place.

Keywords : Socio techno economic change, Project affected farmers, Rehabilitation, Socio economic status

INTRODUCTION

Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) on the river Narmada is one of the important projects and promises to be the new life line for Gujarat state as we enter the new millennium. The SSP on completion would generate a lot of benefits to four states i.e. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Dams are intended to play a pivotal role in achieving certain developmental goal, most of which bear some relation to the kind of human welfare concerns which most people would share. In condition of widespread poverty, frequent occurrence of drought and acute scarcity of drinking water considered as solutions. Constructing big dam for development had become inevitable. After independence many big dams have been constructed so far as a part of development models but during the process, rehabilitation and resettlement of affected people’s has never been paid due attention. The rehabilitation and resettlement (RR) of the affected people’s of the SSP has become a sensitive issue and have been given the highest priority in its implementation. A generous and most liberal rehabilitation policy in the world has been formulated by the Government of Gujarat for the

affected people’s. For speedy and efficient implementation, a separate agency called the Sardar Sarovar Punarvasavat Agency (SSPA) is established. The primary objective of the policy is to significantly improve the economic condition of the affected people’s after resettlement. The success of any development programme depends on degree of involvement of the farmers in the programme. But the involvement of the farmers will depend on the attitude and satisfaction of the individual towards functionaries and feasibility of the programme. Therefore, the present study was planned to measure socio techno economic changes at rehabilitated place in Project Affected Farmers (PAFs)

METHODOLOGY

The present study was purposively carried out in five talukas (i.e. Dabhoi, Naswadi, Sankheda, Savali and Waghodia) of Baroda district, where large number of Project Affected Farmers (PAFs) were resettled. All vasahats falling under selected talukas were included in the study. Thus, total 121 vasahats from five talukas were selected for the study. From the availability of PAFs in each vasahat of five talukas, five per cent of PAFs were selected through proportionate random sampling technique. Thus, total 250 PAFs were


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randomly selected as respondents for the present study. For the measurement of socio-techno-economic changes, the scale developed by Prajapati (1993) was used. The data were collected with the help of pretested structured interview schedule.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Socio-techno-economic changes

The changes in this study are the resultant changes that occurred among the PAFs at rehabilitated place due to favourable attitude towards rehabilitated place and adoption of modern agricultural technology. It is the assessment of changes in terms of socio-techno economic aspects. The resultant changes that occurred after rehabilitation at new place and adoption of modern agricultural technology viz., change in farm machinery/farm implements, household items, saving and investments, food habit, clothing, housing, social status, social relationship and self sufficiency were considered as socio-techno economic changes at rehabilitated place.

Table 1: Distribution of the respondents according their socio-techno economic changes n= 250

Sr. No.

Category No. Per cent

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Low (upto 49 score)Medium (50 to 58 score)High (above 58 score)

7111762

28.4046.80 24.80

Mean 53.27 SD 4.53

The data presented in Table 1 reported that nearly half of the respondents (46.80 per cent) had medium level of socio-techno economic changes followed by 28.40 per cent and 24.80 per cent of the respondents had low and high level of socio-techno economic changes.

Thus, it can be concluded that majority (71.60 per cent) of the respondents had medium to high level of socio-techno economic changes. The probable reason might be that medium annual income, animal possession, risk orientation, scientific and favourable attitude towards rehabilitated place and extent of adoption of recommended agricultural technology which had led to higher socio-techno economic changes in farming and also in style of living.

Relationship with independent variables and socio-techno economic changesTable 2: Relationship of independent variables with socio-

techno economic changes n = 250Sr. No. Independent variable Correlation

Coefficient(A) Socio- personal Characteristics

X1 Age -0.436**

X2 Education 0.280**

X3 Type of family 0.151*

X4 Size of family 0.147*

X5 Social Participation 0.289**

(B) Economic CharacteristicsX6 Type of house 0.250**

X7 Occupation 0.0722NS

X8 Animal possession 0.163*

X9 Material possession 0.648**

X10 Land holding 0.147*

X11 Socio-economic status 0.481**

X12 Annual income 0.492**

(C) Communication CharacteristicsX13 Extension contact 0.363**

X14 Sources of information 0.289**

(D) Psychological CharacteristicsX15 Innovativeness 0.576**

X16 Risk orientation 0.501**

X17 Scientific orientation 0.399**

X18 Attitude towards modern agri-culture

0.555**

* Significant at 0.05 level of probability * * Significant at 0.01 level of probability

(A) Socio- personal characteristics

The data in Table 2 revealed that age of the respondents had significant but negative correlation with their socio-techno economic changes. The negative trend indicated that as age decreases, the socio-techno economic changes increases. It means younger farmers seemed to be better in socio-techno economic changes than aged. This might be because of the lacuna that the aged farmers would be less capable and enthusiastic than the younger ones. Whereas the educational level of the PAFs was positively and significantly correlated with their socio-techno economic changes. The reason attributed may be that the educated individuals would generally have the broader outlooks and capabilities to comprehend and interpret new ideas which resulted in change in behaviour.


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Table 2 indicated that size and type of family was positively and significantly related with socio-techno economic changes. It means that PAFs with joint families’ level of adoption was higher than the PAFs with nuclear families. It is also evidence from Table 2 that the social participation of the respondents was positively and significantly related with their socio-techno economic changes. This indicates that higher social participation develops wider outlook, higher contacts with the outsiders, high degree of knowledge and finally necessary socio-techno economic changes in an individual.

(B) Economic characteristics

It was observed from Table 2 that the type of house of the PAFs was positively and significantly association with their socio-techno economic changes. Whereas the occupation of the PAFs was non significantly associated with their socio-techno economic changes. It might be due to the fact that occupation is the main source of earning income, favourable annual income or financial position of an individual are highly responsible for expected socio-techno economic changes.

Animal possession and material possession of the PAFs had positively and significantly related with their socio-techno economic consequences, indicating that these variables had played a significant role in increasing socio-techno economic changes. It is natural that person with more number of milking animals will have more possibility to earn money through the selling of more milk and finally more scope of socio-techno economic changes. This might be the possible reason for above finding. Similar results are reported by Prajapati (1993), Patel (2000) and Sharma (1990).

Land holding of the PAFs was positively and significantly correlated with their socio-techno economic changes. Farmers with large size of land holdings tend to go for more intensive cultivation of crops. Large farm sized land holder comparatively have resource base and can afford to take risk leading to accept new innovations.

It is evidence from the Table 2 that socio-economic status and annual income of the PAFs was found to be positively and significantly related with their socio-techno economic changes. It proves that the objective of rehabilitation policy i.e. to increase the standard of living. This might be due to the

fact that education upto primary level, mixed housing pattern, more participation in social organization, medium animal and material possession, minimum two hectare of land and more annual income tends to high socio-economic status.

(C) Communication Characteristics

It is evidence from the Table 2 that extension contact and sources of information utilized by the PAFs were positively and significantly associated with their socio-techno economic changes. Higher extension contact and utilization of various formal, informal and mass media sources help to get knowledge regarding new innovations and also develop a wider outlook in the PAFs lead towards higher contacts with the outside world, which makes them knowledgeable and change their behaviour and this changed behaviour brings socio-techno economic changes among them.

(D) Psychological Characteristics

Regarding the psychological characteristics of PAFs i.e. innovativeness and risk orientation were positively and significantly related with their socio-techno economic changes. Significant relationship of the risk orientation indicates that a person who is higher risk oriented, higher would be his level of adoption, income and level of socio-techno economic changes.

In case of scientific orientation and attitude towards of modern agriculture were positively and significantly related with their socio-techno economic changes. It might be due to the true fact that scientifically oriented farmers are likely to have more inclination to use scientific methods in farming, having adopted modern ideas like hybrid varieties, plant protection chemicals etc. requiring high knowledge, skill and technical completeness on the part of the adopters. This might have necessitated them to go for a scientific thinking and knowledge on modern innovations. Therefore, it is logical to assume that farmers having scientific orientation will have more advancement level and favourable perception towards new innovations which lead to adopt more improved farm technologies resulting in higher socio-techno economic changes. Significant relationship of attitude towards modern agriculture indicates that more favourable attitude towards modern agriculture played significant role in improving level of adoption and finally socio-techno economic changes.


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It is clear from the Table 3 that out of eighteen variables, six variables namely, social participation, type of house, material possession, socio-economic status, annual income, and innovativeness were accounting influence on the socio- techno economic changes of the PAFs. All the six independent variables together accounted 60.12 per cent of variation as indicated by R2 value for socio-techno economic changes.

As a result of stepwise regression analysis, the following regression model was obtained.

Y4 = a + b5x5 + b6x6 + b9x9 + b11x11 + b12x12 + b12x12

Where,

Y4 = Socio-techno economic changes

a = The intercept i.e. 16.8494 (Constant)

b5 = Coefficient of partial regression of y4 on x5 i.e. 1.4943






x5, x6, x9, x11, x12 and x15 are independent variables as stated in Table 3

Therefore the fitted regression equation should be as

Y4 = 16.8494 + 1.4943x5 + 1.4601x6 + 1.6829x9 + 0.1711x11+ 0.1369x12 + 0.4998x15

The partial regression coefficient (byij) value of these six variables were converted into standard partial regression coefficient (b’yij) value. The ‘t’ value of partial regression coefficient were observed to be significant for the variables viz., social participation, material possession, socio-economic status, annual income, and innovativeness. Whereas in case of type of house the ‘t’ value was non significant. Based on the absolute values of standard partial regression coefficient, they were ranked from highest to lowest order of contribution as shown in Table 3

The extent of variation accounted by different independent variables on socio-techno economic changes

Stepwise regression analysis of independent variables on Socio-techno economic changes

Table 3: Stepwise multiple regression analysis of Socio-techno-economic changes n=250

Sr. No.

Name of Variables Partial Regression Coefficient

SE of Regression Coefficient

‘t’ value ‘F’ value Standard Partial

Regression Coefficient

Rank

1 Social participation (X5) 1.4943 0.8599 1.7371NS 3.02 0.0123 VI2 Type of house (X6) 1.4601 0.3862 3.7807* 14.293 0.0556 IV3 Material possession (X9) 1.6829 0.3313 5.0797* 25.802 0.096 II4 Socio-economic status (X11) 0.1711 0.0741 2.309* 5.329 0.0215 V5 Annual income (X12) 0.1369 0.0315 4.346* 18.845 0.072 III6 Innovativeness (X15) 0.4998 0.0724 6.9033* 47.65 0.1639 I

Constant = 16.8494 R= 0.7753 R2 = 0.6012** Significant at 0.05 level of probability * * Significant at 0.01 level of probability

Table 4: Stepwise variation accounted by different independent variables on socio-techno economic changes n=250

Step No. Variable included Multiple correlation coefficient

(R)Total variation accounted

(% R2)I X9 (Material possession) 0.6475 41.93II X9 + X15 (Innovativeness) 0.7072 50.01III X9 + X12 (Annual income) + X15 0.738 54.46IV X5 (Social participation) + X9 + X12+ X15 0.7659 58.65

V X5 + X9 + X11 (Socio-economic status) + X12 + X15 0.7721 59.62

VI X5 + X6 (Type of house) + X9 + X11 + X12 + X15 0.7753 60.12


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It is to be noted that about 41.93 per cent socio-techno economic changes had occurred due to high material possession followed by material possession and innovativeness was accounted for 50.01 per cent of variation, material possession + annual income + innovativeness (54.46 per cent), social participation + material possession + annual income + innovativeness was accounted 58.65 per cent, social participation + material possession + socio-economic status + annual income + innovativeness was accounted 59.62 per cent. While above mentioned all variables along with type of house had together accounted for 60.12 per cent of variation in socio-techno economic changes.

From forgoing discussion it can be concluded that the socio-techno economic changes was found to be predicted by six independent variables namely, social participation, material possession, socio-economic status, annual income, and innovativeness, which had jointly contributed to 60.12 per cent of the total variation on socio-techno economic changes. At rehabilitated place, the implementing agency SSPA had provide fertile land, productive assets, financial help for construction of house to each PAFs and PAFs are cultivating cash crops. Therefore, these PAFs are generally found economically sound due to higher income through agriculture. Moreover, their participation in organization and high socio-economic status may led them for socio-techno economic changes. Hence, implementing agency and other extension agencies including Government and NGO’s had to strengthening their positive efforts towards rehabilitation work.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded from the above discussion that the majority of the PAFs had medium socio-techno economic changes. It is also found that socio-techno economic changes of PAFs was significantly influenced by six variables namely social participation, type of house, material possession, socio-economic status, annual income, and innovativeness. Hence these factors are showing greater importance towards the socio-techno-economic changes of PAFs at rehabilitated place. At rehabilitated place, the implementing agency SSPA had provide fertile land, productive assets, financial help for construction of house to each PAFs and PAFs are cultivating cash crops. Therefore, these PAFs are generally found economically sound due to higher income through

agriculture. Moreover, their participation in organization and high socio-economic status may led them for socio-techno economic changes. Hence, implementing agency and other extension agencies including Government and NGO’s had to strengthening their positive efforts towards rehabilitation work.

REFERENCES:

Chauhan, N. B. (1994). A Study on Peasantry Modernization in Dungarpur District of Rajasthan. Ph.D. (Unpub.) Thesis, R. A. U., Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Patel, N. R., Pandya, D. N. and Patel, B. T. (1995). Techno-economic Change Among Beneficiary Farmers in Watershed area. Maha. J. Ext. Edn. 14: 25-32.

Patel, P. P. and Sangle, G. K. (1994). Techno-economic Consequent upon Adoption of selected Agricultural practices in Tribal Farming System. Guj. J. Ext. Edn. 4&5: 51-55.

Patel, R. C. (2000). A Study on the Consequences of Adoption of Watershed Management Technology by Beneficiary Farmers in Watershed Area of Kheda district of Gujarat State. Ph.D. (Unpub.) Thesis, G. A. U., Anand.

Prajapati, M. R. (1993). Socio-economic Impact of Social Forestry Programme on Beneficiaries in Kheda District of Gujarat State. Ph.D. (Unpub.) Thesis, G. A. U., Anand.

Sharma, M. L.; Sharma, R. K. and Sengar, R. S. (1990). Peasantry Modernization in Context of Socio-economic Development. Maha. J. Ext. Edn. 9 : 96-99.

Shinde, V. G., Kulkarni, R. R. and Dikle, R. N. (1995-96). Sway of Selected Factors on Change in Socio-economic conditions of the Dairy Farmers. Guj. J. Ext. Edn. 6&7 : 157-160.

Tawade, N. D. and Nalband, S. B. (1993). Impact of IRDP Assistance on Socio-economic Condition of Farmers. Maha. J. Ext. Edn. 12: 19-24.

Thakur, K. K. and Sinha, R. R. (1989). Analysis of Agricultural Credit in Relation to Socio-economic Development of Farmers. Maha. J. Ext. Edn. 6 : 119-122.

Received : January 2014 : Accepted :October 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Earthworms have been called ‘nature’s ploughman’. Charles Darwin was the first Scientist to study them. He also called them a ‘barometer of soil fertility’. Earthworms are one of the most useful and active agency in increasing suitable chemical, physical and microbiological changes in the soil and thereby directly increasing the fertility and crop producing power of the soil, provided suitable condition exit for their life activities

Vermicomposting is derived from the Latin terms, meaning worms. Vermicomposting is essentially the consumption of organic material by earthworms. This speed up the process of decomposition and provides a nutrient-rich end product, call vermicompost, in the form of worm castings.

Over 4,400 species of earthworms have been identified and named by researchers. The efficient species of earth worm are : (1) Eisenia foetida, (2) Amyanthes diffrigens and (3) Eudrillus engineac

Nutrient content of vermicompost

Sr. No. Nutrient Per cent1 Nitrogen 1.6 – 2.2 %2 Phosphorus 0.7 – 1.0 %3 Potash 1.2 – 1.5 %4 Calcium 0.5 – 0.7 %5 Magnesium 0.3 – 0.5 %6 Sulphur 0.25 - 0.5 %

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the profile of the farmers.

(ii) To analyze the constraints perceived by the farmers in preparation of vermicompost.

(iii) To obtained suggestions of the farmers to overcome the constraints in preparation of vermicompost.

METHODOLOGY

Interview schedule was developed according to the objectives of research study. The data were collected through the personal interview schedule from all the vermicompost making farmers of 24 villages of eight taluka of Anand district. Hence study was conducted on 34 farmers. The data were tabulated and analysis on the basis of frequencey and percentage.


The data presented in Table 1 indicate that half of the respondents were from middle age group followed by 29.41 per cent of the farmers were from old age group (above 50 yrs.). 38.24 per cent of farmers had up to secondary level of education followed by 35.29 per cent had education up to graduate level. More than half (58.82 per cent) of the farmers possess up to five members in their family. More than half (55.88 per cent) of the farmers had income ` 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 where as 32.35 per cent of the farmers has income up to ` 1,00,000. More than half (55.88 per cent) of the farmers had above two hector of land followed by 26.47 per cent of the farmers had up to 1 hectors of land. Slightly less

Constraints Perceived by the Farmers in Preparation of Vermicompost

A.C.Vaidya1, A.R.Macwan2 and D. D. Patel3

1 Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., AAU, Anand - 3881102 Assistant Professor, Polytechnic in Agriculture, AAU, Vaso, Dist. Kheda

2 Technical Officer to V.C., Office of Vice Chancellor, AAU, Anand-388110 Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken in Anand district of Gujarat state to know the constraints perceived by the farmers in preparation of vermicompost regarding various aspects of vermicomposting. All the vermicompost making farmers of 24 villages of eight taluka of Anand district were covered. The important technological constraints perceived by the farmers were, pH of vermibed, ill effect of micro organism in vermibed and temperature of vermibed.

Keywords: Vermicompost, Vermibed


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Profile of the farmers

Table 1 : Distribution of the farmers according to their profile N=34

No Characteristic Category No. Per cent

1 AgeYoung age(Up to 35 year) 07 20.59Middle age (35 to 50 year) 17 50.00Old age(Above 50 year) 10 29.41

2 Education

Illiterate 01 2.94Up to Primary level 01 2.94Up to Secondary level 13 38.24Up to HSC level 06 17.65Graduate 12 35.29Post Graduate 01 2.94

3 No. of Family memberUp to five 20 58.82Above five 14 41.18

4 Annual IncomeUp to `.1,00,000 11 32.35` 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 19 55.88Above ` 5,00,000 04 11.76

5 Land holdingUp to 1 ha 09 26.471 to 2 ha 06 17.65Above 2 ha 19 55.88

6 No. of AnimalUp to 5 08 23.535 to 10 16 47.06Above 10 10 29.41

7 Sources of information

Village level workers 10 29.41Relatives 07 20.59Friends 17 50.00Scientist of AAU 19 55.88Government officers 07 20.59Progressive farmers 08 23.53

8 Mass media contactNewspaper reading 28 82.35Agricultural magazine reading 26 76.47Watching agricultural T.V. programme 17 50.00

than half (47.06 per cent) of the farmers had five to ten animals where as 29.41 per cent has more than ten animals. Data presented in Table 1 indicated that more than half (55.88 per cent) of the farmers were in the contact of scientist of Anand Agricultural University to obtain information. Half of the respondents were obtaining information from their friends. 82.35 per cent of the farmers had habit of reading of daily news paper. 76.47 per cent of the farmers were using agricultural magazine for reading and half of them had habit of watching Agricultural Programme on T.V.(a) Technological constraints

The data presented in Table 2 indicate that 73.53

per cent of farmers perceived pH of verminbed as important technological constraints. Slightly more than half (52.94 per cent) of farmers perceived ill effect of micro organism in vermibed as another important technological constraints and slightly more than two fifth (41.18 per cent) of farmers perceived as temperature of vermibed was also another important technological constraint in vermicomposting. Technological constraints like Selection of location for vermicompost unit and Information pertaining to use of other sources for vermicompost besides FYM were up to somewhat important constraints


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Contraints perceived by farmers

Table 2 : Technological constraints perceived by farmers in preparation of vermicompost N=34

No. Constraints Important constraints

(%)

Some What important

constraints (%)

Less important constraints (%)

1 Lack of information pertaining to useful strains of worm

11.76 38.24 50.00

2 Available sources of worms 05.88 32.35 61.76

3 Selection of location for vermicompost unit 11.76 50.00 38.24

4 Ideal measurement of vermibed 08.82 38.24 52.94

5 Optimum length, width and height of vermicompost shed

08.82 38.24 52.94

6 Information pertaining to use of other sources for vermicompost besides FYM

35.29 35.29 29.41

7 Availability of experienced labour for vermicompost preparation

23.53 14.71 61.76

8 Inoculation rate of worms per square meter of vermibed

20.59 29.41 50.00

9 Moisture percent of vermibed 05.88 32.35 61.76

10 pH of vermibed 73.53 14.71 11.76

11 Temperature of vermibed 41.18 35.29 23.53

12 Incubation period of one batch of vermicompost 05.88 08.82 85.29

13 Separation of worms from the vermicompost manure

08.82 23.53 67.65

14 Ill effect of microorganism in vermibed 52.94 23.53 23.53

Farmers perceived remaining all the technological constraints as less important like Lack of information pertaining to useful strains of wormicompost, Available sources of worms, Ideal measurement of vermibed, Optimum length, width and height of vermicompost shed, Availability of experienced labour for vermicompost preparation, Inoculation rate of worms per square meter of vermibed, Moisture percent of vermibed, Incubation period of one batch of vermicompost, Separation of worms from the vermicompost manure.

It is evident from the data presented in Table 3 that

farmers perceived all financial constraints as important. More than 71 per cent of the farmers were perceived important financial constrains like Construction cost of vermicompost shed, Labour cost of vermicompost and Price of FYM for vermicompost.

More than two third (67.86 per cent) farmers perceived as Price of worms and Availability of FYM was an important financial constraints. More than two fifth of the farmers perceived remaining all the financial constraints as an important constraints.


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(b) Financial constraints

Table: 3 Financial constraint perceived by farmers in preparation of vermicompost N=34

No. Constraints Important Constraints (%)

SomeWhat important (%)

Less important (%)

1 Construction cost of vermicompost shed 71.43 25.00 3.572 Economical viability of vermicompost for small

and marginal farmers 50.00 35.71 14.293 Labour cost of vermicompost 75.00 17.86 7.144 Availability of FYM 67.86 25.00 7.145 Price of FYM for vermicompost 71.43 25.00 3.576 Price of worms 67.86 21.43 10.717 Awareness regarding Government schemes for

vermicompost 46.43 21.43 32.148 Marketing of vermicompost 46.43 25.00 28.579 Storage facilities of vermicompost 42.86 28.57 28.57

Suggestions of farmers to overcome constraints faced in preparation of vermicopost

It is observed from the Table 4 that major suggestions given by the farmers to overcome constraint perceived by them in the preparation of vermicompost in descending order of rank were; To increase the awareness of farmers regarding advantages of vermicompost, Training programmes should be conducted by State Government / SAUs regarding ideal

vermicompost preparation, Free of cost provision of literature pertaining to preparation of vermicompost to needy farmers, Provision of excellent stains of worms at reasonable rate to needy farmers, Farmer’s training and visits of successful vermicompost units, Development of market infrastructure for vermicompost and Financial support by Government for creation vermicompost sheds to small and marginal farmers.

Table 4 : Major suggestions given by the farmers to overcome constraints perceived by them in the preparation of vermicompost. N=34

No. Suggestions Mean Score Rank1 To increase the awareness of farmers regarding advantages of vermicompost 4.29 I2 Training programmes should be conducted by State Government / SAUs regarding ideal ver-

micompost preparation 4.18 II

3 Financial support by Government for creation vermicompost sheds to small and marginal farmers 3.65 X4 Farmer’s training and visits of successful vermicompost units 3.85 V5 Provision of excellent stains of worms at reasonable rate to needy farmers 4.03 IV6 Development of market infrastructure for vermicompost 3.85 V7 Free of cost provision of literature pertaining to preparation of vermicompost to needy farmers. 4.09 III

CONCLUSION

The important technological constraints perceived by the farmers were, pH of vermibed, ill effect of micro organism in vermibed and temperature of vermibed. Technological constraints like selection of location for vermicompost unit and information pertaining to use of other sources for vermicompost besides FYM were up to somewhat important constraints.

The major suggestions given by the farmers to overcome constraints were, to increase the awareness of farmers regarding advantages of vermicompost, training programmes should be conducted by State Government

/ SAUs regarding ideal vermicompost preparation, free of cost provision of literature pertaining to preparation of vermicompost to needy farmers, provision of excellent stains of worms at reasonable rate to needy farmers, farmer’s training and visits of successful vermicompost units, development of market infrastructure for vermicompost and financial support by Government for creation vermicompost sheds to small and marginal farmers.

REFERENCE Patel , R. H. Patel, B.G. and Meishari, T.G. (2004),

“Vermicompost : Biotechnology dawara utpadit khater” Published by Publication Department, AAU, Ananad

Received : July 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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Problems Faced by Vegetable Growers in Using Pesticides

Hiralal Jana1; R. K. Kole2 and D. Basu3

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, BCKV, Po Agricultural Farm-713101,2 Department of Agricultural Chemicals; BCKV, MohanpurNadia, (West Bengal) -741252

3. Professor, Agriculture Extension, Department of Agriculture Extension, Burdwan ( West Bengal)Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Pesticides are chemical compounds or mixtures of substances with diverse chemical nature and biological activity. They are specially designed and manufactured for their use to prevent, destroy, repel, attract, sterilize, stupefy and mitigate any undesired life declared to be the pest. It is difficult to imagine ofmodern pest control and agricultural programmewithout some forms of chemical compounds. However, pesticides have some adverse effects on our environment. Pesticides definitelyarepoisonousandtheirarbitraryuseandabusemayresultinecologicaldissimilarity,resultinginpestresurgence,aggravation of minor pests, pesticides resistance, environmental pollution, carrying serious health hazards to man and animals. So, special emphasis was given in this study to assess the problems faced by the vegetable growers in application of pesticides on vegetable crops during and after application of pesticides. The study was conducted in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. For the selection of area and respondents, multi-stage random sampling technique and universe method were adopted. The study revealed that the main problems faced by the vegetable growers during application of pesticides were itching, weakness, headache, eye irritation, breathing problem, vomiting and drowsiness whereas the main problems after application of pesticides were weakness, headache, feelings of burning of skin, bad odour, vomiting and drowsiness. Therefore, the vegetable growers must follow the precautions on pesticides use properly whereas the extension agenciesandallotherlinedepartmentsinthewayoftheiragriculturaldevelopmentprogrammeshouldconsiderthefindingscarefully and give more emphasis on carrying out various awareness programmes on pesticides use for enhancing farmers knowledge level as well as welcoming sustainable agriculture.

Keywords : Problems,Vegetable growers, Pesticides, Health hazards, Precautions, Sustainable agriculture

INTRODUCTION

Environmental pollution is an undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of our land, air or water that may harmfully affect human life or that of desirable species. All these pollution claims a lot from the lives in water and even from those living on land (Singh et al. 2011). Indian pesticide market is the 12th largest in the world and stands first in Asian continent. India produces 90,000 metric tonnes of pesticides in a year with over 400 million acres under cultivation and over 60 percent of the country’s population depends on agriculture as well as the country’s economy mainly depends on the agriculture. India’s 30 percent potential crop yield is damaged by the attack of insect-pests, diseases, weeds and rodents. The pesticides play a crucial role in protecting crops from damage both before and after harvest which helps to increase crop yields (Kundu and Wale, 2013). In order to feed the burgeoning population more food has to be produced and this has to be done without

degradation of the resource base.

Sustainable agriculture is a form of agriculture aimed at meeting the needs of the present generation without endangering the resource base of the future generations. The sustainable agriculture should benefit rather than harm the natural environment and must at least maintain basic natural resources such as healthy soil, clean water, clean air and it should support viable rural communities (Sunder; 2006). Human has inseparable association with plants which are playing a most crucial role in maintaining the eco-system and environment balance besides checking environment pollution and purifying air. But susceptibility to various pests and diseases became important constraints for successful growing of these crops resulting in many cases complete damage to the crops. The pests viz., insects, pathogens and nematodes have been causing enormous losses to the crops amounting to 20-30% in the country (Gupta et al. 2010).


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Among the all measures to raise the productivity level, plant protection is in central position. Plant protection is a basic exercise in any crop for control of insect-pests, diseases, weeds etc. to avoid economic losses. Among the various crops, in vegetables, the number of plant protection chemicals is used with maximum amount due to intensive application for the purpose of protecting them from attack of several insect-pests and diseases. Hence, the special emphasis was given in this study to identify the problems faced by the vegetable growers in application of pesticides on vegetable crops during and after application of pesticides.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in the State of West Bengal. For the selection of area and respondents of the present study, multi-stage random sampling technique and universe method were adopted. At the first stage of sampling, North 24 Parganas district was selected among the 18 agricultural districts of the State purposely based on its’ higher area coverage in vegetable cultivation. Out of 21 blocks of North 24 Parganas district, one block (i.e Habra) was randomly selected at the second stage of sampling. In the selected block (Habra) a relatively homogenous field cultivated with vegetable crops was chosen on the basis of the opinion of the agricultural input retailers. The farmers who were growing vegetables in that field were selected as respondents of the study through total enumeration. Thus total 400 farmers ultimately considered as respondents of the present study. The data were collected by personal interview method by using local language (Bengali) for getting their exact response and simple percentage method was used for analysis of data statistically to reach at meaningful results and conclusion.


Level of education

Table 1 : Distribution of respondents according to their level of education n=400

Sr. No. Level of Education No. Per cent1 Illiterate 08 022 Primary level 288 723 Secondary level 52 134 Higher secondary level 32 085 Graduate and above level 20 05

The study showed that the maximum number of respondents (72%) obtained primary level of education. Among all the respondents two per cent were illiterate. It indicated that almost all the respondents (98%) had the education which revealed the districts overall literacy percentage of the farmers. Only 8 per cent of respondents

had upto higher secondary level of education, 13 percent of respondents had secondary level of education whereas, 5 per cent of respondents had graduate and above level of education which indicates a positive sign of agriculture because they are the good adopter of agricultural technologies.

Vegetables cultivation needs proper scientific management, following crop rotation, sowing the seeds in proper time, dose and method of application of fertilizers and pesticides, methods of application of irrigation water etc. So, it is easy to say that educated persons in this field will be more suitable in dealing these activities in a better way.

Own cultivable land and vegetable cultivable land

Table 2 : Distribution of respondents according own cultivable land and vegetable cultivable land n=400

Own cultivable

land (Bigha)

No. Per cent

Vegetable cultivable land

No. Per cent

Upto 1 40 10 Upto 10 Kathas 28 71.1-2 120 30 11-20 kathas 100 252.1-3 80 20 1.1 to 2 bighas 120 303.1-4 52 13 2.1 to 4 bighas 108 274.1-5 44 11 4.1 to 8 bighas 32 8

Above 5 64 16 Above 8 bighas 12 3 (20 katha=1 bigha, 3 bigha=1 acre and 2.5 acre=1 ha)

(a) Own cultivable land

The study revealed that most of farmers (vegetable growers) in study area were marginal and small farmers according to classification of farmers on the basis of land possession (marginal farmers: upto1 acre, small farmers: 1-2 acres, semi-medium farmers: 2-4 acres: medium farmer: 4-10 acres and big farmers: above 10 acres). In the present study 10 percent respondents had upto 1 bigha (3 bighas = 1 acre) of land and 30 percent respondents had 1.1-2 bighas of land. One fifth percent of respondents (20%) had 2.1-3 bighas of land, 13 percent of respondents had 3.1-4 bighas of land and 11 percent of respondents had 4.1-5 bighas of land whereas only 16 percent of respondents had more than 5 bighas of land. The above findings strongly support the statement that “The population density of West Bengal is highest in India”.

(b) Vegetable cultivable land

Vegetable cultivable land indicates the land which is mainly used for growing vegetable crops i.e cauliflower, ladies finger, bitter gourd, pointed gourd, brinjal and others in the present study. The study expressed that at the most 30 percent of respondents had 1.1- 2 bighas of vegetable


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cultivable land whereas few of them (3%) had more than 8 bighas of vegetable cultivable land. Only 7 percent of respondents had upto 10 kathas (20 kathas=1 bigha) of that land, 25 percent had 11-20 kathas of land, 27 percent had 2.1-4 bighas of land and remaining 8 percent of respondents had 4.1-8 bighas of vegetable cultivable land. It is also seen that few of vegetable growers used their land for cultivation of paddy in rainy season, but the cultivation of vegetables was the main occupation.

Experience in vegetable cultivation and pesticides application

Table 3 : Experience of respondants in vegetable cultivation and application of pesticides n=400

Number of years

engaged in vegetable

cultivation

No. Per cent

Number of years

engaged in application

of pesticides

No. Per cent

Upto 5 12 03 Upto 5 36 096-10 184 46 6-10 60 1511-15 84 21 11-15 112 2816-20 72 18 16-20 84 2121-25 32 08 21-25 44 1126-30 16 04 26-30 64 16

Above 30 00 00 Above 30 00 00

(a) Experience in vegetable cultivation

The Table 3 indicates that nearly half of respondents (46%) had 6-10 years of experience in vegetable cultivation. Only three percent of respondents (3%) had upto 5 years of experience, over one-fifth percent of respondents (21%) had 11-15 years of experience, 18 percent of respondents had 16-20 years of experience, 8 percent of respondents had 21-25 years of experience and remaining 4 percent of respondents had 26-30 years of experience in vegetable cultivation. No respondent had experience above 30 years in vegetable cultivation commercially.

(b) Experience in application of pesticides

It is clear from the Table-3 that at the most 28 percent of respondents had 11-15 years of experience in using pesticides whereas 9 percent of respondents had upto 5 years of experience, 15 percent of respondents had 6-10 years of experience, 21 percent of respondents had 16-20 years of experience, 11 percent of respondents had 21-25 years of experience and remaining 16 percent of respondents had 26-30 years of experience. There were no respondent above 30 years of experience regarding pesticides use.

Sources of information regarding use of pesticides

Table 4 : Sources of information regarding use of pesticides n=400

Sr. No. Sources No. Per cent1 Retailers 400 1002 Fellow farmers 288 723 Big farmers 204 514 Neighbours 168 425 Relatives 160 406 Others 36 9

All the respondents (100%) reported that (Table-4) they mainly got information in using pesticides from agricultural input retailers at the time of purchasing. Majority of respondents (72%) collected information from fellow farmers and it was a very traditional way of getting information. In the study area, 51 percent of respondents collected it from big farmers (opinion leaders) and over two-fifth of respondents (42%) collected information from neighbours (farming community). Exact two-fifth of respondents’ (40%) source of information was relatives whereas 9 percent of respondents collected that information from other information sources these were Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs), Krishi Prayukti Sahayaks (KPSs), experts of agricultural university, company personnel or other agricultural field functionaries cumulatively. After collecting the information from various sources, each respondent evaluated it in their level best and finally applied the appropriate one.

Problems faced during application of pesticides and after application of pesticides

Table 5 : Problems faced by respondentsduring application of pesticides and after application of pesticides n=400

Sr. No.

