Browsing by Author "Prakash, R"

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Analysis of constraints and strategies for scaling up of precision farming in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Sadam Hanjabam; Prakash, R
The study entitled “Analysis of constraints and strategies for scaling up of precision farming in Kerala” was an attempt to critically analyse the attitude of the farmers towards PF technology, assess the extent of adoption, identify the constraints and formulate strategies for scaling up of PF in Kerala. Ninety farmers consisting of 60 precision farmers (banana and vegetables) and 30 conventional farmers were randomly selected from Chittur block in Palakkad district of Kerala. 12 independent variables, two dependent variables and 30 constraints were studied and analysed with the help of different scales and techniques. A well-structured pre tested interview schedule was used for collection of data from the respondents. The study indicated that 80 per cent of the precision farmers belonged to old age group. Majority of the farmers had more than 25 years of farming experience. Precision farmers had a higher level of information seeking behaviour, risk and scientific orientation. More than 50 per cent of the precision farmers had attended more than 10 trainings. Conventional farmers had better market perception and were more economic orientated. However precision farmers were more innovative. Majority of the respondents had moderately favourable attitude towards PF practices and had medium level of adoption. The most important constraints experienced by both categories of respondents were rainfall and other meteorological problem and high cost of inputs. Non-availability of inputs, lack of technical skill , inadequate size of landholdings , lack of marketing facilities, heavy fluctuation in commodity price, high labour charges were other constraints of importance. Provision of a panel of multidisciplinary specialists for full time technical advice and a technical officer for implementation of the scheme was one suggestion. Developments of a market support system, F1 hybrids suiting to Kerala etc., were other measures. Besides, some extension strategies like shifting of PF from technology push to application driven approach, providing technologies through rental services , strengthening the relationship among IT, ICT, biotechnology and PF , development of a Decision Support System ( DSS) etc., are suggested which may help to scale up PF in Kerala.
Analysis of saelected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Jinadevan, R; Prakash, R
The present study under the title “An analysis of selected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala” was undertaken to understand the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption behaviour of farmers in relation to selected coconut development programmes. The analysis covered the response pattern of both beneficiary and non – beneficiary farmers to different variables. The constraints faced by both the group of farmers in the adoption of recommended practices and by the Agricultural officers in the implementation of the programmes were also analyzed. The study was conducted in Alappuzha district and covered the following development programmes : i) Scheme for expansion of area under coconut. ii) Scheme for providing assistance for developing irrigation facilities. iii) Integrated farming in coconut small holdings for productivity improvement. The sample consisted of 120 randomly selected beneficiary farmers, 40 each under each programme and 60 non beneficiary farmers and 50 agricultural officers. Data were collected using interview schedule and questionnaire and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that beneficiary farmers awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption of the recommended practices, though partial in some aspects, was significantly influenced by the coconut development programmes. Practice wise adoption by farmers revealed that use of hybrid varieties of seedlings for new planting was the least adopted practice. There was a tendency among the farmers to switch over to west cost tall and other varieties. Comparison of adoption behaviour of farmers under the three selected development programmes showed that the extent of adoption of recommended practices was higher in new planting area compared to other areas. It was also found that the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption was higher in the case of beneficiary farmers compared to non beneficiaries. The results of the constraint analysis revealed the need for more attention to timely supply of coconut seedings, adoption of the labour saving group management practice and training programme of coconut development Board for the unemployed youths in plant protection and palm climbing. The results pointed out the need for proper co-ordination and linkage between various agencies involved in implementing coconut development programmes, simplifying the procedure in availing assistance under the programmes, starting field level offices, by Coconut Development Board in the model of Rubber Board and for proper planning and improvement in the pattern of implementation of coconut development programmes for accomplishing the cherished goals.
Attitude of tribals towards agricultural development programmes in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Prakash, R; Abdul Rehman Kunju, O
Attitude of tribals towards settled agriculture in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Prakash, R; Abdul Rehman Kunju, O
Behavioural ecology of selected deer species in captivity - a case study at Thrissur zoo
(Department of WildlifeScience, College of Forestry, Thrissur, 2007) Prakash, R; Nameer, P O
The present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo. The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April 2003. It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns (walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern, resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain unchanged. The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude protein and 5-24 per cent ash. The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India. In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this study.
