Browsing by Author "Kumari Sushama, N P"

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Agriculture in the western ghats of Kerala: an agro-ecosystem analysis in Wayanad district
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2006) Kumari Sushama, N P; KAU
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.
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 the cultivation of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Manjusha, Jayapalan; Kumari Sushama, N P
Development of spatial crop suitability model through participatory and integrated land evaluation for sustainable agriculture
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Abdul Samad, K; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study was carried out with the objective of developing a ‘spatial crop suitability model’ through participatory and integrated land evaluation approach in a selected watershed with diversified agro-ecological situation and to evaluate the response of Agricultural Officers towards land evaluation for sustainable agriculture development. Besides, the utility of the model as perceived by the farmers was also studied. The locale of the study was Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala with all the Agricultural Officers working in the district as respondents for studying their response towards land evaluation. A selected watershed area namely ‘Aruvipuram watershed’ of 3109.12 hectares within Neyyar river basin having diverse agro-ecological situation was identified for developing the spatial crop suitability model and 30 progressive farmers of the selected watershed area was used as respondents for studying the perceived utility of the spatial crop suitability model. The dependent variables were awareness, knowledge and attitude. The selected 17 profile characteristics of Agricultural Officers formed the independent variables. The most important biophysical and socio-economic factors of land evaluation for the study were identified using Pusa rank sheet for Q-sort through ranking by selected judges. Primary spatial data base of biophysical factors were generated using secondary data, remote sensing data and ground truth. Participatory land evaluation of biophysical factors were carried out through Participatory Appraisal of Natural Resources (PANR). Integrated land evaluation was fulfilled by deriving the spatial crop suitability model through Geographic Information System (GIS). With help of the spatial model supported by participatory crop wise land evaluation of socio-economic factors, crop suitability recommendations for the watershed area was arrived at in line with the ‘factor rating’ method of FAO for crop suitability at S1, S2 and S3 levels (highly suitable, moderately suitable and marginally suitable respectively). Focus group interview was adopted to study the perceived utility of the model by the farmers. The awareness, knowledge and attitude of Agricultural Officers towards land evaluation were studied through a teacher-made test, knowledge test and attitude scale respectively developed for the purpose of the study. Mean, percentage analysis and correlation analysis were the major statistical tools employed. The study helped in identifying thirteen biophysical factors namely slope, rainfall, physiography, soil depth, soil texture, soil drainage, soil erosion, temperature, elevation, presence of rocks/stones/gravels, soil pH, ground water and major nutrients. The six identified socio-economic factors were economic viability, economic feasibility, infra-structural facilities, market demand, social acceptability and farming experience. Majority of respondents (Agricultural Officers) were in medium category with respect to their awareness and knowledge on land evaluation. Majority of respondents had favourable attitude towards land evaluation. There existed significant and positive relation between the dependent variables. Also significant positive and negative relationship existed between some independent and dependent variables. Analysis of biophysical factors of the watershed revealed that the area was suitable for a wide range of humid tropical crops (both perennial and seasonal). Participatory land evaluation of socio-economic factors revealed that the area was unsuitable for four crops namely pineapple, cocoa, mango and sapota. Integration of the primary spatial database of biophysical factors using GIS (ARC/INFO package) helped in generating the spatial crop suitability model on 1:10,000 scale with 1508 land mapping units (LMUs). The area of LMUs ranged from 0.201 hectares to 37.411 hectares. Crop suitability recommendation with the help of crop suitability model revealed that as per the S1 class the maximum watershed area can be put under coconut and as per both S2 and S3 classes the maximum area is suitable for rubber. The crop suitability recommendations derived through spatial crop suitability model will help for sustainable agriculture development. With regard to the use of remote sensing technology, while the aerial photos on 1:15000 scale were found to be very useful for micro watershed level studies, IRS (LISS III) satellite images on 1:50,000 scale only partially supported micro level studies due to the limitation of resolution. As perceived by the farmers, the spatial crop suitability model will help the planners, farmers and officers of the Department of Agriculture in decision making on the right selection of crops and its management for each locality. The content of participatory land evaluation of socio-economic factors will make the model socially acceptability also. As opined by the respondents the major constraints expected for the utility of the model were lack of political will, fluctuation in market price, untimely supply of inputs, lack of irrigation water, high labour charges and vanishing landlord-labourer relationship.