Problems during application of pesticides

No. Per cent

1 Itching (skin irritation) 212 532 Weakness 100 253 Headache 84 214 Eye irritation 68 175 Breathing problem 56 146 Vomiting 32 87 Drowsiness 24 68 Weakness 156 399 Headache 140 3510 Feeling of burning of skin 104 2611 Bad odour 72 1812 Vomiting 56 1413 Drowsiness 52 13

The Table 5 shows that the harmful or hazardous


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effect of pesticides to the health of the vegetable growers during and after application of pesticides. If pesticides are handled in accordance with the required safety precautions, acute poisoning should be removed upto a considerable level. But it is difficult to guard completely against the occasional and accidental exposure. The respondents of the study area reported that (table-5) they faced many types of problems during application of pesticides. The vegetable growers responded in various problems like- itching (53%), weakness (25%), headache (21%), eye irritation (17%) breathing problem (14%), vomiting (8%), and drowsiness (6%). Few of respondents expressed their view that many of problems arise due to application of pesticides in empty stomach and also reported that they always applied the pesticides after eating.

The Table 5 also indicates that 39 percent respondents had the problem of weakness, 35 percent respondents felt headache, 26 percent of respondents had the problem of feelings of burning of skin, 18 percent of respondents had problem of bad odour, 14 percent of respondents had the problem of vomiting and 13 percent of respondents felt drowsiness after the application of pesticides. The respondents opined that now-a days highly poisonous pesticides causing these problems upto a certain extent.

Chemicals created more problems after application of pesticides

Table 6 : Chemicals those created more problem after application of the pesticides (poisonous chemicals) n=400

Sr. No. Name of pesticides No. Per cent

1 Cymbush 192 482 Furadon 172 433 Thiodan 136 344 Folidol dust 112 285 Thimet 104 266 Metacid 60 157 Ekalaux 56 148 Vapona 32 8

From the Table 6 , it is clear that at the most 48 percent of respondents reported that Cymbush was the most poisonous chemical whereas at the lowest 8 percent of respondents replied about poisonous effect of Vapona. Other chemicals in this respect were- Furadon (43%), Thiodan (34%), Folidol dust (28%), Thimet (26%), Metacid (15%) and Ekalux (14%).

CONCLUSION

The study reveals that vegetable growers were facing various health problems in pesticides use. The main problems faced by the vegetable growers during application of pesticides were itching, weakness, headache, eye irritation, breathing problem, vomiting and drowsiness whereas the main problems after application of pesticides were weakness, headache, feelings of burning of skin, bad odour, vomiting and drowsiness. Pesticides are poisonous substances; their use and misuse are cause of soil, air and water pollution as well as cause of health hazard of man and animal. To save the environment and to protect the health of man and animal various precautions are needed to follow. For proper use of chemicals especially more emphasis should be given on using recommended dose of chemicals and application should be done on the basis of requirements. Application of chemical pesticides should be the last option, not first (at first farmers should go to other IPM measures). In case of pesticides poisoning call a physician immediately. Awaiting the physician’s arrival, apply the first aid.

Above all, Govt. extension agencies, company personnel and NGOs should conduct more awareness programmes for enhancing farmers’ knowledge level about various pesticides and their proper use for escaping from the hazardous effects of chemicals and to stay healthy themselves and to sustain a healthy environment which is the base of sustainable agriculture.

REFERENCESChattopadhyay, S.B. and Mustafee, T. P. (2008): Plant

Diseases and their Management; Aditya Books Private Limited, Kolkata: 597-598

Gupta, H.C. L.; Siddiqui, A. U. and Parihar, A. (2010) Bio-pest Maqnagement (Ed.), Agrotech Publishing Academy, Udaipur, : iii

Kundu, R.and Wale, S (2013)Role of Pesticides and their Management: Agrobios Newsletter :XI (8):91-93

Parmer, B.S. and Walia, S. (2006) Agrochemicals for Efficient Agriculture: Indian Farming: 55 (12) :3-7

Patel, G.R., Chauhan, N. M. and Tandel B. M. (2010) Impact Analysis of Training Regarding Scientific Cultivation of Brinjal: Guj. of Ext. Edu.: XXI: 36-38

Sunder, S. (2006): Neem; J. V. Publishing House; Jodhpur; p-7

Singh, C. P; Ghildiyal, P and Danish, M.; (2011) Water Pollution in India; Indian Farmers’ Digest; 44 (5):26-28



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INTRODUCTION

It should be the prime goal of any educational institute to raise the educational standard and thereby uplift its students. For that constant introspection on part of the institute is must. In this regard, study on perception of the students about educational environment of the particular institute can be of vital importance. With this in view, the present investigation entitled “Perception of PG students about educational environment of Anand Agricultural University” was planned.

METHODOLOGY

All senior PG students of agriculture faculty were selected for the study. A well thought out questionnaire was

developed and data were collected from the students through personal/group meeting. All in all, data could be collected from 111 students. The data collected were analyzed in light of the objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the distribution of students as per their own perception for them as students

(ii) To know the distribution of students as per their perception about different aspects of conduction of classes

(iii) To know the distribution of students as per their perception about educational/physical facilities

Perception of PG Students About Educational Environment of Anand Agricultural University

Sunil R. Patel1 and H. C. Parmar2

1 Officer on Special Duty, College of Agriculture, AAU, Jabugam2 Assistant Research Scientist, Agricultural Research Station, AAU, Jabugam

Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The investigation was planned to know the perception of PG students about educational environment of Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The study was conducted with total 111 senior PG students of AAU. The results revealed that morethanfour-fifthofthestudentsperceivedthemselvesasgoodtoverygoodinallaspectstakenunderstudy. In case of regularity in taking classes, more than half (51.4 per cent) of the students rated it as good, while overall teaching was rated as good by 55.0 percent of the students. In regards with educational/physical facilities, more than three-fourth of the students rated the aspects like class room/laboratory facility, teaching /practical equipment, facility for conducting research and library facility as good to very good, while different aspects of Student-Guide relationship were rated as good to very good by a great majority of the students (about 90.0 per cent or more. Overall educational environment of AAU as perceived by more thanfour-fifthofthestudentswasgoodtoverygood.

Keywords : Educational environment, Perception of student


Students’ own perception for them as students

Table-1 Distribution of students as per their own perception for them as students n=111

Sr. No.

Aspect Response categoryVery Good Good Moderate Poor Very poor

1 Performance in Study 28 (25.2) 67(60.4) 14 (12.6) 2 (1.8) 0 (0.0)2 Self-discipline 39(35.1) 58(52.3) 14(12.6) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0)


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Sr. No.


3 Regularity in study 37(33.3) 52(46.9) 19(17.1) 3(2.7) 0 (0.0)4 Behavior with teachers 60(54.1) 46(41.4) 4(3.6) 1(0.9) 0 (0.0)5 Behavior with fellow students 52(46.9) 45(40.5) 11(9.9) 3(2.7) 0 (0.0)6 Honesty and integrity in conducting

research45(40.5) 51(45.9) 13(11.7) 1(0.9) 1(0.9)

7 Quest for new knowledge 39(35.1) 55(49.6) 10(9.0) 6(5.4) 1(0.9)8 Overall rating as a student 31(27.9) 67(60.4) 12(10.8) 0(0.0) 1(0.9)

Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentage.

The data were collected from the students about their own perception how they consider themselves as the students. It is clear from the table-2 that more than four-fifth of the students perceived themselves as good to very good in all aspects taken under study. The proportion of students under the response category of poor and very poor was almost

negligible /nil.

Perception of students about educational environment of AAU

The data in regards with perception of students about different aspects of educational environment of Anand Agricultural University were collected and are presented in following sub-heads.

(a) Conduction of classes (in general)

Table 2 : Distribution of students as per their perception about different aspects of conduction of classes n=111

Sr. No.

Aspect Response categoryVery Good Good Moderate Poor Very

poor1 Regularity in taking classes 31(27.9) 57(51.4) 21(18.9) 1(0.9) 1(0.9)2 Teaching ability of teachers

Knowledge/ expertise on subject 28(25.2) 55(49.5) 25(22.5) 3(2.7) 0 (0.0)Motivation skill to increase participation of students in learning

15(13.5) 57(51.4) 23(20.7) 16(14.4) 0(0.0)

Interest in teaching 16(14.4) 63(56.8) 22(19.8) 7(6.3) 3(2.7)Confidence in teaching 19(17.1) 55(49.5) 30(27.0) 7(6.3) 0(0.0)Effectiveness of speech 18(16.2) 41(36.9) 44(39.6) 8(7.2) 0(0.0)Body language 16(14.4) 46(41.4) 41(36.9) 6(5.4) 2(1.8)Skill of using AV aids/chalk board 17(15.3) 59(53.15) 20(18.0) 14(12.6) 1(0.9)Unbiased nature 18(16.2) 44(39.6) 33(29.7) 12(10.8) 4(3.6)Command on language 22(19.8) 48(43.2) 32(28.8) 8(7.2) 1(0.9)Control on students 25(22.5) 42(37.8) 36(32.4) 7(6.3) 1(0.9)Amicability with students 16(14.4) 52(46.8) 39(35.1) 4(3.6) 0(0.0)

3 Overall teaching 20(18.0) 61(55.0) 27(24.3) 3(2.7) 0(0.0)Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentage.

The data presented in Table-2 reveal that in case of regularity in taking classes, more than half (51.4 per cent) of the students rated it as good followed by very good (27.9 per cent ) and moderate (18.9 per cent). In case of different components of teaching ability of teachers, similar trend with somewhat variation was observed. However, the proportion of students under “poor” response category for the

components such as motivation skill, skill of using AV aids/chalk board, unbiased nature was comparatively higher than other components. So far as overall teaching is concerned, 55.0 percent of the students rated it as good followed by moderate (24.3 per cent), very good (18.0 per cent) and poor (2.7 per cent).


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b. Educational/Physical facilities

The perusal of data presented in Table-3 makes it clear that more than three-fourth of the students rated the

aspects like class room/laboratory facility, teaching /practical equipments, facility for conducting research and library facility as good to very good. Contrary to this, internet facility, mess facility, sports and sports equipments and hostel

facility were perceived as poor to very poor by 59.4, 51.3, 44.1 and 40.5 per cent of the students, respectively.

Table 3 : Distribution of students as per their perception about educational/physical facilities n=111

Sr. No.


1 Class room/laboratory facility 44(39.6) 48(43.2) 13(11.7) 04(3.6) 02(1.8)2 Teaching/practical equipments 29(26.1) 56(50.5) 21(18.9) 03(2.7) 02(1.8)3 Facility for conducting research 44(39.6) 40(36.0) 21(18.9) 05(4.5) 01(0.9)4 Hostel facility 15(13.5) 22(19.8) 29(26.1) 25(22.5) 20(18.0)5 Library facility 40(36.0) 45(40.5) 18(16.2) 06(5.4) 02(1.8)6 Internet facility 09(8.1) 15(13.5) 21(18.9) 24(21.6) 42(37.8)7 Sports & Sports equipments 05(4.5) 23(20.7) 34(30.6) 33(29.7) 16(14.4)8 Mess facility 03(2.7) 16(14.4) 35(31.5) 25(22.5) 32(28.8)

Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentage

(c) Student-Guide relational aspects

Table 4 : Distribution of students as per their perception about Student-Guide relationship n=111

Sr. No.


1 Accessibility of Guide 67(60.4) 40(36.0) 4(3.6) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)2 Guidance for research, seminar, thesis etc. 70(63.1) 33(29.7) 8(7.2) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)3 Co-operation from Guide 75(67.6) 28(25.2) 8(7.2) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)4 Timeliness in checking seminar script/the-

sis etc.64(57.7) 35(31.5) 11(9.9) 1(0.9) 0(0.0)

5 Behavior of Guide with student 75(67.6) 32(28.8) 4(3.6) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)6 Overall chemistry with Guide 66(59.4) 38(34.2) 6(5.4) 1(0.9) 0(0.0)7 Overall role of Guide 77(69.4) 29(26.1) 5(4.5) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)8 Overall relationship with Guide 69(62.2) 34(30.6) 8(7.2) 0(0.0) 0(0.0)

Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentage

It is evident from the data presented in Table 4 that perception of a great majority of the students (about 90.0 per cent or more) about different aspects of Student-Guide relationship was very good to good. None of the students rated any of the aspects under very poor and poor category except in case of timeliness in checking seminar script/thesis and overall chemistry with Guide wherein one response was observed under poor category.

Other aspects

As envisaged in the Table-5 the environment for

personality development was perceived as good to moderate by 76.5 per cent of the students, while environment for career development was rated as good to very good by 63.9 per cent of the students. The environment for competitive examinations was comparatively rated as lower with moderate to poor perception by 54.9 per cent of the students and very poor perception by 14.4 per cent of the students. Further, the students rated co-operation from fellow students as good (39.6 per cent) followed by moderate (29.7 per cent) and very good (22.5 per cent).


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Table: 5 Distribution of students as per their perception about other aspects n=111

Sr. No.


1 Environment for personality development 11(9.9) 48(43.2) 37(33.3) 12(10.8) 3(2.7)2 Environment for career development 28(25.2) 43(38.7) 23(20.7) 14(12.6) 3(2.7)3 Environment for preparation of competi-

tive examinations14(12.6) 20(18.0) 34(30.6) 27(24.3) 16(14.4)

4 Co-operation from fellow students 25(22.5) 44(39.6) 33(29.7) 8(7.2) 1(0.9)Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentage

(e) Overall rating for educational environment of AAU

The data in regards with overall rating of the students for educational environment of AAU presented in Table-7 indicate that 83.8 per cent of the students perceived

educational environment of AAU as good to very good followed by moderate (13.5 per cent). Only 2.7 per cent of the students rated it as poor while none of them rated it as very poor.

Table: 6 Overall rating for educational environment of AAU n=111

Sr. No.

Aspect Response categoryVery Good

Good Moderate Poor Very poor

1 Overall rating of educational environment of AAU

25 (22.5) 68 (61.3) 15 (13.5) 3 (2.7) 0 (0.0)

Note : Figures in parenthesis indicate percentageCONCLUSION

The results of the study lead to conclude that more than four-fifth of the students perceived themselves as good to very good in all aspects taken under study. Their overall perception about themselves as a student was good to very good (88.3 per cent). In case of regularity in taking classes, more than half (51.4 per cent) of the students rated it as good, while overall teaching was rated as good by 55.0 percent of the students. Overall teaching was rated as good to very good

by 73 percent of the students. In regards with educational/physical facilities, more than three-fourth of the students rated the aspects like class room/laboratory facility, teaching /practical equipments, facility for conducting research and library facility as good to very good, while different aspects of Student-Guide relationship were rated as good to very good by a great majority of the students (about 90.0 per cent or more). Overall perception of educational environment of AAU by more than four-fifth of the students was good to very good.

Received : March 2014 : Accepted : September 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Knowledge is a pre-requisite to the proper utilization of improved dairy farming practices by the dairy farmers and farm women, and is ultimately linked with the increased economic returns from dairying. Rural women play a great role in decision making process of farm matter, perform many of the farm operations and undertake many responsibilities concerning care and management of farm animals. The entire management of livestock starting from cutting, collection, carrying and chaffing of fodder to feeding and milking, preparation of milk products, cleaning cattle shed, collection of urine and cow dung for manure pits, preparation of cow dung cakes and their storage are done by women. In many rural areas, dairying assumes a special significance as an effective instrument for economic and social upliftment of the weaker section. Thus, it occupies an important place in rural India. The new technology of dairy cattle rearing has a great potentiality and scope for improving the economic and social condition of the rural

people. Therefore research study entitled “Training need assessment in dairy farming among farm women of adopted villages under RKVY project” was under taken with following objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the attitude of farm women toward dairy farming.

(ii) To ascertain knowledge and adoption level of dairy farming practices among dairy farm women.

METHODOLOGY

The RKVY project is an operation in 16 villages

of Dantiwada block of Banaskantha district. All the villages

were selected purposively. 140 Dairy farm women were

selected randomly and proportionately. An interview

schedule was prepared for data collection and respondents

were interviewed personally.

Attitude, Knowledge and Adoption Level of Dairy Farm Women Towards Dairy Farming

R.N. Patel1, V.T. Patel2 and M. R. Prajapati3

1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Extension Education, SDAU, S.K. Nagar - 385 5062 Associate Professor, C. P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar - 385 506

3 Principal, C. P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar - 385 506Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

This current scenario of dairying in India calls for intensive efforts directed towards enhancing the milk production, productivity and the acceptance of recommended dairy farming practices at the household level. The present study was conducted in Banaskantha district of Gujarat state as it holds first position inmilk production in the state. Dantiwadataluka was selected purposively because the RKVY project entitled “Sustainable Agriculture Development in SDAU Adopted Villages” has been implemented in 16 villages of Dantiwada taluka in Banaskantha District of Gujarat State to know the attitude knowledge, and adoption attitude level of dairy farm women toward dairy farming. Majority of the respondents possessmediumlevelofknowledgeandadoptionofscientificdairyfarming.Majorityofdairyfarmwomenpossessmoderatelyfavourable attitude towards dairy farming.

Keywords : Knowledge, Adoption, Attitude, Dairy farming


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Attitude of dairy farm women towards dairy farming

Table-1: Distribution of respondents according to their attitude n=140

Sr.No.

Level of Attitude No. Per cent

1 Less favourable (below 13 0 9.28

2 Moderately favourable 117 83.58

3 Highly favourable 10 0 7.14

Mean: 46.22 SD: 5.37

It was evident from the above Table 1 that a great majority (83.58 per cent) of dairy farm women demonstrated moderately favourable attitude, towards dairy farming. The dairy farmers with less favourable attitude and highly favourable attitude were of the magnitude of 9.28 per cent and 7.14 per cent, respectively. It is interesting to note that more than 90 per cent of the respondent had moderately favourable to highly favourable attitude towards dairy farming and the average score was 46.22 per cent.

Level of knowledge about dairy farming practices

Table 2 : Distribution of respondents according to their knowledge n=140

Sr.No.

Level of Knowledge No. Per cent

1 Low knowledge 24 17.14

2 Medium knowledge 94 67.14

3 High knowledge 22 15.72

Mean: 44.71 SD: 5.96

It is clear from the Table-2 that majority of the respondents (67.14 per cent) had medium level of knowledge regarding scientific dairy farming. The respondents with low and high level of knowledge were 17.14 per cent and 15.72 per cent respectively. The average knowledge score was 44.71.

Level of adoption about dairy farmingTable 3: Distribution of respondents according to their

adoption n=140

Sr. No

Level of Adoption No. Per cent

1 Low adoption 24 17.142 Medium adoption 87 62.143 High adoption 29 20.72

Mean: 33.5 SD: 5.16 The data depicted in Table 3 reveal that 62.14 per cent of dairy farm women had medium level of adoption. The respondents with high and low level of adoption were to the extent of 20.72 per cent and 17.14 per cent respectively. The mean adoption score was only 33.50.

CONCLUSION

From the above study it can be concluded that dairy farm women have understood the importance of dairy farming as means of socio-economic upliftment. Further good literacy rate, extension participation, and returns from the dairy farming have also contributed in developing positive attitude. In Knowledge level clearly indicated that there is a need to motivate dairy farm women to become better acquainted with dairy farming practices in their own interest. First they should get familiarized with latest technology and its utility. Adoption of dairy farming practices by dairy farmers was of medium level, commensurate with medium level of knowledge and extension contact. There is scope for strengthening of animal husbandry extension, it is not so strong when we compare it with agricultural extension services in the state. These have resulted in medium knowledge and adoption of dairy farming practices by dairy farmers leading to such a poor adoption. This deserves special focus of the animal husbandry extension agencies and personnel as it is an important secondary occupation.

REFERENCES

Ashwar, B. K. (2005). Determinants of attitude and adoption of improved animal husbandry practices of dairy farmers of North Gujarat. Ph. D. Thesis, (Unpublished) Sardarkrushinagar.

Khin Mar O, (2005). Knowledge and adoption of improved dairy management practices by women dairy farmers in Dharwad district. M. Sc. (Agri) Thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Toppo, A. (2005). A study of participation and decision making of farm women in dairy occupation. M. Sc. (Agri.). Thesis, Anand.

Received : August 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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Formulation of Supplementary Mix Using Minor Millet and Its Sensory Evaluation

M. R. Prajapati1, K.B. Kamaliya2, H. H. Chawda3

1 & 3 Assistant Professor, Polytechnic in Food Science and Home Economics,FPT&BE, AAU, Anand 388110

2 Principal, Polytechnic in Food Science and Home Economics, FPT&BE, AAU, Anand 388110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Infancy is a period of rapid growth. Therefore, the energy requirement per kg body weight is higher than the adults. After birth, exclusive breast feeding is recommended for at least 4-6 months. After six months the body needs increases, supplementary nutrition should be start. Supplementary mixes available in market and provided through various schemes are mostlycerealbased.However,milletspossessequalcalorificvaluetocerealswithhighermineralcontent.Hence,thepresentstudywasattemptedtoformulatesupplementarymixusingfingermillet,pearlmilletandsoybean.Sensoryevaluationwascarried out by nine-point Hedonic rating scale to derive best accepted supplementary mix.

Keywords: Cereal, Millets, Supplementary mix

INTRODUCTION

Infancy is the time of most rapid growth, next to foetal period. During infancy period, energy requirements are higher i.e. 108 Kcal/kg body weight till six months of age as compared to adult i.e. 40 Kcal/kg body weight. Exclusive breast feeding for 4-5 months is necessary for the best growth of the infant but breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet its nutritional requirements, when the child reach to 6 months of age. Prolonged breast feeding without complementary feeding is key contributory factor for malnutrition among young children. Therefore, supplementation has to be implemented after four to six months to overcome malnutrition and related complications. Several types of supplementary foods are being marketed in India which are nutritionally well balanced but are quite expensive and cannot be afforded by middle and lower income groups. So, the middle upper class parents of urban areas give their babies’ same food which is given to adults and most economical option for lower income group parents is supplementary food given to the children under Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS). Numerous supplementary mixes are developed by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and Central Food Technological Research

Institute (CFTRI) by using cereals, pulsed, nuts and fortified with vitamins and minerals. However, calorific value of millets is almost equal to the commonly used cereals; use of millets in developing supplementary mix is not popular. In terms of mineral content of millets, they are miles ahead of rice and wheat. Finger millet has thirty times more Calcium than rice while every other millet has at least twice the amount of Calcium compared to rice. Therefore, the use of millets in supplementary food can be a good solution for the malnutrition especially in combating the deficiency of essential minerals. Looking to that, the present study was planned with following objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To formulate supplementary mix using Pearl millet, Finger millet and Soybean.

(ii) To conduct the sensory evaluation for its acceptability

METHODOLOGY

Pearl millet, finger millet, Soybean, Sugar and Milk powder were procured from the local market of Anand. Pearl millet, Finger millet and soybean were cleaned manually.


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After cleaning millets were soaked overnight separately. Extra water was drained, placed in muslin cloth and kept for 48 hours for germination at ambient temperature (Fasasiolufunmilayo, 2009 and Bernard et al, 2010). Germinated millets were dried in tray dryer at 60◦ C and milled to obtain flour. Soybean was soaked overnight, pressure cooked to remove anti nutritional factor and the unpleasant flavor of soy. Water was drained and boiled soybean was dehuled, dried at 60◦ C and milled to obtain fine flour (Sharma et al, 2013).

Table 1 : Combinations for formulating supplementary mixes

Treatment I Pearl Millets

Finger Millet

Soya Flour

TS1 45 45 10

TS2 40 40 20

TS3 35 35 30

TS4 30 30 40

TS5 25 25 50

Treatment II Pearl Millets

Finger Millet

Soya Flour

TF1 45 10 45

TF2 40 20 40

TF3 35 30 35

TF4 30 40 30

TF5 25 50 25

Treatment III Pearl Millets

Finger Millet

Soya Flour

TP1 10 45 45

TP2 20 40 40

TP3 30 35 35

TP4 40 30 30

TP5 50 25 25

Note : In each combination 40gm sugar and 10gm Milk powder was added

Supplementary mixes were prepared by using

various combinations of pre-processed dried flours of Pearl

millet, Finger millet, and Soybean (Table No. 1). To that,

40gm of sugar and 10 gm of whole milk powder were mixed.

Mixes were kept in plastic Zip pouch until evaluated for

sensory characteristics. For the sensory evaluation, 25gm

of powder was added in 150ml of water and cooked for 3

minutes after mix get boiled. Boiled mix was immediately

served to the sensory evaluators. Sensory evaluation of all

combinations of supplementary mix was carried out by using

nine-point Hedonic rating scale through semi- trained panel

of 10 judges in 3 replications. Judging panel consist of staff

members and students of polytechnic in Food Science and

Home Economics.


Finger millet, pearl millet and soybean were

major ingredients in formulating various combinations of

supplementary mixed. In each combination 10gm of milk

powder and 40gm of powdered sugar were added to enhance

nutritional value and acceptability of mix as well. The sensory

characteristics of the formulated mixes revealed that the mean

score values for various attributes viz: appearance, aroma,

color, taste, flavor, consistency and over all acceptability was

highest for TS3 in treatment-I which was consisting of Pearl

millet: Finger millet: Soybean in the ratio of 35:35:30. That

was also significantly highest than the control. Whereas in

treatment-II and treatment–III, TF2 and TP3 scored the highest

score respectively. TF2 of treatment -II supplementary mix

was consisting of millets and soybean in the ratio of 40:20:40

(Pearl millet: Finger millet: Soybean). TP3 of treatment -II

supplementary mix was consisting of millets and soybean in

the ratio of 30:35:35 (Pearl millet: Finger millet: Soybean).

These three combinations were subjected to further sensory

evaluation to get final supplementary mix.

Among three combinations of three treatments

(Table 2) FT2 scored the highest sensory score which was

prepared by using 40:20:40 (Pearl millet: Finger millet:

Soybean).


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Table 2 : Average Sensory Scores of the best accepted (one from each treatment) supplementary mixes

Characteristic

TreatmentAppearance Color Aroma Taste Flavor Consistency

Over all Acceptability

TS36.53a

+0.206.28a

+0.256.43b

+0.266.65b

+0.356.60b

+0.236.73b

+0.276.92b

+0.23

TF26.47a

+0.196.57a

+0.206.52b

+0.237.37bc

+0.187.07bc

+0.156.90b

+0.217.13bc

+0.17

TP36.68a

+0.196.52a

+0.246.83b

+0.187.63c

+0.187.30c

+0.147.05b

+0.227.62c

+0.17

Control5.98a

+0.396.12a

+0.354.80a

+0.313.87a

+0.304.30a

+0.305.62a

+0.374.98a

+0.29

‘F’ Value 1.37 0.61 13.29 42.82 39.98 5.58 27.55

Values are Mean + SEM scores of a hedonic rating scale test by panel of 10 judges × 3 replication Means bearing the same superscript within the column do not differ significantly (p< 0.05)

Received : August 2014 : Accepted : Novmeber 2014

CONCLUSION

Supplementary mix prepared using finger millet, pearl millet and soybean, was well accepted based on their sensory charactericts. Milk powder added in the supplementary mix enhanced nutritional value as compared to control. That was useful to eliminate the milk addition at the time of preparing supplementary mix while given to children. Millet base supplementary mix can be recommended especially where millets are staple food i.e. South Gujarat and North Gujarat. Developed supplementary mix can be studied further for its nutritional composition and storage study and recommended to community

REFERENCES

Bernard E. Chove and Peter R. S. Mamiro, (2010). Effect of germination and Autoclaving of Sprouted Finger millet and Kidney beans on Cyanide content, Tanzania Journal of Health Research 12( 4)

Fasasiolufunmilayo Sade, (2009). Proximate, Antinutritional factors and functional properties of processed pearl millets (pennisetum glaucum), J. of Food Technology 7(3):92-97

Sharma, S., Goyal, R. and Barwal, S. 2013. Domestic processing effects on physicochemical, nutritional and anti-nutritional attributes in soybean (Glycine max L. Merill), International Food Research Journal 20(6): 3203-3209


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INTRODUCTION

With the advancement of time, web portals development projects have become the centerpiece of IT development strategy for many organisations. The development of user friendly web portals in agriculture is the need of the day. The GSAU web portals started with a vision for the enhancement in agricultural productivity in Gujarat, improvement in quality of life for farmers and to ensure dissemination of scientific agricultural practices by providing timely updated information on various practices, input availability and market access for improved decision-making. Geographically, Gujarat can be divided into several agro-climatic zones. The information needs for the farming systems in these areas are entirely different. Farmers need local relevant information for better farming. It is necessary that GSAU web portals provide updated information in the given domain and help farmers in finding possible solutions to their agriculture related problems and should provide information in easily understandable form. If the information provided is specific, suitable and user oriented, it will be more suitable and acceptable to the farmers. GSAU web portals addressing

different sectors of agriculture such as research, development, input supply, protection against pests and diseases, weather, prices and marketing, farmer associations and government policies etc. There must be some evaluating tools that could help evaluate the existing GSAU web portals, guiding the farmers in selecting appropriate web portal in their domain of interest and also to suggest for better designing of web portals in agriculture which are farmers oriented. In order to develop confidence in contents and quality of information, there is need to develop a web based evaluation system for these portals.

METHODOLOGY

Web-based user-friendly, integrated online evaluation system has been implemented as a layered structure having three layers viz., User Interface layer (UIL), Application layer (APL) and Database layer (DBL). Each layer having its own specific functions. The User interface layer is implemented using combination of HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Application layer is implemented using PHP (http://php.net). It is an open source general-purpose

Critical Evaluation of Gujarat State Agricultural Universities Web Portals

R.S.Parmar1, D.R. Kathiriya2 and M.P.Raj3

1 Associate Professor (Computer Science), College of AIT, AAU, Anand - 388 1102 Professor (Computer Science), College of AIT, AAU, Anand - 388 110

3 Assistant Professor (Computer Science), College of AIT, AAU, Anand - 388 110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Like other fields,web portals have also amajor role to play in agricultural field.Agriculturalweb portals areexpected to make farm families more productive, keep farmlands fertile, strengthen rural infrastructure support and help promote a healthy and social environment through providing the agricultural communities timely and updated information. There are many web portals addressing different sectors of agriculture such as research, development, input supply, protection against pests and diseases, weather, prices and marketing, government policies etc, but there are no evaluating tools that could help evaluate the existing GSAU web portals, guiding the users in selecting appropriate web portal in their domain of interest and also to suggest for better designing of web portals in agriculture which are users oriented. The research work hasbeencarriedoutwiththeobjectivetostudyandreviewGSAUwebportals,followedbyidentificationoftheindicatorsfor discrimination among the web portals using Delphi technique and the development of an online evaluation system for evaluating GSAU web portals.

Keywords : Web portals, Critical evaluation, GSAU


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server-side scripting language originally designed for Web development to produce dynamic Web pages. Database layer is implemented using MySQL (http://www.mysql.com) database for storing user data. It is the world’s most used open source relational database management system (RDBMS) as a server providing multi-user access to a number of databases. It can be accessed using the browser of the user’s system. The system is completely menu driven and offers user-friendly screens organized to simplify and reduce effort to understand. The layer structure of an online evaluation system is presented in Fig. 1

The various aspects included in this studied have been organized under the following sub heads:

a. Identification and study of GSAU Web Portals

b. Identification of the indicators for discrimination among the Web Portals

c. Implementation of an online scoring system for evaluating GSAU Web Portals

Fig. 1 : Layer structure of an online evaluation system

Fig. 2 : Home Page

To evaluate web portals, the end users have to click “Evaluate “option. With this option end users have to fill a

registration form (Fig. 3) with very few information and then users will get the evaluation report.


The Home page (Fig.2) of the online evaluation

system has menu items like “Home”, “Evaluate”, “About us” and “Contact”. By clicking on these menu options one can get the desired page.


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Fig. 3 : User Registration Form The Evaluation Questionnaires Page is presented in Fig.4. Open Evaluation Questionnaires Page from which

evaluation of questionnaires can be done. The Admin Login Page is shown in Fig. 5

Fig. 4 : Evaluation Questionnaires Page

Fig. : 5 Admin Login Page


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Fig. 6 : Admin Home Page

The admin Home page (Fig.6) shows “Select Category to View and Edit Questions” and menu items like “RESULTS”, “COMPARE”, “AUTO EVALUATE” and

“LOGOUT”. By clicking on these menu options one can get the desired page.

The category wise Dynamic Evaluation Report, Dynamic User-wise Variation Report, Category wise

Dynamic Comparisons Graphs and Automatic Evaluation are presented in Fig.7, Fig.8, Fig.9 and Fig. 10 respectively.

Fig. 7 : Dynamic Evaluation Report


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Fig. 8 : Dynamic User-wise Variation Report

Fig. 9 : Category wise Dynamic Comparisons Graphs


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Fig. 10 : Automatic EvaluationCONCLUSION

The evaluation of the web-portals will provide the assessment of agricultural web-portals, find out the desirable quality of key indicators for every agricultural web-portals as well as suggest for improvements, if any. Thus it will be an important application to design and develop agricultural web-portals in dissemination of agricultural information to the farmers.

Similar verdict have been reported by several workers Allmen et al. (2001), Asokan and Mrudula (2007) , Aggarwal (2007), Tripathi (2003), Fox(2004) and Kumar (1995). Bowden (2002) suggested major improvements in portal technology for meeting primary goals of companies doing business on the web. Goodman and Kleinschmidt (2002) made an investigation on web portals and highlighted that portals should offer a wide range of customization options and functionalities. Sarkar (2006) suggested some recommendations for improving quality of e-governance,.

REFERENCES

Aggarwal, K. K. (2007) Web Portals, CSI Communications, 31.

Allmen, S. V., Deans, K. R. and Bartosiewicz, I. (2001). Portals - Are We Going In Or Out?, World Wide Web and CD-ROM, Southern Cross University.

Asokan, P. and Mrudula, G. (2007). Web Portals- An Overview, CSI Communications, 31, 5-9.

Bowden, L. (2002). Integrating Technologies the Next step for Web Portals, San Jose Business Journal.

Fox, G. C. (2004). Portals and Frameworks for Web Based Education and Computational Science, Journal of School for Computational Science and Information Technology, Florida State University

Goodman, A. and Kleinschmidt, C. (2002). Frequently Asked Questions about Portals, Traffick. (http://www.traffick.com)

Kumar, S. (1995). Development of a Computerized Management Information System for Research-Farms, Unpublished M.Sc.Thesis, I.A.R.I., New Delhi.

Sarkar, S. K. (2006). A Study on E-Governance Project within District Administrative for Rural Development, M.Sc. Unpublished Thesis, IARI, New Delhi.

Tripathi, S. (2003). Integrated Library Management Information System, Unpublished M.Sc Thesis, I.A.R.I., New Delhi.

Received : June 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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Knowledge and Attitude of Farmers Regarding Biofertilizers

D.K. Magarvadiya1* and V.T. Patel2

1 P.G. student, M.Sc (Agri.) CPCA, SDAU, S.K. Nagar – 385 5062 Associate professor, Department of Extension Education, CPCA, SDAU

S. K. Nagar– 385 506 Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Biofertilizersaredefinedaspreparations containing living cells or latent cells of efficient strainsofmicroorganisms that help crop plants’ uptake of nutrients by their interactions in the rhizosphere when applied through seed or soil. They accelerate certain microbial processes in the soil which augment the extent of avail-ability of nutrients in a form easily assimilated by plants. In arid and semi arid area where the moisture is limiting factor there is no chance or sometime less chances of giving top dressing of fertilizers. In such situation biofertiliz-ers are the cheap source to maintain fertility as well as soil moisture. Keeping this in view, present study was con-ducted in to measure the knowledge level and to know the attitude of farmers regarding biofertilizers. The study was conducted in Tharad, Vav and Bhabhar talukas of Banaskantha district of Gujarat state with 120 farmers from twelve villages having more area under arid and semi arid condition. The structured and pre tested interview schedule was prepared for the collection of information about knowledge level and attitude of farmers regarding biofertilizers. More than half (59.17%) of the farmers had medium level of knowledge regarding biofertilizers. While majority (79.17%) of the farmers possessed moderately to less favourable attitude regarding biofertilizers.