Extension strategies for the major farming systems in the context of the changing agricultural situations in kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Balachandranath, N G; Prakash, R
Farmer-to-farmer extension in Kerala agriculture: a critical analysis of leads (Lead farmer centered extension advisory and delivery service) project in Kollam district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Priya Peter; Prakash, R
The study entitled “Farmer to farmer extension in Kerala agriculture: a critical analysis of LEADS (Lead Farmer Centered Extension Advisory and Delivery Service) project in Kollam district” is mainly dealing with the analysis of farmer centric extension. The respondents selected for the study were 99 farmers, 40 agricultural officers, and 33 field assistants from Kollam district. The main objective of the study was to analyse the farmer-to-farmer extension in the LEADS pilot project in Kollam district and to suggest measures to improve the functioning of the project. It was found that communication effectiveness in LEADS was moderate. Among eight independent variables selected for the study, two variables namely ‘innovativeness’ and ‘farmer’s contact with officials’ were positively and significantly affecting the communication effectiveness. In the case of attitude of respondents towards LEADS, 72 per cent of farmers were having a favourable attitude; however it was only 52.5 per cent for officials. Correlation studies revealed that among eight independent variables, ‘number of trainings attended’ was positively and significantly affecting the attitude of farmers towards LEADS. All agricultural officers and the field assistants used to participate in MTA (Monthly Technology Advice) meetings regularly. Considering the perception of the respondents about MTA, only 3 per cent of the farmers and officers perceived MTA as highly efficient and effective, whereas 75 per cent of both the categories perceived it as moderately efficient and effective. However, 15 per cent of the field assistants perceived MTA as highly efficient and effective. The desk study revealed that the procedure for the selection of lead farmers and satellite farmers were strictly being followed in the district. Comparison between the previous system of extension delivery and the system in LEADS has also been done in the study. The major constraints experienced by the farmers were the unavailability of seeds and other inputs on time for farming activities in the nearest areas and the problems related to the marketing of their produces. Among a number of suggestions put forward after the analysis of the LEADS programme, the major suggestions were to increase the number of agricultural outlets for improving the marketing facility and also creating facilities for the provision of timely input supply for agriculture.
Impact of development programmes in promoting pepper production in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Sajeev Chandran, A; Prakash, R
To assess the impact of various development programmes in promoting pepper production, a study was carried out in Cannanore, Payyannore and Tellichery sub-divisions of Cannanore district in Kerala. The impact was studied, by finding out the level of awareness, attitude towards the extent of adoption under the pepper development programmes. The relationship between and among the selected dependent and independent variables was studied. The constraints in the adoption of various recommended practices for increasing pepper production as perceived by the farmers were also identified.
Multidimentional analysis of apiculturists in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Rateesh Kumar, T; Prakash, R
The study entitled “A multidimensional analysis of apiculturists in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts” was undertaken with an objective to promote apiculture by studying the selected profile characteristics of the beekeepers and their entrepreneurial qualities as also the extent of adoption of scientific beekeeping practices. It was also aimed to identify the constraints as perceived by the beekeepers so as to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the enterprise. The study was conducted in Chengal and Karode Panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram district and Ummannoor and Piravanthur Panchayats in Kollam. A sample of 30 respondents from each Panchayat were selected at random thus making a total of 120 respondents. Data were collected through well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The data collected were statistically analysed using arithmetic mean, percentage analysis and simple correlation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents form both the districts had medium to high level of entrepreneurial behaviour and extent of adoption. Relationship of the profile characteristics with the entrepreneurial behaviour showed that in the case of Thiruvananthapuram district, variables namely economic motivation, extension orientation, mass media exposure, self confidence and knowledge on beekeeping practices were positively and significantly correlated. In the case of Kollam district, economic motivation, extension orientation, market perception, mass media exposure, attitude towards self employment and knowledge had a positively significant correlation with the entrepreneurial behaviour of the beekeepers. Correlation studies between the profile characteristics and the extent of adoption revealed that in Thiruvananthapuram district the variables viz., experience in beekeeping, economic motivation, market perception, mass media exposure and knowledge had a positive and significant relationship. Whereas in Kollam district, mass media exposure and knowledge were the only variables that were found to have a positively significant relationship with extent of adoption. Need for economic security followed by affiliation with fellow beekeepers and innovative urge to test the profitability of the enterprise were perceived by the beekeepers as the most important motives in the adoption of beekeeping. The most common marketing channel of honey that was found to be prevalent in the area was the Producer – Consumer. With regard to the constraints experienced by the beekeepers inadequate financial help from government and funding institutions followed by loss of colonies due to Thai sac brood virus attack, lack of insurance coverage to the bee colonies, high cost of sugar and non-fixation of minimum support price for honey were considered to be some of the major hindrances encountered by the beekeeping entrepreneurs.
