Browsing by Author "Babu, B"

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Communication behaviour of women,heading farm families in Neyyattinkara taluk
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Anitha Menon, K; Babu, B
A study on the Communication Behaviour of women heading farm families was carried out in five Krishibhavan areas under Neyyanttinkara taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. Fifty women engaged in paddy cultivation and fifty from coconut cultivation formed the total sample of hundred respondents. The study was aimed to measure Communication Behaviour including Inward Exposure and Outward Exposure and to compare between the women cultivating paddy and the women cultivating coconut with regard to the dependent and independent variables of the study. It was also aimed to find the characteristics of women which influence Communication Behaviour, the relationship and the direct and indirect effects of these characteristics on Communication Behaviour. The data were collected using pre- tested structured interview schedule. The study revealed that the farm women in paddy cultivation had a high level of Inward Exposure. Women cultivating paddy were equally distributed in the low and high level of Outward Exposure categories and low level of Inward and Outward Exposure was noticed in majority of women cultivating coconut. The farm women had a low level of Communication Behaviour. Irrespective of the difference in the crop cultivated, the women did not differ significantly with regard to Inward Exposure, Outward Exposure, Communication Behaviour, and other selected characteristics. The characteristic profile study revealed that the respondents were middle aged and had a medium level of education (ie., upto high school) with a marginal farm size below 0.4ha. The women cultivating paddy had high level of social participation, cosmopoliteness, management orientation, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in paddy and knowledge about improved agricultural practices in paddy. With regard to women cultivating coconut, a medium level of social participation, high level of cosmopoliteness, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in coconut and a low level of management orientation were noticed. The women in coconut cultivation were distributed equally in the low and high level of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in coconut. The correlation co-efficients revealed that the selected characteristics of women were significantly correlated with Communication Behaviour and the correlation was positive except with the variable ‘age’. Path analysis results revealed that the maximum positive direct effect on Communication Behaviour was exerted by ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ and ‘social participation’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively. The maximum positive indirect effect was exerted by ‘Adoption of improved agricultural practice’ and ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively.
Comparative analysis of characteristics of women labourers engaged in rice farming in the social systems of Kollam and Kanyakumari districts
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Rajula Shanthy, T; Babu, B
The study aimed at analyzing the labour efficiency of women agricultural labourers. The study was conducted in Kollam district of Kerala and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. A total of 300 women agricultural labourers were selected, 150 from each district using random sampling. The labour efficiency was measured with the help of a scale consisting of 32 items developed for the study. The data on the labour efficiency of women agricultural labourers and on the nineteen socio-personal and psychological characteristics of the women agricultural labourers were collected using a structured interview schedule. The dimensions of labour efficiency identified empirically were ’determination in work situation’, ‘inter – personal relationship’, ‘confidence’, ‘adjustability’, ‘team spirit’, ‘commitment’, ‘work environment’, competency, ‘socio-economic’ and ‘situational’. In general, the women agricultural labourers of both the districts were low in labour efficiency. The dimension – wise analysis of labour efficiency showed that majority of them belonged to high group under the dimensions ‘adjustability’ and ‘competency’ whereas majority had low efficiency with respect to the other dimensions. The factors influencing labour efficiency was in the order of period of employment, supervision by employer, wages and incentives provided, availability of alternative work, training of labourers, nature of tools and implements used, introduction of new machinery and progressive technology, increasing standard of living, adaptability to different tasks and physical condition of labourers. The variables namely caste, intrinsic motivation, independence, cosmopolite orientation, economic motivation, values related to agriculture, satisfaction, gregariousness, attitude towards scientific agriculture, innovativeness and alienation were found to be significantly contributing to labour efficiency. Total number of days of employment of women agricultural labourers in Kollam district was 207 (82 as agricultural and 125 as non-agricultural labour) and in Kanyakumari district it was 182 (78 as agricultural and 104 as non-agricultural labour). The peak season of employment was January – March in both the districts. There was relatively slack in employment during July – August and November –December in Kollam district and during August – September and December in Kanyakumari district. The average annual income from agricultural and non-agricultural labour was Rs. 3610.00 and Rs. 5447.50 in Kollam district, whereas it was Rs. 2695.00 and Rs. 3327.50 in Kanyakumari district respectively.