Keywords: Knowledge level, Attitude, Farmers of arid and semi arid area

INTRODUCTION

In order to meet the food needs of the alarmingly growing population, “green revolution” came as an answer. Green revolution in India has witnessed a jump in agricultural production with the introduction of high yielding varieties (HYVs) of various crops and by following intensive cultivation practices with the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs. The cropping intensity has also increased during green revolution period wherever water is available a second crop was introduced. Consumption of chemical fertilizers increased tremendously over the years. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the primary fertilizer nutrients which were widely used. Other trace elements are used in specific crops otherwise most of the farmers are not using the micro nutrients.

Economic status of the people in country like India mostly depends upon the agricultural production. Need for more intensive and economic agricultural production led to indiscriminate use of high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides etc, Relentless use of these chemicals not only alter

the eco-system but also claim death to many lives every year due to their hazardous nature.

Biofertilizers are used to improve the fertility of the land by using biological wastes and biological wastes do not contain any chemicals which are harmful to the living soil. Biofertilizers generate plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through their activities in the soil and make available to plants in gradual manner. They are beneficial in enriching the soil with microorganisms which increases quality of nutrient in soil and also impart strength to combat with diseases.

In arid and semi arid area where the moisture is limiting factor there is no chance or sometime less chances of giving top dressing of fertilizers. In such situation biofertilizers are the cheap source to maintain fertility as well as soil moisture. In semi-arid regions of tropical and subtropical countries, the soils are nutritionally deficient and due to moisture limitation, chemical fertilizers cannot be applied in adequate quantities.


150

METHODOLOGY

As biofertilizers are important to improve the fertility of the land in dry farming area. Hence it is felt necessary to study the attitude and knowledge level of the farmers. Ex post-facto research design was used for the study. The biofertilizers being a new concept, limited numbers of farmers know and use biofertilizers and hence, multistage random sampling was used to draw a sample. The study was conducted in Banaskantha district, Banaskantha district was selected for the study purposively because of more area of the district fall under arid and semi arid situation with dry farming practices.

Among the twelve talukas of Banaskantha district, Tharad, Vav and Bhabhar talukas were selected purposively for the study since more area of these talukas are falling under arid and semi arid condition with dry farming practices. A list of the villages of each talukas was obtained from the office of respective taluka panchayats. From the list, four villages from each taluka were selected randomly. Thus 12 villages from three talukas were selected for the study. The final sample thus drawn was consisted of 120 farmers from twelve villages of three talukas of Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. To measure the knowledge of the respondents about biofertilizers, an objective test was developed using conference method. Objective type questions were framed in order to have precise response. A score of one was assigned to correct answer and zero to incorrect answer. The score on each item was then added to arrive at total knowledge score. The knowledge index was then calculated for each respondent with the help of the formula given below.

Ki =X1 + X2 + …… + Xn X 100

N

Where,

Ki = Knowledge indexX1 + X2 + …….. + Xn = Total number of correct

answers

i.e., Total scoreN = Total number of items in the

test

The farmers were grouped into three levels of knowledge on the basis of their knowledge index viz., low, medium and high on the basis of pooled mean (x) and standard deviation. The attitude regarding biofertilizers was also measured with the help of teacher made scale developed for the study.

The data were collected with the help of structural and pre-tested interview schedule. The collected data

were than analysis, tabulated and interpreted in the light of objectives for arriving at meaningful interpretation and findings.


Knowledge level of the respondents regarding biofertilizers

Table 1: Distribution of the respondents according to their knowledge level regarding biofertilizers

n=120

Sr. No. Category No. Per cent1 Low

(Below 33.01 index)

49 40.83

2 Medium(33.01 to 66.01 index)

71 59.17

3 High(Above 66.01 index)

00 00.00

Mean = 34.09 S.D. = 10.67

It is observed from the Table 1 that nearly two fifth (59.17%) of the farmers had medium level of knowledge regarding biofertilizers, remaining 40.83 per cent of farmers had low level of knowledge. It is sad to mention that none of them had high level of knowledge. Thus, it can be concluded that all most all farmers had medium to low level of knowledge regarding biofertilizers and not a single farmers possessed high level of knowledge regarding biofertilizers.

The probable reason might be due to fact that majority of the farmers had educated up to secondary level of education.

Attitude of the respondents regarding biofertilizers

Table 2 : Distribution of the respondents according to their level of attitude regarding biofertilizers.

n = 120

Sr. No.

Attitude No. Per cent

1 Less favourable(Below 40.50 score)

26 21.67

2 Moderately favourable(40.50 to 58.22 score)

69 57.50

3 Highly favourable(Above 58.22 score)

25 20.83

Mean = 49.25 S.D. = 8.96

The data presented in Table 2 indicate that majority


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(57.50%) of the farmers had moderately favourable attitude, followed by 21.67 percent and 20.83 per cent had less favourable and highly favourable attitude towards biofertilizers respectively.

This might be due to reason that farmers might have perceived many problems viz., low knowledge about biofertilizers, no visual difference in the crop growth immediately, no availability of good quality biofertilizers and poor shelf life of biofertilizers etc.

Constraints perceived by the respondents in use of biofertilizers

Table 3: Distribution of respondents according to constraints perceived by them in use of biofertilizers n = 120

Sr. No. Constraints No. Per

cent Rank

1 Lack of technical knowledge about biofertilizers. 86 71.66 I

2 Lack of technical skill to use biofertilizers. 73 60.83 II

3 Non availability of good quality biofertilizers. 68 56.66 III

4 Non availability of biofertil-izers from all dealers. 65 54.16 IV

5 Negative attitude of neigh-bouring farmers. 62 51.66 V

6No visual difference in the crop growth immediately as that of chemical fertilizers.

59 49.16 VI

7 Lack of guidance from exten-sion personal 56 46.66 VII

8 Poor shelf life of bio fertil-izers. 54 45.00 VIII

9 Lack of storage facility for biofertilizers. 45 37.50 IX

10 Lack of awareness about the benefits of biofertilizers. 36 30.00 X

A perusal from the Table 3 revealed that major constraints perceived by more than half of the farmer were; lack of technical knowledge about biofertilizers (71.66%), lack of technical skill to use biofertilizers (60.83%), non-availability of good quality biofertilizers (56.66%), non-availability of biofertilizers from all dealers (54.16%) and negative attitude of neighbouring farmers (51.66%) were ranked first, second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. Other constraints reported were; no visual difference in the crop growth immediately as that of chemical fertilizers (49.16%),

lack of guidance form extension personal (46.66%) and poor shelf life of biofertilizers (45.00%) were ranked sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, while lack of storage facility for biofertilizers (37.50%) and lack of awareness about the benefits of biofertilizers (28.34%) were ranked ninth and tenth respectively.

CONCLUSION

From the above overall discussion, it can be concluded that among all the farmers more than half (59.17%) of the farmers had medium level of knowledge regarding biofertilizers. While majority (79.17%) of the farmers possessed moderately to less favourable attitude regarding biofertilizers. In case of constraints major constraints perceived by farmers were; lack of technical knowledge about biofertilizers (71.66%), lack of technical skill to use biofertilizers (60.83%), non-availability of good quality biofertilizers (56.66%), non-availability of biofertilizers from all dealers (54.16%) and negative attitude of neighbouring farmers (51.66%)

REFERENCES

Bhople, R. S, and Borker, R. D. (2002). Biofertilizers farmer’s attitude and adoption, Agricultural Extn. Review, 14: 21-22.

Binkadakatti, J. S. (2008). Impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) trainings on use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides by tur farmers in Gulbarga district, M. Sc. Thesis (Unpublished) University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Borker, M. M., Chothe, G. D. and Lanjewar, A. D. (2000). Characteristics of farmers influencing their knowledge about use of biofertilizers, Maharashtra J. Ext. Edu., 19: 130-131.

Chanpaneri H. C. (2012). Adoption of organic farming practices by the tribal farmers of north Gujarat, M. Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar.

Naik Munir Hussain, Srivastava S.R., Godara A K and Yadav V. P. S. (2009) Knowledge level about organic farming in Haryana, Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 9 (1) : 50-53.

Patel, V. B. (2012). Attributes encouraging organic farming in north Gujarat, M. Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar.



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Awareness of Farmers Regarding Organic Farming

J.K. Patel1, V.T. Patel2 and M. R. Prajapati3

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, CPCA, SDAU, S.K. Nagar – 385 5062 Associate professor, Department of Extension Education, CPCA, SDAU, S.K. Nagar – 385 506

3 Principal, C. P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar – 385 506 Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

In spite of growing opportunities in regarding organic product there have been little efforts in research to create database on various aspects of organic farming. The present investigation was an attempt to identify important characteristics of the farmers, their awareness and attitude towards organic farming. This study was conducted in Banaskantha and Sabarkantha district of Gujarat state. Three talukas in each of the districts viz, Dantiwada, Danta and Amirgadh in Banaskantha and Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar and Bhiloda in Sabarkantha were selected purposively for the study. From each selected taluka two villages were selected randomly and ten farmersfromeachvillagewereselectedrandomly.Thus,finalsamplewasconsistingof120farmersforthestudy.It can be concluded that a majority of the farmers were found having medium of knowledge and moderately to highly favourable attitude toward organic farming. Moreover majority farmers were aware about the practices viz., intercropping, crop rotation, weed management, water management, use of FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizers and oil cake. While considerable number of farmers were aware about practices viz; use of pheromone trap and cow dung/urine, growing trap crop, use of herbal insecticide. On the other hand majority of the farmers found less aware about rest of the practices. Awareness of farmers regarding crop management practices and nutrient management practices was better than the plant protection practices. In case of post harvest, marketing and certificationawarenessoffarmerswasfoundtoopoor.

Keywords: Organic farming, Awareness

INTRODUCTION

During the last decade organic farming has gained international recognition as a viable option to conventional farming. Farmers practice organic farming by default or in absence of resources in many parts of the country. The organic farming movement is spreading gradually in all most all states of the country. Indian organic sector is steadily making in-roads into world organic food market. India having variety of geographical and climatic regions has great potentiality to export various agricultural commodities in world market.

In spite of these growing opportunities in this field there have been little efforts in research front to reorient the research agenda to create database on various aspects of organic farming. The present investigation was an attempt to identify important characteristics of the farmers, their awareness and attitude towards organic farming. The study was undertaken with the following specific objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the level of awareness of farmers regarding organic farming.

(ii) To know the attitude of the farmers towards organic farming.

(iii) To study the practice wise awareness of farmers regarding organic farming.

METHODOLOGY

This study was conducted in Banaskanth and Sabarkantha district of Gujarat state. The district was purposely selected for the study. Considerable area of both the district is hilly, and in these pockets farmers are using less fertilizer and other agrochemical inputs .Hence there are the chances of organic farming. The main purpose of the study was to know the awareness of the farmers regarding organic farming. Because this system of farming may be beneficial


153

to the farmers in future as the demand of organic products is increasing among the consumers in the country day by day.

Three talukas in each of the districts viz, Dantiwada, Danta and Amirgadh in Banaskantha and Khedbrahma, Vijaynagar and Bhiloda in Sabarkantha were selected purposively for the study. From each selected taluka two villages were selected randomly and ten farmers from each village were selected randomly. Thus, final sample was consisting of 120 farmers for the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONTable 1 : Distribution of the respondents according to

their level of awareness regarding organic farming

n=120

Sr.No. Level of awareness Frequency Per cent

1 Low (Below 8.50 score) 25 20.84

2 Medium (8.50 to 15.90 score) 75 62.50

3 High (Above 15.90 score) 20 16.66

Mean= 12.20 S.D. = 3.70 The data given in Table 1 reveal that nearly three-fourth (62.50 per cent) farmers possessed medium level of awareness regarding organic followed by 16.66 per cent of the farmers possessed high level of awareness and 20.84 per cent of the beneficiary farmers with low level of awareness regarding organic farming respectively. From the above discussion, it can be concluded that a majority of the beneficiary farmers were found having medium of knowledge regarding organic farming.

This might be because the farmers of the area followed the organic farming practices by default.

Table 2 : Distribution of the respondents according to their level of attitude toward organic farming

n=120Sr.No. Level of Attitude Frequency Per cent

1 Less favourable 30 24.20

2 Moderately favourable 130 62.50

3 Highly favourable 40 13.30

Mean=62.86 SD=13.31

The data in Table 2 portray that 62.50 per cent of the beneficiary farmers had moderately favorable attitude towards organic farming followed by nearly one-fourth (24.20 per cent) beneficiary farmers had less favourable attitude towards organic farming. Only 13.30 per cent beneficiary farmers had highly favourable attitude towards organic farming.

This clearly indicates that a great majority (75.80 per cent) of the beneficiary farmers had moderately favourable to highly favourable attitude toward organic farming. This might be due to the fact that respondents have realized the advantages of the organic farming

Awareness of farmers about organic farming

Table 3. Awareness of the farmers regarding organic farming practices n=120

Sr. No. Practices No. per cent Rank

I Crop Management 1 Inter cropping 92 76.66 I2 Mixed cropping 25 20.83 V3 Crop rotations 72 60.00 III4 Weed management 85 70.83 II5 Water management 61 50.83 IV6 Mulching 21 17.50 VIII Nutrient management 1 Use of FYM 120 100.00 I2 Use of Compost 36 30.00 V3 Use of Vermicompost 76 63.33 III4 Green manuring 34 28.33 VI5 Use of oil cakes 59 49.16 IV6 Use of Natural minerals 18 15.00 VIII7 Use of Poultry manure 20 16.66 VII8 Use of Biofertilizers 78 65.00 II

III Pest/ disease management1 Seed treatment 36 30.00 V2 Use of herbal insecticide 48 40.00 III3 Use of Cow dung/urine 55 45.83 I4 Use of Pheromone trap 39 32.50 IV5 Use of Fruit fly trap 22 18.33 VII6 Use of Bird purcher 27 22.50 VI7 Preparing Live hedge 09 7.50 X8 Sowing Trap crop 54 45.00 II9 Hand picking of insects 13 10.83 IX10 Use of Biopesticide 17 14.16 VIIIIV Post Harvest 1 Cleaning 90 75.00 I2 Grading 37 30.83 II3 Packing 21 17.50 III4 Labeling 00 0.005 Processing 00 0.00


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Sr. No. Practices No. per cent Rank

V Marketing 1 Local Market 15 12.5 II2 NGO 12 10.00 III3 Private Dealers 23 19.16 I4 Factory owners

(processor)00 0.00 -

VI CertificationA Do you know about certification?1 Yes 11 9.16 II2 No 109 90.83 I

The data in Table 3 indicate that among crop management practices, maximum number of farmers ( 76.66 per cent) were aware about interculturing and was ranked first, followed by weed management without chemical (70.83 per cent)crop rotation (60.00 per cent)and water management (50.83 per cent) which were ranked second, third and fourth respectively.

The poor awareness was found in the practices of mixed cropping and mulching because in mixed cropping, it is difficult to perform farming operations like weeding, inter culturing and harvesting. Further the advantages of mulching might not be popular among farmers.

Data with regards to nutrient management practices revealed that application of FYM (100.00 per cent) ranked first and all the farmers found aware about FYM, followed by use of bio-fertilizers (65.00 per cent), use of vermicompost (63.00 per cent), and use of oil cakes (49.16 per cent) ranks second, third and fourth respectively.

Use of FYM is quite natural as it is age-old traditional practices. While use of vermicompost, bio-fertilizers and oilcakes might have become popular among farmers, as they are rich organic sources of nutrient and comparatively cheap for nutrient management in organic farming. Regarding rest sources the farmers might not aware because they are not easily accessible to the farmers.

The data in Table 4 further reveal that among pest/disease managements practices, awareness of use of cow dung/urine among farmers (45.83 percent) ranked first followed by, growing trap crop (45.00 percent) use of herbal insecticides (40.00 percent) use of pheromone trap (32.50 percent) to control pests/diseases were ranked second, third and fourth respectively.

Considerable number of farmers were aware about the practices viz., seed treatment and use of bird purcher while the practices viz., fruit fly trap, hand picking of insects and use of bio pesticide were less aware among the farmers might be because they are crop specific and insect specific. Further the practice, live hedge is least aware as it has not direct bearing with insect control. It serves as supportive medium for insect control.

Data regarding post harvest practices revealed that among all the practices, cleaning ranked first and three fourth (75.00 per cent) of the farmers reported aware about cleaning, followed by grading (30.83 per cent), and packing (17.50 per cent) ranks second and third respectively. No farmer was aware about the labeling and processing of organic produce because both the practices are more concerned with marketing. It is known that marketing of organic farming is yet limited to big companies only and hence the farmers might not aware about it.

The data in Table 3 further reveal that marketing of the organic produce, less number of farmers were aware about the marketing channels viz; private dealers, local market and NGO engaged in marketing of organic produce. On the other hand only eleven farmers were found aware about certification of the organic products.

CONCLUSION

From the above discussion it can be concluded that majority farmers were aware about the practices viz., intercropping, crop rotation, weed management, water management, use of FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizers and oil cake. While considerable number of farmers were aware about practices viz; use of pheromone trap and cow dung/urine, growing trap crop, use of herbal insecticide. On the other hand majority of the farmers found less aware about rest of the practices. Awareness of farmers regarding crop management practices and nutrient management practices was better than the plant protection practices. In case of post harvest, marketing and certification awareness of farmers was found too poor.

Hence it is highly required that government should put more emphasis on promotion of organic farming and extension agencies should organize training for extension functionaries on organic farming so that they can train the farmers accordingly in these aspects.

REFERENCES

Fukuko, M. (1985). The National way of organic farming: Theory and Practice of green Philosophy, Japan publications, Inc. Tokyo, Japan.

Patel, V. T. (2006). Socio- Economic and motivational factors encouraging organic farming in North Gujarat. Ph.D. Thesis (unpublished). S. D. A. U., Saradarkrushinagar.

Sengupta, T. (1967) Asimple adopton scale used for farmers for high yielding varieties programme of rice. Indian J. Ext. Edu., 3 (3): 107-115.

Thakur, D. S. (1997). High-tech agriculture and organic farming in Himachal Prdesh for highr production, income, sustainable agriculture and Ever Green revolution, Indian farming. 47 (7) : 7-10.Weerakkody,

Received : March 2014 - October - 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Rural youth are the most important segment of the country like India where agriculture is the back bone of national economy. Thus, to make our country agriculturally prosperous, it becomes quite essential that the energies and potential of the rural youth are properly molded and utilized. As per one estimate, more than 380 million youth, “India’s best resource”, will be unable to find job by the year 2016 (Anonymous 2009), and their potentialities will be wasted through unemployment, underemployment and disgust. So there is a huge scope to use potential of rural youth in agriculture to achieve our target of food production.

But, rural youth now a days, have been losing their interest in agriculture. Instead of being self employed in agriculture and allied activities, they are now turning to be “Job seekers”. This picture is quite disgusting and not hopeful for future. This situation necessitates studying the attitude of rural youth towards agriculture. With this in view, an effort was made here to develop the scale which can measure the attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation.

METHODOLOGY

Among the techniques available, ‘scale product method’ was chosen which combines the Thurston’s techniques of equal appearing interval scale (1946) for

selection of item and Likert’s technique of summated rating (1932) for ascertaining the response on the scale as proposed by Eysenck and Crown (1949).

Item collection

Initially, large number of statements reflecting attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation were collected from relevant literature and constructed through discussion with experts and extension personnel. The statements thus selected were edited on the basis of criteria shown by Edwards (1957) and at last, 14 statements for attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation were selected as they were found to be non-ambiguous.

Judge’s rating of attitudinal statements

Seventy slips of these statements were distributed among 70 selected experts working in Department of Extension Education and Directorate of Extension Education of four Agricultural Universities of Gujarat as well as Extension Education Institute, Anand Agricultural University. The judges were asked to judge the degree of unfavourableness or favourableness of each statement for its inclusion in the final scale on the five point equal appearing interval continuum. Out of these experts, 50 experts returned the statement after duly recording their judgments and were considered for the analysis.

Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of Rural Youth Towards Agriculture as an Occupation

Dweep B. Ramjiyani1, Sunil R. Patel2 and K. L. Chaudhary3

1&3. P.G. Students, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand – 388 1102 Office on Special Duty, College of Agriculture, AAU, Jubugam


ABSTRACT

Youth are the most potent segment of the population of a country. They are the back bone of the country. Youth havebeenplayingquiteasignificantroleinalmosteverycountryoftheworldastheypossesszealandvigour. If the talents and abilities of rural youth are properly nurtured and systematically guided, agriculture which is the backbone of national economy can attain sustained growth and bring prosperity to the country. Here an effort was made to develop a scale which can measure attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation. Among the techniques available, ‘scale product method’ was chosen to develop the scale. The scaledevelopedwas foundhighly reliableas the co-efficientof reliabilitycalculated by the Rulon’s formula was 0.79.

Keywords : Rural youth attitude


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Determination of scale values

The scoring on five point rating scale was made by assigning score ranging from 1 (for strongly unfavourable) to 5 (for strongly favourable). Based on the judgment, the median value of the distribution for each of 26 statements was calculated by using following formula:

S=L +0.50 Pb

x iPw

Where,

S = the median or scale value of the statement

L = Lower limit of the interval in which the median falls

P = the sum of the proportion below the interval in which the median falls.

Pw = the proportion within the interval in which the median falls

i = the width of the interval which is assumed to be equal to 1.0 (one).

The inter-quartile range (Q = Q3 - Q1) for each statement was also worked out for determination of ambiguity involved in the statement.


When there was a good agreement among the judges in judging the degree of unfavourableness or favourableness of a statement, Q value was observed smaller than the scale value, but when there was relatively little agreement among the judges, Q value was observed bigger than the scale value. Only those items were selected whose (median) scale values were greater than Q values. However, when a few items had the same scale values, items having lowest Q value were selected. Based on the scale (median) and Q values, 14 statements were finally selected to constitute the scale to measure attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation. The final format of scale was as under.

Scale to measure attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation

Sr. No. Statements ‘S’ value

‘Q’ value

1 I feel that Agriculture is an effective occupation to earn more money from agricultural land.

1.75 1.08

2 I think that Agriculture is an effective way to utilize natural resources. 1.50 1.113 I feel that Agriculture is the best occupation for rural youth. 2.36 1.764 Agriculture is the best way of earning money using creativity. 2.02 1.55 Agriculture makes the person bankrupt. 1.33 1.116 I prefer Agriculture as an occupation. 3.02 1.147 I feel that Agriculture is not remunerative enterprise. 2.97 1.728 I avoid Agriculture as it a tedious job. 2.11 1.089 Agriculture can provide sustainable livelihood to rural youth. 3.22 1.8610 It is better to do job with less salary then to adopt agriculture as an occupation. 1.87 1.011 I feel pride to engage in agriculture occupation. 2.73 1.4512 I feel sorry for those who abandon agriculture and migrate to cities for a small job. 1.93 0.9413 Agriculture is our ancestral occupation and I would like to continue it. 2.54 1.3314 Village can’t prosper unless rural youth adopt agriculture occupation. 2.00 1.33


The reliability of this scale was measured by split-half method was used because of limited time and resources available to the researcher. The 14 statements were divided into two halves with 7 odd numbered in one half and 7 even-numbered statements in the other. These were administered to 20 respondents. Each of the two sets of statements was

treated as a separate scale and then these two sub-scales were correlated. The co-efficient of reliability was calculated by the Rulon’s formula (Guilford, 1954), which came to 0.79. Thus, the scale developed was found highly reliable

Content validity of the scale

The validity of the scale was examined for content validity by determining how well the content of the scale


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is representative of the domain subject matter under study. Since as many items covering the subject matter under study as possible were selected by discussion with the experts, reviewing the literature and strict adherence to the judges’ ratings, it was assumed that the scale has satisfactory content validity.

CONCLUSION

The scale developed to measure attitude of rural youth towards agriculture as an occupation is reliable and valid, hence it may be used in future studies with due modifications

REFERENCES

Anonymous, (2009). Planning commission report, GOI. (2009).

Edwards, A. L. (1957). Techniques of attitude scale construction. Vekils, Feffer and Simons Private Ltd., Bombay.

Eysenck, K. J. and Crown, S. (1994). An experimental study in opinion-attitude methodology.

Guilford, J. P. (1954). Psychometric methods. Tata McGraw-Hill Publication Co. Ltd., Bombay : 378-382.

Likert, R. A. (1932). A technique for measurement of attitude. Psychology, New York, pp: 140.

Thurston, L. L. (1946). The measurement of attitude. American J. of Sociology. Chicago University Press, 39-50.

Received : September 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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ABSTRACT Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) is as one of the most important oil crops of the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. However, its productivity of sesamum in the district is very low. Attempts are made to improve productivity and to increase area under sesamum by adopting HYVs (high yielding variety). In order to compare conventional sesamum with HYVs varieties, 50 front line demonstrations were carried out in systematic manner on farmers’field to show theworthofanewvarietiesincomparison to local checkand therebyconvincingfarmers about potentialities of improved production management practices of sesamum for further adoption, involvingfeasibleandeffectivescientificpackageofpractices.Thedemonstrationsclearlyshowedenhancementof productivity, at the same time area under sesamum cultivation was also noticed to be enhanced. The yield was foundtobeincreasefrom369kg/hainlocalcheckto470kg/haindemonstrations.Similarly,thebenefitcostratioforHYVsvarietieswasfoundtoincreaseto1.65ascomparedtolocalcheck(1.29).Theeconomicandbenefitcost ratio can be further improved to 1.68 by giving slightly higher inputs for cultivation and marketing. The impact of FLDs was analysed which showed improvement of knowledge and satisfaction of farmers as the main reason for mass scale adoption.

Keywords: Sesamum, Production technology, Frontline demonstration

INTRODUCTION

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the important oilseed crops in Indian agriculture. Sesame seeds are rich source of food, nutrition, edible oil and bio-medicine. Sesame oil has excellent nutritional, medicinal, cosmetic and cooking qualities for which it is known as ‘the queen of oils’. Due to the presence of potent antioxidants, sesame seeds are called as ‘the seeds of immortality’. Sesame cake or meal obtained as a by-product of the oilmilling industry is rich in protein, vitamin (Niacine) and minerals (Ca and P). India ranks first in area (29%), production (26%) and export (40%) of sesame in the world. In India, sesame is grown on an area of 13.85 lakh hectares with an annual production of 4.34 lakh tonnes. The average yield of sesame in India is very low that is 311 kg per ha (Anon., 2004). It is cultivated on a large area in the states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarath and Karnataka. In Gujarat, it is grown on an area of 0.36 lakh hectares with an annual production of 0.14lakh tonnes with a productivity of 397 kg per ha (Anon., 2004).

The production of oil seed crops in our country

including sesame is not enough to meet the domestic demand of the large population. Low productivity of sesame is attributed to the fact that the crop is usually grown under rainfed condition on marginal and low fertility of soils. Further, lack of proper nutrient management is one of the major causes for low yields. Sesame responds well to integrated nutrient management. Integrated use of organic manures and mineral fertilizers help in maintaining stability in production, besides improving soil physical properties (Muthuswamy et al., 1990; Subbarao, 1994).

METHODOLOGY

An extensive survey was conducted to collect information pertaining to various usage of sesamum in the Panchmahals District. Fifty farm families each from seven villages of (who grew sesamum) were selected from three Talukas viz. Goghamba, Kalol, and Godhra for gathering the information. A questionnaire containing (7) questions were put to the respondents and data were analyzed. To popularize the improved sesamum production practices, were identified through participatory approach. Preferential ranking technique was utilized to identify the constraints faced by the respondent farmers in sesamum production. Farmers were

Impact of Front Line Demonstrations in Transfer of Sesamum Production Technology

A. K. Rai1, S. Khajuria2 and Kanak Lata3

1 & 2 SMS, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Vejalpur, Panchmahal - 389 3403 Program Co-ordinator, Krushi Vigyan Kendra, Vejalpur, Panchmahal - 389340



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also asked to rank the constraints they perceive as limiting sesamum protection in order of preference. The quantification of data was done by first ranking the constraints and then calculating the Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) as given by Sabarathnam (1988), which is as follows:

Wherein,

fi = Number of farmers reporting a particular problem under ith rank

N = number of farmers

n = number of problems identified

Based on top rank farmers problems identified, front line demonstrations were planned and conducted at the farmers’ field under technology demonstration. In all, 50 full package frontline demonstrations were conducted to convince them about potentialities of improved variety of sesamum ‘GT-2’ during 2009, 2010 and 2011. All the participating farmers were trained on all aspects of sesamum production management. Recommended agronomic practices and genuine seeds were used for FLDs in 0.5 ha area. A one fifth area was also devoted to grow local standard check. To study the impact of front line demonstrations, out of 50 participating farmers, a total of 50 farmers were selected as respondent through proportionate sampling. Production and economic data for FLDs and local practices were collected and analyzed. The technology gap and technology index were calculated using the following formulas as given by Samui et al. (2000):

Knowledge level of the farmers about improved production practices of sesamum before frontline demonstration implementation and after implementation was measured and compared by applying dependent‘t’ test. Further, the satisfaction level of respondent farmers about extension services provided was also measured based on various dimensions like training of participating farmers, timeliness of services, supply of inputs, solving field problems and advisory services, fairness of scientists, performance of variety demonstrated and overall impact of FLDs.

The selected respondents were interviewed personally with the help of a pre-tested and well structured interview schedule. Client Satisfaction Index was calculated as developed by Kumaran and Vijayaragavan (2005). The harvest index was worked out by using following formula given by Donald (1962). The data thus collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed to interpret the results.


Constraints in Sesamum Production

Farmers’ sesamum production problems were documented in this study. Preferential ranking technique was utilized to identify the constraints faced by the respondent farmers in sesamum production. The ranking given by the different farmers are given in Table 1. A perusal of table indicates that lack of suitable HYVs was given the top most rank by 18 respondent farmers. The FLD participants were provided HYVs seeds as critical inputs. Based on the ranks given by the respondent farmers for the different constraints listed out in table 1, the rank based quotients were calculated and presented in Table 2.

Table 1: Ranks given by farmers for different constraints n=50

Sr. No. Constraints Ranks

I II III IV V VI VII

1 Lack of suitable HYVs 18 10 07 06 05 04 00

2 Low technical knowledge 13 09 08 08 06 06 00

3 Low soil fertility 08 09 12 14 04 03 01

4 Wild animals 12 11 08 07 04 04 04

5 Weed infestation 08 10 10 11 07 02 02

6 Phylody Disease infestation 11 08 07 10 05 07 02

7 Insect infestation 09 07 04 09 11 06 04


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The analysis of data presented in the Table 2 revealed that lack of suitable HYVs, low soil fertility, Low technical knowledge and followed by Wild animals were the major constraints to sesamum production. Other constraints such weed infestation, phylody disease infestation, insect infestation and erratic rainfall were also found to reduce sesamum production.

Table 2: Frequency distribution of RBQ values given by farmers n=50

Sr. No.

Problems R.B.Q Overall rank

1 Lack of suitable HYVs 76.57 I2 Low technical knowledge 70.57 III 3 Low soil fertility 72.22 II4 Wild animals 69.14 IV5 Weed infestation 67.71 V 6 Phylody Disease infestation 66.00 VI 7 Insect infestation 62.28 VII

Performance of FLD

A comparison of productivity levels between demonstrated variety and local checks is shown in Table 3. During the period under study it was observed that in front line demonstrations, the improved sesamum variety GT-2 recorded the higher grain yield (4.70 q ha-1) compared to local check (3.29 q ha-1). The percentage increase in the yield over local check was 33.55.

From these results it is evident that the performance of improved variety was found better than the local check under local conditions. Farmers were motivated by results of agro technologies applied in the FLDs trials and it is expected that they would adopt these technologies in the coming years. Yield of the front demonstration trials and potential yield of the crop was compared to estimate the yield gaps which were further categorized into technology index and harvesting index. The technology gap shows the gap in the demonstration yield over potential yield and it was 0.5q ha-1. The best potential yield comes from the scientists fill where all inputs are given at optimum level. The observed technology gap may be attributed to dissimilarities in soil fertility, salinity and erratic rainfall and other vagaries of weather conditions in the area. Hence, to narrow down the gap between the yields of different varieties, location specific recommendation appears to be necessary. Technology index shows the feasibility of the variety at the farmer’s field. The lower the value of technology index more is the feasibility.

Table 3 revealed that the technology index values were 9.62%.

Table 3: Yield, technology gap and technology index of demonstration

Variables Yield (q ha-1)

Increase (%) over

Local check

Technology gap(qha-1)

Techno-logy

index (%)

Local check 3.69 - - -Demonstration (GT-2)

4.70 30.55 0.5 9.62

Table 4: Harvesting index of demonstration

Variables Seed Yield

(q ha-1)

Stalk Yield (q ha-1)

Harvesting index

Local check 3.69 17.85 0.171Demonstration (vaishali)

4.70 20.70 0.185

The economics of semamum production under front line demonstrations were estimated and the results have been presented in Table 4. Economic analysis of the yield performance revealed that front line demonstrations recorded higher gross returns (` 27225 ha-1) and net return (` 10725 ha-1) with higher benefit ratio (1.65) compared to local checks (Table 5). Further, additional cost of ` 2000 per hectare in demonstration has yielded additional net returns ` 2000 per hectare with incremental benefit cost ratio 1.68 suggesting its higher profitability and economic viability of the demonstration.

Table 5: Economics of frontline demonstrations

Variables Cost of cultivation

(` ha-1)

Gross return (` ha-1)

Net return (` ha-1)

Benefit cost ratio

Local check 16150 20898 4748 1.29Demonstration 16500 27225 10725 1.65Additional in demonstration

2000 4000 2000 1.68*

* Incremental benefit cost ratio

Increase in Knowledge

Knowledge level of respondent farmers on various aspects of improved sesamum production technologies before conducting the frontline demonstration and after implementation was measured and compared by applying dependent‘t’ test. It could be seen from the Table 6 that farmers mean knowledge score had increased by 38.70 after


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implementation of frontline demonstrations. The increase in mean knowledge score of farmers was observed significantly higher. As the computed value of ‘t’ (6.74) was statistically significant at 5 % probability level.

Table 6: Comparison between knowledge levels of the respondent farmers about Improved Farming Practices of maize n=50

Mean score Calculated ‘t’ value

Before FLD implem-ntation

After FLD i m p l e m e n -tation

Mean difference 6.74*

29.98 68.77 38.70* Significant at 5% probability level.

It means there was significant increase in knowledge level of the farmers due to frontline demonstration. This shows positive impact of frontline demonstration on knowledge of the farmers that have resulted in higher adoption of improved farm practices. The results so arrived might be due to the concentrated educational efforts made by the scientists.

Farmers’ Satisfaction

The extent of satisfaction level of respondent farmers over extension services and performance of demonstrated variety was measured by Client Satisfaction Index (CSI) and results presented in table 7.

Table 7: Extent of farmers satisfaction of extension services rendered n=50

Sr. No.

Satisfaction No. Per cent

1 Low 09 12.00

2 Medium 30 40.00

3 High 34 45.33

It is observed from Table 7 that majority of the respondent farmers expressed high (45.33 %) to the medium (40%) level of satisfaction for extension services and performance of technology under demonstrations. Whereas, very few (12%) per cent of respondents expressed lower level of satisfaction.

The medium to higher level of satisfaction with respect to services rendered, linkage with farmers, and technologies demonstrated etc. indicate stronger conviction, physical and mental involvement in the frontline demonstration which in turn would lead to higher adoption.

This shows the relevance of frontline demonstration.

