Browsing by Author "Bhaskaran, C"

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Assessment of training needs of farmers in agriculture
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Kumari Sushama, N P; Bhaskaran, C
A study conducted to assess the training needs in agriculture of paddy and coconut farmers in Trichur district revealed that majority of the farmers (68.32%) perceived medium to high training need. With respect to different subject matter areas, weed control and plant protection in rice and seedling selection and plant protection in coconut ranked high in the training need hierarchy.
Communication behaviour of non-contact farmers in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Sherief, A K; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
The research study conducted among selected noncontact farmers in Trivandrum, Quilon and Alleppey districts revealed that majority of the respondents received most of the technical information on rice cultivation from 'other farmers'. The study brought to light the increasing difficulty the noncontact farmers experienced in decoding and encoding the messages as their complexity increased. The noncontact farmers communicated technical information to 'other farmers' more frequently. Similarly, most of the feedback from the noncontact farmers was mainly communicated to 'other farmers, in their area.
Communication patterns among contact farmers in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1984) Abdul Kareem, K; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
The research study conducted among selected contact farmers in Trivandrum district of Kerala revealed that majority of the respondents received most of the information, on coconut cultivation from Agricultural Demonstrators of the Department of Agriculture and 'local leaders' were the least consulted source of agro-information. The study brought to light the increasing difficulty the contact farmers experienced in decoding and encoding as the complexity of the message increased. The respondents communicated technical information to 'non-contact farmers of their own area' more frequently. Out of the three types of information feedback, communication of information related to technical aspects was the most important form of feedback.
Constraint analysis of the students and teachers of vocational higher secondary education in agriculture
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Kumari Sushama, N P; Nair, G T; Bhaskaran, C
A study was conducted in Kerala to analyse the constraints experienced by the students and teachers of Vocational Higher Secondary Education in Agriculture (VHSEA) and to draw some suggestions for improving future VHSEA. The results revealed that low standard of pupil, lack of library, building and laboratory facilities were the most important constraints. Permanent teachers may be employed, proper scholarship and grants may be provided and provision for higher education and more employment opportunities for the VHSEA pass-outs were the important suggestions put forward for improvement of VHSEA.
Constraints in evolving, spreading and adopting improved rice varieties in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Abdul Rahiman Kunju, O; Tampi, A M; Bhaskaran, C
Out of the nine constraints identified in evolving and spreading improved rice varieties, lack of facilities for evolving specific varieties suited to certain rice pockets of Kerala ranked first as percieved by the research subsystem. Non-filling up of post of scientists, lack of facilities to multiply seeds of improved varieties and for onfarm teaching of farmers were other important constraints in the descending order. Susceptibility to pests and diseases, requirement of heavy dose of fertilizers, poor cooking quality and low straw yield were the most important constraints in spreading and adopting improved rice varieties as perceived by extension, client and input subsystems.
Determinants of communication behaviour of contact farmers - a path analysis
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1985) Abdul Kareem, K; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
Differential characteristics of youth club members and non-members in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Joy Mathew; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
The research study conducted in NFS Block, Pattambi in Palghat district of Kerala among youth club members and non-members revealed that they differed significantly with reference to many of the selected variables. The youth club members had significantly higher mean scores than the non- members with respect to education, social participation, family economic status, cosmopoliteness, attitude towards agriculture and rote perception and role performance in agricultural development. However, there was no significant difference between the youth club members and non-members with respect to their occupational status, parental [occupation and level of aspiration. These findings provide a typology or profile feature of the rural youth in Kerala, which has to be considered while launching special programmes of rural areas in Kerala, in general, for the development and rural youth in Kerala, in particular.