Constraint analysis of training and visit system in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1987) Balakrishnan, N; Babu, B
Impact of NARP on agricultural development in the southern agro-climatic zone of Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Ashaletha, S; Babu, B
A research study entitled 'Impact ofNARP on Agricultural Development in the Southern Agroclimatic Zone of Kerala' was undertaken with a view to study the impact made by NARP on agricultural development as perceived by the officials as well as beneficiaries. Impact was assessed through altex-post facto analysis of the project by analyzing the area, production and productivity of major crops in the zone. There were three categories of respondents; the scientists working under the project, extension personnel of the department of Agriculture involved in the project and the beneficiaries of the project comprising rice and sesamum farmers. Data on the evaluative perception of scientists about the research concept of NARP, augmentation of research capabilities, the infrastructure facilities, multi and inter- disciplinary facilities and also on the linkage problems were gathered from scientists. The extension personnel were contacted for collecting response on their perception about the impact of NARP, linkage under NARP, farm trials, demonstrations and workshops. From the farmers, data on the extent of awareness about NARP, level of knowledge and adoption of the recommended practices, perception about farm trials and demonstrations were collected. Twelve selected profile characteristics were quantified to analyse the relationship of these variables with the awareness, knowledge and adoption of farmers. More over the constraints experienced by the respondents during the implementation of the project were also ascertained. The study was undertaken m the southern zone of Kerala compnsmg five districts. Separate questionnaires were prepared to collect data from the scientists and extension personnel and interview schedules were prepared in Malayalam separately for rice and sesamum farmers. Appropriate statistical methods were adopted for processing the data. The results of trend analysis indicate that after the implementation of NARP, the productivity of tapioca, sesamum and coconut increased while that of rice and after 15 years of implementation of the project, the farmers were unaware of the project and its objectives. But their knowledge about improved practices and extent of adoption were fairly good. The relationship of the selected profile characteristics of farmers with their awareness, knowledge level and adoption was also analysed. Education, economic motivation, innovation proneness, risk orientation, attitude towards scientific agriculture and information source utilization were positively and significantly related with knowledge level of farmers. Innovation proneness, level of aspiration, information source utilization and knowledge about improved practices were observed to be positively and significantly influencing adoption behavior of farmers. The perception of scientists on NARP was generally good except on some items like laboratory facilities, transportation facilities etc. About the research- extension linkage prevailing under NARP also, the scientists were not that much satisfied. In their opinion, the component of people's participation was also not up to the level in the project implementation. The perception on extension personnel on the extension components of NARP like Farm trials, Demonstrations and Workshops was comparatively good. But regarding the representation of input agencies as well as the farmers, they were not satisfied. The duration of workshops was also not sufficient for proper interaction in their opinion. Likewise, the extension personnel were not at all pleased with the involvement of scientists in the field level extension activities. According to them the / field contacts of research conimunity was not at all satisfactory. The analysis of different constraints revealed that both the categories were not satisfied with the linkage mechanism existing under NARP among research- extension- farmer-input systems. Lack of peoples' participation in the project activities and lack of attention given for income generating occupations by the researchers were also projected as important constraints. In farmers' perception, the high wage rate, scarcity of labourers and high cost of inputs were important problems restricting adoption of improved technologies. Based on the results of the study a strategy was developed for augmenting the efficacy of any development programmes with special reference to National Agricultural Technology Project.