Group characteristics of self help groups
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Sreedaya, G S; Kumari Sushama, N P; Mothilal Nehru, S
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.
Participation of farm family women in marginal homestead farming systems in the Thrissur district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Sureshkumar, R; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study aimed at analyzing the nature and extent of participation of farm family women in agricultural operations and decision making in the identified marginal homestead farming system. The study was undertaken in three panchayats of Thrissur district namely Melur, Pananchery and Thekkumkara. From each panchayat, 50 homesteads were selected randomly. The female head of the family was selected as the respondent from each homestead. The dependent variables of the study were the nature and extent of participation of farm family women in agricultural operations and in decision making. These variables were quantified using measurement devices developed for the study. Twenty independent variables were selected for the study viz., age, education, farm size, family size, farming experience, extension participation, mass media participation, social participation, extension contact, knowledge about scientific crop production, knowledge about dairy/poultry management, attitude towards farming, level of aspiration, economic motivation, innovation, proneness, cropping intensity, achievement motivation, self-confidence, risk preference and information source utilization. All these independent variables were quantified with the help of available measurement procedures. The data were collected using pre-tested structured interview schedule prepared for the purpose. The statistical tools used were correlation analysis, categorization, multiple linear regression analysis, step down regression analysis and multivariate path coefficient analysis. The study revealed that coconut based homestead farming system is the predominant one in Thrissur district. Of this, coconut-banana-vegetable crop combination occupied the first position followed by coconut-banana –yams. Also most families have a variety of other enterprises, of which dairying occupied the first place followed by poultry. The nature and extent of participation of farm family women in agricultural operations of coconut was found to be ‘supervision only’ and that too ‘to some extent’ and in decision making they participated ‘jointly’ with their husbands. In the case of banana, they ‘only supervised’ many of the agricultural operations and it was also ‘to some extent’ and in the case of decision making majority ‘sometimes’ participated ‘jointly’ with their husbands. As far as vegetables are concerned, majority ‘solely’ participated to a ‘greater extent’ in the agricultural operations and ‘sometimes’ participated ‘jointly’ with their husbands in decision making. Regarding yams, majority participated in the form of ‘supervision only’ and that too to ‘some extent’, whereas they ‘sometimes’ participated ‘jointly’ with their husbands in decision making. Considering other enterprises like dairy/poultry, majority ‘solely’ participated to a ‘greater extent’ in the activities and in decision making they ‘always’ participated ‘solely’ in these areas. The results of correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, step down regression analysis and path analysis revealed that only seven independent variables namely extension participation, mass media participation, knowledge about scientific crop production, knowledge about dairy/poultry management, attitude towards farming, achievement motivation and self confidence influenced the nature and extent of participation in agricultural operations. Whereas the results of correlation analysis, multiple lenear regression analysis, step down regression analysis and path analysis revealed that only 8 variables influenced the nature and extent of participation of farm family women in decision making. They were mass media participation, extension contact, knowledge about dairy/poultry management, attitude towards farming, economic motivation, cropping intensity, achievement motivation and self confidence.
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
Perception of officials about self help groups involved in vegetable cultivation
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Sreedaya, G S; Kumari Sushama, N P; Mothilal Nehru, S
Performance analysis of the self help groups in vegetable production in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Sreedaya, G S; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study was carried out in Thiruvananthapuram District. of Kerala among the six selected self help groups, 3 each from KHDP and IVDP. The study aimed to analyse the group characteristics of self help groups, planning, production and marketing aspects of vegetables, extent of adoption of recommended practices with regard to vegetables, constraints faced by the farmers of SHGs and to analyse the perception of officials about SHGs. The respondents consisted of 120 farmers selected from SIX Panchayaths namely Kalliyoor, Venganoor & Vembayam under KHDP and Anad, Pothencode & Sreekaryam under IVDP. The second category of respondents included extension personnel of KHDP and IVDP who were actively associated with vegetable production. The dependent variable for the study were group characteristics, planning, production & marketing aspects of vegetables & extent of adoption of recommended practices. The independent variables included the personal, socio-pshychological characteristics of farmers. The correlation analysis was done to find out the relationship between the independent variables and all the dependent variables and also between the ,- dependent variables. To compare the groups under KHDP and IVDP 't' test was done, which revealed that there existed significantance difference between these groups with respect to annual income, farm size, credit orientation, market perception, knowledge in vegetable cultivation, group cohesion, group leadership, need satisfaction, team spirit and equity. The major constraint felt by KHDP SHGs was marketing through field centres where as IVDP SHGs faces planning, production, marketing and organizational constraints. The analysis of the perception of officials about SHGs revealed that all of them had fairly high perception about SHGs.