CONCLUSION

The study undertaken with the help of 50 FLD participants at KVK Panchmahal to know the economics of sesamum production using HYVs and adoption level and constraint influencing the adoption of HYVs. The results revealed that lack of knowledge of suitable HYV, soil fertility and low technological knowledge were the three most important factors which inhibited the adoption of HYV of sesamum in Panchmahal. The yield of sesamum in demonstration was 4.70 q/ha as compared local check (3.67q/ha). The benefit/cast ration for HYV was 1.65 as compared to 1.29 in case of local check. The impact of FLD was also analyzed which showed that there was significant improvement in knowledge level and satisfaction on the part of farmers.

REFERENCES

Anonymous (2010-11). Economic Survey 2010-11, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India (13153) & (ON.116), Indiastat.com.

Dhaka B L, Meena B S and Suwalka R L. (2010). Popularization of Improved Maize Production Technology through Frontline Demonstrations in South-eastern Rajasthan Journal of Agriculture Science, 1(1): 39-42.

Damaris Achieng Odeny, (2007). The potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in Africa Natural Resources Forum 31: 297–305

Gurumukhi DR, Mishra S (2003). Sorghum front line demonstration - A success story. Agriculture Extension Review, 15(4): 22-23.

Haque MS 2000. Impact of compact block demonstration on increase in productivity of rice. M J Ext Edu, 19(1): 22-27

Hiremath S M and Nagaraju M V. (2009). Evaluation of front line demonstration trials on onion in Haveri district of Karnataka. Karnataka Journal of Agriculture Science, 22(5): 1092- 1093.

Hiremath S M, Nagaraju M V and Shashidhar K K. (2007). Impact of front line demonstrations on onion productivity in farmers field. Paper presented In: Nation Sem Appropriate Extn Strat Manag Rural Resources, University of Agriculture Science, Dharwad, December 18-20, :100.

Imayavaramban, V.,Thanunathan, K., Singaravel, R.and


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Manickam, G., (2002), Studies on the influence of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield parameters and seed yield of sesame. Crop Res. Hisar, 24 (2): 309-313

Joshi PK, Singh NP, Singh NN, Gerpacio RV, Pingali PL (2005). Maize in India: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities. Mexico, D.F.: CIMMYT.

Kumar A, Kumar R, Yadav V P S and Kumar R. (2010). Impact Assessment of Frontline Demonstrations of Bajra in Haryana State. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 10(1): 105-108.

Kumaran M and Vijayaragavan K. (2005). Farmers’ satisfaction of agricultural extension services in an irrigation command area. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 41(3&4): 8-12.

Mishra D K, Paliwal D K, Tailor R S and Deshwal A. K. (2009). Impact of Frontline Demonstrations on Yield Enhancement of Potato. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 9(3): 26-28.

Narayanaswamy C and Eshwarappa G. (1998). Impact of front line demonstrations. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 34(1&2): 14- 15.

Ouma, J. H. De Groote and M. Gethi. (2002). Focused Participatory Rural Appraisal of farmer’s perceptions of maize varieties and production constraints in the Moist Transitional Zone in Eastern Kenya. IRMA Socio-Economic Working Paper No. 02-01. Nairobi, Kenya: CIMMYT and KARI.

Samui S K, Maitra S, Roy D K, Mondal A K and Saha D, (2000). Evaluation of front line demonstration on

groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) in Sundarbans. Journal Indian Soc Coastal Agric Res, 18(2): 180-183.

Singh D K, Gautam U S and Singh R K, (2007). Study on Yield Gap and Level of Demonstrated Crop Production Technology in Sagar District Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 7 (2&3): 94-95.

Singh N, Sharma FL (2004). Impact of front line demonstration on gain in knowledge about mustard production technology among farmers. 2nd National Ext Edu Congress, May 22-24, (2004). Society of Extension Education, Agra & MPUAT, Udaipur : 56.

Saxena K.B, Kumar R.V and. Gowda C.L.L, (2010). Vegetable pigeonpea – a review Journal of Food Legumes 23(2): 91-98, 2010.

Sabarathanam V E (1988). Manuals of Field Experienc Training for ARS Scientists. Hyderabad: NAARM.

Tiwari KB, Saxena A (2001). Economic Analysis of FLD of oil seeds in Chindwara. Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika, 16 (3&4): 185-189.

Tiwari RB, Singh V, Parihar P (2003). Role of front line demonstration in transfer of gram production technology. Maha J Ext Edu, 22 (1): 19.

Taware, S.P., Surve,V.D.,Archanapatil.,Pise,P.P.and Ravt,V.M., (2006), Evalvation of elite sesame (sesamum indicum L.) lines for oil quality and quantitative traits. Indian J.Genet., 66(1):51-52.

Upadhyaya, H D and Reddy, K N and Gowda, C L L and Singh, Sube (2010). Identification and evaluation of vegetable type pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in the world germplasm collection at ICRISAT genebank. Plant Genetic Resources, 8 (2). : 162- 170.

Received : April 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Attitude has been defined as “the degree of positive or negative feeling, affect, opinion, action and belief associated with some psychological object”, psychological object may be any symbol, institution, person, phrase, slogan, idea or ideal towards which people may differ from each other with respect to positive or negative aspect. The cognitive component of an attitude consists of the beliefs, which involves attributes like favourable or unfavourable, desirable or undesirable, good or bad etc. The feeling component refers to the emotions which give attitude a motivating character or action tendencies. The action tendency component of an attitude includes all behavioural readiness associated with it. These three components of attitude, are, however, consistently related to each other. The psychological object for the present study has been conceptualized as the SRI technique of paddy crop

METHODOLOGY

In this study, an attempt has been made to develop a scale, which can scientifically measure attitude of the farmers towards SRI technique of paddy crop Among the techniques available for the development of scale, the Thurston’s equal appearing interval scale (1928) and the Likert’s summated rating scale (1932) are quite well known. However, both the methods suffer from the limitations, the first one in getting

discriminating response and second one in selection of items. Thus, technique chosen to develop attitude scale was ‘Scale Product Method’ which combines the Thurstion’s technique of equal appearing interval scale for selection of the items and likert’s techniques of summated rating for ascertaining the response on the scale as proposed by Eysenck and Crown (1949).

Steps in development of attitude scale

Steps in development of the attitude scale are presented in Figure 2 and discussed as below.

Item collection

The items making up an attitude scale are known as statements. A statement may be defined as anything that is said about a psychological object. As a first step in the developing the scale, many statements about SRI technique of paddy crop were collected from the relevant literature, major advisor, extension educationists, KVK experts and agronomists with considerable practical experience in SRI techniques from the Anand Agricultural University.

Editing of Items

The statements, thus selected were edited on the basis of the criteria suggested by Thurstone and Cave (1927), Likert (1932) and Edward and Kilpatrick (1948) and at last,

Development of Scale to Measure Attitude of Demonstrated Paddy Growers Towards the SRI Technique

Pravin Y. Borole1, Mahesh R. Patel2 and Arun Patel3

1 Ex. PG Student, BACA, AAU, Anand - 3881102 Assoc. Ext. Educationist, EEI, AAU, Anand – 388 110

3 Director, EEI, AAU, Anand – 388110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Due to non-availability of a proper scale to measure farmers’ attitude towards SRI technique of paddy crop, it was thought necessary to construct a scale for the purpose. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to develop a scale for measuring the attitude of farmers towards SRI technique of paddy crop. technique chosen to develop attitude scale was ‘Scale Product Method’ which combines the Thurstion’s technique of equal appearing interval scale for selection of the items and likert’s techniques of summated rating for ascertaining the response on the scale as proposed by Eysenck and Crown (1949).

Keywords: Attitude, SRI technique, Continuum, Reliability, Validity Keywords: Jaljivan, subscribers, gain in knowledge


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19 statements were selected as they were found to be non ambiguous.

Judge’s rating of attitude statements

In order to judge the degree of ‘Unfavorableness’ to ‘Favorableness’ of each statement on the five point equal appearing interval continuum a panel of 50 judges was

selected. The judges selected for the study were comprised of teachers of extension education with considerable practical experience in SRI techniques from the Anand Agricultural University and Navsari Agricultural University. The judges were visited personally along with letter of instructions to guide them for rating the statements in desired manner for each set of the statements as seen in Table 1.

Table: 1 Final scale to measure the attitude of demonstrated paddy growers towards SRI technique of paddy crop

No Statement SA A UD DA SDA1 In my opinion, SRI technique in paddy cultivation gives higher yield. (+) 5 4 3 2 12 I think that the application of SRI technique in paddy cultivation is complicated. (-) 1 2 3 4 53 In my opinion skills are necessary in SRI technique. (-) 1 2 3 4 54 The application of SRI technique is very risky. (-) 1 2 3 4 5

5 It is easy to adopt SRI technique in paddy cultivation. (+) 5 4 3 2 16 I think that the yield in SRI technique is more as compared to conventional method. (+) 5 4 3 2 1

7 The use of SRI technique is wastage of money. (-) 1 2 3 4 58 SRI technique cannot be adopted by the illiterate paddy grower. (-) 1 2 3 4 59 SRI technique is better way for sustainable agriculture. (+) 5 4 3 2 110 In my opinion SRI technique are more laboures. (-) 1 2 3 4 5

*SA = Strongly Agree, A = Agree, UD = Undecided, DA = Disagree, SDA = Strongly Disagree

Determination of Scale and Quartile Value

The five points of the rating scale were assigned score ranging from 1 for most unfavorable and 5 for most favorable. The based on judgment, the median value of the distribution and the Q value for the statement concerned was calculated with the help of following formula.

0.50 - Pb S = L + –––––––––– × i Pw

Where,

S = Median or Scale value of the statement

L = Lower limit of the interval in which the median falls

Pb = Sum of the proportion below the interval in which the median falls

Pw = Proportion within the interval in which the median falls

i = Width of the interval, which was assumed as equal to 1.0 (one).

The inter-quartile range (Q = Q3 - Q1) for each statement was also worked out for determination of ambiguity involved

in the statement.


The split-half technique was used to measure the reliability of the scale. The 10 statements were divided into two equal halves with 5 odd numbered and 5 even numbered statements in other. These were administered to 25 respondents who were not selected for the study. Each of the two sets were treated as separate scales having obtained two score, for each of the 25 respondents. Co-efficient of reliability between the two sets of score was calculated by Rulon’s formula (Guilford 1954), which was 0.86. Thus, scale developed for the purpose was found quite reliable.

σ2 d rtt = 1 - --------- σ2 t

Where,

rtt = Co-efficient of reliability

σ2d = Variance of these differences

σ2t = Variance of total scores

Administering the scale

The final attitude scale was administered


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on the sample of demonstrated paddy growers. They were asked to express their reaction in terms of their agreement or disagreement with each item by selecting one of five response categories. The total attitude score for each respondent was obtained by adding all the scores of their responses of all the statements and on the basis of mean and SD the respondents were grouped into three categories viz., Less favorable (below mean – S.D.), moderately favorable (between mean + S.D.) and highly favorable (above mean + S.D.).

REFERENCES

Edward, A. L. (1957). Techniques for scale construction. Appeton century Inc., New York.

Eysenck, H. J. and Crown, S. (1949). An experimental study in opinion-attitude methodology. Int. J. Opin. Attitude Res., 3: 47-86.

Guilford, J. P. (1954). Psychometric methods. Tata McGraw-Hill Publication Co. Ltd., Bombay : 378-382.

Likert, R. A. (1932). A technique for measurement of attitude scale. Arch.Psychol.140.

Thrustone, L. L. and E. G. Chave (1928). The measurement of opinion. Journal of Abnormal psychology – 22: 415-430.

Received : June 2014 : Accepted : October 2014


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INTRODUCTION

India has been a predominantly an agrarian economy since time immemorial. The developmental efforts over the last few decades have been doubtlessly strengthened our industrial base. However, agriculture continues to be the mainstay of our economy even today. In India, keeping milch animals has been never a separate occupation from agriculture. Thus, rural economy is closely tied up with milch animals.Dairying plays a crucial role in the economy of our country. It helps in augmenting food supply, generating employment and raising nutritional level. It is a major source of income to the small and marginal farmers. The major advantage of dairy farming is its minimum land dependency and resource flexibility. India maintained its position as largest producers of milk, with achievement of around 104 million tons during 2007-08.Women are considered to be pioneers in all sorts of development, as they play a key role in shaping the character of young generation whom we call as the future of the nation.

Women contribute nearly equally along with men, in the economic development of our country.Even after several years of planning, the picture in the area of milk production is not very encouraging. There are number of factors affecting the milk production as well as dairy development. The efficient use of resources depends to a greater extent on how dairy farm women acquire and adopt new innovations in the sector of animal husbandry in effective manner to reach higher levels of economic performance through their adoption of milk production practices. Further, the resources are very much limited in India. Therefore, efficient use of resources depends to greater extent on how they acquire and adopt innovations in the sector of animal in effective manner to reach higher level of performance. For this, development of every dairy farm women is necessary.Raising adoption of clean milk production practices are of paramount importance for dairy farmwomen. This will open up new vistas and make possible for dairy farm women to achieve substantial gains in

Adoption of Clean Milk Production Practices by Dairy Farm Women

Yogesh Gade1, Arun Patel2 and Hemant Borate3

1 Ex M.Sc. Student, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand – 388 1102 Director Extension Education Institute, Anand - 388 110

3 Ph.D. (Scholar), Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand – 388 110E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Agriculture is the basis of village life in India. Sixty seven percent of the Indian population depends on it for their livelihood. However, in India, keeping milch animals has been never a separate occupation from agriculture. Thus, rural economy is closely tied up with milch animals.Livestock enterprise plays a crucial role in improving socio-economic conditions of dairy farm women.There are several aspects of dairy development but one of important aspects is clean milk production. Suitable measures to quantify the adoption of clean milk production practices will be used, but, the role of the characteristics cannot be ignored in the adoption process. In order to know the adoption level of clean milk production practices by dairy farm women was planned. The study was conducted in all the eight talukas of the Anand district of Gujarat state. Total 160 dairy farm women were approached personally by the investigator for the collection of relevant data. And discovery of the study revealed that more than two third (68.13 per cent) of the dairy farm women had medium level of adoption regarding clean milk production practices. And correlation analysis of independent variables revealed that education, experience in dairy farming, massmediaexposureandriskorientationhadpositiveandhighlysignificantcorrelationandlandholding,extensioncontact,scientificorientationandknowledgeregardingcleanmilkproductionpracticeshadpositiveandsignificantcorrelationwithadoption of clean milk production practices of dairy farm women. Whereas age, size of family, social participation, herd size andannualincomefromdairyfarmingofthedairyfarmwomenhadnon-significantcorrelationwithadoptionofcleanmilkproduction practices of dairy farm women.

Keywords: Adoption, Clean milk production, Dairy farm women


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income. Raising the clean milk production is the fundamental problem. This problem needs to be carefully tackled for long run resolution of under developed animal husbandry. So present study was conducted with the following specific objectives:

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the adoption of clean milk production practices by dairy farm women.

(ii) To explore the relationship between profile of dairy farm women with their adoption of clean milk production practices.

METHODOLOGY

The present investigation was under taken in Anand district of Gujarat State. All the 8 talukas of the Anand district were covered under study by selecting two villages randomly from each taluka. From each selected village 10 dairy farm women were selected by simple random sampling technique. Thus, out of these selected 16 villages, 160 dairy farm women were selected as respondents for this study. The data were collected through pre-tested Gujarati interview schedule and the investigator contacted all the sampled respondents and collected the data personally.The data were gathered, processed and analyzed to draw the meaningful conclusion. The statistical tools used for the analysis of the data were percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation coefficient.


Adoption of clean milk production practices by dairy farm women

A perusal of Table 1 indicated that majority (68.13 per cent) of the dairy farm women had medium level of adoption regarding clean milk production practices, followed by 16.25 per cent and 15.62 per cent of the dairy farm women had low and high level of adoption of clean milk production practices.

Table 1: Dairy Farm Women According to their Extent of Adoption of Clean Milk Production Practices n=160

Sr. No. Level of adoption No. Per

cent1 Low (below 44.19 score) 26 16.25

2 Medium(between 44.19 to 65.42 score) 109 68.13

3 High (above 64.42 score) 25 15.62

From the forgoing discussion it can be concluded that great majority (83.75 per cent) of the dairy farm women had medium to high level of adoption regarding clean milk production practices. The result of the study was corroborated with the findings of Meena et al. (2004) and Rakshe et al. (1998).

Relationship between the characteristics of dairy farm women and adoption

Table 2: Relationship between profile of the dairy farm women and their extent of adoption of clean milk production practices n=160

Sr. No. Independent Variables Correlation Coef-

ficient (‘r’ value)X1 Age 0.0364NSX2 Education 0.2266**X3 Experience in dairy farming 0.2223**X4 Size of family -0.0697 NSX5 Social participation 0.0979NSX6 Land holding 0.2050*X7 Herd size 0.1169NS

X8 Annual income from dairy farming 0.0076 NS

X9 Extension contact 0.1904*X10 Mass media exposure 0.2872**X11 Scientific orientation 0.2031*X12 Risk orientation 0.2345**X13 Knowledge level 0.1661*

*Significant at 0.05 level of significance **Significant at 0.01 level of significance NS – Non Significant

The data presented in Table 2 reveal that independent variables viz. education, experience in dairy farming, mass media exposure and risk orientation had positive and highly significant correlation and land holding, extension contact, scientific orientation and knowledge regarding clean milk production practices had positive and significant correlation with adoption of clean milk production practices of dairy farm women. Whereas age, size of family, social participation, herd size and annual income from dairy farming of the dairy farm women had non-significant correlation with adoption of clean milk production practices of dairy farm women.

The probable reason for positive and significant correlation with education, experience, land holding, extension contact, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, risk orientation and knowledge is might be due to more education facilities available in rural area in the Anand district and realization about the significance of education


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for over all development of the life. High experience build the confidence for the adoption of new technology which leads the dairy farm women to take risk of improved dairy technology and it resulted in appreciable adoption of clean milk production practices. Higher land holding improve their economic condition and ultimately increase education and annual income. More interaction between extension personnel and dairy farm women pertaining to improved dairy farming technology, which could have cleared their doubts about improved technology and this helped improvement in adoption of clean milk production practices. Greater expose to the mass media had transmitted more improve technology including clean milk production practices and convinced them for the adoption of clean milk production practices. Scientific orientation opened the mental horizon which acted as a catalyst in changing behavior of the dairy farm women and higher levels of risk orientation would be much ahead of other in exploiting the potentiality of technology availed which enforced them to take decision to adopt improved practices. Knowledge directly encourage the dairy farm women for promotion and use of recent dairy technology leads them towards profit maximization and it resulted in to better extent of adoption of clean milk production practices.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded from this study that great majority (83.75 per cent) of the dairy farm women had medium to high level of adoption regarding clean milk production practices and independent variable viz., education,

experience in dairy farming, mass media exposure and risk orientation had positive and highly significant correlation and land holding, extension contact, scientific orientation and knowledge regarding clean milk production practices had positive and significant correlation with adoption of clean milk production practices of dairy farm women. Based on the findings of the study, the dairy farm women’s background factors that influence the adoption of clean milk production practices must be reckoned with in any programme of rural development. Extension workers should concentrate to increase the level of knowledge, education and annual income for promotion of dairy technology.Subject matter specialists, veterinary doctors, extension officers should visit the village and guide them to solve the problem of the dairy farm women in accordance with resources availed with dairy farm women. Moreover, the practices which do not involve more cost and can be easily adopted though that is found not adopted in the study are to be advocated and emphasized during extension work.

REFERENCES

Meena,L.R.,Dangi, K.L.andPrasad,V.(2004). Extent of adoption of improved practices of animal husbandry among the tribal and non-tribal farm women, Rural India: 20-22.

Rakshe, P.T.; Kadam, I.P. and Patil, D.R. (1998). Study of the dairy management practices for buffaloes,Indian J. of Animal Prod.Mgmt,14 (1):16-17.

Received : March 2013 : Accepted : September 2014


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Assessment of Training Needs of Farm Women

S.P.Pandya1, M. R. Prajapati2 and K. P. Thakar3

1 Assistant Professor, Directorate of Students’ Welfare, SDAU, S.K. Nagar -3855062 Principal, C.P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar -385506

3 Assistant Professor, C.P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar -385506Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT Vagad is assumed as an illiterate area of the Kachchh district having low. The living standard of the people where a agricultural as well as animal husbandry development is slow in this area. Farm women are equally engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry as man. Hence, there is a need to educate the farm women by providing various vocational as well as specialized training programmes for overall development. Thus, the present study was conducted in Rapar taluka of Kachchh district. Total 100 women were purposively selected from 10 village. The data were collected by personal interview and were analyzed with appropriate statistical procedure. The study revealed that majority (53.00 %) of the women belongs to middle age group ( 36-50 Yrs.), of respondents were illiterate (62.00 %) and dealing with farming and animal husbandry as per their occupation(60.00%).Themajorityofthefarmwomenprefertoreceivetrainingonspecificareaslikeprofitablefarmingoffieldcrops(RankI),familyhealthandhygiene(RankII)andstorageoffoodgrainandpulses(Rank-III).

Keyords : Training need, Attributes of women

INTRODUCTION

Vagad is assumed as an illiterate area of the Kachchh district in Gujarat state. The living standard of the people is low. The Agricultural as well as animal husbandry development is slow in this area. Farm women are equally engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry as man. Hence, there is a need to educate the farm women by providing various vocational as well as specialized training programmes for overall development in this area. Hence, it is very much essential to identify the problems of rural women on priority base. Therefore, a project on assessment of training needs of women of Rapar taluka of Kachchh district was proposed. Future training must be conducted on solving priority base problems.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the profile attributes of farm women

(ii) To assess the training need in farming and non farming area of farm women.

(iii) To identify the priority of training need as perceived by farm women.

METHODOLOGY

The present study was conducted in Rapar taluka of Kachchh district. Total 10 villages of Rapar taluka viz., Adesar, Lakhagadh, Fatehgadh, Bhimasar, Umaiya , Nilpar, Chitrod, Pragpar, Padampar, and Dabhunda villages of Rapar taluka were purposively selected for the study.From each village 10 women’s from each village were selected randomly to make a total sample of 100 respondents. The data were collected by personal interview. The interview schedule was developed with through discussion with experts, scientist and extension officers working in the University. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical procedure. The respondents were asked to opine about training need in various major area of field at three points quantum i.e.,mostly needed, somewhat needed and not needed with a score of 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Based on the total training need score of all the respondents mean score for each major training area was work out.


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Profile attributes of farm women

Table 1 : Profile attributes of farm women n=100

Sr. No.

Profile attributes No. Per cent

1 Age(i) Young Age ( 15- 35 Yrs.) 27 27.00(ii) Middle Age ( 36- 50 Yrs.) 53 53.00(iii) Old Age ( Above 50 Yrs.) 20 20.00

2 Education(i)Illiterate 62 62.00(ii) Primary level( 1-7 Std.) 26 26.00(iii) Secondary Level ( 8- 10 Std.) 12 12.00(iv) Higher secondary level ( 11-12 Std.)

0 00.00

(v) College level 0 00.003 Occupation

(i) Farming 35 35.00(ii) Farming + Animal Husbandry 60 60.00(iii) Farming + Service 00 00.00(iv) Farming + Business 05 05.00(v) Farming + Business + Service 0 00.00

The data presented in Table-1 show that majority (53.00 %) of the respondents belongs to middle age group (36-50 Yrs.) followed by young age group and old age group 27.00 and 20.00 per cent respectively. It can be concluded that more than half of the respondents were having age between 36 to 50 years.

Major area of training need

Majority ( 62.00 %) of respondents were illiterate, followed by primary level of education( 26.00 %) and secondary level of education( 12.00 %)

The data presented in Table 3 portray that majority ( 60.00 per cent ) of the respondents were dealing with farming and animal husbandry as per their occupation followed by farming (35.00 per cent) and farming + business ( 5.00 per cent) respectively.

The respondents were asked to opine about training need in various major area of field at three points quantum i.e.,mostly needed, somewhat needed and not needed with a score of 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Based on the total training

need score of all the respondents mean score for each major training area was work out.

Table 2 : Distribution of respondents according to their major area of training need n=100

Sr. No.

Major training areas Mean Score

Rank

1 Agriculture 2.63 I2 Animal husbandry 2.18 IV3 Health and hygiene 2.50 II4 Self employment 2.40 III5 Value addition and preservation 1.50 V

The data presented in Table 2 revealed that majority of the farm women prefer to receive training on major areas like agriculture (Rank I) and health and hygiene (Rank II)

The respondents were asked to opine about training need in various area of training at three points quantum i.e. mostly needed, somewhat needed and not needed with a score of 3, 2 and 1, respectively. Based on the total training need score of all the respondents mean score for each training area was work out.

Specific area of training need

Table 3 : Distribution of respondents according to their specific area of training need n=100

Sr. No.

Training areas Mean Score

Rank

1 Profitable farming of field crops 2.60 I2 Diseases and pest mgt in field crop 2.08 VIII3 Profitable farming of horticultural

crops1.46 XV

4 Storage of food grains and pulses 2.38 III5 Profitable milk production 2.22 V6 Vaccination in castles and buffaloes 2.09 VII7 Diseases mgt in castles and

buffaloes2.00 IX

8 Family health and hygiene 2.52 II9 Child care and development 1.90 X10 Care o pregnant women 1.52 XIII11 Stitching – self employment 2.30 IV12 Embroidery – self employment 2.18 VI13 Value edition in vegetable 1.57 XII14 Vegetable preservation 1.68 XI15 Value edition in fruit crop 1.54 XIV16 Fruit preservation 1.45 XVI


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The data presented in Table 3 revealed that majority of the farm women prefer to receive training on specific areas like profitable farming of field crops (Rank I), family health and hygiene (Rank II) and storage of food grain and pulses (Rank- III).

CONCLUSION

From the above study it can be concluded that majority (53.00 %) of the respondents belongs to middle age group (36-50 Yrs.) and 62.00 per cent of total respondents were illiterate. Study also showed that majority (60.00 %) of the respondents were dealing with farming and animal husbandry as per their occupation. The majority of the

farm women prefer to receive training on specific areas like profitable farming of field crops (Rank I), family health and hygiene (Rank II) and storage of food grain and pulses (Rank- III).

REFERENCES

Durgga Rani V. and Subhadra M.R. (2009) Training needs of farm women in dairy farming, Veterinary world, Vol.2(6) : 221-223

Patel, R.N., Patel V.T. and Prajapati, M.M.(2013) Training needs of Dairy farm women in dairy farming practices, Guj. J. of Extn. Edn. :24: 39-41

Received : June 2014 : Accepted : October 2014


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Knowledge and Adoption of Tomato Growers About Improved Tomato production Technology

Sandeep Yadav1, R. R. Prajapati2 and M.R.Prajapati 3

1 Ex. P.G. Student, CPCA, SDAU, S.K.Nagar – 385 5062 Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Education, C. P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar- 385 506

3 Principal, C. P. College of Agriculture, SDAU, S.K. Nagar – 385506Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken in Jaipur district of Rajasthan state having largest area and highest production of tomato crop in comparison to other districts of the state. Two talukas viz., Amber and Chomu were selected randomly. Four villages from each taluka were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Total 120 respondents, 15 from each of the selected eight villages were selected randomly. The data were collected by personal interview. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were having medium level of knowledge, followed by low level of knowledge and high level of knowledge about improved tomato cultivation practices. While in case of adoption, majority of the respondents had medium level of adoption, followed by low level of adoption and high level of adoption of improved tomato cultivation practices. Major constraints facedbytomatogrowersinadoptionofimprovedtomatoproductiontechnologywere;fluctuatingmarketpriceoftomato,non-availabilityofqualityseedlings,lackofmarketingfacilitiesatnearbyvillage,andwererankedfirst,secondandthird,respectively.

Keywords: Tomato growers, Knowledge, Adoption, Constraints.

INTODUCTION

Horticulture sector covering only 8.00 per cent of total cropped area in the country and it contributes 24.50 per cent to G.D.P. and 54.55 per cent to export earning in agriculture sector. The tomato is having substantial contribution in agricultural economy of the Jaipur district of Rajasthan state. Tomato in the district is cultivated in 7875 hectares of land and production is 19231 metric tonnes. Tomato cultivation is sophisticated and location specific. It requires enough care right from sowing to post harvest operations. Necessary package of practices must be followed for better yield. It demands, complete knowledge of production and post harvest technology and it must be adopted by the farmers in right manner and at right time. Considering these facts, present study entitled “Knowledge and Adoption level of the Tomato Growers about Improved Tomato Production Technology in Jaipur district of Rajasthan State” was planned with following objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the personal, socio-economic, communicational and psychological characteristics of tomato growers.

(ii) To ascertain the knowledge level and adoption level of tomato growers about improved tomato production technology.

(iii) To identify the constraints faced by the tomato growers in adoption of improved tomato production technology.

METHODOLOGY

The study was undertaken in Jaipur district of Rajasthan state. Jaipur district having largest area and highest production of tomato crop in comparison to other districts of Rajasthan was purposively selected; two talukas viz., Amber and Chomu were selected randomly. Four villages from each taluka were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Thus, eight villages were selected randomly. From each village, fifteen respondents were selected randomly


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making a sample of 120 respondents.

The present study was confined to ex-post-facto research design. The data were collected with the help of structured pre-tested interview schedule. The data collected were analyzed, tabulated and interpreted in the light of objectives for arriving at meaningful interpretation. To measure the knowledge of the respondents about tomato production technology, a teacher made test was developed. The test consisted of items, the items were enlisted based on improved cultivation practices. Such items were then discussed with the research scientists and subject matter specialists and finally 89 items were included in the test. A score of one was assigned to correct answer and zero to incorrect answer. The knowledge index was then calculated for each respondent. The respondents were grouped into three levels of knowledge on the basis of their knowledge index viz., low, medium and high knowledge.

Adoption quotient for each respondent was calculated to measure his adoption of recommended tomato cultivation practices by using the scale developed by Sengupta (1967). Respondents were classified into three categories, low, medium and high level of adoption.

An open-ended question was asked to the tomato growers to know the constraints faced by them in adoption of improved tomato production technology. The frequency and percentage were computed for each of the constraints. Then, ranks were assigned to the constraints on the basis of percentage.


Knowledge level of tomato growers

Table 1: Distribution of the respondents according to their level of knowledge n=120

Sr. No. Category No. Per

cent

1 Low (below 67 score) 23 19.66

2 Medium (between 67 to 82 score) 79 68.83

3 High (above 82 score) 18 15.00

Mean = 74.91 S.D. = 7.70

The result in Table 1 clearly indicates that majority

(68.83 %) of the respondents were having medium level of knowledge. Whereas, 19.66 and 15.00 per cent of the respondents were found having low and high level of knowledge, respectively.

It is evident from the above data that majority of the respondents had medium level of knowledge. The probable reason might be their medium extension contacts and extension participation.

Adoption level of tomato growers

With a view to find out extent of adoption of scientific tomato cultivation practices, the tomato growers were asked to give the information about the package of practices adopted by them. On the basis of scores obtained by the respondents, the ‘Adoption Quotient’ was calculated for each respondent. Based on adoption quotient, respondents were classified into three categories. The classification of respondents in this respect is presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Distribution of the respondents according to their extent of adoption n=120

Sr. No. Category No. Per cent

1 Low (below 63 score) 19 15.83

2 Medium (between 63 and 79 score) 89 74.17

3 High (above 79 score) 12 10.00

Mean = 71.38 S.D. = 8.35

The result presented in Table 2 indicates that majority (74.17 %) of the respondents were found having medium level of adoption. On the other hand, 10.00 per cent of the respondents fall under the category of high level of adoption whereas, 15.83 per cent of the respondents were found having low level of adoption.

The probable reason might be that there is growing awareness about the advantage of the vegetable crop cultivation and gaining popularity day by day among the farming community.

Constraints faced by the tomato growers


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Table 3: Constraints faced by the tomato growers in adoption of improved tomato production technology n=120

Sr. No. Constraints No. Percent Rank1 Non-availability of quality seedlings 93 77.50 II2 Non-availability of labours 58 48.34 X3 High cost of labours 68 56.67 VIII4 Lack of timely technical guidance 82 68.33 IV5 Irregular supply of irrigation 63 52.50 IX6 Lack of marketing facilities at nearby village 85 70.83 III 7 Fluctuating market price of tomato 95 79.16 I8 Lack of marketing knowledge 70 58.33 VII9 Lack of knowledge about control measures of pests and diseases 74 61.66 VI 10 High cost of fertilizers and pesticides 79 65.83 V

As seen from the Table 3, major constraints faced by tomato growers in adoption of improved tomato production

technology were; fluctuating market price of tomato (79.16 %), non-availability of quality seedlings (77.50 %) and lack of marketing facilities at nearby village (70.83 %) and were ranked first, second and third, respectively. Whereas, lack of timely technical guidance (68.33 %), high cost of fertilizers and pesticides (65.83 %) and lack of knowledge about control measures of pests and diseases (61.66 %) were ranked fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. The remaining constraints viz., lack of marketing knowledge (58.33 %), high cost of labours (56.67%), irregular supply of irrigation (52.50 %) and non-availability of labours (48.34 %) and were ranked seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth, respectively.

It is inferred from the above discussion that fluctuating market price of tomato, non-availability of quality seedlings, lack of marketing facilities at nearby village, lack of timely technical guidance and high cost of fertilizers and pesticides were the major constraints in order of priority as reported by tomato growers in adoption of recommended tomato cultivation practices.

CONCLUSION

Majority of the respondents were having medium level of knowledge, followed by low level of knowledge and high level of knowledge about improved tomato cultivation practices. In case of, majority of the respondents had medium

level of adoption, followed by low level of adoption and high level of adoption. As regards constraints, fluctuating market price of tomato, non-availability of quality seedlings, lack of marketing facilities at nearby village, lack of timely technical guidance , high cost of fertilizers and pesticides, lack of knowledge about control measures of pests and diseases were important constraints faced by the tomato growers in adoption of improved tomato production technology.

REFERENCES

Rabari, S.N. (2006). A study on adoption of tomato recommended technology by tomato growers in Anand district of Gujarat state. Unpublished M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis, AAU, Anand.

Sengupta, T. (1967). A simple adoption scale used for farmers for high yielding programme of rice. Indian j. Extn. Edu., 3 (3): 107-115.

Vishnu K. (2012). Extent of adoption of recommended production technology of brinjal among the brinjal growers of Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Unpublished M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar.



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Motivational Sources and Knowledge of Farmers in Adoption of Drip Irrigation System

Surbhi Gauttam1, K. A. Thakkar2 and Sushi Suthar3

1 & 3 M.Sc. Student, Department of Extension Education, CPCA, SDAU, S.K. Nagar - 385 506 2 DEE, SDAU, S.K. Nagar 385 506


ABSTRACT

The present study was purposively undertaken in the two talukas viz., Danta and Amirgadh talukas underNAIP jurisdictionofBanaskanthadistrictofGujaratState.Thepresent studywasconfined toex-post-facto research design. Used motivational information sources by majority of the respondents were; friends, self experience, neighbours and village level worker. Knowledge about drip irrigation system was found to be medium among majority (67.50 %) farmers.

Keywords: Motivational Sources, Adoption, Knowledge, Drip Irrigation

INTRODUCTION

Water is one of the most crucial and precious natural recourses, vitally important for agricultural development and our daily needs. It is an indispensable resource that permits every aspect of human society and affects every man, woman and child. Intensified agriculture and outgrowing population are depleting the already scarce resource, “the water.” Although, water is manageable resource yet, it is often used in crop production quite which initially enters the lands and finally becomes available for crop use in fields. The solution to the water related problems is to evaluate the existing irrigation system so as to reduce the losses of this precious commodity and thereby increase its efficient use.