Multy-dimensional analysis of kuttimulla cultivation in Alapuzha district
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Nizamudeen, A; Prakash, R
The study ‘A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of ‘Kuttimulla’ Cultivation in Alapuzha District’ was carried out with the following objectives. 1. To study the socio-economic profile of the ‘Kuttimulla’ growers. 2. To study the extent of adoption of the cultivation practices. 3. To study the entrepreneurial behavior of the ‘Kuttimulla’ growers. 4. To study the motivational pattern of ‘Kuttimulla’ growers. 5. To identify the marketing channels prevailing in the area. 6. To study the constraints as perceived by the growers. 7. To develop an extension model to popularize ‘Kuttimulla’ cultivation In Kerala. The study was conducted in three purposively selected panchayats of Alapuzha district. A sample of 150 growers, ie. 50 selected randomly from each panchayat, formed the respondents of the study. Personal interview was conducted with the help of a well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The data so collected was analysed with the help of suitable statistical techniques. The extent of adoption and the entrepreneurial behavior formed the dependent variables of the study. The selected profile characteristics of ‘Kuttimulla’ growers were taken as independent variables which included farming experience, socio-economic status, economic motivation, social participation, mass media exposure, information seeking behavior, cosmopoliteness, contact with extension agency, market perception, credit orientation, management orientation, attitude towards self employment and knowledge about ‘Kuttimulla’ cultivation. The motivational pattern influencing the adoption was also studied. Majority of the ‘Kuttimulla’ growers were found to have low farming experience, high socio-economic status, high economic motivation, low social participation, high mass media exposure, low information seeking behavior, high cosmopoliteness, high contact with extension agency, low market perception, high credit orientation, high management orientation, favorable attitudes towards self employment and high knowledge level. Majority of the ‘kuttimulla’ growers have high level of adoption and high entrepreneurial behavior. The most governing motive behind the adoption of ‘Kuttimulla’ was the economic security. Of the 13 variables studied, information seeking behavior, economic motivation and knowledge level were found to have a positive and significant correlation with the two dependent variables. Farming experience, cosmopoliteness, and credit orientation were found to have a positive and significant correlation only with adoption. All the other variable are having an non-significant correlation with the two dependent variables. The most important marketing channel of ‘Kuttimulla’ prevailing in the study area was Producer-Collection agent-Collection centre-Florishops-Consumer. The important constraints experienced by the ‘Kuttimulla’ growers were ‘difficulty in availing inputs’(production), ‘non availability of credit’(technological) and ‘inability of small growers to find market’(marketing). The major suggestions given by the respondents were ‘evolving high yielding varieties’(research), ‘establishing separate floricultural scheme’ (extension) and ‘installation of flower based industry’ (Marketing).
Role of labour force (thozhil sena) in agricultural development implemented through people's plan in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Geetha Nath, G; Prakash, R
The study entitled "Role of labour force (Thozhil Sena) in agricultural development implemented through people's plan was undertaken to study the structure, function and role of Thozhil Sena. It was also aimed to study the employment generation and income generation due to the implementation of Thozhil Sena, to study the attitude and perception of its members and farmers towards it and to identify the constraints as perceived by the members/officials/people' s representatives.