Evaluative perception of homestead farmers in relation to appropriateness of farming systema and cropping patterns
(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Babu, M N; Bhaskaran, C
The study was undertaken in 18 selected panchayats of central zone comprising of Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts, with a view to identify the farming systems and cropping patterns adopted in homesteads. The evaluative perception of the farmers in relation to the appropriateness of farming systems and cropping patterns adopted in homesteads, their level of knowledge on scientific practices and extent of adoption of scientific and indigenous practices were also studied. The sample consisted of 180 homestead farmers selected at random. Data were collected using a well-structured interview schedule developed for the purpose. Suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that the homesteads of central zone were of unique nature in the sense that they comprised of a dwelling unit, with/without extended garden of wet land rice, monocrop rubber or additional crop land which acted as satellite units of the homestead. The major farming system identified was homesteads with crop components, livestock and extended garden, of which coconut based homesteads were predominant. In many of the homesteads, a multi- storied cropping pattern was in vogue whereas that of wet land was rice- rice- fallow. A good majority of the farmers were in the medium category with reference to their evaluative perception, level of knowledge and extent of adoption. Among the independent variables, extension participation, information sources used, economic motivation and annual income were found important in predicting the variations in evaluative perception. Education, extension participation, information sources used and value orientation were significantly correlated with level of knowledge. Education, farm size, extension participation, annual income and economic motivation were significantly correlated with extent of adoption. Evaluative perception of farmers was positively and significantly correlated with their level of knowledge and extent of adoption. Nearly half of the respondents were found adopting indigenous practices. Prohibitive cost of inputs was perceived as most important constraint followed by high labour cost. The study pointed out to the urgent need of effective measures to control the escalating rate of conversion of crop land to monocrop rubber and for purposes other than agriculture, and also the important role of these homesteads in conserving the agro- ecosystem and maintaining the environmental equilibrium. It also emphasized the need for an appropriate strategy for development of the homesteads, preferably on watershed area basis, by co-ordinating all the agencies directly or indirectly involved to ensure realistic, meaningful and sustainable agro-ecosystem management.
Factors affecting the functioning of rural youth clubs in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Joy Mathew; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
The research study was conducted among seventy five youth club members in NES Block, Pattambi, Palghat district in Kerala to identify the factors which determine the successful functioning of rural youth clubs. The study revealed that there was more or less perfect agreement among the different categories of youth club members, viz., more favourable and less favourable attitude groups, more correct and less correct role perception groups and higher and lower role performance groups in ranking the identified factors based on their relative importance for the successful functioning of youth clubs. Members' interest was perceived as the most important factor affecting the successful functioning of youth clubs by all the categories of respondents followed by either financial position of the club or club functioning and personal relations between members as next in the order of importance. These findings may be kept in view while organising rural youth clubs as viable voluntary agencies to help in the upheaval of rural areas.
Impact of development programmes among the tribals of Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Kumari Sushama, N P; Menon, A G G; Bhaskaran, C
An investigation to study the impact of development programmes among the tribals of Kerala was carried out in the South Wynad and North Wynad taluks of Wynad district. Two hundred tribal families selected from the four major tribes of the district viz., Kurumans, Kurichians, Paniyans and Adiyans constituted the sample of the study. The analysis of data revealed that there was no significant difference in the mean adoption scores, me3n knowledge scores and mean attitude scores of the tribes living in more developed and less developed areas. It is also found that among the individual tribes, Adiyans had high adoption, high level of knowledge and more favourable attitude towards modern practices whereas Paniyans had low adoption, low level of knowledge and less favourable attitude towards modern practices.
Impact of rice minikit trials on the adoption behaviour of farmers
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Ramachandran, C; Bhaskaran, C
With a view to study the impact of Rice Minikit Trials on adoption behavior of farmers the present investigation was undertaken under the title “Impact of Rice Minikt Trials on the Adoption Behaviour of Farmers”. Impact was measured in terms of the adoption of the selected recommended practices by the participant farmers and the non-participant farmers. The farmer’s perception about the innovation-characteristics of Minikit Variables of Rice, the procedures followed in conducting Rice Minikit Trials, and the constraints faced by the participant farmers and the extension personnel were also analysed. The study was conducted in Kollam district. The sample consisted of 60 each of randomly selected participant farmers and non-participant farmers and 30 Agricultural Officers. Data were collected using interview schedule and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that the participant farmer’s adoption of the recommended practices, though partial in some aspects, was significantly affected by the Rice Minikit Trials. The selected independent variables together contributed significantly in the variation adoption behavior of both the participants as well as the non-participant farmers. The analysis of the perception of the farmers about the innovation- characteristics revealed, profitability as the most striking innovation characteristic of the Minikit varieties of Rice. The evaluation of the procedures of conducting Rice minikit Trials showed that most of the procedural requirements were not being fulfilled satisfactorily. The results of the constraint analysis pointed out that timely supply of kids, literature on package of practices recommendations of the variety along with the kit and timely guidance and supervision were given the least attention. The results point out to the need for proper planning and improvement in every step in the conduct of the Trials to reach its cherished goals.