For increasing the agricultural production, the importance of irrigation is fully realized, but the proper use of water is seldom practiced in our country. The regularized and controlled irrigation increases crop production, reduce water cost, conserves soil, covers more area under irrigation and thus, brings prosperity at home.

Generally, farmers look for a method of irrigation, which is most efficient with less water, labour, fertilizer and power requirements. Among various irrigation methods, the drip irrigation system is the advanced method of irrigation to overcome the various problems of water losses and other to minimize problems such as labour, money and water

management. This method is rapidly gaining importance in the area where water is scare and high value crops are produced.

Drip irrigation is not a new method but developed all over the world during the last two decades. The countries, which have brought substantial area under drop irrigation, include U.S.A., Spain, Australia, South Africa, Israel and Italy.

In Gujarat State, North Gujarat regions are considered as dry farming areas. The availability of water for irrigation is extremely scare and irregular. Moreover, the quality of underground water is also not up to the desirable level. Also in some region there are some problems of scarcity as well as high water table resulting in salinity due to abundance of water. The specific objectives of this study were as under:

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know motivational sources for adoption of drip irrigation system among the farmers

(ii) To measure knowledge level of the farmers about drip irrigation system

The main idea behind present study was to know the adoption of drip irrigation system by the farmers of NAIP


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jurisdiction of Banaskantha district of North Gujarat. So far, very little studies on adoption of drip irrigation system by the tribal farmers were carried out in India and not much work in this direction has scientifically been done in Gujarat state also. Hence, tribal pockets of Banaskantha district have been included in the present study.

METHODOLOGY

The present study was conducted in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat Agro Climatic Zone of Gujarat state with the intension of evaluating the adoption of various aspects of drip irrigation system by the farmers. To get higher production with minimum cost and limited water resources,

the farmers of Banaskantha district have widely adopted drip irrigation system. Hence, Banaskantha district was selected.Among the 12 talukas of Banaskantha district two talukas viz., Danta and Amirgadh were purposively selected for the study as NAIP-III is operating in these talukas. In both the talukas, one cluster covering three villages is the operational area of the NAIP. Both the clusters were selected. After selecting villages, a list of the farmers who had adopted drip irrigation system was obtained from NAIP office/Agricultural Extension Office / village level workers. Form each village, 20 respondents were selected randomly. Thus, the final size of sample was of 120 respondents.

Table 1 : Distribution of the respondents according to motivational sources of information utilized by drip owners n = 120

Sr.No. Name of sources Total score Mean score Rank

A Formal sources1 Village Level Worker 134 2.17 IV2 Agril. Extension Officer 022 0.18 XXIII3 Subject Matter Specialist 027 0.22 XXI4 Agril. Scientist 033 0.27 XX5 Krishi Vigyan Kendra 046 0.38 XIX6 Farmer’s Training Center 070 0.58 XVII7 Service Co-operative Society 260 2.17 XII8 Fertilizer Depot 132 1.10 XIII9 Dist. Agril. Officer 008 0.07 XXIV

B Informal sources 10 Neighbors 293 2.44 III11 Friends 323 2.70 I12 Relatives 259 2.16 V13 Progressive farmers 235 1.96 VII14 Local leaders 023 0.19 XXII

C Mass Media 15 Radio 105 0.87 XIV16 Television 232 1.93 VIII17 News paper 238 1.98 VI18 Printed literature 181 1.51 IX19 Exhibition 076 0.63 XVI20 Agril. Fair 098 0.82 XV

D Others 21 Crop demonstration 168 1.40 X22 Self experience 314 2.61 II23 Field visit 146 1.22 XI24 Exposure visit 065 0.54 XVIII

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONMotivational sources of information utilized by drip owners

It is evident from the Table 1 that almost all the

enlisted sources had motivated the drip owners in adopting drip irrigation system. However, the source of viz., friends with the mean score 2.70 was ranked first followed by self experience (2.61 mean score), neighbours (2.44 mean score) and village level worker (2.17 mean score) and were ranked


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2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively. The respondents assigned 5th, 6th,

7th and 8th rank to the sources viz., relatives (2.16 mean score), news paper (1.98 mean score), progressive farmer (1.96 mean score) and television (1.93 mean score), respectively. Respondents assigned 9th and 10th ranks to the sources viz., printed literature (1.51 mean score) and crop demonstration (1.40 mean score), respectively. The sources viz., field visit (1.22 mean score), service co-operative society (1.12 mean score) and fertilizer depot (1.10 mean score) were ranked 11th, 12th 13th, respectively.

Remaining sources have motivated to less number of farmers or have been utilized occasionally and hence, their mean score was observed less than 1.00. Among formal category, such sources in descending order were; Farmer’s Training Center (0.58 mean score), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (0.38 mean score), Agricultural Scientist (0.27 mean score), Subject Matter Specialists (0.22 mean score), Agricultural Extension officer (0.18 mean score) and District Agriculture Officer (0.07 mean score).

Only local leaders (0.19 mean score) in informal category was found securing less than 1.00 mean score. In case of mass media, the sources with less than 1.00 mean score were; radio (0.87 mean score), exhibition (0.63 mean score) and agricultural fair (0.82 mean score).

Table 2 : Distribution of the respondents according to their level of knowledge about drip irrigation system n = 120

Sr. No.

Level of knowledge

No. Per cent

1 Low (up to 41.00 index) 19 15.832 Medium(between 42.00

to 64.00 index )81 67.50

3 High (above 64.00 index ) 20 16.67Mean = 52.6890 S.D. = 11.7656

It is evident from the Table 2 that majority (67.50 %) of the farmers possessed medium level of knowledge,

followed by 16.67 and 15.83 per cent of farmers possessed high and low level of knowledge about drip irrigation system, respectively.

Hence, it could be concluded that great majority (81.66 %) of farmers possessed medium to high level of knowledge about drip irrigation system.

CONCLUSION

In light of the above findings, following conclusions can be drawn. Friends, self-experience and neighbours were found to be the most important sources of motivation in adopting drip irrigation. The farmers possessed medium level of knowledge about drip irrigation system with medium level of adoption of drip irrigation system.

REFERENCES

Jat, A. K. (2010). “Knowledge and adoption of recommended wheat grain storage practices among the tribal farm women of Sabarkantha district of Gujarat state”. M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar.

Manohari, P. L. (2002). Utilization of information sources by the tribal farmers I Rampachodavarum agency Area : A Micro study. MANAGE Ext.Res.Rev., 3(2) : pp.132-133.

Suthar K. D. (2010). Socio-economic impact of drip irrigation system among the farmers of Sabarkantha district of Gujarat state, M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar.

Timbadia, C. K. (2001). A study on techno-socio-economic consequences of Drip Irrigation System among the farmers of Gujarat State. Ph.D. Thesis (Unpublished), Gujarat Agricultural University, Campus- Navsari.

Received : May 2014 : Accepted : October 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Vermicomposting is less labour-intensive than traditional plant composting because the worms do almost all of the work. All compost mixes microorganisms, organic matter and nutrients, but adding worms also improves soil structure. Due to the slime produced by worm bodies, nutrients stay in soil even after a good rain. Worm castings hold beneficial microorganisms longer than the traditional compost. Worms can eat up to half of their body weight per day and under optimal conditions-reproduce quickly, making vermiculture a self sustaining business.

Vermicomposting is the process of creating compost with worms, The worms are fed items like kitchen scraps, which they digest to crate castings that are used for a variety of applications. This process has multiple benefits.Beside housing beneficial microorganisms, worm castings protect the plants. Root diseases are reduced due to the diversity of organisms present; none of them becomes populous enough to cause damage.

Farm women play an important role in farm enterprises. Since immemorial women support to the family by earning and undertaking various type of work. Farm women are considered as invisible works force in various agricultural operations.According to NATP Annual Report (Anonymous, 2003), vermicomposting as enterprise has been promoted at centers like Udeaipur, Dharwad, Parbhani, Hisar,

New Delhi and Ludhiana, where more than 100 beneficiaries has been running this enterprise successfully and earning good amount of money.

Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out extend of participation level of farm women in production of vermicompost with the help of the following objectives to study the relationship between personal and socioeconomic characteristics of farm women with knowledge in production of vermicompost and to study the participation level of farm women about production of vermicompost.

METHODOLOGY

The present study was purposively undertaken in Navsari, Gandevi, Chikhali, Vansada&Jalalpore of Navsari district of Gujarat state as the considerable area is under vermicompost production existence in order to assess the knowledge level of farm women about production of vermicompost. Three villages from each Taluka were selected randomly. The list of farmers of selected villages was prepared with the help of Gramsevak of respective villages. The farmers from each village were arranged alphabetically and random sample of 10 farmers using vermocompost production were drawn by randomization. Thus, on the basis of random sampling, selected framers from each village were personally interviewed with the help of specially designed interview schedule. The data were subjected to ex-post-facto statistical design.

Farm Women Participation in Vermicompost Production

R.M.Naik1and B.M.Tandel2

1Assistant Extension Educationist,DEEoffice,NAU,NAVSARI – 396 4502 Subject Matter Specialist, KVK,NAU, Navsari - 396450


ABSTRACT

The present study was purposively conducted in Navsari, Gandevi, Chikhli, Vansda and Jalalporetalukas of Navsari District (Gujarat) being the considerable area under vemicompost production existence in order to assess the participation of farm women in production of vermicompost. Three villages from each taluka were selected randomly. Ten farm women from each village were selected as the respondents for the study. The ex-post-facto- statistical design was used for the present investigation. It was found that characteristics of the respondents like education land holding, annual income, socioeconomic status, source of information, social participation and extension contact had positive and significant relationship withparticipation level whereas age showed negatively relationship with participation in production of vermicompost.

Keywords: Farm women particpation, Vermicompost


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Level in production of vermicompost

Table 1: Distribution of respondents according to their participation in production of vermicompost n=150

Sr. No. Category No. Per cent1 Low 42 28.002 Medium 72 48.003 High 36 24.00

From Table 1, it is seen that half of the responemnts (48.00 per cent) were from medium participation level category while 28.00 per cent of women were in low participation level category. About 23.00 per cent of the farmwomen were belonging to high level category.

Practice wise participation in production of vermicompost

Table 2: Distribution of respondents according to their practice wise participation in production of vermicompost

n=50

Sr.No.

Practice Participation in production of vermicompostComplete Partial No

No. Per cent

No. Per cent

No. Per cent

1 Method of vermicompost making 128 85.33 12 8.00 10 6.672 Selection of earthworm species 92 61.33 48 32.00 10 6.673 Use of raw material for preparation of vermicompost pit 135 90.00 12 8.00 03 2.004 Size of vermicompost pit. 63 42.00 59 39.33 28 18.675 Preparation of pit. 21 14.00 124 82.67 05 3.336 Covering of pit. 131 87.34 11 7.33 08 5.337 Feed supply to earthworm 101 67.33 33 22.00 16 10.678 Application of water during preparation of bed 130 86.67 15 10.00 05 3.339 Separation of earthworm from vermicompost 07 04.67 135 90.00 08 5.3310 Sale of vermicompost 82 54.66 34 22.67 34 22.6711 Sale of earthworm 46 30.67 54 36.00 50 33.3312 Utilization of earning from production of vermicompost 28 18.67 12 8.00 110 73.33

A critical look at Table 2, revealed that the method of vermicopost making was decided by 85.33 per cent farm women completely, while 8.00 per cent of farm women were having partial participation, only 6.67 per cent farm women were showing no participation in this activity.

Regarding the selection of earthworm species, majority of farm women (61.33%) were completely participation followed by partial participation of 32.00% while only 5.83 per cent of the respondents were from non-participation

Regarding the use of raw material, majority of the farm women (90.00%) were completely using raw material while 8.00 per cent were partially using it and only 2.00 per cent respondents were showing no participation regarding use of the raw material.

In case of preparation of pit, majority (82.67%) of the farm women had shown partial participation followed while only 3.33% farm women were from no participation category, In case of application of water during preparation of bed, 86.67 per cent, 10.00 per cent and 3.33 per cent were found on complete, partial and not participating categories, respectively. In case of separation of earthworm from vermicompost, 90.00 per cent respondents had shown partial participation. It was further noticed that 54.66 per cent women sold vermicompost and in case of sale of earthworms, 30.67 per cent of farm women were completely involved.

Lastly, in case of utilization of earning from production of vermicompost, it was observed that majority (73.33 per cent) of farm women were completely utilizing it.


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Relationship of characteristics of farm women with their participation in production of vermicompost

It was found that characteristics of the respondents like education, land holding, annual income, socio-economic status, source of information, social participation and extension contact had positive and significant relationship with participation level whereas only age showed negatively significant relationship with participation in production of vermicompost.

Table 3: Relationship of personal and socio-economic characteristics of farm women with their participation in production of vermicompost n=50

Sr. No.

Characteristics ‘r’ Value

1 Age -0.545**2 Education 0.789**3 Land holding 0.328**4 Annual income 0.632**5 Socio-economics status 0.748**6 Social participation 0.731**7 Source of Information 0.677**8 Extension contact 0.681**

CONCLUSION

It was observed from the results that half (48.00 per cent) of the farm women were from medium level participation category. Only 24.00 per cent of farm women were from high participation category. The probable reason may be that the farm women have undergone training and realized the importance of vermicompost, It was found that characteristics of the respondent like education, land holding annual income, socio-economic status, source of information, social participation and extension contact had positive and significant relationship with participation level whereas age showed negatively significant relationship with participation in production of vermicompost.

REFERENCES

Anonymous (2003).Empowerment of women in agriculture. Annual Report, NATP Mission Project, Sept.2003.

EkatpureS.M.,KaleM.T., BodakeH.D. and Antwal P.N.(2011) study of the participation of farm women in production of vermicompost. Agriculture Update, Vol.6(2011). 14-16

Shinde C.R., Naaradkar, D.S.andPande, R.S.(2002), Farm women in agriculture entrepreneurship in Sangamner Tahsil of Ahamadnagar District. Abstract from National Seminar on entrepreneurship development on agriculture, Parbhani, March,2002-03,: 38.

Received : September 2014 : Accepted : December 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Agriculture has been a part of human life since the beginning of the human race and the need for agricultural information is probably almost as old as agriculture itself. Production of new technology is not the major problem now a day in our country. The agricultural scientists are capable of producing appropriate technology. The main problems as it exist today is that of diffusion and adoption of new farm technology among the farmers. Diffusion of knowledge is relatively an easy task.Getting people to understand, accept and apply is the difficult one.

Pulses have its characteristics like soil ameliorative properties and nitrogen fixing ability play an important role in sustaining soil health and water management. Its neglect in the cropping system has not only lead to soil sickness and break down in the sustainability of the production system but also lead to progressive decline in the productivity. Efforts are therefore needed to reintroduce pulses in cropping system to maintain sustainability of production system.

Relay cropping system is a common practice in the low level equilibrium farmers to insulate their investments against adversities of nature. The groundnut-pigeonpea inter-relay cropping system has been introduced through front line demonstration programmes from 1991-1992.This system proved that the relay Pigeonpea did not reduce the yield of groundnut. Encouraging results have popularized this system among the farmers of Saurashtra region where the main kharif crop is groundnut. The South Saurashtra Zone of Gujarat is characterized by the drought prone area where the monsoon is irregular, uneven and erratic in nature. The sole crops are not always secure so far as the production is concerned.Hence, the study was undertaken with the following specific objectives:

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the overall extent of technological gap in groundnut-pigeonpea inter-relay cropping system.

(ii) To study the practice wise technological gap in

Technological Gap Analysis in Adoption of Groundnut-Pigeonpea Inter-Relay Cropping System

G. R. Gohil1, J. G. Markana2, B. N. Kalsariya3

1 Assistant Extension Educationist, Office of DEE, JAU, Junagadh 362 001 2 PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh 362 001

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh 362 001Email Address : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted in South Saurashtra agro climatic zone of Gujarat state, to identify the technological gaps in adoption of groundnut pigeon-pea inter relay cropping production technology. The ex-post-facto research design was used for the study.The size of the sample was 120 respondents which were purposively selected from four villages namely MotimaradandPipliya from Dhorajitaluka of Rajkot district, and Datrana, Nagalpur from Mendradataluka of Junagadh district. The result of study shows that in case of overall technological gap, 65 per cent of farmers had medium technological gap followed by 18.33 per cent and 16.67 per centhad high and low technological gap about groundnut-pigeonpeacultivation technology, respectively. Whereas practice wise technology gap among various recommended technologies,there were high technological gap in plant protection (63.25%) followed by seed rate (47.73%), weed management (45.43%), irrigation (42.12%),sowingdistance(35.38%),chemicalfertilizers(32.50%),inter-culture(31.15%),gapfilling(24.86%)andimprovedvariety (23.33%). Further, limited of knowledge, lack of technical knowhow, non-availabilityof good quality of inputs at right time, sub-standard and costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides,lack of purchasing power, fear of crop loss etc were expressed as reasons for technological gap in adoptionof groundnut- pigeonpeacultivation practices.

Keywords : Technological gap, Groundnut growers, Inter relay cropping system


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groundnut-pigeonpea inter-relay cropping system.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in South Saurashtra agro climatic zone of Gujarat statewithex-post facto research design.The South Saurashtra agro climatic Zone is consisted of 25 talukas of four districts of the state having common agro-climatic conditions. Out of four districts, Rajkot and Junagadh were selected purposively,where the groundnut-pigeonpea inter-relay cropping system has already been adopted by the farmers/demonstrations organized by the Pulse Research Station, Junagadh. From the two districts, one taluka from each district was selected for the study. From each selected taluka, two villages Motimarad andPipliya from Dhorajitaluka of Rajkot district, and Datrana, Nagalpur from Mendradataluka of Junagadh districtwere selected by random sampling method. Thus, the total numbers of four villages were selected for the study.Totalnumbers of 120 farmers, 30 farmers from each selected village were selected by using

purposive random sampling technique with a condition that the farmers have adopted this cropping system at least since last two years.The data were collected through specially developed interview schedules.

To ascertain the practice wise technological gap in improved groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop production technology by the respondents, the improved practices were grouped under 13 major practices and practice wise score was assigned, making a total of 100. On the basis of the practice wise scores obtained by the respondents in adopting a particular practice, the mean score were worked out for all the practices. These mean scores were again converted into percentage for all the 13 practices and then difference between adoption and the recommended score for each practice in percentage were considered as technological gap of the recommended technology. On the basis of percent technological gap ranks were assigned to each practice.


Overall Technological gap

Table 1: Distribution of respondents according to their overall technological gap n=120

Sr. No. Category No. Per cent

1 Low technological gap (up to 17.81) 20 16.67

2 Medium technological gap (17.82 to 47.03) 78 65.00

3 High technological gap (above 47.03) 22 18.33

Mean=32.42 S.D.=14.61

The result of the Table 1 stated that nearly two third (65.00 per cent) of respondents possessed medium level of technological gap in groundnut - pigeonpea crop production technology followed by high (18.33 per cent) and low (16.67 per cent) technological gap in groundnut-pigeonpea crop production technology, respectively.

Therefore, it is clearly revealed from the findings of this study that skill required technologies are less adopted by the farmers, however adoption of easy and low cost technologies is higher, which might be the proper reason of observed findings.

Practice wise Technological gap

The result from the Table 2 shows that highest technological gap were found in plant protection measures

followed by seed rate, weed management, irrigation, sowing distance and chemical fertilizers got first, second, third , fourth, fifth and sixth ranked, respectively.

The probable reason for these finding might be that they had poor technical guidance as well as lack of proper knowledge about importance of plant protection measuresin groundnut Pigeon pea inter relay cultivation for higher production. Besides, the high cost of insecticides might be one of the reasons for high technological gap. In case of seed rate, about half of the respondents used seed rate as per the recommendation. The fear of poor seed germination may cause to use high seed rate as compared to recommendations. It might be also one of the reasons that according to the availability of irrigation facility they were keeping such type of the seed rate.


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Table 2 : Groundnut Pigeon pea inter relay grower practice wise extent of technological gap n=120

Sr. No. Name of the practices Total score (100)

Mean score obtained

Adoptionper cent

Technologicalgap

Per cent

Rank

1 Improved variety 15.00 11.50 76.67 23.33 IX2 Seed treatment 04.64 03.65 78.66 21.34 X3 Organic manure(FYM) 05.57 04.40 78.99 21.11 XI4 Chemical fertilizers 07.60 05.13 67.50 32.50 VI5 Seed rate 06.93 03.83 52.27 47.73 II6 Sowing time 10.40 08.42 80.96 19.04 XII7 Gap filling 05.27 03.96 75.14 24.86 VIII8 Sowing distance 06.87 04.44 64.62 35.38 V9 Inter-culture 05.33 03.67 68.85 31.15 VII10 Weed management 07.33 04.00 54.57 45.43 III11 Irrigation 11.23 06.50 57.88 42.12 IV12 Plant protection 08.73 03.20 36.65 63.35 I13 Harvesting/Threshing 05.07 04.88 96.25 03.75 XIII

Farmers were also very cautious about weed free field. Almost all the respondents’ preferred hand weeding only as compared to weedicides application. The hand weeding was also a cheaper as well as an effective operation in the area of study as compared to chemical weed control. The village co-operative/banks finance awareness about chemical fertilizers and high price of chemical fertilizers, as a result they could use the same fertilizers as per the recommendations.The respondents had poor knowledge about importance of irrigation schedule in groundnut Pigeonpea inter relay cultivation for higher production. Besides this, the farmers did not have sufficient irrigation facility.

Whereas less technological gap were observed in improved variety (23.33 per cent) followed by seed treatment (21.34 per cent), organic manure(FYM) (21.11 per cent), sowing time (19.04 per cent) and harvesting/Threshing (3.75 per cent) got 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th ranked, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that nearly two third of the groundnut-pigeonpea inter-relay crop growers(65.00 per cent)were fell in the category of medium technological gapin groundnut-pigeonpea crop production technology. The technological gap was found very high in practices namely, plant protection measures (63.35 per cent) followed by seed rate (47.73 per cent), weed management (45.43 per cent), irrigation (42.12 per cent), sowing distance (35.38) and chemical fertilizers (32.50 per cent) got first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth ranked, respectively. This might be due

to the facts that farmers do not possess proper knowledge about the recommended plant protection measures, sowing rate/doses of seed, doses of weedicide, organic manure,critical stages of irrigation and sowing distance. They were using more or less the recommended rate/dose of these practices.

Therefore, it is clearly revealed from the findings of this study that skill required technologies are less adopted by the farmers, however adoption of easy and low cost technologies is higher, which might be the proper reason of observed findings.

REFERENCES

Baidiyavadra, D.A. 1993. Knowledge, Technological gap and constraints of groundnut grower. M. Sc. (Agri.) thesis (unpublished). Gujarat Agricultural University, SardarKrushinagar.

Desai, D.J. and Thakkar, K.A. 1994. Study on technological gap in maize production among tribal farmers. Guj. J.Ext.Edu.IV&V: 201-205. 5.13

Kosambi, S.R.; Trivedi, M.S. and Popat, M.N. 2000.Technological gap in contact and non contact farmers in summer groundnut cultivation.Gujarat J.Ext.Edu.X&XI: 60-61.

Singh, P.& Singh, K. 2002.Technological gap in rapeseed and mustard cultivation in Bharatpur.Maharashtra J. Ext. Edu.21(1): 55–58.



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Opinion of Farmers About Information of Animal Husbandry Practices Given During Krishi Mahotsav

Arti N. Soni1 , Dipal N. Soni2 and H. B.Patel

1 SMS(Home Science), KVK, NAU, Vyara, Dist. Tapi - 394 6502 SMS(Home Science), KVK, NAU, Surat, Dist. Surat 395 007

3 Associate Extension Educationist, DoEE, AAU,Anand - 388 110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in jurisdiction of KVK, Mangal Bharti, Vadodara district. Total 10 villages were randomly selected in Sankheda taluka of Vadodara district. 10 respondents were randomly selected from each village,. Thus 100 respondentsof the studywerebeneficiary farmersofKrishiMahotsavprogrammewhich isorganizedeveryyearbyGovernment of Gujarat. The study was undertaken to know opinion of farmers about information on Animal Husbandry practices given during Krishi Mahotsav. The study revealed that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, the majority of farmers gained new knowledge about Animal Husbandry viz. time of colostrums to be given to a calf after birth, need of water and mineral mixture to be given to a milch animals everyday and how to increase milk productions in milch animals which was most useful for farmers. Whereas, majority of farmers had not gained any information regarding primary treatment of animal diseases and age of calf for consuming fodder which were useful to farmers. Therefore, it should be suggested that the detail information regarding Animal Husbandry practices should be given to farmers during Krishi Mahotsav programme.

Keywords : Animal husbandry practices, Opinion

INTRODUCTION

The Government of Gujarat celebrates the ‘Krishi Mahotsav programme with main aim to boost up the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal husbandry and allied production. A large numbers of farmers in Gujarat depend on Animal Husbandry for their livelihood. Thus, Animal Husbandry plays an important role in the rural economy. It is an integral part of crop farming and contributes significantly to household nutritional security. It also contributes to decrease poverty through increased household income. Looking to the importance of Animal Husbandry for farmers, the study was carried out to know the opinion of farmers about Animal Husbandry practices given.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the socio-economic characteristics of farmers

(ii) To know the opinion of farmers about information of Animal Husbandry practices given during Krishi Mahotsav

METHODOLOGY

The study was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangal Bharti in Vadodara district under middle Gujarat. Total 10 villages were randomly selected in Sankheda taluka of Vadodara district namely Hareshwar, Kasumbiya, Manjarol, Orwada, Bhuriyakuwa, Aritha, Aambapura, Sundarpura, Kathmandava and Ratanpur. From each village, 10 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Thus the total sample size of the respondents became 100. The data were collected through interview schedule and analyzed with frequency and percentage.


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Socio-economic characteristics of farmers

Table 1: Socio-economic characteristics of farmers n=100

Sr. No.

Socio-economic Characteristics No. Per cent

A Age(i) Young (18 to 35 years ) 13 13(ii) Middle (36 to 50 years ) 61 61(iii) Old ( above 50 years ) 26 26

B Education(i) illiterate 06 06(ii) Primary (1 to 7 std.) 47 47(iii) Secondary (8 to 10 std.) 32 32(iv) Higher Secondary (11 to 12 std.) 09 09(v) Graduate 06 06

C Type of family(i) Joint 41 41(ii) Nuclear 59 59

D Size of family(i) Small ( up to 2 members) 08 08(ii) Medium (3 to 4 members) 33 33(iii) Big (above 4 members) 59 59

E Membership in organizations(i) No membership 15 15(ii) Membership in one organization 62 62(iii) Membership in more than one organization 20 20(iv) Office bearer 03 03

F Size of land holding (Irrigated)(i) Land less 12 12(ii) Marginal farmers (below 1.0 ha) 46 46(iii) Small farmers (1.01 to 2.0 ha) 34 34(iv) Medium farmers (2.01 to 4.0 ha) 06 06(v) Big farmers ( above 4.0 ha ) 02 02

G No. of milch animals(i) up to 2 16 16(ii) 3 to 4 53 53(iii) above 4 31 31

H Annual income(i) up to ` 10,000/- 20 20(ii) `10,001/- to ` 20,000/- 19 19(iii) ` 20,001/- to ` 30,000/- 29 29(iv) ` 30,001/- to ` 40,000/- 20 20(v) above ` 40,000/- 12 12


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The data presented in Table No.1 revealed that the more than half of farmers (61.00 per cent) had in middle age group. Nearly two third (79 per cent) had an educated up to secondary and primary school level. 59.00 per cent farmers had nuclear family and big family size (above 4 members) It also revealed that the majority of farmers (80.00 per cent) belonged to marginal to small land holding categories, 53.00

per cent farmers had 3 to 4 numbers of milch animals. The data indicated that 29.00 per cent farmers had annual income of ` 20,001 to ` 30,000, while 20.00, 19.00 and 12.00 per cent of them had up to ` 30,001 to ` 40,000 & up to ` 10,000, ` 10,001 to ` 20,000 and above ` 40,000 annual income respectively.

Opinion of farmers about information of Animal Husbandry practices

Table-2: Opinion of farmers about information of Animal Husbandry practices given during Krishi Mahotsav

n=100

Sr.No.

ItemNot given

(%)1st time

known correct information

(%)

Usefulness(%)

Useful (%)

Most useful(%)

1 Animal Breeds 32 68 60 402 Primary treatment of Animal diseases 88 12 83 173 How to increase milk productions in milch animals 10 90 00 1004 Need of milk of calf 48 52 100 005 What to do if the respiration system is not working after

birth of a calf100 00 00 00

6 When to cut naval cord after the birth of a calf 100 00 00 007 Treatment to be given after cutting the naval cord 100 00 00 008 Time of colostrums to be given to a calf after birth 08 92 87 139 Reason of giving colostrums 43 57 89 1110 What to do if your buffalo/cow feels difficulty in calving 100 00 00 0011 Need of salt to be given to a new born calf 46 54 94 0612 Important fodder crop 35 65 68 3213 Age of a calf for consuming fodder 85 15 100 0014 The dehorning to a calf 100 00 00 0015 Balanced feed 12 88 00 10016 Concentrated CP to be given to milch animal 43 57 84 1617 Everyday Need of green fodder for a milch animal 25 75 23 7718 How often fodder be given to a milch animal during a

day?25 75 20 80

19 Need of dry fodder to a milch animal during a day 30 70 21 7920 Method of giving dry fodder 68 32 94 0621 Importance of chopped green + any fodder in mixed

form20 80 75 25

22 Need of concentrate food to milch animal as per production of milk/day

30 70 100 00

23 Need of concentrate to a advanced pregnant animal (after seven months pregnancy)

100 00 00 00

24 Need of mineral mixture to milking animal everyday 10 90 00 10025 Need of mineral mixture to pregnant animal everyday 100 00 00 0026 Need of water to be given to a milch animal everyday 10 90 00 10027 Which agricultural produce is convenient/suitable for

bed in the shed?100 00 00 00

28 Importance to clean the udder before milking 23 77 09 9129 Contagious diseases of animals 15 85 94 6


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Sr.No.

ItemNot given

(%)1st time

known correct information

(%)

Usefulness(%)

Useful (%)

Most useful(%)

30 Vaccination schedule in buffalo/cow 30 70 14 8631 Need to vaccinate 28 72 00 10032 Age of calf to give foot and mouth vaccine 28 72 17 8333 Name of medicine for dysentery disease for a calf 33 67 91 0934 Name of month of the vaccine for foot and mouth

disease.28 72 74 26

35 Month the vaccine for HS disease 30 70 79 2136 Month of the vaccine for BQ 100 00 00 0037 Frequency to give vaccine for BQ disease 100 00 00 0038 Frequency to give vaccine for Foot and Mouth and HS

disease.100 00 00 00

39 Symptoms of a buffalo/cow being in heat/estrus 55 45 100 0040 Time for conceiving of buffalo/cow after heat 100 00 00 0041 When should the buffalo/cow be served after calving? 58 42 95 0542 Artificial insemination 48 52 52 4843 Advantages of artificial insemination? 48 52 42 5844 What to do if buffalo/cow is not conceived by more than

3 inseminations100 00 00 00

45 No. of days buffalo/cow normally repeats heat cycle 100 00 00 0046 Average period of gestation in buffalo/cow 100 00 00 0047 Optimum dry period in a buffalo/cow 100 00 00 0048 Period of a milch animal to give milk after parturition 100 00 00 0049 When to examine for pregnancy diagnosis after service 57 43 65 3550 Age of buffalo/cow/crossbred heifer for breeding 100 00 00 0051 Milking process 50 50 100 0052 Pace for milking a buffalo/cow? 45 55 100 0053 Frequency to milk in a day for 10 to 15 liters of milk

producing animal49 51 100 00

54 Perfect time of milking 30 70 29 7155 Best method of milking 25 75 00 10056 Ideal space for a milking cow/buffalo? 100 00 00 0057 Ideal roof material for animal shed 100 00 00 0058 Light and air inside the shed 100 00 00 0059 Ideal floor material for animal shed 100 00 00 0060 Sources of contamination to milk 100 00 00 0061 Infection in human of TB/Anthrax/Brucellosis/JD from

animals100 00 00 00

62 Concept of comfortable housing 100 00 00 0063 Age of heifer to be calved 100 00 00 00

The data depicted in Table 2 revealed that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, the majority of farmers (92.00 per cent) gained information about time of colostrums to be given to a calf after birth which was useful to farmers. The data indicated that the majority of farmers (90 per cent) gained information about need of water and mineral mixture to be given to a milch animal everyday and how to increase milk productions in milch animals which was most useful for

farmers(100.00 per cent) followed by 88.00, 85.00, 80.00, 77.00, 75.00, 72.00, 70.00 per cent of the farmers gained information about balanced feed, contagious diseases of animals, importance of chopped green + any fodder in mixed form, importance to clean the udder before milking, need of green fodder for a milch animals everyday/ best method of milking, need for vaccination/age of calf to give foot & mouth vaccine/name of month of vaccine foe foot and


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mouth disease, need of dry fodder to milch animals/need of concentrate food to milch animals as per production of milk per day/vaccination schedule for buffalo-cow/month for vaccine for HS disease/perfect time of milking respectively.

The data presented in Table 2 indicated that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, majority of farmers (88.00 per cent) had not gained any information regarding primary treatment of animal diseases and 85.00 per cent of farmers had not gained information about age of calf for consuming fodder which was useful to farmers. It also showed that 68.00 per cent of farmers had not gained information about method of giving dry fodder which was useful to farmers (94.00 per cent).

The data indicated that about 50.00 to 58.00 per cent of respondents had not gained information regarding symptoms of cow/buffalo being in heat/estrus, serving of buffalo/cow after calving, examine for pregnancy diagnosis and milking process which were 95.00 to 100.00 per cent useful for farmers.

CONCLUSION

From the above results and discussion, it could be concluded that majority of the farmers (87.00 per cent) had in middle to old age group. Majority of farmers (79.00 per cent) had an education up to primary to secondary level. It was also observed that the majority of farmers (80.00 per

cent) belonged to marginal to small land holding categories, 53.00 per cent farmers had 3 to 4 numbers of milch animals. It could be found that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, the majority of farmers gained new knowledge about Animal Husbandry viz. time of colostrums to be given to a calf after birth, need of water and mineral mixture to be given to a milch animals everyday and how to increase milk productions in milch animals which was most useful for farmers (100.00 per cent). Whereas, majority of farmers (88.00 per cent) had not gained any information regarding primary treatment of animal diseases and 85.00 per cent of farmers had not gained information about age of calf for consuming fodder which were useful to farmers. It also observed that 68.00 per cent of farmers had not gained information about method of giving dry fodder which was useful to farmers (94.00 per cent). Therefore, it should be suggested that the detail information regarding Animal Husbandry practices should be given to farmers during Krishi Mahotsav programme.

REFERENCES

Khokhar, S.R.(2007) A study on adoption of dairy innovations by dairy farm women in Anand district, M.Sc.(Agri) Thesis( Unpuplished), AAU,Anand

Singh,M. and Chauhan, A.(2009) Adoption of animal husbandry practices by dairy owners. Indian J. of Dairy Sc. 62(2):119-125

Received : April 2014 : Accepted : September 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Globally, in 2010 the number of overweight children under the age of five is estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 35 million of these are living in developing countries like India. The main cause is increasing use of fast food due to westernization. The situation is more likely among children of well to do families. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. These diseases are largely preventable through balance diet and replacing the junk food (WHO 2011).