Sequential analysis of constraints in increasing production of rice and coconut in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Prakash, R; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed at identifying the production constraints of rice and coconut and measuring the validity of identified constraints in selected production centres. The solutions to the identified constraints were also collected and their feasibility rated in order to formulate appropriate development strategies for increasing production of rice and coconut in Kerala. The study was conducted in all the NARP regions of the State, namely, Southern, Central, Northern, High Range and Problem Regions. The respondents of the study comprised of 160 farmers each for the identification and validation of constraints and 100 Research Workers, 100 Extension Workers and 57 Input Agencies for the indentification of constraints. To identify the production constraints of rice and coconut, Delphi technique – the methodology for elicitation of expert opinion – was used. Date from the farmers were collected using pre-tested structured interview schedules. Conversion of lands, drought and lack of irrigation were the major production constraints of rice ranked according to their importance in the Southern Region while nonavailability of FYM, low profitability and high cost of production were the constraints ranked high in the Central Region. High difficulty in cultivation, nonavailability of FYM and fragmentation were the production constraints of rice ranked high in the Northern Region. High wage rate of agricultural labour, indebtedness and high cost of production ranked high in the High Range Region. In the Problem Region, floods, low profitability and high cost of FYM were the high ranked production constraints of rice. In the case of coconut, lack of irrigation, drought and high wage rte of agricultural labour were the high ranking production constraints in the southern Region while low adoption of chemical fertilizers, high cost of fertilizers and lack of irrigation ranked high in the Central Region. In the Northern Region, the high ranking constraints were low adoption of plant protection chemicals, high cost of fertilizers and low labour productivity whereas high cost of seedings, high cost of fertilizers and pests and disease incidence ranked high in the High Range Region. Root (Wilt) diseases, high wage rate of agricultural labour and high cost of plant protection chemicals were the high ranking production constraints of coconut in the Problem Region. In the Southern Region, the production constraints of rice, namely, low adoption of chemical fertilizers, lack of knowledge about chemical fertilizers,, negative attitude towards plant protection chemicals, absentee landlordism, negative attitude towards HYV, low adoption of HYV and small farm size were found to be individually significant in predicting the yield of rice. Negative attitude towards HYV, low adoption of HYV, low labour productivity and lack of irrigation were individually found to be significant in predicting the yield of rife in the Central Region. In the Northern Region, the constraints namely, high cost of chemical fertilizers, low adoption of chemical fertilizers, indebtedness, lack of credit facilities and high incidence of pests and disease were found to be individually significant in predicting the yield of rice. Low adoption of HYV, incidence of pests and diseases, high cost of chemical fertilizers, low adoption of plant progection chemicals were found to be individually significant in prediction the yield of rice in the High Range Region. In the Problem Region, the constraints, namely, low adoption of plant protection chemicals, low adoption of chemical fertilizers, floods and incidence of pests and diseases were found to be significant in predicting the yield. The production constraints of coconut individually significant in predicting the yield in the Southern Region were low adoption of chemical fertilizers, drought and lack of irrigation. In the Central Region, lack of irrigation, lack of knowledge about plant protection chemicals, low adoption of chemical fertilizers and incidence of pests and diseases were found to be individually significant in predicting the yield of coconut. In the High Range Region the constraints namely nonavailability of quality seedings, small farm size, incidence of pests and diseases were individually significant in predicting the yield while low adoption of chemical fertilizers, incidence of pests and diseases and incidence of root (wilt) disease were significant production constraints in the Problem Region. Evolving varieties suited to different agro-climatic regions, promoting group farming, popularising cultivation of green manure seeds, providing fertilizer subsidy, providing crop insurance, fixing support price for paddy were found to be the most feasible steps to be taken for increasing production of rice in Kerala. Adoption of moisture conservation practices, decentralised nursery for coconut, supply of seedlings through Krishibhavans, large scale production of hybrid coconut, scientific replanting and underplanting programme and subsidising chemical fertilizers are the steps to be undertaken to increase the production of coconut in the State. Based on the results of the study, certain important implications have been spelt out.
