Browsing by Author "Smitha, S"

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Awareness and satisfaction of YONO application among SBI customers
(College of Co-operation, Banking & Management, Vellanikkara, 2021-10-08) Priya Chenthamarakshan; Smitha, S
Consumers brand preference towards selected masala powder
(College of Co-operation, Banking & Management, Vellanikkara, 2021-10-08) Eavlin Theresa Anto; Smitha, S
Customer buying behaviour towards peters matta rice in Angamaly municipality
(College of Co-operation, Banking and Management , Vellanikkara, 2024-10-16) Anuja George; Smitha, S
Digital literacy of joint liability group(JLG) of kudumbasree women farmers in northern Kerala: an empirical assesment
(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2026) Adithyan, R; Smitha, S
Agriculture in India is undergoing rapid digital transformation, reshaping how farmers access information, obtain inputs, and engage with markets. Despite these advancements, rural women farmers continue to face substantial challenges in participating in the digital ecosystem due to limited awareness, restricted access, and inadequate institutional support. This digital divide is particularly evident among the Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of Kudumbashree in Kerala, where collective farming is widespread but digital engagement remains inconsistent. In this context, the present study entitled “Digital literacy of Joint Liability Group (JLG) of Kudumbashree women farmers in Northern Kerala: An empirical assessment” was undertaken to assess the extent of digital literacy, analyse behavioural determinants influencing digital literacy behaviour, identify major constraints, and propose context-specific policy measures to strengthen digital inclusion. The study was conducted across seven districts of Northern Kerala Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur representing diverse agro- ecological and socio-cultural environments. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and 140 JLG women farmers were selected through multistage random sampling. Primary data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule that captured socio-economic characteristics and the three dimensions of digital literacy knowledge, skill, and attitude along with behavioural constructs guided by technology adoption theories. The analytical procedures included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Garrett’s ranking technique, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4 to examine causal and predictive relationships. Digital literacy was conceptualised as a composite of digital knowledge, digital skill, and digital attitude. Results showed that most JLG women farmers possessed a moderate level of digital literacy, reflecting partial exposure to digital tools but a strong willingness to adopt digital innovations. Among the three dimensions, digital attitude emerged as the most prominent, indicating positive perceptions toward technology. Factor analysis further validated this dimension, confirming a unidimensional structure with a single dominant factor explaining 77.36% of the total variance. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between digital literacy and socio-economic variables such as education, income, social participation, mass media exposure, and training experience. These findings emphasise the importance of socio- economic empowerment and institutional interaction in enhancing digital engagement among women. The Structural Equation Model incorporated seven latent constructs: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Personal Innovativeness, Task Characteristics, and Technological Characteristics. The model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, explaining 52.2% of the variance in Digital Literacy Behaviour (DLB), with a predictive relevance (Q²) value of 0.310. Among the predictors, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Personal Innovativeness had significant positive effects, highlighting the role of perceived usefulness, supportive infrastructure, and individual readiness to experiment with technology. Constraint analysis using Garrett’s ranking technique identified limited training opportunities as the most critical barrier, followed by high internet costs, lack of local mentorship, and limited government initiatives. Additional educational, economic, and psychological barriers including fear of technology, low confidence, and dependence on others further restricted independent digital use. Based on these insights, the study proposes several policy recommendations such as establishing community-based digital mentorship networks, conducting regular capacity- building programmes tailored to women farmers, developing Malayalam-based agricultural applications, integrating digital literacy modules into Kudumbashree training curricula, promoting public–private ICT partnerships, and setting up local digital helpdesks. Incentivising digitally active JLGs is also suggested to encourage wider participation. In conclusion, while JLG women farmers in Northern Kerala demonstrate a positive orientation toward digital technologies, their engagement is hindered by structural, economic, and psychological constraints. Strengthening digital literacy through inclusive and context-specific interventions can empower women farmers to become active digital participants, contributing to more equitable and resilient agricultural development in Kerala.