Bakery products are ready to eat food and could easily be modified (Kamaliya and Rema, 2003). Inclusion of many sources of food ingredients produce product with more balance nutrients. Various workers tried to incorporate different raw materialsto make it healthier (Rao 1993, Maraques et al. 2000, Smith et al. 1982).Different types of cookies are popular among all cross section of population particularly among children. Cookies with balanced nutrients

are fed to children as mid-day meal in some western countries.

Keeping this point in mind this study was planned with a view to develop standardized process for HB using various ingredients so as to containedmore or less all the nutrient. Thatwould serves three purposes i.e. provide healthy food to the community, add variety to bakery product, could be replaced the calorie dense cookies particularly among the children of well to do families.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To investigate the possibility of developing nutritionally balanced cookies,i.e. health bar, using various food ingredients.

(ii) To standardize the process parameters of health bar based on sensory and physical properties.

(iii) To analyse the nutritional composition of the developed product.

Standardization and Nutritional Evaluation of Health Bar

K. B. Kamaliya1, D. H. Patel2 and M. R. Prajapati3

1 Principal, Polytechnic in Food Science and Home Economics, FPTBE, AAU, Anand – 388 1102 Assistance Professor, Dairy Sicence College, AAU, Anand – 388 110

3 Assistance Professor, Polytechnic in Food Science and Home Economics, FPTBE, AAU, Anand – 388 110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Overweightandobesechildrenunderageoffiveincreasingamongwelltodofamiliesduetomoreconsumptionoffast food and are at high risk to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Bakery products are ready to eat food and couldeasilybemodified.Cookieswithbalancednutrientsarefedtochildrenasmid-daymealinsomewesterncountries.Thus study was planned with a view to develop standardized process for health bar (HB) using various ingredients. For that, process and formula was standardized using nine point hedonic scale followed by composite scoring test. Comparison of nutrient and cost was also carried out. A formula could be standardized using twenty one raw ingredients. Fat, saturated fat, MUFA, PUFA, Trans fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, calorie and sodium content decreased while protein, ash and iron content increasedinHBascomparedtocontrolbar(CB).ThustheHBmightbemorebeneficialinhighpercholestremia,stroke,heartattackandalsohelpfulinbonecalcification,heamoglobinformationascomparedtocommercialproducts.Cost price of the HB is higher than control bar. The HB could be sold out easily at a very high premium among higher income group people. That would help to improve nutritional status particularly of their children. Thus it can conclude that, ahealthbenefitedproduct could be developed.

Keywords :Health bar, Cookies, Bakery products, Childeren


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METHODOLOGY

The good quality raw materials were purchased from standard shops of the local marketof (India). That was checked for quality and cleaned using sensory organs, kept in air tight containers and used as and when needed.Control bar was prepared using commercial formula as recorded by Kamaliya and Kamaliya (2001).Process standardization with variation in mixing different ingredients, baking time and temperature, thickness and size for the experimental bar was carried out. Followed by formula standardization. That was carried out through sensory evaluation using nine-point hedonic scale for preliminary selection.The final standardization of HB was carried out using a composite scoring test.The performa used was prepared on the basis of the performa prescribed by Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).

Health bar was prepared in three replications using different levels of major raw ingredients and the comments received from the judges i.e. oat flour (OF), barley flour (BF), wheat flour (WF), ratio of OF and BF (main ingredients), raisins and honey (for sweetness), butter and oil (to improve oily taste), cinnamon (to minimize specific strong taste). The level of raw ingredient selected in such a way that the level found accepted during preliminary trials remains some were in middle.

A sensory evaluation was carried out on the next day by a judging panel constituted with five panelists from among the faculties of the School of Baking, Polytechnic in Food Science and Home Economics, College of Food Processing Technology as well as Dairy science. The evaluation carried out in day light illumination in a separate cabin provided for that purpose. The scores recoded by the judges in the score card provided to them. The panelists evaluated volume, crust colour and surface character, crumb colour, crumb texture, taste and aroma, mouth feel and overall acceptability. The developed product which scored the highest was considered as the ‘experimental product’ and was used for nutritional analysis.

Control Bar and selected HB were analysed for various nutrients using standard techniques into three replications. The economic analysis was carried out as per the procedure followed in the School of Baking. The production cost of bar was calculated by adding 50% of basic cost as overhead charges. All the data were tested for significance using the SPSS programme for ANOVA(Steel and Torry,

1960).


The final process for HBpreparation was standardized. The OF,WF and date were crushed into mixer. Barley flour, apricot, dry apple and raisins crushed separately. Almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts and watermelon seeds were broken down to small pieces. All three parts added into bowl. To that coconut powder, gingelly seeds and flax seeds were added. Finally cinnamon powder, salt, sodium bi carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate were added. Then liquid ingredients i.e. oil and butter were added and mixed into smooth dough. The dough was transferred into greased baking tray, pressed or rolled out into 10 mm thickness. Cut into rectangular shape like bar having 100 mm length and 25 mm width. Baked at 1300C temperature for 25 minutes. Allowed to cool slightly and transferred on cooling rack. The cooled bar packed in aluminum foil and stored at ambient room temperature till evaluated.

The results obtained using different levels of raw ingredients during preliminary trials indicated that main ingredients OF, BF and WF as well as raisinsand honey at 10%, while butter and oil at 5% and Cinnamon at 1% found acceptable. Thus the main ingredients OF, BF, WF, raisins and honey were incorporated at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % levels, butter and oil at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 % and cinnamon at 0, 0.5,1,1.5 and 2% levelsin the formula and evaluated for sensory acceptability. Later on OF and BF in the ratio (0+20%, 5+15%, 10+10%, 15+5%, 20+0%) were incorporated in the formula and evaluated for sensory characteristics.

It was found that the HB prepared using different levels of any of the raw ingredient had no significant difference. The difference in sensory score among various levels of incorporation was vary less. None of the experimental product produced scored below five, i.e. neither like nor dislike, for any of the characteristics. The range of ingredient incorporation in the formula was decided on the basis of primary selection carried out on nine point hedonic scale followed to preliminary trials might be the reasons for the similarity in the results. During both the techniques almost the best selection was taken place. The product scored the highest in the sensory characteristics considered as the standard formula. The final formula adopted is depicted as Table 1.


191

Table 1 : Standardized formula for health bar

Sr. No. Ingredients Per cent

1 Oats flour 10.0

2 Barley flour 10.0

3 Whole wheat flour 5.0

4 Dry apple 5.0

5 Raisins 10.0

6 Dates 10.0

7 Apricots 5.0

8 Almonds 3.0

9 Cashew nut 3.0

10 Walnuts 3.0

11 Coconut powder 3.0

12 Gingelly seeds 3.0

13 Watermelon seeds 3.0

14 Flax seeds 3.0

15 Cinnamon powder 1.0

16 Honey 12.5

17 Butter 5.0

18 Oil 5.0

19 Salt 0.1

20 Sodium bicarbonate 0.2

21 Ammonium bicarbonate 0.2

12 Gingelly seeds 3.0

13 Watermelon seeds 3.0

14 Flax seeds 3.0

15 Cinnamon powder 1.0

16 Honey 12.5

17 Butter 5.0

18 Oil 5.0

19 Salt 0.1

20 Sodium bicarbonate 0.2

21 Ammonium bicarbonate 0.2

Table 2 :Nutritional composition of control and health bar and their difference

Nutrient Control Bar Health Bar % Change

Moister (g) 11.34 ± 0.26 11.45 ± 0.45 0.95

Protein (g) 5.49 ± 0.21 8.28 ± 0.42 50.89

Total Fat (g) 23.78 ± 0.65 22.23 ± 0.45 [-6.52]

Carbohy drate (g) 58.93 ± 1.15 52.54 ± 1.37 [-10.84]

Calorie (K. Cal.)

471.61 ± 16.04

443.72 ± 10.87 [-5.91]

Dietary Fiber (g) 0.14 ± 0.02 3.61 ± 0.29 2540.79

Ash (g) 0.33 ± 0.02 1.89 ± 0.07 479.11

Saturated Fat (%)

9.92 ± 0.48 5.15 ± 0.04 [-48.08]

MUFA (%) 8.81 ± 0.34 5.87 ± 0.45 [-33.37]

PUFA (%) 8.69 ± 0.64 5.01 ± 0.37 [-42.35]

Trans Fat (%)

4.22 ± 0.28 0.16 ± 0.02 [-96.21]

Cholesterol (mg)

11.33 ± 0.39 0.15 ± 0.01 [-98.68]

Calcium (mg) 38.99 ± 0.07 120.10 ±

6.27 208.04

Phosphorus (mg) 72.73 ± 1.07 211.99 ±

11.11 191.49

Iron (mg) 1.28 ± 0.07 8.25 ± 0.45 544.77

Sodium (mg)

105.85 ± 0.52 95.92 ± 2.84 [-9.38]

Graph 1 : Percent change in nutritional composition of CB and HB


192

The nutritional value for proximate composition, fat-associated nutrients and selected minerals obtained for both CB and selected HB were indicated in Table 2. The difference in the nutritional value as percent change were calculated and indicated in the same table.

Mean of three replication ±SEM

Table 2 shows that, fat and associated nutrients like saturated fat, MUFA, PUFA, Trans fat, and cholesterol as well as carbohydrate, calorie and sodium content decreased in developed product and thus itmight be beneficial in highpercholestremia, stroke, heart attack as compared to commercial products. Protein, ash and major mineral content increased thus found more useful in bone calcification, heamoglobinformation as compared to commercial product. Thus it could be conclude that a health benefited product could be developed.

Cost price of the HB is higher than CB. The cost of ingredients used for the preparation of HB is quite high than used for CB. However, as per objective of the study the HB is developed targeting high society and therefore it could be sold out easily at a very high premium.

Conclusion :The good nutrients were increased while bad nutrients decreased in large quantity i.e. a health benefited product could be developed. This may be used as mid-day school meal or replaced presently consumed cookies

or biscuits particularly among children of well to do families. That might be useful to prevent them becoming obese and may save from lifestyle diseases.

REFERENCES:

Kamaliya KB and Rema S (2003) Nutritional modification of the bakery products. Processed Food Ind 7(1): 23-27.

Kamaliya MK and Kamaliya KB (2001) Baking Science and Industries. 1st edn. MK Kamaliya, Anand, India : 474 - 586.

Marques F, Bara PS and Narain N (2000) Development of some high-protein conventional foods based on wheat and oilseed flours. J Food SciTechnol 37(4): 394-399.

Rao PH (1993) Health bakery products. Indian Miller. 23(6): 9-18.

Smith CJ, Rosman MS, Levitt NS and Jackson WP (1982) Guar biscuits in the diabetic diet. S Afr Med J 61 (6): 196-198.

Steel RGD andTorrie HH (1960) Principles and Procedures of Statistics. McGraw Hill Co., New York.

www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/ cited on 24.02.2011

Received : July 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


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INTRODUCTION

India occupies the first position, both with regards to area and productivity of groundnut in the world. The oil content of the seed varies from 44 to 55 percent, depending upon the varieties and agro climatic condition. Its oil finds extension use as vanaspati ghee. It is also used in manufacturing soap, cosmetic and lubricants. Kernels are also eaten raw, roasted or sweetened which is rich in protein and vitamins A and B. Being a legume with root modules, it is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving the soil fertility. In the same way, pulses also play important role in sustaining soil health, water management,soil ameliorative properties and nitrogen fixing ability. Efforts are therefore needed to reintroduce pulses in cropping system to maintain sustainability of production system.Relay cropping system is a common practice in the low level equilibrium farmers to insulate their investments against adversities of nature. The groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system has been introduced through front line demonstration programmes from 1991-1992.This system proved that the relay Pigeonpea did not reduce the yield of groundnut. Encouraging results have popularized this system among the farmers of Saurashtra

region where the main kharif crop is groundnut. The South Saurashtra Zone of Gujarat is characterized by the drought prone area where the monsoon is irregular, uneven and erratic in nature. The sole crops are not always secure so far as the production is concerned.Hence the study was undertaken with following objectives:

OBJECTIVES

(i) To ascertain the association between dependent variable (technological gap) and their selected characteristics.

(ii) To predict the extent of variation in dependent variables caused by independent variables.

METHODOLOGY

The study was carried out in South Saurashtra agro climatic zone of Gujarat,because it occupies highest area as well as production in the state. In this study, ex-post facto research design was used. The South Saurashtra agro climatic Zone is consisted of 25 talukas of four districts of the state having common agro-climatic conditions. Out of four districts, Rajkot and Junagadh will be selected purposively,where

Correlates of Adoption of Recommended Groundnut Pigeonpea Inter-Relay Crop Production Technology by Farmers

G. R. Gohil1, B. N. Kalsariya2and J. G. Markana3

1 Assistant Extension Educationist, Office of Directorate of Extension Education, JAU, Junagadh -360001 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh. – 362 001

3 PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh -362 001Email : [email protected]

The groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is the most popular oilseed crop in India, whereas peogeonpea is the major pulse crop. Out of total area of 86.72 lakh hectare under groundnut in India, Gujarat covers 6.95 lakh hectare with production of 25.95 lakh tonnes. A study was undertaken in South Saurashtra agro climatic zone of Gujarat state, to identify the technologi-cal gaps in adoption of groundnut pigeon-pea inter relay cropping production technology. The ex-post-facto research design was used for the study. The study was conducted in four villages namely Motimarad andPipliya from Dhorajitaluka of Rajkot district and Datrana, Nagalpur from Mendradataluka of Junagadh district. Thestudy sample consisting 120 respondents whichwerepurposivelyselected fromselectedvillages.Thefindingsrevealed that theselected independentvariablesviz.education,knowledge,socialparticipationandyieldindexwerenegativeandsignificantlyassociatedwithtechnologicalgapof groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system.The direction of relationship was negative which clearly indicated that the level of technological gap decreases with increase in the level of education. The calculated ‘t’ value for partial regression co-efficientwasnegativeandsignificantwithknowledgeindexandequivalentyieldlevelontechnologicalgapofgroundnutpigeon pea inter relay crop growers.

Kyewords : Groundnut growers, Adoption, Crop production technology


194

the groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system has already been adopted by the farmers/demonstrations organized by the Pulse Research Station, Junagadh. From the two districts, one taluka from each district was selected for the study. From each selected taluka, two villages Motimarad and Pipliya from Dhorajitaluka of Rajkot district, and Datrana, Nagalpur from Mendradataluka of Junagadh district were selected by random sampling method. Thus, the total numbers of four villages were selected for the study. Total numbers of 120 farmers, 30 farmers from each selected village were selected by using purposive random sampling technique with a condition that the farmers have adopted this cropping system at least since last two years.The data were collected through specially developed interview schedules.Total 12 independent variables namely, age, education, size of land holding, annual income, cropping intensity, irrigation potentiality, knowledge, extension participation index, social participation, risk preference, occupation and yield level about the groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system were computed for determining correlation co-efficient in order to find out their relationship with the dependent variable, namely, technological gap. The formula used for measuring the technological gap was as follows:

T.G.=(R-A) x

100R

Where,

T.G. = Technological gap for each practice for each respondents

R = Recommended score for each practice

A = Adoption score of relative practice

The co-efficient of correlation (‘r’ values) were calculated. The research hypotheses in null form were derived for testing the association and their significance in zero order correlation.


Correlates of technological gap of groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system by the farmers

Table 1 reveals that the selected independents variable viz. education, knowledge, social participation and yield index were negative and significantly associated with technological gap of groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system.

Table 1 : Zero order correlation co-efficient between technological gap and selected independent variables n = 120

Sr. No. Independent variables

Correlation coefficient

(r)X1 Age 0.1426 NSX2 Education -0.4773**X3 Size of land holding -0.0162 NSX4 Irrigation index -0.0288 NSX5 Cropping intensity 0.1020 NSX6 Income -0.1086 NSX7 Occupation 0.0189 NSX8 Social Participation -0.2144*X9 Extension participation -0.0415 NSX10 Risk preference -0.0323 NSX11 Knowledge -0.6339**X12 Yield Index -0.2993**

NS = Non-significant * = Significant at 0.05 level ** = Significant at 0.01 level Critical value 0.05 level= ± 0.1792 Critical value 0.01 level = ± 0.23.53

The direction of relationship was negative which clearly indicated that the level of technological gap decreases with increase in the level of education. This might be due to the fact that educated respondents had perceived this cropping system with relative case, as it is well known that education is a panacea to all the social evils. In case ofsocial participation,negative relationship clearly indicated that the level of technological gap decreases with increase in the level of social participation.It might be due to that more social participation provides more in-depth information and better understanding to the respondents which lead to develop the confidence among the farmers to adopt the improved practices.

In knowledge, the direction of association was negative and significant which indicated that with increase in knowledge of the respondents, the technological gap decreased.It is also due to the fact that as a result of higher knowledge of groundnut pigeon pea production technology, the respondents might have adopted more improved technologies, which resulted in higher adoption and lower the technological gap. In the same way, the higher the level of knowledge about the groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop production technologies encourage the farmers to adopt the


195

recommended technologies would resulted in increasing crop yield.

Extent of variation in technological gap caused by selected independent variables

The correlation co-efficient was only gives the

degree and direction of association but does not focus on the predictive ability of independent variables. Whereas, multiple regression analysis to determine their relative contribution and to predict the extent of variation in technological gap. The predictability of the model was calculated as the co-efficient of multiple determination (R2).

Table 2 : Multiple regression analysis between Technological gap of respondents and their independent variables n = 120

Sr. No

Independent variables Partial‘b’ value

‘t’ value for(d.f.= 118)

Standard partialBeta ‘b’

Rank order

X1 Age -0.0755 -0.7950ns 0.0690 VIIIX2 Education 0.3010 -0.8260ns 0.0895 VIX3 Size of land holding 1.2074 0.1741ns 0.1741 IIIX4 Irrigation index 0.0287 0.6150ns 0.0457 IXX5 Cropping intensity 0.0606 0.9320ns 0.0768 VIIX6 Income 0.0005 -1.2520ns -0.0233 XIX7 Occupation 4.0101 1.9430ns 0.1627 VX8 Social participation 0.1801 -0.3390ns -0.0256 XX9 ExtensionParticipation 0.0117 0.2040ns 0.0152 XIIX10 Risk preference 0.5475 1.9280ns 0.1720 IVX11 Knowledge 2.7533 -6.2250** -0.5668** IX12 Yield Index 0.1104 -2.2830* -0.1742* II

R2 = 0.4876 NS= Non-significant * = Significant at 0.05 level ** = Significant at 0.01 level

Table 2 clearly indicated that the calculated ‘t’ value for partial regression co-efficient was negative and significant at 1 per cent level of probability in case of knowledge only. The yield index (equivalent yield level) (-2.2830) was negative and significant at 5 per cent level of probability, while remaining variables did not show significant effect on technological gap of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop growers.

Further, it could be inferred that the total contribution of these twelve variables was 48.76 per cent of variation in technological gap of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop growers.In the order of contribution that knowledge index(0.5668) was the highest contributions on technological gap of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop growers followed by equivalent yield level (0.1742), size of land holding (0.1741), risk preference (0.1720), occupation (0.1627), education (0.0895), cropping intensity (0.0768), age (0.0690), irrigation index (0.0457), social participation (0.0256), income (0.0233) and extension participation (0.0152).

This clearly shows that by proper management

of these important variables, the technological gap could be minimized considerably which would result in higher production of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop as well as to increase the extent of area under this system.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the education, knowledge, social participation and yield index were negative and significantly associated with technological gap of groundnut-pigeon pea inter-relay cropping system.The calculated‘t’ value for partial regression co-efficient was negative and significant at 1 per cent and 5 per cent level of probability with knowledge and equivalent yield level on technological gap of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop growers, respectively.

From above finding, it might be due to that the level of technological gap decreases with increase in the level of education because education is a panacea to all the social evils.Farmers are more contact, they get more information which lead to develop the confidence among the farmers to adopt the improved practices.Proper management of knowledge and equivalent yield level, as a result the technological gap


196

could be minimized considerably which would result in higher production of groundnut pigeon pea inter relay crop as well as to increase the extent of area under this system.

REFERENCES

Bhati P S (2002) Association between the technological gap in recommended mustard production technology and selected independent variables. Maharashtra J. Ext. Edu.21 (1): 96–104.

Kar, S.; Bandyopadhyay, A. K.; Goswami, K. K. (2003). Technological gap in potato cultivation in some selected areas of Hoogly District. Journal of Interacademicia.7 (4): 461-465.

Kumar Satish, G.D. and Devidayal. (2002). Effect of socio -economic and psychological factors on adoption of improved technology by groundnut farmers of Junagadh district of Gujarat. Extended summaries Vol.2 second International Agronomy Congress Nov.26-30, New Delhi India p. 1455-1457.

Murthy, Radhakrishna, (1990). Factors associayted with

the knowledge of cotton growers’ of Guntar district (A.P.) Maharastra J.Ext.Edn.IX:1-184.

Patel, A.J. and Trivedi, J.C. (1996). Technological gap among the tribal farmers.Gujarat J. Ext. Edu.VIVII : 61-66

Patel, R.C. (1988). Extent of adoption of groundnut production technology and constraints experienced in adoption by groundnut growers of Junagadh district of Gujarat state. M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis(Unpublished), Gujarat Agricultural University, SardarKrushinagar.

Sharma, R.K. and Sharma, Durga, Dass. (1988). Relationship between contact farmer’s socio-personal traits and knowledge of wheat production practices. Indian J. Ext. Edn. XXIV(3&4):67-70.

Singh, Bhagwan&Chauhan K N K (1996) Technological gap in recommended mustard production technology. Agri. Ext. Rev.8 (3): 29–30.



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Technological Gap in Adoption of Recommended Maize Seed Production Practices by the Maize Seed Producers

B.S. Patel1, U.M. Patel2 and K.V. Chaudhary3

1 Training Associate, T & V System, DEE, AAU, Anand – 388 1102. Programme Coordinator, KVK, AAU, Dahod – 389 151

3. P.G. Student, Department of Extension Education, BACA, Anand – 388 110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The low yield of maize seed could be attributed to the fact that the farmers have not still adopted all the recommended cultivation practices of the crop to the desired extent, in spite of continuous efforts of the extension workers. Apart from this seedreplacementratioalso influence theproduction.Due to lacking in technicalknow-howof seedproduction, theseedproducers do not reach to the expected level of seed production. The present study was conducted in Dahod district with randomly selected 120 maize seed producers. The practice wise technological gap observed in adoption of recommended maize seed production technology were chemical weed control, seed treatment with fungicide and seed treatment with bio-fertilizer. The overall technological gap combining all the practice was observed 34.05 per cent in adoption of recommended maize seed production practices. The independent variables studied viz., education, mass media exposure, innovativeness, marketorientation,economicmotivationandknowledgehadnegativeandsignificantcorrelationwithoveralltechnologicalgapofmaizeseedproducers,whereasageofthemaizeseedproducershadpositiveandsignificantcorrelationwithoveralltechnological gap.

Keywords : Technological gap, Adoption, Maize seed producers

INTRODUCTION

Technological gap primarily depends upon the transfer of an application of technology by making the use of available resources. It is intimately related with the application of science and technology in the farming. Therefore, increase in agricultural production, economic and social benefits are directly dependent on the extent to which farmers use the improve technology. Its success is frequently dependent on an understanding of the society in which it is to take place, knowledge of the social and cultural factors that conditioning farmers’ responsiveness to technological change and the ability to obtain willing cooperation of the people involved.

The importance of quality seed has been recognized from the time immemorial. Seed quality has been treated as sacred, being an important factor in the improvement of agriculture and grain societies. The low yield of maize seed could be attributed to the fact that the farmers have not still adopted all the recommended cultivation practices of the

crop to the desired extent, in spite of continuous efforts of the extension workers. Apart from this seed replacement ratio also influence the production. Due to lacking in technical know-how of seed production, the seed producers do not reach to the expected level of seed production.

The seed yield gap depends upon technological gap and the extent of technological gap in different production components of the technology contributes differently to the yield gap. The present study was undertaken with the following specific objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the extent of technological gap in adoption of recommended maize seed production practices by the maize seed producers

(ii) To know the relationships between the characteristics and technological gap in adoption of recommended maize seed production practices by the maize seed producers.


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METHODOLOGY

Dahod district is comprised of seven talukas. Out of these, four talukas were selected purposively for the study, where maize seed production programme was undertaken during last three years. Three villages from the each taluka was selected purposively where maize seed production programme was undertaken Thus, total twelve villages were selected for the present study. A comprehensive list of the maize seed producers were obtained from district agriculture officer Dahod. The name of all maize seed producers were arranged in alphabetical order of each village separately. From this list, 10 maize seed producers were selected randomly for the study. Thus, 120 maize seed producers were selected for the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSION

Component wise average technological gap in adoption of recommended maize seed production technology

It could be inferred from the Table 1 that the practice wise technological gap observed in adoption of recommended maize seed production technology in descending order of rank were chemical weed control (60.00per cent, Rank-I), seed treatment with fungicide (51.66 per cent, Rank-II), seed treatment with bio-fertilizer (50.00 per cent, Rank-III), disease management (45.00 per cent, Rank-IV), application of nitrogenous fertilizer after sowing (44.58 per cent, Rank-V), application of nitrogenous fertilizer (43.34 per cent, Rank-VI), insect control (43.33 per cent, Rank-VII), thinning (40.00 per cent, Rank-VIII), irrigation (35.84 per cent, Rank-IX), interculturing (35.41 per cent, Rank-X), spacing (35.00 per cent, Rank-XI), hand weeding (33.95 per cent, Rank-XII), time of sowing (29.00 per cent, Rank-XIII), application of FYM (28.75 per cent, Rank-XIV), application of phosphatic fertilizer (27.50 per cent, Rank-XV), harvesting (23.75 per cent, Rank-XVI), rouging (15.00 per cent, Rank-XVII), land preparation (13.00 per cent, Rank-XVIII) and seed rate (0.00 per cent, Rank-XIX).

Table 1 : Component wise average technological gaps in adoption of recommended maize seed production technology n=120

Sr. No. Different components of maize seed production technology Technological gap (per cent)

Rank

1 Land preparation 13.00 XVIII

2 Time of sowing 29.00 XIII

3 Seed rate 00.00 XIX

4 Seed treatment with fungicide 51.66 II

5 Seed treatment with bio-fertilizer 50.00 III

6 Spacing 35.00 XI

7 Application of FYM 28.75 XIV

8 Application of nitrogenous fertilizer 43.34 VI

9 Application of Phosphatic fertilizer 27.50 XV

10 Application of nitrogenous fertilizer after sowing 44.58 V

11 Thinning 40.00 VIII

12 Inter-culturing 35.41 X

13 Hand Weeding 33.95 XII

14 Chemical weed control 60.00 I

15 Irrigation 35.84 IX

16 Rouging 15.00 XVII

17 Insect control 43.33 VII

18 Disease management 45.00 IV

19 Harvesting 23.75 XVI

Overall technological gap (Average) 34.05


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The overall technological gap combining all the

listed practice was observed 34.05 per cent in adoption of

recommended maize seed production practices.

Overall technological gap in adoption of recommended

maize seed production practices

The data in Table 2 clearly indicate that less than two-

third (65.00 per cent) of respondents had low technological

gap, followed by medium (32.50.per cent), very low (02.50

per cent) technological gap in adoption recommended

maize seed production practices, respectively. None of the

respondents had high and very high technological gap in

adoption recommended maize seed production practices.

Table 2 Distribution of the respondents according to

their overall technological gap in adoption of

recommended maize seed production practices.

n=120

Sr.

No.

Overall technological gap No. Per cent

1 Very low (0 to 20 per cent) 03 02.50

2 Low (21 to 40 per cent) 78 65.00

3 Medium (41 to 60 per cent) 39 32.50

4 High (61 to 80 per cent) 00 00.00

5 Very high (81 to 100 per cent) 00 00.00

The possible reasons for this might be that the

farmers could not get the message of seed production

technology in time in acceptable form. Further, farmers

might have tried their best to use and adopt the maize seed

production technology but some constraints might have

hindered them to do so, and hence technological gap might

have observed.

The another reason might be that poor education,

low income, small and marginal farmers, low mass media

exposure and low extension participation of maize seed

producers were responsible for overall technological gap.

Relationship between selected characteristics of the maize seed producers and their overall technological gap in adoption of recommended maize seed production practices

It can be concluded from Table 3 that the independent variables studied viz., education, mass media exposure, innovativeness, market orientation, economic motivation and knowledge had negative and significant correlation with overall technological gap of maize seed producers, whereas age of the maize seed producers had positive and significant correlation with overall technological gap. Rest traits viz., whereas farming experience in maize seed production, annul income, size of land holding, extension participation, scientific orientation, risk orientation, had negative and non-significant relationship with the overall technological gap in adoption of maize seed production technology.

Table 3 Relationship between the profile of maize seed producers and their overall technological gap in adoption of maize seed production technology

Sr. No.

Independent VariablesCorrelation Coefficient(‘r’ value)

1 Age 0.365*

2 Education -0.280*

3 Farming experience in maize seed production

-0.070NS

4 Extension participation -0.173 NS

5 Mass media exposure -0.210*

6 Size of land holding -0.046 NS

7 Annual income -0.086 NS

8 Scientific orientation -0.036 NS

9 Risk orientation -0.097 NS

10 Innovativeness -0.194*

11 Market orientation -0.227*

12 Economic motivation -0.195*

13 Knowledge regarding maize seed production technology

-0.183*

* Significant at 0.05 level of probability NS = Non Signinificant


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CONCLUSION

The technological gap observed in adoption of recommended maize seed production technology were chemical weed control, seed treatment with fungicide and seed treatment with bio-fertilizer. The overall technological gap combining all the practice was observed 34.05 per cent in adoption of recommended maize seed production practices. The independent variables studied viz., education, mass media exposure, innovativeness, market orientation, economic motivation and knowledge had negative and significant correlation with overall technological gap of maize seed producers, whereas age of the maize seed producers had positive and significant correlation with overall technological gap.

REFERENCES

Kumar, Vijay, Khalache, P. G. and Gaikwad, J. H. (2008). A study of the extent of technological gap in adoption of paddy cultivation technology by the respondent paddy growers of Sitamarhi district of Bihar state and their suggestions. Agriculture Update; 3(3/4):290-292.

Patel, R. M. (2007). Discriminate functional analysis of technological gap of tribal maize growers of Vadodara district of Gujarat state. Ph.D. Thesis (Unpublished), AAU, Anand.

Patel, Y. V and Padheria, M. M. (2010). Extent of technological gap and its relationship with Situational, Socio-economic, Psychological and Communicational characteristics of safflower growers. Indian Res. J. Extn. Edu,10 (2) May, 2010.

Received : July 2014 : Accepted : October 2014


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INTRODUCTION

Farmers are always in need of information for improving their own level of living. In India, it is very difficult to contact each and every farmer in a limited time, where more than 90 crore people are scattered in about 33 crore sq.kms. of land including hills and forest areas. The individual contact method cannot disseminate agricultural information speedily. Hence, the mass media with their tremendous speedy range and force of impact offer the greatest possibility for effective communication of agricultural technology. In the 21st century, the widening reach of mass communication methods such as radio, television, videos and print media offer good prospects for its effective utilization in disseminating agricultural information (Farrington et al., 1998). Written materials/publications are regarded as very credible sources of information in rural areas. Among various print media, farm magazine being published at a regular intervals pertained latest agriculture technology and recommendations which is the most reliable source to the farming community, providing improved package of practices of different crops and other allied fields. Among various print media, farm magazine contains technology and recommendations in local languages and dialects, which makes it more popular for the practical utilization on the field of the farmers. The farm publications are

designed to provide precise and reliable scientific information in simple language and interesting style of presentation. To meet the information need of the farming people, newspapers and magazines are the important print materials being used by extension workers to promote adoption of innovations among farmers. Increase in the production is the final goal of any technology which could be only possible through print media. Jaljivan farm magazine is being published regularly since October 2010 by Gujarat Green Revolution Company Ltd. (GGRC), at Vadodara with a circulation of 5000 copies per month during 2013-14 throughout Gujarat. The aim of the magazine is to disseminate and popularize scientific methods of irrigation. In this farm magazine, the information of irrigation technology is published as per the need of the farmer. This magazine mainly contains information regarding efficient use of irrigation water and to reduce production cost. Hence it is named as JAL=water, JIVAN=life i.e “JALJIVAN”. Looking to its popularity, it is necessary to ascertain the impact of JALJIVAN farm magazine (JFM) on gain in knowledge regarding selected agriculture technology of JFM subscriber farmers. It was necessary as very few scientific and systematic efforts have been made in the past by researchers in this direction. This study tried to understand the Gain in Knowledge of Jaljivan Farm Magazine Subscriber

Gain in Knowledge of Jaljivan Farm Magazine Subscriber Farmers

Sunny Jani1, Mahesh R. Patel2 and Arun Patel3

1. Ex. PG Student, IDEA, AAU, Anand – 388 1102. Assoc. Ext. Educationist, EEI, AAU, Anand – 388 110

3. Director, EEI, AAU, Anand – 388 110Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The farm magazine is one of the important media to disseminate agricultural information to the farming community. “Jaljivan farm magazine” is being published regularly since October 2010 by Gujarat Green Revolution Company ltd., Vadodara,withthemainaimtodisseminateandtopopularizethescientificmethodsofagricultureinfarmingcommunity.Nota single research work had been carried out in the past to know the gain in knowledge of selected agriculture technology of subscriber farmers. Looking to this, the present investigation was carried out to study the Gain in Knowledge of Jaljivan Farm MagazineSubscriberFarmersinPorbandarDistrict.Theresultofthisstudyrevealedthatthesignificantgaininknowledgeof JFM subscriber farmers regarding selected agriculture technology. The Study also indicated that the independent variables likeage,education,socialparticipation,marketintelligencehadpositiveandsignificantrelationshipwithgaininknowledgeof the JFM subscriber farmers towards selected agriculture technology.

Keywords: Jaljivan, Subscribers, Gain in knowledge


202

Farmers in Porbandar District with the following specific objective:

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the profile of JFM subscribers and non- Subscribers

(ii) To know the knowledge of JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers

(iii) To know the Impact of Jaljivan farm magazine in terms of gain in knowledge of the respondents

METHODOLOGY

The present study was conducted in Porbandar district of the Gujarat state. From Porbandar district, all the three talukas Porbandar, Ranavav and Kutiyana were selected and four villages having more than ten JFM subscriber farmers were selected purposively from each taluka. The simple random sampling was adopted for selection of respondents from each village. Thus, 20 JFM subscriber farmers were selected from the four villages per taluka. In this way, total 60 JFM subscriber farmers were selected from all the three talukas of Porbandar district. The equal number of non-subscriber farmers were selected as per above said method from the list of Panchayat office. Thus, 60 JFM subscriber farmers and 60 non-subscriber farmers were selected for

making a sample size of 120 respondents.

Comparison approach was followed to know the change implicit through the JALJIVAN farm magazine among the JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers. The data were collected by personal interview with the help of interview schedule.

The dependent variable undertaken in this study was gain in knowledge regarding selected agriculture technology. Total 11 independent variables chosen for the study were age and education as personal variables, social participation as social variable, Market intelligence as economic variables, Scientific orientation, Innovativeness, Risk-preference, Economic motivation, Reading behaviour, as psychological variables and Mass media exposure, Extension participation as communication variables, respectively.

The dependent and independent variables were measured by using suitable scales and procedures adopted by various researchers. An interview schedule was developed by keeping in view the objectives of the study. The collected data were classified, tabulated and analysed in order to make the findings meaningful. The statistical measures such as percentage, mean score, standard deviation, coefficient of correlation, two sample independent t-test and knowledge index were used.