Technology need assessment on horizontal and vertical diversifications for the economically dominant crops in homegardens
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Iby Sebastian; Prakash, R
Welfare schemes for agricultural labourers: a multidimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Fathimabi, P K; Prakash, R
The study, ‘Welfare Schemes for Agricultural Labourers – A Multidimensional Analysis’ was carried out with the following objectives. 1. To study the characteristic profile of agricultural labourers under KAWPS and KAWWFS. 2. To study the awareness of agricultural labourers about the modus operandi of KAWPS and KAWWFS. 3. To study the attitude of agricultural labourers towards KAWPS and KAWWFS. 4. To study the utility perception of agricultural labourers about KAWPS and KAWWFS. 5. To study the attitude of implementing officials towards KAWPS and KAWWFS. 6. To identify the constraints if any, experienced by agricultural labourers under KAWPS and KAWWFS and by officials in implementing the same. 7. To suggest the ways and means, to improve KAWPS and KAWWFS. The study was conducted in 10 randomly selected panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 160 agricultural labourers i. e. 80 under KAWPS and 80 under KAWWFS selected using random allocation technique, formed the respondents of the study. In addition to that, 23 officials associated with the implementation of KAWPS and KAWWFS were also included in the present study. Personal interview was conducted with the help of well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule to collect data from agricultural labourers and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from implementing officials. The analysis of welfare schemes for agricultural labourers was done by studying the awareness, attitude and utility perception of agricultural labourers about KAWPS and KAWWFS which formed the dependent variables of the study. The selected profile characteristics of agricultural labourers were taken as independent variables which included education, family education status, family size, socio-economic status, cosmopoliteness, mass media participation, social participation, contact with extension agency, economic motivation, innovativeness and level of aspiration (both future and present). The salient findings of the study are as follows Majority of agricultural labourers under KAWPS were found to have low education, low family education status, small family size, low socio-economic status, low cosmopoliteness, low mass media participation, low social participation, low contact with extension agency, high economic motivation, high innovativeness and low level of aspiration (both future and present). Majority of agricultural labourers under KAWWFS had high education, high family education status, large family size, high socio-economic status, high cosmopoliteness, low mass media participation, high social participation, low contact with extension agency, high economic motivation, high innovativeness and high level of aspiration (both future and present). Majority of agricultural labourers under KAWPS and KAWWFS had high awareness about modus operandi of KAWPS and KAWWFS respectively. Majority of agricultural labourers under KAWPS and KAWWFS had favourable attitude towards KAWPS and KAWWFS respectively. Majority of agricultural labourers under KAWPS had high utility perception about KAWPS and majority under KAWWFS had low utility perception about KAWWFS. There was significant difference between agricultural labourers under KAWPS and KAWWFS with respect to all their selected profile characteristics. Positive and significant correlation was obtained between awareness of agricultural labourers under KAWPS about modus operandi of KAWPS and their characteristics like education, socio-economic status, cosmopoliteness, mass media participation, social participation, contact with extension agency, innovativeness and level of aspiration (future). Characteristics of agricultural labourers under KAWWFS like education, family size, socio-economic status, cosmopoliteness, mass media participation, social participation, contact with extension agency, economic motivation, innovativeness and level of aspiration (future) were found to have a positive and significant correlation with their awareness about modus operandi of KAWWFS. Level of aspiration (both future and present) of agricultural labourers under KAWPS had negative and significant correlation with their attitude towards KAWPS. Education, cosmopoliteness, mass media participation, contact with extension agency, economic motivation, innovativeness and level of aspiration (future) of agricultural labourers under KAWWFS had positive and significant relationship with their attitude towards KAWWFS. Family size of agricultural labourers under KAWPS had positive and significant correlation with their utility perception about KAWPS. Socio-economic status, cosmopoliteness, mass media participation, social participation, economic motivation, innovativeness and level of aspiration (both future and present) of agricultural labourers under KAWWFS had positive and significant correlation with their utility perception about KAWWFS while education had negative and significant correlation. Majority of the implementing officials had a favourable attitude towards KAWPS and KAWWFS. Most important constraint experienced by agricultural labourers under KAWPS was 'non-availability of pension regularly' while those under KAWWFS was 'non-availability of benefits in time'. 'Identification of agricultural labourer as per the rules and regulations of the scheme' and 'the staff pattern allowed is insufficient' were the most important constraints experienced by officials in the implementation of KAWPS and KAWWFS respectively.