Impact of training to social forestry personnel
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Abdul Rahiman Kunju, O; Bhaskaran, C; Bhaskaran, S
Indigenous practices in rice farming in Thrissur district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1997) Preetha, L; Bhaskaran, C
A research study was conducted to identify and codify the indigenous practices in rice farming in Thrissur district. The study also aimed at analysing the relationship of knowledge and adoption of indegenous practices of rice farmers with their personal, socio-psychological and socio-economic characteristics. The evaluative perception of the identified indigenous practices by the rice farmers, extension personnel and rice scientists was also done. The study was conducted in two phases - phase I and phase II. The sample selected for the study consisted of 135 rice farmers and all available extension personnel and rice scientists of Thrissur district. The phase I of the study was conducted in 12 selected panchayaths and the phase II was conducted in 3 selected panchayaths of Thrissur district. The research endeavour identified 80 indigenous practices and 20 indigenous beliefs related to rice cultivation of Thrissur district. The identified practices and beliefs were documented and described along with its scientific rationale. The phase II revealed significant variation in knowledge score of rice farmers in indigenous practices. It varied from 4.6 to 90.9 per cent. Adoption index too showed significant variation with a range of 1 to 92.5 per cent. Statistical analysis reveal that 27.05 per cent of the variation In knowledge of rice farmers about indigenous practices was influenced by six variables namely fatalism-scientism, annual income, area under rice cultivation, main occupation, personal-localite exposure and risk preference, while 43.46 per cent of variation in adoption of indigenous practices of rice farmers was explained by their age, main occupation, farming experience, personal-localite exposure, economic motivation, social participation and risk preference. The indigenous practices were perceived as sustainable by 100 per cent of the respondent categories whereas only 38.58 per cent of the respondent categories perceived them as efficient. The knowledge in indigenous practices and their extent of adoption are found to be medium in 50 per cent of the rice farmers. This implies that most of the old farming traditions are being gradually lost by farmers. Hence a systematic and organised effort to document these indigenous practices is an urgent need to improve the efficiency and productivity of crop cultivation. This calls for a multi-disciplinary approach to comprehend and analyse the identified folk wisdom to enhance its potentiality and accelerate the pace of technological change.
Innovation in technical backstopping for the Thiruvanthapuram district panchayat-a critical appraisal of the samagra project on banana cultivation
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2012) Esakkimuthu, M; Bhaskaran, C
Knowledge level of farmers about improved cultivation practices of coconut
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Thamban, C; Rahman Kunju, O A; Bhaskaran, C
To study the knowledge level of farmers about improved cultivation practices of coconut, a study was conducted in Kasaragod district among 100 farmers from ten selected panchayats. The study revealed that farmers possessed appreciable amount of knowledge on items such as nursery practices, planting and after care and multiple cropping. Their knowledge on manures and manuring and plant protection were poor thus stressing the need to take up educational activities on such aspects. The level of education and mass media exposure of the farmers were positively and significantly associated with their knowledge on improved cultivation practices of coconut.