Efficay of probiotic and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits
(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Smitha, S; Kannan, A
The research work was conducted to study the efficacy of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei) and ascorbic acid in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits. The study was done in the summer season from March to May. The growth performance of rabbits in summer, their physiological response to stress and the cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid were studied. Twenty four weaned New Zealand White rabbits were randomly selected from Rabbit unit at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara were utilized for the study. They were divided into four groups of six animals each. The treatments were as follows: Treatment I (T1) - Ascorbic acid (Merck) at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 2 (T2) - Probiotic, Lactobacillus casei (Unique Biotech) containing 106 colony forming units per gram of feed was given along with the basal diet, Treatment - 3(T3) - Probiotic and Ascorbic acid at the same rate as in T2 and T3 were given along with the basal diet and Treatment - 4 (T4) - Rabbits fed with basal diet alone. The various climatic parameters studied were maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in macro climate and maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (morning and afternoon), dry bulb temperature (morning and afternoon) and relative humidity (morning and afternoon) in micro climate. The production parameters recorded were weekly body weight, daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed efficiency. The physiological parameters studied were weekly respiration rate, weekly rectal temperature and monthly cortisol (faecal and serum) values (twice a month for three months). Disease incidence and mortality during the period was recorded. Cost effectiveness of supplementing probiotic and ascorbic acid was determined. The mean monthly temperature humidity index values suggested that animals were under moderate heat stress in the first (28.45±0.16) and the second month (28.50±0.22), while no stress prevailed in the third month (26.83±0.21). By one way Analysis of variance it was found that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei and ascorbic acid had a significant effect in alleviating summer stress in rabbits. The animals in the T1 group showed significantly (P<0.05) higher overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate and faecal cortisol level compared to T4 animals. The rabbits in T2 treatment showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean respiration rate compared to T4. The rabbits in the T3 group showed significantly higher (P<0.05) final body weight, overall mean daily body weight gain, overall mean feed efficiency and significantly (P<0.05) lower overall mean faecal cortisol level compared to T4. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments in mean feed intake, rectal temperature and serum cortisol. No disease incidence or mortality was observed during the experimental period. Supplementation of probiotic and ascorbic acid was found to be efficient in reducing the production economics. Hence it was concluded that supplementation of probiotic, Lactobacillus casei at the rate of 106 cfu per g of feed and ascorbic acid at the rate of 200 mg per kg feed in combination was found to be most effective and economic in alleviating summer stress in growing broiler rabbits.
Gender disaggregated analysis of climate-change adaptations among vegetable farmers.
(Department of agricultural extension education, College of agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-07-27) Atheena, U P.; Smitha, S
Gene action and combining ability in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in relation to aphid borne mosaic virus resistance
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Smitha, S; Kamalam, N
Two lines, five testers and ten hybrids of cowpea were evaluated in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 94-95, with the objective of estimating the combining ability of parents and gene action involved in the inheritance of different yield attributes and CAMV resistance. The lines and testers were selected based on their previous performances and crossed in line x tester manner to get ten hybrids. Observations were made on ten characters, of which nine characters showed significant difference among the 17 treatments. It was seen that nonadditive gene action was predominated for the inheritance of number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, 100 - seed weight and seed yield/plant and aphid borne mosaic resistance and additive gene action for days to flowering, days to maturity and number of branches/plant. The varieties Pournami, V - 317, V - 276 and Charodi were the best general combiners and the cross combinations V - 317 x CO4 and V-276 x Pournami were the best specific combinations for yield and CAMV resistance. Hence they can be utilized for further crop improvement programme.
Pathology of gastro-intestinal discorders in piglets
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Smitha, S; Divakaran Nair, N
The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pathological disorders of the gastro-intestinal system of piglets. The results of the present investigation and evaluation of the data from the records revealed a high incidence of gastro-intestinal disorders to the level of eighty eight per cent. A detailed systematic examination of fifty piglet carcasses brought for autopsy during the period of investigation was conducted and the gross and histopathological lesions were studied in detail and were classified based on age and sex. Higher incidence of gastro-intestinal lesions was recorded in piglets aged 10-20 days and their possible causes are described. Vascular and degenerative changes were the predominant lesions, followed by inflammation. Among the inflammatory changes, catarrhal gastro-enteritis was the most prevalent lesions observed. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were isolated from such cases and are suspected as the possible pathogenesis has been described. Viral etiology was also suspected in certain cases as the infiltrating cells appeared predominantly Iymphocytes. Besides these ulcers were recorded in the stomach and the intestinal tract. Salmonella cholerae suis was isolated from the intestinal ulcers. Bacterial isolations were obtained in the intestine, liver, heart blood and sow's milk. A total of 17 bacterial isolations were obtained from 11 animals. Their role in the causation of gastro-intestinal disorders have been explained. Coincident with various gastro-intestinal disorders, liver of 30 cases and mesenteric lymph nodes of 28 cases revealed variety of vascular, degenerative and inflammatory lesions. In one case 'with suppurative hepatitis, Salmonella cholerae suis was isolated. The variable degrees of lymphoid depletion, degeneration and necrosis of lymphoid follicles of mesenteric lymph nodes and the Iymphocytes of Peyer's patches indicated immunosuppression. The vascular and degenerative lesions, without any evidence for infections etiology observed in the gastro-intestinal tract and liver suggested the involvement of some toxic factors. Further the higher incidence of the disorders in the young ones, the isolation mostly of the resident flora of the intestinal tract and the lymph node changes indicated the necessity for an in depth study on the role of factors like immune status of the animals and eo-pathogens in the causation of gastro- intestinal disorders in piglings,