Profile of JFM Subscribers and non- Subscribers

Table 1: Profile of subscribers and non-subscribers n=120

Sr.No.

Characteristics JFM Subscribers (n=60) Non-Subscribers (n=60)No. Per cent No. Per cent

1 AgeYoung (up to 30 years) 07 11.67 12 20.00 Middle (31 to 50 years) 35 58.33 30 50.00Old (Above 50 years) 18 30.00 18 30.00

2 EducationIlliterate 00 00 05 8.33Primary education (up to VII Std.) 07 11.67 13 21.67Secondary education(VIII to X Std.)

13 21.66 19 31.67

Higher Secondary (XI and XII Std.) 18 30.00 11 18.33College education 22 36.67 12 20.00

3 Social-participation No membership 04 6.67 21 35.00Membership in one organization 24 40.00 19 31.67Membership in more than one organization 17 28.33 12 20.00Holding position in an organization 15 25.00 08 13.33


203

Sr.No.

Characteristics JFM Subscribers (n=60) Non-Subscribers (n=60)No. Per cent No. Per cent

Very Low(Up to 2) 06 10.00 16 26.67Low (2.01 to 4.00) 10 16.67 11 18.34Medium (4.01 to 6.00) 21 35.00 23 38.33High(6.01 to 8.00) 18 30.00 05 8.33Very high (8.01 to 10.00) 05 8.33 05 8.33

The Table-1 Shows that Majority of the JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers (58.33 per cent and 50.00 per cent, respectively) belonged to middle age group. Nearly half of the JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers (51.66 per cent and 50.00 per cent, respectively) were educated up to high school to higher secondary level, while more than one-third (36.67 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers had college education against 20.00 per cent in non-subscriber farmers group. Two-fifth

(40.00 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers and 31.67 per cent of non-subscriber farmers were having membership in one organization while one-fourth (25.00 per cent) of subscriber and 13.33 per cent of non-subscriber having holding position in an organization, respectively. It can be concluded that a majority (73.33 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers had medium to very high level of market intelligence whereas a majority of non-subscriber farmers (83.33 per cent) had very low to medium level of market intelligence.

The information presented in Table 2 reveals that none of the JFM subscriber farmer and 08.33 per cent of non-subscriber farmers were in the category of very low level of knowledge, whereas only one (1.67 per cent) subscriber farmer and one-fifth (20.00 per cent) non-subscriber farmers were having low knowledge while, 23.33 per cent of subscriber farmers and more than half (56.67 per cent) non-subscriber farmers were belong to medium knowledge. Morever 40.00 per cent of subscriber farmers and 10.00 per cent of non-subscriber farmers were having high level of knowledge, whereas 35.00 per cent of subscriber farmers and

05.00 per cent of non-subscriber farmers were having very high knowledge.

From above it can be said that great majority (98.33 per cent) JFM subscriber farmers and majority (85.00 per cent) of non-subscriber farmers had medium to very high and medium to very low level of reading knowledge respectively.

The probable reason for this might be the informative content of the Jaljivan farm magazine regular reading of which made subscriber farmers knowledgeable.

Impact of Jaljivn farm magazine

Table-3 Impact of Jaljivan farm magazine in terms of gain in knowledge of the respondents n=120

Knowledge mean score Difference Per cent Increase

t-value Knowledge Index

Subscribers (n=60)

Non-subscribers (n=60)

22.13 14.73 7.4 51.59% 8.235** 48.46 %** Significant at 0.01 level of probability

Gain in knowledge of the respondents

Table 2 : Knowledge of JFM subscriber farmers and JFM non-subscriber farmers n=120

No. KnowledgeJFM Subscribers(n=60) Non-subscribers(n=60)

Frequency Per cent Frequency Percent1 Very Low (Up to 06) 00 00 05 8.33 2 Low (6.01 to 12) 01 1.67 12 20.00 3 Medium(12.01 to 18) 14 23.33 34 56.67 4 High (18.01 to 24) 24 40.00 06 10.00 5 Very high (24.01 to 30) 21 35.00 03 05.00

Perusal of the Table 3 indicated that JFM subscriber farmers had 22.13 knowledge mean score out of total 30 score, while non-subscriber farmers had 14.73 knowledge mean score out of total 30 score. Here the difference in knowledge

mean score of JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers is observed to be 7.4. It means that JFM subscriber farmers had 51.59 per cent increase in their knowledge as compared to non-subscriber farmers. Morever, calculated


204

knowledge index shown in table 15 reveal that there is 48.46 per cent gain in knowledge in JFM subscriber farmers.

The calculated ‘t’ value (8.235**) shown in Table 15 indicates highly significant impact on gain in knowledge of selected agriculture technology of the JFM subscriber farmers.

It means that significant impact of JALJIVAN farm magazine was observed in improving knowledge of selected agriculture technology of the JFM subscriber farmers. The probable reason for above finding might be the information published in the JALJIVAN farm magazine expanded knowledge to the JFM subscriber farmers regarding selected agriculture technology.

Relationship between Independent Variables and Gain in Knowledge

Table 4 : Relationship of independent variables with gain in knowledge regarding selected agriculture technology n=60

Sr. No.Independent

VariablesCorrelation coefficient

(r)X1 Age 0.596**X2 Education 0.706**X3 Social participation 0.854**X4 Market intelligence 0.383**

** Significant at 0.01 level of probability

The Table 4 indicated that the independent variables like age, education, social participation, market intelligence had positive and highly significant correlation with gain in knowledge of JFM subscriber farmers towards selected agriculture technology.

CONCLUSION

More than half (58.33 per cent and 50.00 per cent ) of the JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers, respectively belonged to middle age group. Nearly half (51.66 per cent and 49.99 per cent) of the JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers were educated up to high school to higher secondary level, respectively. While more than one-third (36.70 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers had college education against 13.30 per cent in non-subscriber farmers group. Two-fifth (40.00 per cent) of

JFM subscriber farmers and nearly one-third (31.67 per cent) of non-subscriber farmers were having membership in one organization while one-fourth (25.00 per cent) of subscriber and 13.30 per cent of non-subscriber having holding position in an organization. It can be concluded that majority (73.33 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers had medium to very high level of market intelligence where majority (83.33 per cent) of non-subscriber farmers had very low to medium level of market intelligence.

From conducted study it can be said that great majority (98.33 per cent) of JFM subscriber farmers and majority (85.00 per cent) of non-subscriber farmers had medium to very high and medium to very low level of knowledge, respectively. JFM subscriber farmers had 22.13 knowledge mean score out of total 30 score while non-subscriber farmers had 14.73 knowledge mean score out of total 30 score. Here the difference in knowledge mean score of JFM subscriber farmers and non-subscriber farmers was observed 7.4. It means that JFM subscriber farmers had 51.59% increase in their knowledge as compared to non-subscriber farmers. Moreover, calculated knowledge index is 48.46%. The independent variables like age, education, social participation, market intelligence had positive and highly significant correlation with gain in knowledge of JFM subscriber farmers towards selected agriculture technology.

REFERENCES

Farington, J., Suleman, R. and Pal, S. (1998). Improving the effectivenss of agricultural research and extension in India, policy paper No., NCAEPR , New Delhi and Overseas Development Institute, London.

Patel, J. R. (2012). Impact of “Krushijivan” farm magazine pertaining to cognitive domain on subscribers, M.Sc(Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), AAU, Anand

Patel, B. T. , Soni, N. V. and Dabhi, R. A. (2002). Role of Farm Magazines in 21st Century. Seminar on Transfer of Agricultural Technology in 21st Century, GAU, Sardar Krushinagar : 5-7.

Soni, N. V. (2005). Impact of Krushigovidhya Farm Magazine on Subscriber Farmers Ph.D, Thesis (Unpublished), AAU, Anand.

Received : March 2014 : Accepted : Novmber 2014


205

INTRODUCTION

India is well known throughout the world as the ‘Land of spice’ because it possess favorable climatic conditions suitable for the growth and development of spices, Whereas, Gujarat and Rajasthan are known as the bowl of seed spices. India is largest producer of cumin seed and it is cultivated on 6.43 lacs hectares land with a production of 12.47 thousand tones in the year 2008-09. The cumin seed were exported to the tune of 13750 tonnes valued worth Rs. 12280 lacs during the year 2008-09 (Anonymous, 1). The prevailing world wide demand for seed spices, India contributes 55.7 per cent of the total. The seed spices account for about 36% and 17% of the total area and production of spices in country (O.P. Aishwath et al, 2011).

The main objective of Front Line Demonstrations is to demonstrate newly released crop production and protection technologies and its management practices in the farmers’ fields under different agro-climatic regions farming

situations. While demonstrating the technologies in the farmers field, the scientist are required to study the factor contributing higher crop production, field constraints of production and thereby generate production data and feedback information. Front Line Demonstrations are conducted under the close supervision of scientists of the National Agricultural Research System comprising of ICAR Institute, National Research Centre, Project Directorates, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agricultural Universities and its regional research stations. Front Line Demonstrations are organized in a block of 2 to 5 hectares involving all those farmers whose plots fall in the identified demonstration block. Only critical inputs and training are provided from the scheme budget, remaining inputs are supplied by the farmers themselves. The purpose is to be convince extension functionaries and farmers together about the potentialities of the technologies for further wide scale diffusion and Front Line Demonstration are used as a source of generating data on factors contributing higher crop yield and constraints of production under various farming situation.The improved technology packages were also

Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on the Yield of Cumin

K. N. Sondarva1, R. M. Parmar2 and P. J. Jaiswal3

1 SRF, SSNNL, Agricultural School, JAU, Halvad - 363 3302 Agriculture Officer, Agricutural School, JAU, Halvad - 363 3303 Assistant Professor. Agricultural College, JAU. Amreli - 365 601


ABSTRACT

he sardar sarovar Projct has been established in October 2010 at Agricultural School, JAU, Halvad with the financiallysupportofsardarsarovarprojectcommandArea(PhaseII).Thebroadobjectivesof thisproject is todevelopsoundsoilandwatercropmanagement technologyapply forefficientuseof irrigationwateratcriticalstagesofcropaswell as through Micro Irrigation System and for sustained soil health for the medium black soil with clayey texture and sodic nature soil of the Bhal area in middle of Gujarat. Cumin is one of the most important oilseeds crop in India, which plays a major role in supplementing the income of small and marginal farmers of Surendranagar district in Gujarat. The front line demonstrations were allocated with recommended practices of Nutrient management, Pest management and Irrigation management for the cumin crop. One of the major constraints of existing Cumin farming is low productivity due to non-adoption of recommended package of practices and improved varieties. To replace this anomaly, Agricultural school, had conducted32 frontlinedemonstrations toadopted farmers’fields.CultivationpracticescomprisedunderFLDviz.,useofimproved variety, balanced application of fertilizers and control of Cumin aphid through insecticide at economic threshold levelandefficientlyuseofirrigationwaterthroughMISshowedthataverageof39.48%increaseintheyieldofCuminoverlocal check during the course of study from 2010-11 to 2012-13.

Keywords : Front line demonstration, Cumin, Impact


206

found to be financially attractive. Yet, adoption levels for several components of the improved technology were low, emphasizing the need for better dissemination (Sharma, 3). Several biotic, abiotic and socio-economic constraints inhibit exploitation of the yield potential and these needs to be addressed.

The state-wise yields obtained both under improved technology and farmer’s practice ranges from 5 to 12 q/ha between states and the national average being 13 q/ha. Keeping the above point in view, the FLD on cumin using new crop production technology was started with the objectives of showing the productive potentials of the new production technologies under actual farm situation over locally cultivated cumin crop (Meena et al, 2011)

METHODOLOGY

The present study was carried out by the Agricultural School under Junagadh Agricultural University, Halvad three consequently years during rabi season from 2010-11 to 2012 -13 with 32 demonstration with total area covered with 12.8 ha at farmers’ fields of Halvad taluka villages viz., Juna Devaliya, Shaktinagar, Charadava, Ishanpur, Juna Amrapur, Raysangpur, Sapakada, Sundaribhavani Ranjitgadh Sukhpur, Devipur, Vegadvav and Halvad of Surendranagar district in

Central Zone of Gujarat. In total 32 frontline demonstrations in 12.8 ha area. Materials for the present study with respect to FLD and farmer’s practices were given in the Table 1.

In case of local check plots, existing practices being used by farmers were followed. In general, soils of the area under study were sandy loam to loamy sand and medium to low in fertility status. The FLD was conducted to study the gaps between the potential yield and demonstration yield. In the present evaluation study, the data on output of Cumin cultivation were collected from FLD plots, besides the data on local practices commonly adopted by the farmers of this region were also collected. In demonstration plots, a few critical inputs in the form of quality seed, balanced fertilizers, agro-chemicals etc. were provided and non-monetary inputs like timely sowing in lines and timely weeding were also performed. Whereas existing practices were maintained in case of local checks. The demonstration farmers were facilitated with proper improved cultivation practices by Junagadh Agricultural University scientists in performing field operations like sowing, spraying, weeding, harvesting etc. during the course of training and visits. The technologies demonstrated are mentioned in Table 1 and compared with local practices.

Table1 : Particulars showing the details of Cumin cultivation under FLD and existing practices during year 2010-11 to 2012-13

Sr. No.

Treatment Variety of seed

Existing Practices Improved Practices

1 Nutrient Management GC-4 DAP 50 kg/ha + Urea 25 kg/ha +ken 25 kg/ha + FYM 5 ton/ha.

P2O5 /ha 15kg+ N/ha 30 kg + FY M 6 ton/ ha. + Azotabector 2.5 lit.

2 Pest management GC-4 6 - 7 sprays of insecticide for controlling the Aphid and Thrips

Dimetheat 30EC @ 10ml/10 Lt., Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 4 ml/10 Lt, Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 2g/10 Lt, Thiame-thoxam 25% WG @ 4g/10 Lt. at ETL of the above pests.

3 Irrigation Manage-ment

GC-4 5 Irrigations by Flood. 4 irrigations at sowing, 10 DAS, 37 DAS, 59 DAS, and 80 DAS During crop growing stag-es of cumin.

(1) Collection of soil samples and analysis for the requirement of supplemental nutrient for the crop.(2) Use of seed GC.4, an improved variety released from SDAU, Dantiwada. Line sowing by country plough followed by

thinning.(3) Fertilizer application FYM at the rate of 6 ton/ha + 15 Kg P2O5 for addition of Phosphourus and 30 Kg N in form of

Urea and 2.5 liter of Azotobector.(4) Control of pest in Cumin Dimetheat 30EC @ 10ml/10 Liter, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 4 ml/10 Liter, Acetamiprid 20

SP @ 2g/10 Liter, Thiame-thoxam 25% WG @ 4g/10 Liter at ETL of the above pests.


207

The steps followed for the Frontline demonstration to the farmers


Table 2 : Exploitable productivity, extension gap, technology gap and technology index of Cumin as grown under FLD and existing package of practices n=32

Year No.of

FLD

Area(ha)

Yield(q/ha)

% Increase

over Existing Practices

Extension Gap

(q/ha)

Technology Gap

(Kg/ha)

Techno-logy Index (%)

FLD Existing Practices

2010-11 04 1.6 8.98 7.00 28.33 1.98 4.02 30.90

2011-12 14 5.6 8.99 7.32 22.81 1.67 4.01 30.852012-13 14 5.6 9.76 8.23 18.68 1.54 3.24 24.90

Gujarat is the second largest producer of Cumin in India with major 10 districts in Gujarat produce cumin, thus raw material will be readily available for the proposed unit. The production of spices is likely to increase in the coming years, with irrigation facilities made available through Narmada Canal System, in spices growing area of Central and North Gujarat. Results of 32 frontline demonstrations conducted during consequent years i.e., 2010-11 to 2012-13 in 12.8 ha area in the farmer’s fields of 13 selected villages of Surendrenagar district indicated that the cultivation practices comprised under FLD viz., use of improved variety (GC 4), line sowing, balanced application of fertilizers (N:P @ 30:15 kg/ha-1and FYM @ 6 ton ha-1) ,control of cumin aphid and thriphs through insecticide at economic threshold level and efficient use of irrigation water through MIS produced on an average 23.02 % more yield of cumin as compared to local check (7.52 q/ha).

The results indicate that the Frontline Demonstration as given a good impact over the farming community of Surendranagar district as it is motivated by the new agricultural technologies applied in the Frontline Demonstration fields. Data further showed that the yield of cumin in the following years increased successively which clearly speaks of the positive impact of Front Line Demonstration over existing practices of cumin cultivation (Table 2) and it also shows that the gap between FLD practices and local practices decreases that is the benefit derived from the allocating the farmers field as well as on station farmer’s training. Moreover from first year onward farmers co-operated enthusiastically in carrying out of Front Line Demonstrations which lead to encouraging results in the subsequent years.

The technology gap observed (depicted in figure) may be attributed to the dissimilarity in the soil fertility status

and weather conditions. Hence, variety wise location specific recommendation appears to be necessary to minimize the technology gap for yield level in different farming situations. The highest extension gaps which ranged froth 1.98 q/ha to 1.54 q/ha during the period of study emphasized the need to educate the farmers through various means for the adoption of improved agricultural production technologies.

More and more use of latest production technologies with high yielding varieties will subsequently change different this alarming trend of galloping extension gap. The new technologies will eventually lead to the farmers to discontinuance of old varieties with the new technology. The technology index shows the feasibility of the evolved technology at the farmer’s fields. The lower the value of technology index more is the feasibility of the technology. As such, reduction of technology index from 30.90 (2010-11) to 24.90 % (2012-13) exhibited the feasibility of technology demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

From the above results and discussion it can be concluded that knowledge level and adoption level of the farmers enhanced after imparting training and conducting FLDs by Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd Project of Agricultural Demonstration Activities in SSP Command area Phase-II. Agricultural School is working as a knowledge hub for latest agricultural technology in Surendranagar district. The frontline demonstration conducted on cumin at farmer’s fields in Surendranagar district of Gujarat revealed that the farmers can get increased cumin yield by following the recommended package of practices. It can improve the quality as well as productivity of the cumin. The productivity gain under FLD over farmer’s practice created awareness


208

and aggravated the other farmers to adopt scientific crop management and high yielding variety of cumin in the district. This study suggests for conducting intensive trainings, FLDs and effective use of all means of extension education to educate the cumin growers for higher production of cumin and to increase net return on sustainable basis.

Thus, it can be concluded that timely training and well framed frontline demonstration conducted under the close supervision of scientists is one of the most important tool of extension to demonstrate newly released crop production and protection technologies and its management practices in the farmers’ field under different agro-climatic regions and farming situations. Trainings and FLDs are playing important role in motivating the farmers for adoption of improved agriculture technology resulting in increasing their yield and profits.

REFERENCES

Anonymous (2009). Vital Agricultural Statistics, Directorate of Agricultural, Pant Bhawan, Jaipur: 56.

O. P. Aishwath, M.M. Anwer, S. N. Islam , M. A. Khan, R. K. Kakani and Krishna Kant, (2011). Expert System for Effective Selection of Seed Spices Varieties,

International J. Seed Spices 1 (1), June 2011:88-94.

Jaitawat, V. S. (2006). Knowledge and adoption of improved cumin production technology in Jodhpur region of Rajasthan. Ph.D. Thesis, R.A.U., Bikaner, Campus : SKN, COA, Jobner.

M. L. Meena and Dheeraj Singh. (2011). Impact of front line demonstrations on the yield of cumin in arid zone of Rajasthan, International J. Seed Spices 1 (1), June 2011:77-80.

Sharma, K. D. (2004). Impact of front line demonstrations in adoption of improved Soybean cultivation practices. RJEE, vol. 4 (1&2): 15-17.

Singh, D. K., Gautam, U.S. and Singh, R.K. (2007). Study on yield gap and level of demonstrated crop production technology in Sagar district, IRJEE, Vol.7 (2&3): 94-95.

Singh, S. N., Singh, V.K., Singh, R.K. and Singh, Rakesh K. (2007). Evaluation of On-Farm Front Line Demonstrations on the yield of mustard in central plains zone of Uttar Pradesh. IRJEE, Vol. 7 (2&3): 79-81.

Received : May 2014 : Accepted : October 2014


209

Technology Utilization Behaviour of Paddy Growers

H.N.Maheriya1, R.C.Patel2 and J.B.Patel3

1 P.G.Student, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand - 388 110 2 Retired Associate Professor (Extension), A/44-Kubernagar Society Kapadwanj

Dist- Kheda(Gujarat) 3 Associate Professor, Department of Extension Education, BACA, AAU, Anand - 388 110

E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Present study was conducted in purposively selected of Khambhat and Tarapur taluka of Anand district of Gujarat state. One hundred and twenty (120) paddy growing farmers were selected by proportionate random sample method from randomly selected ten villages of selected taluka. An interview schedule was developed for collection of data. Respondents were interviewed personally. The data were coded, processed, tabulated and analyzed in light of the objective of the study. Results indicates that, 41.66 per cent of the respondents were comes under the category of above average technology utilization behaviour in paddy cultivation. Looking to the practice wise technology utilization behaviour it is observed that majority of the respondent had medium level of technology utilization behaviour in nursery management, time and spacing, fertilizer and irrigation and pest and diseases control measures respectively.

Keywords: Technology utilization behaviour, Paddy growers

INTRODUCTION

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important staple food crop

grown worldwide. It belongs to Family Poaceae and Genus

Oryzae. It is the most important food crop of the world, next

to wheat for human consumption. Rice is one of the most

important cereal crops of the country. In Gujarat most of the

area under rice crop is confined to middle and south Gujarat

comprising the districts of Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Dahod,

Godhra, Ahmadabad, Surat, Valsad, Dang and Navsari. Paddy

is one of the important commercial crops of Anand district

having with total area of 87700 hectares with total production

of 1.85 million tones (Anon 2011). Khambhat and Tarapur

are major rice growing taluka of the district. Majority of

the farmers in the area has undertaken the cultivation of

paddy since a very long time. Considering this facts present

study was conducted with a view to identify the behaviour

of the paddy growers in utilization of recommended paddy

production technology.

METHODOLGY

To identify the technology behaviour of the paddy growing farmers 120 respondents were selected by proportionate random sampling technique from 10 randomly selected villages of khambhat and Tarapur taluka of Anand district. An interview schedule based on objective of the study was developed and respondents were personally interviewed for collection of information. Frequency, percentage, standard deviation and mean were used to analyze the data to draw the meaningful conclusion.

OBJECTIVES

To know the technology utilization behaviour of paddy growers


210


Technology untilization behaviour

Table 1 : Distribution of paddy growers according to their overall technology utilization behaviour.

n=120

Sr.No.

Level of technology utilization behaviour

No. Percent

1 Very low (up to 20 per cent ) 10 08.33 2 Low(21 to 40 per cent) 10 08.33 3 Average (41 to 60 per cent) 30 25.00 4 Above average (61 to 80 per cent) 50 41.66 5 High (Above 80 per cent ) 20 16.66

Table 1 indicated that 41.66, 25.00 and 16.66 per cent of the respondents were comes under the category of above average, average and high overall technology utilization behaviour in paddy cultivation. While equal (08.33 per cent) of each had very low and low technology utilization behaviour.

Traditional attitude towards new farm technology due to low level of education, poor or no contacts with extension agencies and poor economic condition due to limited sources of income might be possible reasons for low and very low technology utilization behaviour. Above average and high technology utilization behaviour might be due to sincere efforts of NGOs and extension agencies in study area.Practice wise technology utilization

Table 2 : Practice wise technology utilization behaviour of paddy grower n-120

No. Technology Frequency Percent Mean S.D1 Nursery management 8.06 2.59

Low(up to 5.48 score) 20 16.66Medium (5.49 to 10.66 score) 75 62.50High (above 10.66 score) 25 20.83

2 Time and spacing 4.11 1.41Low(up to 2.7 score) 25 20.83Medium(2.8 to 5.51 score) 65 54.16High(above 5.51 score) 30 25.00

3 Fertilizer and irrigation 7.84 2.37Low(up to 5.46 score) 33 27.50Medium(5.47 to 10.20 score) 78 65.00High(above 10.20 score) 09 07.50

4 Weed management 2.69 1.15Low(up to 1.54 score) 60 50.00Medium(1.55 to 3.83 score) 52 43.33High(above 3.83 score) 08 06.66

5 Plant protection (a) Pest control 7.68 2.18Low(up to 5.5 score) 20 16.66Medium(5.6 to 9.8 score) 70 58.33High(above 9.8 score) 30 25.00(b) Disease control 7.65 2.51Low(up to 5.14 score) 55 45.83Medium(5.15 to 10.15 score) 65 54.16High(above 10.15 score) 10 08.33

Looking the data presented in Table 2 shows that among various paddy cultivation technology: (1) majority (62.50 per cent) respondent had medium level of technology

utilization behaviour followed by 20.83 per cent and 16.66 per cent high and low level of technology utilization behaviour of nursery management. (2) So far time and spacing is


211

concerned more than half (54.16 per cent) of the respondent had medium level and 25.00 and 20.83 per cent had high and low level of technology utilization behaviour. (3) In case of fertilizer management 65.00, 27.50, 07.50 per cent of the respondents had medium, low and high level of technology utilization behaviour. (4) Majority (50.00 per cent) of the respondents had low level of technology utilization behaviour of chemical weed control. (5) In case of plant protection measure in paddy cultivation 58.33 per cent and 25.00 per cent respondents had medium and high level of technology utilization behaviour in pest control. While of 54.16 and 45.83 per cent of the respondent paddy growers had medium and low level of technology utilization behaviour in disease control. Poor technology utilization might be due to lack of knowledge about recommendations, lack of finance and high charges of farm inputs.

CONCLUSION

It could be inferred that majority of the paddy growers had above average to average overall technology utilization behaviour. Looking to the practice wise technology utilization behaviour majority of the respondent paddy grower had medium level of technology utilization behaviour in practices like nursery management, time and spacing, fertilizer and irrigation , weed management and control measures against pests and diseases control , respectively

REFERENCES

Bhosale U.S.(2010).Participation of rural youth in paddy farming in Anand district of Gujarat state. M.sc (Agri.) Thesis (Unpublished), AAU, Anand.

Desale M.M. (2009). Extent of Adoption of Hybrid Castor production technology by the farmers in Kheda district of Gujarat state. M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (unpublished), AAU, Anand.

Maheriya H.N. (2013) Technology Utilization Behavior of Paddy growers in Anand district of Gujarat State M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis (unpublished), A.A.U, Anand.

Parmar P.B. (2006). A study on knowledge and extent of adoption of paddy growers about recommended paddy production technology in Khambhat taluka of Anand district. Unpublished M.Sc (Agri) Thesis, AAU, Anand.

Valand B.S. (1997). Impact of Integrated Pest Management on Kharif Paddy Growers in Kheda District of Gujarat State. M.Sc. (Agri.) thesis (Unpublished), GAU, S.K.Nagar.



212

Opinon and Usefulness of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Perceivedby Groundnut Growers

J.R. Patel1 and R.N. Patel2

1.Ph.D Scholar , Department of Agricultural Extension, CPCA, SDAU, S.K. Nagar - 385 5062.Agriculture Officer, Krushi Vigyan Kendra, SDAU, Deesa - 385 535

E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in Deesa block of Banaskantha district with a view to know the usefulness of Krushi Vigyan Kendra,Deesaas perceivedby groundnut growers. 150gooundnut growerswere selected purposively fromfive vilages.Majority of groundnut growers had perceived Krushi Vigyan Kendra as reliable source of information regarding improved variety, plant protection measure and fertilizer management. Majority of the respondents were found aware about the various activities carried out by the Krushi Vigyan Kendra in which short turm training programme more preferred by the growers. Majority of them were also awared with the farmer oriented activities of Krushi Vigyan Kendra.

Keywords: Usefulness, Awareness, Krishi Vigyan Kendra

INTRODUCTION

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is an innovative science based tool designed for filling up the gap between the available technologies at the one end and their applications in the field condition for increasing production at the other. Thus, the institution playing significant role in increasing knowledge of the farmers regarding the improved technologies through multifactor extension activities at grass root level. It is therefore, decided to study the usefulness of the Krushi Vigyan Kendra as perceived by the farmers. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deesa was established on 22nd February, 1976 in the 5th Five years plan of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The activities of this Krushi Vigyan Kendra are focused on Banaskantha district of Gujarat State. Groundnut is one of the important oil seed crops of the district and hence, opinions of the groundnut growers collected to know the usefulness of Krushi Vigyan Kendra as perceived by them. The study was conducted in Deesa block of Banaskantha district of Gujarat state with the following objectives.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To determine the usefulness of the Krushi Vigyan Kendra on the basis of the opinion expressed by the groundnut growers.

(ii) To know the awareness of groundnut growers about the role of Krushi Vigyan Kendra.

(iii) To identify the type of advantages availed by the groundnut growers through the Kendra.

METHODOLOGY

The present study was conducted in Deesa block of Banaskantha district. Five villages namely Malgadh, Juna Deesa, Rampura, Rasana and Kansari were purposively selected because more number of participants in the different activities of Krushi Vigyan Kendra took part from these villages as well as all five villages having maximum area under groundnut cultivation. From each selected villages 30 groundnut growers were selected by simple random sampling technique. Thus, the sample consisted of 150 respondents. The data were collected by personal interview technique with the help of structural interview schedule.


Usefulness of KVK as information centre

The results revealed that majority of the respondents (80.00 %) had perceived Krushi Vigyan Kendra as centre of agriculture information as temple of farmers.


213

Table 1 : Perception of respondents regarding usefulness of the Krushi Vigyan Kendra as an information centre

n= 150

Sr. No. Usefulness No. Per cent1 No. of groundnut growers who perceived Krushi Vigyan Kendra as information

centre. 120 80.00

Groundnut planting materials2 Information regarding improved variety 133 88.663 Information regarding source of procuring planting material of improved variety 126 84.004 Information regarding seed rate Kg/ha 113 75.335 Information regarding seed treatment 103 68.66

Chemical Fertilizers6 Information regarding proper time of application 110 73.337 Information regarding dose of fertilizer 98 65.338 Information regarding method of applying fertilizer 86 57.33

Plant Protection Measure9 Information regarding pesticides/ insecticides to be used against pest of groundnut

crop 105 70.00

10 Information regarding proportion of pesticide/ insecticides to be used 90 60.0011 Information regarding when and how to apply pesticides / insecticide 104 69.33

Majority of the groundnut growers (88.66 %) had considered Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of information regarding improved varieties of groundnut while 84.00 per cent and 75.33 per cent groundnut growers had expressed their views as a source of information regarding improved varieties and seed rate, respectively.

Majority of the groundnut growers (73.33 %) received the information regarding timely application of fertilizer from Krushi Vigyan Kendra. However, 65.33 and 57.33 per cent considered it as a source of information for the

proper dose and methods of application, respectively.

About 70.00 per cent groundnut growers considered Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of information on pesticides to be used against insect/pests and disease of the crop. The data further revealed that 69.33 per cent respondents considered Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of information regarding when and how to apply the plant protection measures. Whereas, 60.00 per cent growers expressed that information regarding proportion of pesticide to be used.

Useful of KVK as a source of inspiration

Table 2 : Perception of respondents regarding usefulness of the Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of inspiration for adoption of improved farm practices n= 150

Sr. No.

Usefulness No. Per cent

1 No. of groundnut growers considering Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of inspiration for adoption of improved production technology 132 88.00

Inspiration Regarding

2 Adoption of High Yielding Variety. 130 83.33

3 Adoption of seed treatment with fungicides 80 53.33

4 Adoption of Plant Protection Measure 110 73.33

5 Adoption of recommended dose of fertilizer 98 65.33

6 Adoption of weed management and earthing up at proper time 122 81.33


214

Data presented in Table 2 revealed that 88.00 per cent groundnut growers perceived the usefulness of Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a source of inspiration for adoption of improved farm practices. More than eighty three per cent respondents were inspired for sowing improved variety, while 53.33 per cent were inspired for the adoption of seed treatment. Out of 150 farmers, 73.33 and 65.33 per cent were inspired for adoption of plant protection measures and use of fertilizers, respectively. The result further indicated that 84.00

per cent respondents made aware for weed management and earthing up at proper time in groundnut.

Awareness of activities

The responses of respondents about awareness regarding objectives of Krushi Vigyan Kendra are presented in Table 3. Majority of the respondents (80.00 %) agreed that they were aware about the short term trainings organized by the Krushi Vigyan Kendra.

Table 3 : Awareness of respondents about activities of Krushi Vigyan Kendra n = 150

Sr. No. Awareness No. Percent1 Short term training programme on different aspects of agricultural development 120 80.002 Organizing various extension activities such as farmers day, field day, farmers field

school, exposure visit etc. 95 63.33

3 Diagnostic visit to farmers field 106 70.664 Laying out of Front Line Demonstration Oilseed / Pulse crops 98 65.335 Long term vocational training for rural youth 55 36.66

It was found that 63.33 per cent respondents were aware about various extension activities organized by the Kendra such as farmer’s day, field day, exposure visit etc. The data further indicated that 70.66 and 65.33 per cent respondents showed awareness about scientific visit to farmers field (diagnostic

visit) and the front line demonstration laid down on farmers field, respectively. Only 36.33 per cent respondents indicated their awareness about long term vocational training for rural youth.

Advantages availed by farmers

Table 4 : Advantage availed by respondents from Krushi Vigyan Kendra n = 150

Sr. No. Advantages No. Percent1 Information regarding scientific cultivation method of groundnut 120 80.002 Planting material for groundnut 94 62.663 Information about availability of planting materials from other source 102 68.004 Guidance regarding use of pesticides, its proportion, time and methods. 119 79.335 Guidance regarding use of fertilizers its doses, time and methods of application 112 74.66

The data presented in Table 4 indicated that majority of the respondents (80.00 %) had taken advantages about scientific cultivation of groundnut. About 68.00 per cent of the respondents obtained information on the availability of planting material from other source. Out of 150 farmers 79.33 per cent got information regarding proportion, time and method of use of pesticides. While, 62.66 per cent respondents took advantages of knowing about planting material of groundnut. As many as nearly 75.00 per cent of the respondents obtained guidance regarding doses, time and method of fertilizer application.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded from above findings that majority

of the groundnut growers had perceived Krushi Vigyan Kendra as a reliable source of latest information regarding different package of practices of groundnut cultivation. Majority of them were also awared with the farmer oriented activities of Krushi Vigyan Kendra.

REFERENCES

Saxena, A.S. and Tripathi, S.N. (1999): Utility of Krushi Vigyan Kendra Training Programmes Maharastra.Jr.Ext.Edu.XVIII: 61-63.

Thakor, R.F. and Patel A. R. (2005-06): Usefulness of krushi vigyan Kendra as perceived by the Sugarcane growers Guj.J.Extn.Edu.XVI-XVII: 51-54.



215

Constraints Faced by Farmers in Adoption of Turmeric Production Technology

Dipika D. Aglawe1, M. Lairenlakpam2 and D. S. Kokate3

1 Assistance Professor, Department of Extension Education College of Agriculture, Tondapur Tah. kalamnuri, Dist. Hingoli

2 PG Student, Department of Extension Education, KCKV, West Bengal3 Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Extension Education,

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722Email : [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an important spice crop which is well known for its wide use in medicines and processing industry. The present investigation was conducted with view to know the constraints faced by the respondents in adopting recommanded turmeric production technology. The study was conducted in 10 selected villages each of Umarkhed and Mahagoan tahsil of Yavatmal district. From each selected village, 12 respondents were selected on random basis. Thus, total 120 respondents were selected and interviewed personally. It was observed that, majority (82.50 per cent) of the respondents facedconstraintsofmorefluctuationinmarketprice,followedbylesstechnicalknowledgeaboutseedtreatments(78.33percent), non-availability of needed fertilizer and also lack of knowledge about proper fertilizer dose (70.83 per cent). In the present investigation 92.50 per cent of the respondents suggested that, there should be minimum support price for turmeric, market facilities should be provided by the government (90.83 per cent), control of middleman and commission agent by adopting control measures of rules and regulation (86.60 per cent).