Interaction of psychological economic, sociological and technological determinants of the entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural students
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Seema, B; Babu, B
The study aimed to identify the factors which are conducive for the entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural .students. The study was conducted among the students of the two Agricultural colleges of Kerala Agricultural University and the unemployed graduates who have passed out from these colleges. Two hundred and fifty respondents were selected for the main study which comprised of 100 undergraduate students, 100 postgraduate students and 50 unemployed graduates. The entrepreneurial behavior of agricultural students was measured with the help of a scale developed for the study. Based on relevancy rating twenty four independent variables were selected Data were collected through mailed, and distributed questionnaire. The maximum likelihood solution for entrepreneurial behavior extracted 12 factors About 43 per cent of the total variability in the extent of entrepreneurial behavior was accounted by twelve factors. Majority of the respondents in the undergraduate group and unemployed graduates were found to have high level of entrepreneurial behavior. Similarly majority of the male respondents were found to have high level of entrepreneurial behavior. Self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness, Self confidence, attitude towards competition, management Orientation, persuasiveness, and self reliance were found to * be significantly and positively related to entrepreneurial behaviour of undergraduate students. In the case of postgraduate students attitude towards competition, self esteem, innovation proneness, management orientation, self confidence, persuasiveness, sociability, self reliance and attitude towards self employment were found to be significantly and positively related. ■* • . As to the unemployed graduates significant positive relationship was observed between entrepreneurial behaviour and persuasiveness, management orientation, innovation proneness, self confidence and credit orientation. Sociability, self reliance, self confidence, attitude towards competition, self esteem, persuasiveness, management orientation, innovation proneness, attitude towards self employment and technical competency were found to be significantly and positively related with entrepreneurial behaviour of male students. In the case of female students, self confidence, self esteem, self reliance, attitude towards self employment, sociability, management orientation, persuasiveness, annual income, innovation proneness and attitude towards competition showed significant positive relationship with enfrepreneurial behaviour. Attitude towards self employment, innovation proneness, self confidence, credit orientation, self reliance, sociability, marks obtained in Pree-Degree, marks obtained in B Sc. and management orientation explained 36.74 per cent of the variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of undergraduate students. In the case of postgraduate students 49.19 per cent of variation in entrepreneurial behaviour was explained by attitude towards competition, self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness and O.G.P A. (work experience). Persuasiveness and innovation proneness explained 25.12 per cent of variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of unemployed graduates. » As much as 43.28 per cent of variability in entrepreneurial behaviour of male students was explained by sociability, self reliance, persuasiveness, attitude towards •self employment, O.G.P A ( work experience) management orientation, innovation proneness and attitude towards competition For variables viz., self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness and credit orientation were responsible fof 36.65 per cent of-variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of female students. Capital investment, availability of labour, availability of resource and infrastructural facilities were ranked high as factors influencing entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural students as perceived by different category of respondents.
Investigation into the attitude of junior agricultural officers towards high yielding varieties of rice
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1979) Menon, A G G; Prema, L; Babu, B
Investigation into the attitude of junior agricultural officers towards high yielding varieties of rice
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1978) Menon, A G G; Prema, L; Babu, B
Linkage between the department of agriculture and soil conservation unit in the implementation of soil and water conservation programmes in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Sunilkumar, R; Babu, B
A study was conducted to analyse the linkage between the officials in the Department of Agriculture and soil Conservation Unit in the implementation of soil and water conservation programmes in Kerala and to suggest a suitable administration strategy for the effective implementation of soil and water conservation programmes. The study also aimed to understand the role perception and role performance of the officials in the Department of Agriculture and soil conservation Unit with respect to soil and water Conservation Programms. The locale of the study was Kozhikode, Idukki, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Stratified multistage random sampling procedure was adopted for the selection of respondents. The respondents comprised 64 Agricultural Officers, 12 Principal Agricultural Officers, 22 Junior Soil Conservation Officers and 12 District Soil Conservation Officers. Pre-tested structured quistionnaries were used for the collection of data. Role perception, role performance and linkage were the dependent variables study. The independent variables selected for the purpose of study were age, education, rural-urban background, experience, trainings undergone, achievement motivation, job involvement, job environment and job satisfaction. The salient the study were as follows : Majority of the Agricultural Officers and 50 per cent of the Principal Agricultural officers had low level of perception about their roles whereas majority of Junior Soil Conservation Officers and District Soil Conservation Officers had high role perception with respect to soil and water conservation. More than half of the Agricultural Officers, 50 per cent of the Principal Agricultural Officers and two third of the Junior Soil Conservation Officers and District Soil Conservation Officers had high role performance with respect to soil and water conservation. Majority of the officials were from rural background, had high achievement motivation, high job involvement and high job satisfaction. The characteristics viz; trainings undergone, job involvement, job environment and job satisfaction had a positive and significant relationship with role perception of Agricultural Officers. Among the characteristics hob involvement contributed much to the role perception of Agricultural Officers. Of all the nine characterizes, only job satisfaction had a positive and significant relationship with role performance of Agricultural Officers. There was linkage between officials in the Department of Agriculture and soil Conservation Unit, but only modicum and there was no significant difference between the Principal Agricultural Officers and District Soil Conservation Officers in the performance of their linking roles with respect to soil and water conservation programmes. The important factors which affect linkage as perceived by the officials in Soil Conservation Unit were absence of separate department for Soil and Water Coservation, inadequate contact between officials in the Department of Agriculture and Soil conservation Unit, lack of Team work between officials in the Department of Agriculture and Soil Conservation Unit, negative attitude towards functional integration of Soil Conservation Unit with the Department of Agriculture, lack of formal and informal communication between officials in the Department of Agriculture and Soil conservation Unit and possible areas of joint activity left undefined.