Role of social networks in climate smart adaptation strategies pineapple production: an exploratory analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2025-01-23) Megha, A M; Smitha, S
The research work entitled “Role of social networks in climate smart adaptation strategies in pineapple production: An exploratory analysis” was conducted during the academic year 2022-24. The objectives of the study include Identify and document the climate smart adaptation strategies employed by pineapple farmers; extent of adoption of climate smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers; examine the heterogeneous effect of social networks on farmer’s adaptation to climate change; and assess the constraints faced by pineapple farmers in adopting climate smart adaptation strategies. The study was conducted in three districts of Kerala viz. Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam. Ernakulam and Kottayam were selected due to their extensive areas under pineapple cultivation, making them important production hubs in the state. A total of 130 farmers were selected for the study, with 50 farmers each from Ernakulam and Kottayam, and 30 farmers from Kollam. The snowball sampling technique was employed for the study. The technique starts with a small group of initial respondents, who then refer additional respondent farmers, creating a network that reflects the pineapple farmers dynamics in the region. Through this method, the study aimed to gather insights and data from the pineapple farmers network, allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the objectives. Primary data were gathered through personal interviews with respondents, utilizing a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. The data on climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers reveals a mixed level of adoption across various management practices. Ethrel application in hormonal management shows high adoption, with nearly all farmers recognizing its benefits. In water and nutrient management, water conservation practices are widely adopted, but modern and drip irrigation systems face challenges due to cost and technical issues, leading to lower adoption and some discontinuation. In crop and weed management, mulching is universally accepted, while intercropping and crop rotation have moderate adoption with barriers related to market and land limitations. Marketing management shows that distress sales are commonly used to manage financial risks, while market insurance has low adoption, indicating a need for better awareness and access. Export practices are fairly popular but face logistical and compliance challenges. Integrated pest management remains the least adopted, with no farmers using pest-resistant varieties or bio-control agents, and limited adoption of pest surveillance. The adoption of climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers varies, with most farmers (36.92%) at a moderate level of adoption. A smaller portion (24.62%) shows low adoption, while only 20.77% and 17.69% of farmers have high and very high adoption levels, respectively. This distribution suggests that while there is some integration of climate-smart practices, full adoption remains limited. The findings highlight potential for increased adoption, with opportunities to encourage farmers towards higher engagement in climate-smart practices to better address climate challenges. The social network analysis of pineapple farmers in Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam reveals low network density across all districts, with Kollam having the highest density at 0.093. Ernakulam and Kottayam each have 53 actors, while Kollam has 34 but maintains more active connections, indicated by 104 ties compared to Ernakulam's 165 and Kottayam's 138. Kollam has no isolates, ensuring all farmers are connected, while Ernakulam and Kottayam each have one. The average degree of connections is moderate, with Ernakulam slightly leading. Key actors in Ernakulam show high in-degree centrality, indicating a few serves as major information hubs, while out-degree centrality remains consistent across districts. Closeness centrality highlights disparities in connectivity, which may affect access to vital information for some farmers. The study was conducted in three districts of Kerala viz. Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam. Ernakulam and Kottayam were selected due to their extensive areas under pineapple cultivation, making them important production hubs in the state. A total of 130 farmers were selected for the study, with 50 farmers each from Ernakulam and Kottayam, and 30 farmers from Kollam. The snowball sampling technique was employed for the study. The technique starts with a small group of initial respondents, who then refer additional respondent farmers, creating a network that reflects the pineapple farmers dynamics in the region. Through this method, the study aimed to gather insights and data from the pineapple farmers network, allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the objectives. Primary data were gathered through personal interviews with respondents, utilizing a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. The data on climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers reveals a mixed level of adoption across various management practices. Ethrel application in hormonal management shows high adoption, with nearly all farmers recognizing its benefits. In water and nutrient management, water conservation practices are widely adopted, but modern and drip irrigation systems face challenges due to cost and technical issues, leading to lower adoption and some