Micro credit and technology utilisation in vegetable production by self help groups in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Priya Devi, S; Bhaskaran, C
Kerala is depending upon other states for meeting its vegetable requirements though the soil types and climate are suitable for large scale and commercial cultivation. To meet the resource crunch among farmers a supplementing rural credit system to the existing ones is needed. This research study was an enquiry into the reported increase in area of vegetable cultivation and financial viability due to micro credit provision among beneficiaries of Self Help Groups of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (YFPCK), Thiruvananthapuram project area. The respondents were 30 experts and 120 beneficiaries from twelve SHGs of five Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured interview schedule and questionnaire prepared for the purpose. Micro credit utilisation and technology adoption levels in vegetable production by Self Help Groups were analysed. Also micro credit need and gap were ascertained and constraints and suggestions listed down. Based on group dynamics indicators it was inferred that the SHGs were functioning at medium level. Further inadequacies and future prospects are needed to be managed effectively. The SHGs had> 70 per cent attendance level in meetings, one meeting was arranged per month and had homogenous membership. The loan amount availed was between Rs.40,000 to Rs.80,000 with uniform interest rate. Group savings of Rs.SOO to Rs.ISOO was reported. Usually < 8 books of account are kept which are maintained by a group member. Members of group had trainings conducted based on their felt needs facilitated by field officers. XS Majority of the beneficiaries were in the 'high' category in respect or all vital profile characteristics like experience, innovativeness, social participation. training and increase in income after joining group activity. This is Cl positive effect of group formation. Also regarding technology adoption rate group characteristics were significantly related and individual characters were not significant. The credit need and credit gap was Rs.238 per cent of land. Regarding market behaviour, field centres were preferred to market the produce, bicycle or autorickshaws were mostly used for transport of produce. It was seen that 67 per cent of respondents got their money as ready cash at the time of sales and 80 per cent were satisfied with marketing support provided. Export potential must be more facilitated. Total cost of cultivation for one cent of panthal crop was reported as RS.S38 per cent. The credit utilisation was complete. All the respondents had repaid completely the loan amount and hence repayment was complete. Constraints faced in rmcro credit servicmg were absence of subsidy, indebtedness of beneficiaries and formal book keeping difficulties. The short term nature, allotment season and meeting time were reported as less relevant constraints. Constraints faced in timely repayment of micro credit were high labour cost, market glut leading to low cost of produce and wilful defaulters. Political influence was not rated as major constraint. Interest rates were low and overdues were not expected to be written off by beneficiaries. Perception of experts was high about regular field visits by experts, experience sharing and compulsion by group pressure in repayment and utilisation of loan amount. Also monitoring and recording of adopted technologies which were not perceived as risky was enabled by micro credit. Perception of beneficiaries about micro credit was high with respect to benefit of more renewal chances, easy repayment installments, absence of collateral security, reduction in cost of borrowing and ensuring participatory approach. Also reduction in time spent, making farming profitable, experts visiting fields, convenient interest levels and satisfactory amount supplied was enabled by micro credit. Suggestions of beneficiaries and experts for improving micro credit supply relates to role of banks, government support and sustained group action. In the case of defaulters, bank intervention must be more easily and strict to avoid possible revenue recovery and smooth group functioning. Regarding improvement in repayment and sustained group action, more incentives must be provided. Government support in the form of subsidy, insurance and reduction in lease amount are needed.
Objective evaluation of the agricultural exhibition conducted at the campus Kerala Agricultural University Vellayani
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1981) Bhaskaran, C; Menon, A G G
An attempt was made to evaluate the three day Agricultural Exhibition conducted at the Vellayani Campus of the Kerala Agricultural University during July, 1 979. Forty participant farmers were randomly selected and were personally iniervjewed to assess their perception about the treatment and utility of \ the selected exhibits. The treatment utility index of the exhibition was quite high being 64.80 percent. The Rank order correlation coefficient also indicated greater degree of concordance in the treatment and utility of the individual exhibits. In general, the exhibits relating to innovations which had high practical applicability and of immediate interest to the farmers were assigned higher ranks in the treatment-utility ladder.
Participation of farm family women in dairy and poultry enterprises
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1998) Sureshkumar, R; Kumari sushama, N P; Bhaskaran, C
Participation of farm family women in the agricultural operations and decision making in vegetable cultivation
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1998) Sureshkumar, R; Kumari Sushama, N P; Bhaskaran, C
Research-extension linkages in the transferof technology of improved rice varieties – A factor analysis
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Abdul Rahiman Kunju, O; Tampi, A M; Bhaskaran, C
A study was conducted to explore the extent of funtional linkages between the research and extension subsystems in the transfer of technology of improved rice varieties. The factors associated with the linkage of research subsytem with the extension subsystem were mainly, providing consultancy services and training to extension personnel, supervising trials and demonstrations, facilitating as well as guiding in field level extension activities and providing information support on new varieties by the researchers. The linking factors of extension subsystem with the researchers were mainly, participation in workshops and joint field visits, seeking help of researchers in trials and demonstrations laid out by the extension personnel.