PhD Thesis
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Item Effectiveness of certificate course on integrated nutrient management for fertilizer dealers(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025-01-21) Sathiswaran, R.; Helen, SThe fertilizer dealers are the prime source of agricultural information and suppliers of quality inputs to the farming community. However, majority of the fertilizer dealers do not have a formal degree or adequate knowledge on scientific practices in agriculture. Realizing the importance of equipping fertilizer dealers and enhancing their professional competency of fertilizer dealers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare issued an amendment called Fertilizer Control Order in 1985. It is mandatory for all the fertilizer dealers to undergo a 15-day certificate course to obtain and renew their license for fertilizer dealership. Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) introduced online certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in 2020 for fifteen batches and thereafter conducted nine offline batches till 2023. In this background, a study on “Effectiveness of certificate course on integrated nutrient management for fertilizer dealers” was carried out to assess the effectiveness of online and offline certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as perceived by fertilizer dealers, relationship of profile characteristics of fertilizer dealers with their perceived effectiveness towards online and offline certificate course on INM, identify constraints faced by fertilizer dealers in participating online and offline certificate course and formulate strategies to improve the certificate course for empowering fertilizer dealers. The seven districts of Kerala, viz. Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Alappuzha and Kollam were selected purposively for the study by considering the maximum number of fertilizer dealers participated in the certificate course. A representative sample of 150 respondents each from online and offline certificate courses was selected by adopting proportionate random sampling technique, thus making the total sample size of 300 respondents. The profile of online and offline trained fertilizer dealers revealed that, 46.00 per cent of online trained dealers were in the middle age group, while 36.00 per cent of offline trained dealers were in the young age group. It was found that for both categories of dealers, the majority were males, educated up to the graduation level, and had good computer proficiency. Most of the dealers were retailers, and more than half had business experience of less than five years. It was revealed that 35.33 per cent of online trained dealers had an annual income between Rs.50,001 and Rs.1,00,000, whereas 28.66 per cent offline trained dealers earned above Rs.2,00,000 annually. Among online trained dealers, 30.00 per cent dealt with any two types of inputs, while more than one-fifth of offline trained dealers (27.33%) dealt with any two and three types of inputs each. The data also showed that the government agencies were the major source of motivation for more than half of both the categories of dealers. It was revealed that the majority of both categories of dealers had a medium level of extension contact, mass media participation and information-seeking behaviour. Both categories of online as well as offline trained fertilizer dealers exhibited a medium level of management orientation, decision-making ability, economic motivation, risk-taking ability and level of aspiration. The perceived effectiveness of the certificate course using the Kirkpatrick's four-level hierarchical model revealed that, the ‘reaction’ level of the evaluation of the certificate course composed of the components viz; quality, course content, teaching methods, duration and time of training. It showed that the mean score of 4.36 secured by offline trained fertilizer dealers was higher compared to the mean score 3.78 gained by online trained fertilizer dealers towards the reaction level under the evaluation of the certificate course on INM. At the ‘learning’ level evaluation of the certificate course constituted the components viz; utility, coverage, knowledge gained and skill development. It clearly showed that the mean score secured under learning level of the offline trained fertilizer dealers 4.24 was higher in comparison to online trained fertilizer dealers with mean score of 3.83. The ‘behaviour’ level of the evaluation of the certificate course comprised the change in job performance, confidence level and management skills among the fertilizer dealers after completing the certificate course. It showed that the mean score 4.21 obtained by offline trained fertilizer dealers was higher compared to the mean score 3.76 secured by online trained fertilizer dealers. Finally, the ‘result’ level of the evaluation consisted of role of certificate course in moulding the respondents viz; professional competency, management of fertilizer dealership, transfer of technology and overall satisfaction. It showed that the mean score 4.25 obtained by offline trained fertilizer dealers was higher compared to the mean score 3.86 received by online trained fertilizer dealers related to the ‘results level of them after attending the certificate course. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rsp) analysis revealed that the variables viz; age, educational status, business experience, mass media participation, types of input marketed, computer proficiency, management orientation, information seeking behaviour, economic motivation, risk taking ability and level of aspiration were found to be positively correlated with perception towards the effectiveness of certificate course either 1% or 5% level of significance. The major constraints faced by online trained fertilizer dealers were: receipt of study materials after completion of online sessions, some lectures were too fast, internet connectivity issues and lack of communication and low interaction with other participants. Whereas, the major constraints faced by offline trained fertilizer dealers were: classroom session was too long to concentrate, no adequate follow-up and difficult to maintain work life balance during the course period. The specific strategies were developed to improve the effectiveness of the certificate course on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Based on the Kirkpatrick's level of evaluation model, strategies were framed viz. Reaction level: group discussion, method demonstration and group presentation may be organized. Learning level: enhancement of knowledge, upgradation of skills and favourable attitude towards the job. Behaviour level: Understanding market dynamics, disseminating technology and staying updated with latest technologies. Results level: sessions on conducting market research, encouraging to share knowledge with colleagues and farmers, networking with suppliers and manufacturers, evaluating new technologies and follow up may be adoptedItem Medicinal properties and process optimisation for GABA enrichment in rice(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-12-15) Simla Thomas; Aneena, E RRice, the grain of life is consumed worldwide and serves as the cornerstone of global food security. Brown rice in its whole form contains various nutritive and bioactive components and has numerous health benefits. Germination is an effective method to enhance the organoleptic, textural and nutritional qualities of rice grains, including functional compounds such as gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). The present study revealed that, GABA content in rice can be enhanced by adopting optimum soaking and germination durations. In GABA enriched rice, the antioxidant, antiproliferative activities, nutritional benefits and sensory qualities were found to be higher than ungerminated rice. The developed processed rice products showed good sensory qualities and retained GABA content. Germination is an effective and low cost strategy to transform rice into a functional food.Item Quality evaluation of hot and cold processed virgin coconut oil and VCO capsule(Department of community science, college of agriculture, 2023-12-02) Nivya, E M.; Seeja, Thomachan PanjikkaranVirgin coconut oil (VCO) is a high value product extracted from fresh and mature coconut kernels using mechanical or natural methods, with or without the application of heat. The study entitled “Quality evaluation of hot and cold processed virgin coconut oil and VCO capsule” was carried out with the objectives to assess the physico-chemical properties, antioxidant activity and medicinal properties of virgin coconut oil. The study also envisaged the development of VCO capsule and evaluation of its quality attributes. VCO was extracted from the mature coconuts of West Coast Tall variety (WCT) and Kerasree hybrid using four different methods such as traditional, fermentation, cold centrifugation and enzymatic method using standard procedures. The VCO extracted by the above mentioned methods were subjected to organoleptic evaluation and all the treatments were found to have high sensory qualities. VCO extracted from the WCT variety by cold centrifugation method (T3) had the highest total mean score (8.99) for organoleptic qualities followed by VCO extracted from both WCT variety and Kerasree hybrid by traditional method (T1 and T5 - 8.98). The maximum oil recovery was from the fermentation method (T2 - 54.34 % and T6 - 52.33%) followed by enzymatic method (T4 - 49.60% and T8 - 48.80%) and lowest from the cold centrifugation method (T3 - 38.97% and T7 - 38.82%) in both WCT variety and Kerasree hybrid. The iodine value of VCO ranged from 4.03 to 5.95 I2/100 mg. Peroxide value was low in all the treatments and it ranged from 0.16 to 0.34 MEq/kg. VCO had high saponification value and it ranged from 254.52 to 259.86 mg KOH/g. Moisture content in extracted VCO samples varied from 0.09 to 0.13 per cent with significant difference and the minimum moisture content was noticed in the VCO extracted from the WCT variety by traditional method (T1 - 0.09%) whereas the maximum was found in the VCO extracted from the Kerasree variety by enzymatic method (T8 - 0.13%). These values were within the range specified by CODEX (2009), APCC (2009) and FSSAI (2011) standards. Tocopherol was present in all the treatments within a range of 14.82 to 27.68 μg/g. The highest tocopherol content was found in the VCO extracted