discontinuation. In crop and weed management, mulching is universally accepted, while intercropping and crop rotation have moderate adoption with barriers related to market and land limitations. Marketing management shows that distress sales are commonly used to manage financial risks, while market insurance has low adoption, indicating a need for better awareness and access. Export practices are fairly popular but face logistical and compliance challenges. Integrated pest management remains the least adopted, with no farmers using pest-resistant varieties or bio-control agents, and limited adoption of pest surveillance. The adoption of climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers varies, with most farmers (36.92%) at a moderate level of adoption. A smaller portion (24.62%) shows low adoption, while only 20.77% and 17.69% of farmers have high and very high adoption levels, respectively. This distribution suggests that while there is some integration of climate-smart practices, full adoption remains limited. The findings highlight potential for increased adoption, with opportunities to encourage farmers towards higher engagement in climate-smart practices to better address climate challenges. The social network analysis of pineapple farmers in Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam reveals low network density across all districts, with Kollam having the highest density at 0.093. Ernakulam and Kottayam each have 53 actors, while Kollam has 34 but maintains more active connections, indicated by 104 ties compared to Ernakulam's 165 and Kottayam's 138. Kollam has no isolates, ensuring all farmers are connected, while Ernakulam and Kottayam each have one. The average degree of connections is moderate, with Ernakulam slightly leading. Key actors in Ernakulam show high in-degree centrality, indicating a few serves as major information hubs, while out-degree centrality remains consistent across districts. Closeness centrality highlights disparities in connectivity, which may affect access to vital information for some farmers. The data on climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers reveals a mixed level of adoption across various management practices. Ethrel application in hormonal management shows high adoption, with nearly all farmers recognizing its benefits. In water and nutrient management, water conservation practices are widely adopted, but modern and drip irrigation systems face challenges due to cost and technical issues, leading to lower adoption and some discontinuation. In crop and weed management, mulching is universally accepted, while intercropping and crop rotation have moderate adoption with barriers related to market and land limitations. Marketing management shows that distress sales are commonly used to manage financial risks, while market insurance has low adoption, indicating a need for better awareness and access. Export practices are fairly popular but face logistical and compliance challenges. Integrated pest management remains the least adopted, with no farmers using pest-resistant varieties or bio-control agents, and limited adoption of pest surveillance. The adoption of climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers varies, with most farmers (36.92%) at a moderate level of adoption. A smaller portion (24.62%) shows low adoption, while only 20.77% and 17.69% of farmers have high and very high adoption levels, respectively. This distribution suggests that while there is some integration of climate-smart practices, full adoption remains limited. The findings highlight potential for increased adoption, with opportunities to encourage farmers towards higher engagement in climate-smart practices to better address climate challenges. The social network analysis of pineapple farmers in Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam reveals low network density across all districts, with Kollam having the highest density at 0.093. Ernakulam and Kottayam each have 53 actors, while Kollam has 34 but maintains more active connections, indicated by 104 ties compared to Ernakulam's 165 and Kottayam's 138. Kollam has no isolates, ensuring all farmers are connected, while Ernakulam and Kottayam each have one. The average degree of connections is moderate, with Ernakulam slightly leading. Key actors in Ernakulam show high in-degree centrality, indicating a few serves as major information hubs, while out-degree centrality remains consistent across districts. Closeness centrality highlights disparities in connectivity, which may affect access to vital information for some farmers. The data outlining key constraints faced by pineapple farmers in adopting climate-smart adaptation strategies were ranked based on their perceived severity using Garrett ranking technique. The highest-ranked constraint, with a mean score of 67.93 and a Garrett value of 82, is the impact of decreased fruit weight on market prices. This suggests that reduced yield quality directly affects farmers' income, making it their top concern. The second most significant issue is the inadequate availability of labor (mean score of 58.52), followed closely by a lack of government support (mean score of 57.95). Other major challenges include insufficient agricultural subsidies and high costs of inputs needed for adaptation, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Lower-ranked constraints include the lack of climate-smart technologies at the field level, inadequate credit and irrigation facilities, limited access to resources, and a lack of climate information. The latter ranks last, with a mean score of 30.44, indicating that while access to climate data is valuable, it is perceived as a less immediate barrier compared to other challenges. This study highlights the essential role of social networks in advancing climate-smart adaptation strategies among pineapple farmers in Kerala, revealing both achievements and gaps in adoption. The analysis found moderate engagement in climate-smart practices, with significant potential for growth, especially in areas like pest management, irrigation, and marketing strategies. Social network analysis showed that well-connected farmer communities, like those in Kollam, facilitate better information exchange, enhancing adaptation capacity. Key barriers include high input costs, limited government support, and labor shortages. Recommendations to improve adoption include increasing access to climate-smart technologies, enhancing government support and subsidies, promoting cooperative marketing, and ensuring better access to climate information, thereby strengthening climate resilience and sustainability in pineapple farming