Keywords: Turmeric production technology, Constraints, Suggestions

INTRODUCTION

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) the ancient and sacred spice of India known as ‘Indian Saffron’ is an important commercial crop grown in India. Turmeric is a native of Southern Asia and is cultivated in India from very ancient time. It is an important spice crop of India which accounts for 78 per cent of total world turmeric production. It has achieved the most important place in each and every Indian household and also having a great demand in number of countries of the world. Maharashtra is also one of the important states in turmeric production. In Maharastra about 113.60 thousand ha area is under turmeric crop and produce 96.60 thousand tones of turmeric. The district growing turmeric in Maharashtra are mainly Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Hingoli, Parbhani, Nanded and some part of Vidarbha region. The Yavatmal district is surrounded by Andhra Pradesh and Nanded district to South and Hingoli district to West.

In the year 2000-2001 India produced 3726 thousand tones of turmeric and in 2009-10 the production

was 4016 thousand tones (The Hindu survey of agriculture 2010).Maharashtra is also one of the important states in turmeric production. In the maharastra about 113.60 thousand ha of cultivation area under turmeric crop and produce 96.60 thousand tones of turmeric. Looking towards increase in area under turmeric, present study was carried out to know the constraints faced by the respondents in turmeric production technology.

METHODOLOGY

The list of turmeric growing villages of Umarkhed and Mahagoan tahsil was obtained from Taluka Agriculture Officer. There are 158 and 116 villages in Umarkhed and Mahagoan tahsils respectively. The area under turmeric cultivation in Umarkhed and Mahagoan tahsils were 300 ha and 200 ha. The area out of these, 5 villages from Umarkhed and 5 villages from Mahagoan tahsil that were total 10 villages were selected having highest area under turmeric cultivation. A list of turmeric growers was prepared from village functionaries. The 12 farmers from each selected


216

village were selected by random sampling technique on the basis of area under turmeric crop. Thus, total of 120 respondents were selected as a sample for the study. The data were collected through interview schedule and analysed on the basis of frequency and percentage.


Constraints faced by the turmeric growers

Table 1: Constraints faced by the respondent turmeric growers in the adoption of turmeric production technology n=120

Sr. No.

Constraints Frequency Per cent

1 More fluctuation in market price

99.00 82.50

2 Less technical knowledge about seed treatment

94.00 78.33

3 Non-availability of needed fertilizer (lack of knowl-edge about proper dose)

85.00 70.83

4 Non-availability of labours at the time of sowing and harvesting

82.00 68.33

5 Higher charges by commis-sion agent

77.00 64.16

6 Lack of knowledge about pest management

76.00 63.33

7 Lack of knowledge about disease management

80.00 66.66

8 Lack of timely credit avail-ability

48.00 40.00

9 Lack of awareness about improved variety

47.00 39.16

From Table-1 it was observed that about (82.50 per cent) of the respondents faced constraints of more fluctuation in market price, followed by less technical knowledge about seed treatment (78.33 per cent), non-availability of needed fertilizer and also lack of knowledge about proper fertilizer dose (70.83 per cent), non-availability of labours at the time of sowing and harvesting (68.33 per cent), higher charges by commission agent (64.16 per cent), lack of knowledge about pest management (63.33 per cent), lack of knowledge about disease management (66.66 per cent), lack of timely credit availability (40.00 per cent), lack of awareness about improved variety (39.16per cent).

Suggestions offered by the turmeric growers

Table 2: Suggestions made by the respondent turmeric growers in minimizing the technological gap in the production of turmeric n-120

Sr. No.

Suggestions Frequency Per cent

1 Minimum support price for turmeric

111 92.50

2 Market facilities should be provided by the govern-ment

109 90.83

3 Control of middleman and commission agent by adopting control measures of rules and regulation

104 86.60

4 In time and sufficient cred-it facilities should be made available by financial insti-tutions nearby locality

102 85.00

5 For technical knowhow of post harvest tech-nology of the turmeric training should given by appropriate source (agril .university,agril .department,KVK)

101 84.16

6 Seed treatment chemical (Quinolphos) should be made available at reason-able rates

98 81.66

7 To minimize transport cost on produce the sale coun-ter to be open at nearby in the sample area

87 72.50

8 Bio-pesticides and fun-gicides should be made available

70 58.33

In the present investigation majority (92.50 per cent) of the respondents suggested that, there should be minimum support price for turmeric, market facilities should be provided by the government (90.83 per cent), control of middleman and commission agent by adopting control measures of rules and regulation (86.60 per cent), 85.00 per cent of the respondent suggested that, in time and sufficient credit facilities should be made available by financial institutions nearby locality whereas, for technical knowhow of post harvest technology of the turmeric training should be given by appropriate source (Agril. university, Agril. department, KVK) (84.16 per cent), 81.66 per cent of the respondents suggested that, seed treatment chemical (Quinolphos) should be made available at reasonable rates. About 58.30 per cent respondents suggested that, biopesticides and fungicides should be made available.


217

About (72.50 per cent) of the respondent turmeric growers suggested that, minimizing the transport cost on produce the sale counter or sale center to be open at nearby in the sample.

CONCLUSION

It can be conclude that More fluctuation in market price, Less technical knowledge about seed treatment, Non-availability of needed fertilizer (lack of knowledge about proper dose) and Non-availability of labours at the time of sowing and harvesting were the major constraints in adoption of turmeric production technology. The majority turmeric growers suggested that minimum support price should be given minimum credit should be provide and control on

middle men & commission agent and post harvest technology training should be given to farmers.

REFERENCES

More, V.S. (2006). Adoption of recommended cultivation practices of turmeric by the turmeric growers in Satara district. M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis MPKV, Rahuri (Unpublished)

Tyagi, B.D. and Tyagi, A.K. (1988). Variable influencing technological gap in sugarcane cultivation. Indian Journal of Extension Education. XXIV (3-4): 82-84.


218

Usefulness of Information About Cotton Production Practices Given During Krishi Mahotsav

Arti N. Soni1 , H. B.Patel2 and N.V.Soni3

1 SMS(Home Science), KVK, NAU, Vyara, Dist. Tapi - 394 6502 & 3 Associate Extension Educationist, Office of DEE, AAU,Anand – 388 110


ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in jurisdiction of KVK, Mangal Bharti, Vadodara district. Total 10 villages were randomly selectedinSankhedatalukarespondentswererandomlyselectedfromeachvillage,.Respondentsofthestudywerebeneficiaryfarmers of Krishi Mahotsav programme which is organized every year by Government of Gujarat. The study was undertaken to know usefulness of information on cotton production practices given during Krishi Mahotsav. The study revealed that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, the majority of farmers gained new knowledge about land preparation, soil treatment methods,placeofavailabilityofsoil treatment inputs,nameofadvantageouschemical fertilizers,deficiencysymptomsofmajor plant nutrients and trade name of weedicides ,seed rate, sowing time, spacing, seed treatment inputs, calculating the doze of chemical fertilizer ,gap filling, handweeding ,bio-fertilizers, organicmanures, fertilizermanagement duringirrigation, critical stages of irrigation and insect management were found useful to the farmers.

Keywords : Cotton production practices, Socio-economic characteristics

INTRODUCTION

The Government of Gujarat celebrates the ‘Krishi Mahotsav programme’. The main aim is to boost up the Agriculture, Animal husbandry and allied production. Gujarat is one of the cotton producing states in the country. Gujarat state has second largest area under cotton after Maharasta in India. Cotton is widely grown, particularly in Vadodara district. Thus, cotton crop plays an important role in the rural economy. Looking to the importance of cotton crop for farmers, the study was carried out to know the usefulness of Krishi Mahotsav on farmers regarding information about cotton production practices given.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To know the socio-economic characteristics of farmers

(ii) To know the usefulness of information about cotton production practices given during Krishi Mahotsav

METHODOLOGY

The study was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangal Bharti in Vadodara district under middle Gujarat. Total 10 villages were randomly selected in Sankheda

taluka of Vadodara district namely Hareshwar, Kasumbiya, Manjarol, Orwada, Bhuriyakuwa, Aritha, Aambapura, Sundarpura, Kathmandava and Ratanpur. From each village, 10 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Thus the total sample size of the respondents became 100. The data were collected through interview schedule and analyzed with simple statistics.


Socio-economic characteristics of farmers

Age

The data indicated that the majority of farmers (61.00 per cent) were in middle age group followed by 26.00 per cent of farmers belonging old age group and 13.00 per cent were under young age group.

Education

Nearly one-half of farmers (47.00 per cent) were an educated up to primary school level followed by 32.00, 9.00, 6.00 and 6.00 per cent were an education up to secondary level, up to higher secondary level, up to graduate and illiterate respectively.


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Type of family

The more than half (59.00 per cent) of farmers had nuclear family followed by 41.00 per cent had joint family.

Family size

The data depicted that majority of farmers (59.00 per cent) possessed above 4 members i.e. big family size followed by 33.00, 8.00 per cent had 3 to 4 members (medium family), up to 2 members (small family size) respectively.

Land holding

The majority of farmers (80.00 per cent) belonged to marginal to small land holding categories followed by 12.00, 6.00, 2.00 per cent were in landless, medium and big land holding categories respectively.

Milch animal size

The more than half farmers (53.00 per cent) had

possessed 3 to 4 numbers of milch animals followed by 31.00 and 16.00 per cent of them possessed above 4 animals and up to 2 animals respectively.

Annual income

The data indicated that 29.00 per cent farmers had annual income of ` 20,001 to ` 30,000, while 20.00, 19.00, 12.00 per cent of them had up to ` 30,001 to ` 40,000 and up to ` 10,000, ` 10,001 to ` 20,000, above ` 40,000 annual income respectively.

Membership in organization

The majority of farmers i.e. 62.00 per cent had membership in one organization followed by 20.00 and 3.00 per cent of them had membership in more than one organization and office bearer respectively and 15.00 per cent farmers had no membership in organization.

Usefulness of information about cotton production practices

Table 1 : Usefulness of information about cotton production practices given during Krishi Mahotsav n=100

Sr. No.

Practices Not given(%)

1st time known correct

information(%)

Usefulness(%)

Useful(%)

Most useful(%)

1 Sources of seed 09 91 34 662 Suitable high yielding variety for the area 11 89 13 873 Rate of seeds 100 00 00 004 Land preparation 63 37 100 005 Soil treatment methods 88 12 100 006 Place of availability of soil treatment inputs 91 09 100 007 Seed rate 19 81 79 218 Price of soil treatment inputs 100 00 00 009 Sowing time 40 60 80 2010 Depth of sowing 38 62 83 1711 Method of sowing 38 62 50 5012 Spacing 12 88 78 2213 Seed treatment inputs 19 81 74 2614 Gap filling 22 78 79 2115 Price of fertilizers 100 00 00 0016 Place of availability of fertilizers 100 00 00 0017 Name of advantageous chemical fertilizers 45 55 100 0018 Method and time of fertilizer application 28 72 20 8019 Nutrient requirements of crop 31 69 72 2820 Calculating the doze of chemical fertilizer 27 73 85 1521 Deficiency symptoms of major plant nutrients 87 13 100 0022 Bio-fertilizers 10 90 10 9023 Making organic matter from farm waste 79 21 76 24


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Sr. No.

Practices Not given(%)

1st time known correct

information(%)

Usefulness(%)

Useful(%)

Most useful(%)

24 Organic manures 14 86 93 0725 Chemical weed control 50 50 58 4226 Price of weedicides 100 00 00 0027 Place of availability of weedicides 55 45 88 1228 Trade name of weedicides 60 40 100 0029 Hand weeding 35 65 93 0730 Schedule for irrigation 30 70 64 3631 Critical stages of irrigation 32 68 83 1732 How to save crop during shortage of water 52 48 68 3233 Fertilizer management during irrigation 46 54 81 1934 Method of irrigation 40 60 63 3735 Insect management 25 75 25 75

As seen from Table 1. Information in Krishi Mahostav regarding land preparation, soil treatment methods, place of availability of soil treatment inputs, name of advantageous chemical fertilizers, deficiency symptoms of major plant nutrients and trade name of weedicides found cent percent use full to the farmers. More than two third percent farmers found information use full regarding seed rate, sowing time, spacing, seed treatment inputs, calculating the doze of chemical fertilizer ,gap filling, hand weeding ,bio-fertilizers, organic manures, fertilizer management during irrigation, critical stages of irrigation and insect management. While, Information regarding rate of seeds, price of soil treatment inputs, price of fertilizers, place of availability of fertilizers and price of weedicides were not given during Krishi Mahostav.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that majority of the farmers (87.00 per cent) had in middle to old age group. Majority of farmers (79.00 per cent) had an education up to primary to secondary level. It was also observed that the majority of farmers (80.00 per cent) belonged to marginal to small land

holding categories, 53.00 per cent farmers had three to four numbers of milch animals. It could be found that during Krishi Mahotsav programme, information regarding cotton production practices like land preparation, soil treatment methods, place of availability of soil treatment inputs, name of advantageous chemical fertilizers, deficiency symptoms of major plant nutrients and trade name of weedicides ,seed rate, sowing time, spacing, seed treatment inputs, calculating the doze of chemical fertilizer ,gap filling, hand weeding ,bio-fertilizers, organic manures, fertilizer management during irrigation, critical stages of irrigation and insect management were found useful to the farmers.

REFERENCES

Zala,P.K.(2008) Crisis Management practices Adopted in cotton Cultivation by the farmers of Kheda District of Gujarat State. Ph.D. Thesis, AAU, Anand.

Meti,S.K. and Sambrani, R.M. (2005) A technique of attitude scale construction of small and marginal farmers towards improved agricultural technologies. Rural India.,95-96.

Received : May 2014 : Accepted : September 2014


221

INTRODUCTION

Farm woman is an integral part of the human society. Women contribute about one-third labour force required for farm operations and allied enterprises. They have been playing significant role in home, farm and allied activities. Firm woman is associate to her husband in varying activities and has greater role in decision making process. Farm women though illiterate, contribute to a lot to the agricultural development. It is thus imperative to study the pattern of such farm women participation in home, farm and livestock operations. Thus the study entitled “Participation of Farm Women in different animal husbandry activities was under taken with the following objective

OBJECTIVES

(i) To study the participation of farm women in various organization and extension contact

(ii) To study the participation of farm women in various animal husbandry activities

METHODOLOGY

The study was purposively undertaken in Anand district of three villages viz; Bhanpura, Bhetasi and Khadol were selected purposively. 130 Farm women from each village were selected randomly. The data were collected by personally interviewed through the well constructed interview schedule. The frequencies and percentage were worked out on the basis of their responses.


Table 1 : Participation of farm women in different organization n=130

Sr. No

Name of Organization No. Per cent

1 Gram Panchayat 30 23.08 2 Mahila Mandal 120 92.31 3 Doodh Mandali 40 30.77 4 Others 20 15.39

The data shows in Table 1 shows that highest participation 92.31%. was noticed in mahila mandal 92.31%. It is due to familiar relation in the village and they get information about the animal husbandry activities.

Participation of Farm Women in Animal Husbandry Activities

Heli Raval1, J.B. Patel2 and B. M. Patel3

1 P. G. Student, Veterinary Extension, Veterinary college, Anand – 388 0012 Associate Professor, Extension Education Department, B.A.C.A, AAU, Anand – 388 110

3 Professor, Extension Education Department, B.A.C.A, AAU, Anand – 388 110 E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Animal Husbandry has been one of the sectors in Gujarat, where farm women work participation has been high.

Participation of farm women in animal husbandry was decided on the basis of actually performing different animal husbandry

practices by them. Farm women perform a various activities relating to the maintenance of dairy animal, milking, feeding

and care & management of young ones. There were many capacities building programme for women participation in animal

husbandry activities organized by different organization. Hence, to understand the participation of farm women in different

areas of animal husbandry, this study was carried out in anand district. The 130 farm women were selected for the study.

The data was collected by interview schedule. Participation of farm women was noticed in Mahila Mandal. Majority of time

(46.15%) was spent for cleaning of animal shed by farm women. 30.77% farm women regularly contact village level extension

officers. Participation of farm women in animal insurance is very less (15.39%). Only 7.69% farm women regularly adopt the

culling of uneconomic animals.

Keywords: Participation, Animal husbandry, activities, farm women


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Table : 2 Participation in extension contacts of farm women n=130

Sr. No.

Source of Information Regularly Frequently Occasionally Never No. Per

centNo. Per

centNo. Per

centNo. Per

cent1 Veterinary officers 10 07.69 00 00 120 92.31 002 Agriculture officers 00 00 50 38.46 40 30.77 20 15.393 Village level extension officers 40 30.77 00 00 20 15.39 20 15.394 Dairy Co-operatives 10 07.69 00 00 30 23.08 20 15.395 KrishiVigyan Kendra officers 00 00 00 00 50 38.46 20 15.396 Krishi University Officers 50 38.46 00 00 10 07.69 30 23.087 Friends 40 30.77 50 38.46 00 00 00 008 Relatives 70 53.85 30 23.08 30 23.08 00 009 Others 20 15.39 10 07.69 10 07.69 10 07.69

The data of Table 2 shows that they kept occasionally contact with veterinary officers (92.31%) and they regularly participate in contact with village level extension officers (30.77%), with krishi university officers (38.46%) and with relatives (53.85%). They participated frequently with friends (38.46%). By participating with relatives and friends, they

got information and according to getting the information. They planned for their animal husbandry activities which includes selection of animals, purchase of animals etc.. They also occasionally participating with krishi Vigyan Kendra officers.

Table 3 : Participation of farm women in general aspects of animal husbandry activities n=130

Sr. No.

Particulars Regularly Often Sometimes Never

No. Per cent

No. Per cent

No. Per cent

No. Per cent

A Selection of milch animal

1 Type of animal 50 38.46 40 30.77 20 15.39 00 00

2 Selection of breed 30 23.08 40 30.77 30 23.08 00 00

B Taking loans

1 Purchase of animal 40 30.77 00 00 20 15.39 10 07.69

2 Animal insurance 10 07.69 00 00 20 15.39 10 07.69

3 Construction of animal shed 70 53.85 00 00 10 07.69 10 07.69

C Purchase and sale of animals

1 Purchase of improved/cross breed 30 23.08 30 23.08 40 30.77 00 00

2 Culling of uneconomic animals 10 07.69 20 15.39 00 00 30 23.08

The data of above Table 3 indicated farm women were regularly participated in selection of milch animals (38.46%), construction of animal shed (53.85%) and in purchase of the improved breed (30.77%) because of empowerment of women in society. A few farm women (7.69%) participated

in culling of uneconomic animals because of the attachment of women towards the animal. Though the animal is uneconomic they will keep this animal but this affects the economic availability of the production.


223

Table: 4 Time spent for different animal husbandry activities by farm women n=130

Sr. No

Animal Husbandry Activities

No. Per cent

1 Feeding animals 30 23.08 2 Cleaning and bathing

animals 30 23.08

3 Cleaning of animal shed 59 46.15 4 Taking animal for grazing 10 07.69

The data shows in Table 4 reveled that highest time spent in cleaning of animal shed because of farm women were know about the importance of the cleanliness. Women were aware about cleaning of shed to reduce the diseases in animals.

CONCLUSION

Animal husbandry provides job opportunity to farm women at their doorstep. It can be canclude that the great majority (93.21%) of farm women participated in Mahila

Mandal. Majority of time (46.15%) was spent for cleaning of animal shed by farm women. 30.77% farm women regularly contact village level extension officers. Participation of

farm women in animal insurance was very less (15.39%). Only 7.69% farm women regularly adopted the culling of uneconomic animals.

REFERENCES

Belurkar, G.M.; Wakle, P. K. and Gholve, M. A. (2003). A study on decision making pattern and participation of rural women in animal husbandry and dairying enterprise. Maharashtra. J. Ext. Edu. 22(2): 81-85.

Kathiriya J.B., Damasia. D.M.,and Kabariya. B.B.(2013) Role of Rural women in dairy farming of Rajkot district, TamilnDU j. Vrt& Animal science, 9(4): 239-247

Rathod, P. K.; Nikam, T. R.; Sariput, L.; Vajreshwari, S. and Amit, H.(2011). Participation of Rural Women in Dairy Farming in Karnataka. Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu., 11(2):31- 35.

Upadhyay, S. and Desai, C. P. (2011). Participation of Farm Women in Animal Husbandry in Anand District of Gujarat. J. Community Mobilization and Sustainable

Development., 6(2): 117-121.



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Identification of Dryland Farming Systems Adopted by Dryland Farmers

Umesh R. Chinchmalatpure1 and N.Y. Said2

1 Assistant Professor Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Dr. PDKV, Akola (M.S.)2 Ex-M. Sc. Student, Department of Extension Education, Dr. PDKV, Akola (M.S.)


ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken in five villages from each village of Akola and Balapur Taluka of Akola district

of Maharashtra State. An exploratory design of social research was used. Total 100 respondents were selected for

the present study. The salient finding of the present study was reported that the majority of the respondent adopted

agriculture + cow farming system (40%), agriculture + goat (40%) and agriculture + buffalo farming systems

(13%). All the respondents adopted different farming systems because they get additional income. About 98 per

cent of the respondent said that they get by product which is useful to own farming as well as 95 per cent of the

respondent said that the rational behind adoption of different farming system is availability of raw material and

input for system s locally.

Keywords: Adoption, Dryland agriculture, Farming system

INTRODUCTION

India has about 108 million ha Dry land area which constitutes nearly 75 per cent of the total 143 million ha of arable land in such area crop production become relatively difficult as it mainly depends upon intensity and frequency of rainfall. The crop production in such area is called Rainfed farming. As there is no facility to give any irrigation and even protective life saving irrigation is not possible. This area gets annual rainfall up to 750 mm which is unevenly distributed, highly uncertain and erratic. The crop production depending upon this rain is technically called dry land farming. Therefore dry land farming is defined as a practice of growing profitable crops without irrigation in area which receive an annual rainfall of 750mm or even less.

Maharashtra state has highest proportion of Rainfed area among the state. About 85 per cent of net cultivated area is Rainfed Agriculture in Vidarbha region. The production of crop in this region depends on natural rains, small size of land holdings, periodical droughts, soil erosion, and large dry spells, low crop yield and poor economic returns are the important features of the dry farming areas. The productivity

in dry land areas is low because of lack of use soil moisture conservation technology.

The Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola identified and recommended a package of dry land technology in respect of cropping systems in situ moisture conservation, integrated nutrient management, cropping systems and contingent planning. However, it was observe that farmers were not fully aware about this technology and adopt only few component of this technology at a given time. It may be related to the technology itself or to the farmers themselves and their situation. It is therefore through desirable to identify different farming system adopted by farmers and to assess the rationale behind adoption of different farming system by the farmers.

METHODOLOGY

The present study was undertaken in Akola and Balapur Taluka of Akola district in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state because this area comes under dry land farming. The emphasis in the study was on identifying the different farming systems in Akola district and find out


225

rationale behind its adoption. Therefore the exploratory design of social research used for the present investigation. For the present study a random sampling method was used. After selection of Akola and Balapur Taluka, 5 villages were purposively selected from each Taluka and 100 farmers were selected from these Taluka; it means 10 farmers from each village were selected randomly.


Identified farming systems

Table 1 : Identified different farming systems n=100

Sr. No

Identified farming system

No. Per cent

1 Agriculture + Cow farm-ing system

40 40.00

2 Agriculture +Goat farm-ing system

40 40.00

3 Agriculture +Buffalo farming system

13 13.00

4 Agriculture +Poultry farming system

02 02.00

5 Agriculture +Cow+ goat farming system

03 03.00

7 Agriculture +Cow + buffalo farming system

01 01.00

8 Agriculture +Other (pigeon) farming system

01 01.00

From the Table 1, it is observed that 40 per cent dry land farmers adopted agriculture +cow farming system nearly same percentage (40%) of the respondents adopted agriculture +goat farming system and few respondents (13%) adopted agriculture +buffalo farming system and very small percentage of the respondent adopted (2%) farmers adopted Agriculture +poultry farming system.

There is also different mixed farming systems are identified that are agriculture +cow + goat (3%), agriculture + cow + buffalo (1%), and agriculture +other (pigeon) farming system (1%).

From above result it can be concluded that the majority of the dry land farmer’s follows agriculture +cow and agriculture +goat farming systems.

Adoption of farming systems

Table 2 : Rationale behind adoption of different dry farming systems n=100

Sr. No

Particulars No Per cent

Rank

1 Getting byproduct which is useful to own farming

98 98.00 II

2 Get additional income 100 100.00 I3 Availability of raw

material or inputs required for systems locally

95 95.00 III

4 Adopting farming system as a traditional occupation in the family

35 35.00 VI

5 Get daily income from the farming system adopted

55 55.00 V

6 Proper utilization of time of family members

65 65.00 IV

The Table 2 shows that cent per cent (100.00%) of the respondents adopted different farming systems because they get additional income. About 98 per cent of the respondents said that they get by product which is useful to own farming as well as 95 per cent of the respondent said that the rationale behind adoption of different farming system is availability of raw material and input for locally. About 65 and 55 percent of the respondents said that the reason behind adopting of the different farming systems was proper utilization of time of family members and get daily income from the farming system adopted. Only 35 per cent of the respondent said that they adopt farming system because it was traditional occupation in the family.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the majority of the respondents were adopted agriculture + cow farming system (40%), agriculture + goat (40%) and agriculture + buffalo farming systems (13%).

The entire respondent adopted different farming systems because they get additional income. About 98 per cent of the respondent said that they get by product which is useful to own farming as well as 95 per cent of the respondent said that the rationale behind adoption of different farming system is availability of raw material and input for system s locally. Therefore it is implies that the respondent should provide subsidy on the agriculture input. It will helpful for respondents in increasing their annual income. The contact with agriculture officer, BDO, university scientist is very low,


226

there fore it is suggested that the extension agencies should be take efforts to get higher participation of farmers in extension activities, farmers forums and self help groups should established to have collaborative and cooperative efforts for increasing awareness about dry land farming systems among farmers.

The result shows that among different farming systems agriculture +cow and agriculture +goat farming systems seem to be adopted by the more number of dry land farmers. Therefore farmers should focus on these two farming systems. Government and extension agencies given more promotion of these farming systems in the dry land areas. So the income of the farmer may increase. Return from the investment in the agriculture +cow and agriculture +goat farming system found to increase with increase size of herd. Therefore farmer should possess maximum number of animals to get maximum return.

REFERENCES

Akolkar, M.P. (1989) Constraints in adoption of improved practices in PKV Hy-2 cotton. M.Sc. (Agri. ) Thesis

(unpub.), Dr. PDKV, Akola.

Bhugul, M. K.; S.N. Rajput and U.R. Chinchmalatpure (2009).Technological gap in adoption of Dr. PDKV recommended dry land technology. RRC Report, Dr. PDKV, Akola.: 113-124.

Deshmukh, P.R., R.P. Kadam and V.N. Shinde 2007.Knowledege and adoption of agricultural technologies in marathwada. Indian Res. J. Extn. Edu.7(1):41-42.

Jawanjal, A.B. (2003). Knowledge and adoption of intercropping practices in dry land farming. M.Sc. (Agri.)Thesis, Dr. PDKV, Akola.

Sakharkar, V.S. 1991. A study of knowledge and adoption of improved knowledge and adoption of improved practices of soybean cultivation in Umred block of Nagpur district. M.Sc. (Agri.) Thesis, Dr. PDKV, Akola.

Shinde,P.S, (2004). Economic viability agriculture and goat farming system adopted by dry land farmers. RRC Report, Dr. PDKV, Akola : 1-17.

Received : January 2014 : Accepted : November 2014


227

Technological Gap in Adoption of Sugarcane Cultivation Practices by Sugarcane Growers

A.G.Patel1 and H.U.Vyas2

1 P.G. Student, NMCA, NAU, Navsari - 396 4502 Associate Professor, DEE, NAU, Navsari - 396 450


ABSTRACT

A study was conducted on technological gap in adoption of sugarcane cultivation practices in navsari district of Gujarat. By following the simple random sampling, total 100 sugarcane growers from ten villages wereselected.Theex-post-factoresearchdesignwasusedforstudy.Thefindingrevealedthat65.00percentofsugarcane growers had medium technological gap, followed by low (19.00 per cent) and high (16.00 per cent) technological gap in sugarcane cultivation practices. Among the various recommended technologies, the high-est technological gap was observed in adoption of plant protection measures (81.00 per cent) followed by basal fertilizer (70.00 per cent), harvesting (64.00 per cent), application of FYM (62.00 per cent), weeding and inter-culturing (60.00 per cent), seed rate (47.00 per cent), irrigation (43.00 per cent) and spacing (40.00 per cent), time of sowing (27.00 per cent) and variety (15.00 per cent).

Keywords: Technological gap, Knowledge

INTRODUCTION

In Gujarat, sugarcane covers about 1901 hundred ha. Area with 13763 hundred MT productions (Directorate of Agriculture Gujarat State). Sugarcane is cultivated in almost all the districts of south Gujarat state. However there is still a wide gap between the production potential and the actual production realized by the sugarcane growers. This may be due to partial adoption of recommended packages of packages of practices by the sugarcane growers. Technological gap is major problem in increase sugarcane production. No systematic effort was made to study the technological gap existing in various components of sugarcane cultivation, the present study was therefore undertaken to find out the technological gap in adoption of recommended sugarcane production technology.

OBJECTIVES

(i) To find out the knowledge level of sugarcane growers regarding improved cultivation practices

(ii) To determine the technological gap in adoption of improved cultivation practices by sugarcane growers.

METHODOLOGY

The present investigation was undertaken in navsari district which comes under jurisdiction of Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. This district is comprised of five talukas, all taluka were selected for study. From each taluka two villages were selected, so, total 10 villages were randomly selected. From each selected village, 10 farmers were randomly selected. Hence, total sample size was 100 farmers. The dates were collected in the light of objectives of the study with help of well structured pretested Gujarati version interview schedule. For measurement of depended and in depended variables included study, different scales and scoring techniques developed by other scientists were used with slight modifications. The data so collected were coded, classified, tabulated and analyzed in order to make the finding meaningful.

To measure the knowledge structured schedule was developed. By including statements containing information about improved sugarcane production practices. Each question had one mark for incorrect answer. Knowledge were measured by following formula


228

Ki = X1+X2+…..Xn x100

N

Where,

Ki Knowledge index

X1+X2+……………..Xn = Total no. of correct answer (i.e. total sum)

N Total no. of item in test

Technological gap was measured with the help of mean Technological gap developed by Ray et.al.,(1995). The technological gap of a particular practice expressed in percentage was:

Mean technological gap =S-A

x100S

Where,

S= Standard score (Total number of respondents)

A= Actual score (Actual technology adopted)


Knowledge level of sugarcane growers

Knowledge plays an important role in covert as well as overt behavior of an individual. Knowledge was measured with the help of teacher made test developed for the purpose. As discussed earlier, the knowledge score for each farmer was calculated and the respondents were grouped in to three categories viz., low, medium and high. Data regarding this aspect are presented in Table1.

Table1: Distribution of the sugarcane growers according to their knowledge regarding improved sugarcane cultivation practices. n = 100

Sr. No. Level of Knowledge No. Per cent

1 Low (Below 40 per cent) 16 16.002 Medium (Between 40 to

78 per cent) 65 65.00

3 High (Above 78 percent) 19 19.00

It is clear from Table 1 that 65.00 per cent of the sugarcane growers had medium level of knowledge regarding improved sugarcane cultivation practices followed by 19.00 per cent had high level of knowledge and 16.00 per cent sugarcane growers had low level of knowledge regarding improved sugarcane cultivation practices, respectively.

Great majority (84.00 per cent) sugarcane growers had medium to high level of knowledge regarding improved sugarcane cultivation practices.

Overall technological gap about sugarcane cultivation practices

The technological gap refers to the difference between technology recommended by the scientists and technology adopted by the farmers. It was felt that agricultural technology is not generally adopted by the farmers completely in all respects. As a result, technological gap appears and poor yield is obtained. Keeping this in view, technological gap has been studied. On the basis of score obtained by the sugarcane growers, they were grouped in to three categories viz., low, medium and high technological gap. The data regarding this aspect are presented in Table 2.

Table2: Distribution of the sugarcane growers according to their overall technological gap n=100

Sr. No.

Overall technological gap No.Per cent

1 Low (below 23 per cent) 19 19.002 Medium (between 23 to 52

per cent)65 65.00

3 High (above 52 per cent) 16 16.00

The data in Table 2 clearly indicate that 65.00 per cent of sugarcane growers had medium technological gap, followed by low (19.00 per cent) and high (16.00 per cent) technological gap in adoption of improved sugarcane cultivation practices, respectively.

The possible reason for this might be that the farmers could not get the message of improved cultivation practices in time in acceptable form. Further, farmers might have tried their best to use and adopt the improved sugarcane cultivation practices but some constraints might have hindered them to do so, and hence technological gap might have observed.

Technological gap in adoption of improved sugarcane cultivation practices

The average technological gap in adoption of different component of improved sugarcane cultivation practices among the sugarcane growers are summarized in Table3.

Table3: Average technological gap in different components


229

of improved sugarcane cultivation practices. n = 100

Sr. No.

Different components of improved sugarcane

cultivation practices

Technological gap (%)

Rank

1 Variety 15.00 X2 Seed rate 47.00 VI3 Time of sowing 27.00 IX4 Spacing 40.00 VIII5 Application of FYM 62.00 IV6 Application of basal

fertilizer 70.00 II

7 Irrigation 43.00 VII8 Weeding and inter-

culturing 60.00 V

9 Plant protection measures

81.00 I

10 Harvesting 64.00 IIIOverall technological gap

(Average)51.00

It could be inferred from the Table 3 that the highest technological gap was observed in adoption of plant protection measures (81.00 per cent) and was ranked the first followed by basal fertilizer (70.00 per cent), harvesting (64.00 per cent), with second and third rank, respectively.

The practices viz., application of FYM (62.00 per cent) and weeding and inter-culturing (60.00 per cent) were ranked IV and V, respectively. The respondents assigned VI, VII and VIII rank to technological gap in seed rate (47.00 per cent), irrigation (43.00 per cent) and spacing (40.00 per cent), respectively. With regard technological gap, the practices viz., time of sowing (27.00 per cent) and variety (15.00 per cent) was ranked IX and X, respectively.

CONCUSION

It can be concluded that majority of the responded (65.00 per cent) belonged to medium level of knowledge and technological gap category. The present study indicated that more technological gap observed in the plant protection measures (81.00 per cent) followed by basal fertilizer (70.00 per cent) and harvesting (64.00 per cent). Technological gap was found varied from component to component.

REFERENCE

Darandle A. D. (2010) Attitude of tribal farmer towards organic farming practices in maize crop. (M.Sc.) Unpublished Thesis, AAU Anand.

Goudappa S.B., Biradar G.S. and Bairathi R., (2012). Technological gap in chilli cultivation perceived by farmers Raj. J. Extn. Edu. 20 : 171-174



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N.V. DeshpandyChartered Accountant

Anand

gujarat journal of extension education · mo. : 99980 12219 email: [email protected] dr. v. t....

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