Performance of samatha self help groups in the empowerment of rural women in Ulloor panchayat
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Meera, M J; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study was carried out in Ulloor panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala among four major Samatha production units identified. Twelve groups were selected based on probability proportionate to size from among the four major production units. The study aimed to' analyse the performance of characteristics and profile characteristics of members, to study the structure and functions of Samatha groups, perception of officials (including people's representatives) about Samatha groups, constraints faced by members and officials and suggestions for improvement. The respondents consisted of 120 members selected from the 12 production units, out of the four major units identified. The second category of respondents included officials and people's representatives associated with the working of Samatha groups. Two control groups consisting of 15 respondents from Samatha banks and 15 respondents of rural women who are not members of any group. The dependent variables for the study were the dimensions of . empowerment namely leadership propensity, self confidence, employment generation, income generation and decision making. The group characteristics were also studied. The independent variables included the profile characteristics of members .• .:', ,c" t!orrelation analysis was done to find out the relationship between the dependent variables and the independent and group characteristics. Group characteristics score of the Samatha production units was found out for each of the groups. Group 2 and Group 1 had the highest scores respectively and the Group 7 had the lowest score. Empowerment index of the Samatha production unit respondents were found out and the respondent were classified into three group namely Low, Medium and High. Majority of the respondents were found to have high Empowerment Index values. Comparison of Samatha production units and rural women without group activities was done with percentage analysis which showed that respondents of production units were In the high group with respect to the dimensions of empowerment whereas the rural women without group activities were in the low group. To compare Samatha production units and Samatha Banks, analysis of variance was done, which revealed that there is no significant difference between the production units with respect to or most of the variables and all of the dimensions of empowerment (dependent variables). The analysis of perception of officials about Samatha groups revealed that all of them had fairly high perception about Samatha groups. The major constraint felt by both members and officials was difficulty in marketing of products.
Promotional strategy for the utilization of plant based pesticides in vegetable cultivation in Thrissur district -An experimental study
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Rashmi Annie Jose; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study was carried out in Puthur panchayat of Thrissur district to formulate a promotional strategy for the use of plant based pesticides in vegetable cultivation. The respondents consisted of 120 vegetable farmers. The dependent variables of the study were the knowledge about plant' o based pesticides, attitude towards plant based pesticides and symbolic adoption. The independent variables included the personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the farmers. The study revealed that majority of the farmer respondents belonged to high category in their distribution with reference to the selected independent variables. Respondents were in the low category with respect to knowledge and attitude towards plant based pesticides and in the high category with respect to symbolic adotpion. Then these respondents were classified into four groups of 30 each. They were exposed to different experimental treatments of extension and audiovisual packages. Results showed that there was significant change in the knowledge, attitude and symbolic adoption after explosing the' respondents to experimental treatments. The most effective combination of the audio-visual aids and extension methods was lecture + group discussion + method demonstration. The most important constraint experienced by the farmers in the use of plant based pesticide was the absence of immediate results. Lack of knowledge about plant based pesticides was also felt as an important constraint. Based on the results of the study, a strategy to promote the utilisation of the plant based pesticide in vegetable cultivation has also been proposed.