from the WCT variety by cold centrifugation method (T3 - 27.68 μg/g) and oil from the WCT variety by fermentation method (T2 - 27.64 μg/g). VCO prepared by different treatments had total fat in the range of 92.89 to 95.02 per cent. Total phenol content of VCO ranged from 5.28 to 10.87 GAE μg/mg. The highest total phenol content was noted in the VCO extracted from the WCT variety by fermentation method (T2 - 10.87 GAE μg/mg) followed by cold centrifugation method (T3 - 10.63 GAE μg/mg). The concentration of total antioxidants present in the oil ranged from 17.23 to 27.45 μg/mg. The total antioxidant activity was higher in the VCO extracted from the WCT variety by cold centrifugation method (T3 - 27.45 μg/mg) followed by fermentation method (T2 - 27.28 μg/mg). Fatty acid profile showed that VCO was mainly composed of saturated fatty acids (caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid) and 8.57 to 10.79 per cent of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid). Lauric acid (medium chain fatty acid) was the predominant fatty acid present in VCO which ranged from 45.03 to 47.06 per cent. VCO from the WCT variety by cold centrifugation method (T3) had the highest per cent of lauric acid (47.06%) followed by fermentation method (T2 - 46.94%). Viscosity of VCOs ranged from 47.60 to 51.72 cP. The results of colour analysis showed that compared to other treatments, the maximum yellowness was observed in the VCO extracted from the Kerasree variety by traditional method (T5 - 2.72) followed by oil from the WCT variety by traditional method (T1 - 0.72). Bioactive compounds such as hexadecane, heneicosane, octadecane, 1-2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl 8-methyl nonyl esters, dibutyl phthalate, eicosane, pentacosane, tetracosane, nonacosane, 1-2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis[2-methyl propyl] ester, heptadecane were identified in VCO using GCMS analysis. These compounds have various medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferatory, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Organoleptic qualities of VCO samples from all the treatments steadily decreased during the storage period, but were acceptable till the end of six months. The physico-chemical properties such as moisture, free fatty acid value and peroxide values were increased with significant difference and was within the permissible limits till the end of sixth month of storage. The total bacterial population increased during the storage period. Fungi and yeast were not detected in the VCOs till the end of the storage period. Based on the organoleptic evaluation, physico-chemical properties and shelf life studies, VCO extracted from the WCT variety extracted by cold centrifugation method (T3) was selected for further studies. VCO effectively inhibited the growth of human pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans. The cell viability of hepatic cancer cells was inhibited by VCO with an IC50 value of 70.60 µg/mL. VCO exhibited the antioxidant activity by its high reducing power and scavenging the DPPH radicals, nitric oxides, superoxides and hydroxyl groups. The projected IC50 value for DPPH, nitric oxides, superoxides and hydroxyl groups were 1236.29 µg/mL, 295.59 µg/mL, 108.71 µg/mL and 120.65 µg/mL respectively. The developed soft gel VCO capsules containing one mL of oil were highly acceptable with a high score for sensory parameters. During the three months of storage period, the organoleptic mean scores slightly decreased and the physico-chemical properties including moisture content, free fatty acid value and peroxide value of capsules slightly increased with significant difference and was within the specified standards. The colonies of bacteria, fungi and yeast were not detected throughout the storage period. VCO capsules showed good storage stability till the end of three months. The cost of production of VCO varied with the extraction methods. The oil extracted by cold centrifugation method had the highest cost (Rs.115/100 mL) followed fermentation (Rs.100/100 mL), traditional (Rs.93/100 mL) and enzymatic method (Rs.90/100 mL). The estimated cost of production for one mL capsule was Rs. 7.00. Quality of VCO varied with the coconut variety, hybrid and different extraction methods. VCO extracted by cold centrifugation and traditional methods showed high organoleptic scores than fermentation and enzymatic methods. The presence of lauric acid content, tocopherols, phenols, various bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity contributed to the medicinal properties of VCO. Cold centrifuged oil proved to have antimicrobial activity against human pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candidia albicans. Antiproliferatory activity was exhibited against hepatic cancer cell lines. VCO capsules were successfully developed with high acceptability scores and storage stability for three months. The beneficial potential of VCO therapy needs to be evaluated clinically through in silico molecular docking and in vivo studies.Item Evaluation and utilization of plant pigments as natuaral food colourants(Department of postharvest management,College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023) NETRAVATI; Saji Gomez