Socio-technical system analysis of tribal and settler farmers in the western ghat regions of wayanad district in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Geetha Nath, G; Kumari Sushama, N P
Techno-socio-economic assessment of farmers practices in the cultivation of bittergourd in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Manjusha Jayapalan; Kumari Sushama, N P
The study was carried out in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala on the farmers' practices followed in bittergourd cultivation. The study aimed at identifying the farmers' practices, assessing the knowledge about recommended practices, extent of adoption offarmers' practices, techno-socio-economic aspects, efficiency and ecofriendliness of these practices and also constraints faced by farmers in bittergourd cultivation. The respondents consisted of 40 farmer respondents. selected from Kalliyoor panchayat of the district, 25 extension personnel and 25 research personnel working on bittergourd. The dependent variables for the study were, the knowledge about recommended practices and the extent of adoption of selected farmers' practices by farmers. The independent variables included the personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of farmers. In total, 40 farmers' practices were identified. Of which, the plant protection practices outnumbered the management practices. All the respondents were aware of most of the recommended practices in bittergourd cultivation. 'Soaking of seeds in water' , 'organic manuring'practices adopted by 100 per cent of the farmers. 'Education' was the single variable which showed a significant positive correlation with knowledge whereas, 'extension orientation' and 'participation in P. T.D.' were the two variables exhibiting a significant positive relationship with the extent of adoption of farmers' practices. The practices, 'burning of dry leaves and twigs', 'banana fruit trap' and green leaf manuring registered the highest techno-socio-economic indices. 'Banana fruit trap' , 'organic manuring' and 'soaking of seeds in water' were the most efficient practices as perceived by researchers, extension personnel and farmers. 'Soaking of seeds in water', 'burning of dry leaves and twigs' , 'spraying nattapoochedi leaf extract', 'oraganic manuring' and 'green leaf manuring' were the most ecofriendly practices as identified by the farmers. The most important production constraint experienced by the farmers was 'incidence of pests and diseases'. The common pests were fruit fly, epilachna beetle, pumpkin beetle and plant lice. Mosaic and leaf spot were the common diseases. 'High cost of material inputs' was the most important economic constraint.
Vocational higher secondary education in agriculture in Kerala - a multimidensional analysis
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Kumari Sushama, N P; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed at analysing the various dimensions of vocational Higher Secondary Education in Agriculture (VHSEA) in Kerala and to suggest a model for strengthening the same. The study was undertaken in nine VHSEA schools spread over eight districts in Kerala, where the scheme was first introduced in 1983-84 and where VHSEA courses are still being offered. There were 300 student-respondents for the study, viz. 150 respondents who have passed VHSEA from these nine schools during 1986-87, 1987-88 & 1988-89 and 50 each of VHSEA students undergoing PP,F & V and NM & OG courses in these schools at the time of the investigation, selected using probability proportion to size-random sampling. Besides, all the available teachers of VHSEA numbering 36 and 60 randomly selected experts from the State Department of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University and the Directorate of VHSE also formed the other categories of respondents for the study. The dependent variables were the student-respondents’ knowledge about the subject matter of the VHSEA Courses, attitude towards VHSEA programme, attitude towards scientific agriculture and evaluate perception of VHSE courses in agriculture. These variables were quantified using standardized measurement devices developed for the study. Ten independent variables were selected and quantified with the help of available procedures. Vocational interest areas, vertical mobility and employment status and factors affecting vertical mobility and employment status were also collected from the student-respondents. Data on the evaluative perception of VHSE courses in agriculture, evaluation of VHSEA syllabi and factors affecting vertical mobility and employability were gathered from the teachers of VHSEA and the experts. Constraints in and suggestions for improvement of VHSEA were also collected from the students and teachers of VHSEA. Pre-tested and structured interview schedules/questionnaires were used for data collection. The study revealed that majority of the student – respondents hailed from rural areas with agricultural background, they had secured low marks in SSLC/VHSEA and their family educational status and economic status were poor. Majority of them had high level of aspiration, and a sizeable number did not have financial support for starting self employment ventures. Majority of the student-respondents had only medium level of knowledge and favourable attitude towards VHSEA programme and scientific agriculture. Majority of the respondents had rated the VHSE courses in agriculture as ‘moderate’ the independent variable significantly influencing the dependent variables in general were marks obtained in SSLC, caste, family economic status, family educational status, level of aspiration (past, present and future) and finance for self employment. Commercial flower production and general agriculture were the most preferred vocational interest areas. Half of the VHSEA certificate holders were studying in degree classes and more than one fourth of them were not continuing their studies. Majority of the VHSEA certificate holders were unemployed. Over six per cent of them were working as Lab assistants and only two respondents were engaged in self employment avenues. Interest in higher education, job opportunities due to higher qualification and attitude towards higher education were the most important factors influencing their vertical mobility while awareness about the avenues for self employment, skill training for doing self employment and interest in taking up self employment were the most important factors influencing their employability. The teachers and experts in general rated the VHSEA as moderate. Low standard of pupils, lack of library facilities, lack of building facilities and lack of facilities for doing practicals were the most important constraints. Permanent teachers should be employed, scholarships and grants should be provided, provision for higher education, job opportunities to the pass outs and public should be made aware of the relevance of the VHSEA were the important suggestions for improvement of VHSEA. Based on the results of the study, a model to strengthen VHSEA in Kerala is suggested.