Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (1-7)
Assessment of Recommended Water Management Technologies
Souvik Ghosh, Dinesh Chandra and P.Nanda
ABST RACT
This study was undertaken to assess the water management technologies from farmers
perspective, in the state of West Bengal and Orissa. The data were collected from 150 farmers
through interview schedules. The investigation showed that farmers perceived most of the
technologies as appropriate, but doubted their adoptability due to various socio-economic and
technological constraints.
Agro-technologies inclusive of water management technologies generated so far have been
readily accepted by the resource-rich farmers and in resource rich areas but the vast complex,
diverse and risk prone (CDR) areas i.e. rainfed agriculture encompassing millions of small and
marginal fanners are left outside the realm of technological development (Das, 1996).
Recommendations have been made to find solutions to many problems relating to water
management in agriculture and efforts have been made to transfer the technology to the fanners.
However, a large number of recommended technologies do not find favour with the farmers.
They are either being adopted in piece-meal or not at all (Singh and Gill, 1993; Singh and
Schiere, 1994; Singh, 1996). To take the benefits of scientific recommendations to the millions
of small and marginal faimers it is required to look at technology more from the point of view of
appropriateness and overall feasibility (Chambers and Jiggins, 1986; Osten, 1989; Bernadas,
1991). Inspite of being the most fundamental stakeholder, the fai mers often receive the least
attention during any impact/ assessment study (Chambers, 1998). Therefore, to draw the insights
of technological interventions for agricultural water management a study was undertaken to
assess the technologies from the farmers' perspectives.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
42, No. 1 & Z 2006 (8-13)
Field level Utilization Of Microirrigation Technology in Coconut
C. Thanaban1, J. Vasanthakumar2 and S. Arulraj3
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted among the farmers of Kasaragod District in Kerala state with the
objective to analyse the utilization of recommended practices for the effective implementation of
microirrigation technology in coconut farming. The study was conducted with an ex-post--facto
research design among 200 adopters of microirrigation technology engaged in coconut farming.
An adoption index was developed for analyzing the extent of adoption of recommended practices
of microirrigation technology in coconut farming. The results showed that about one-fifth of the
farmers were belonging to the low adoption category. Items, viz., type of filter used, type of
emitter used and ensuring field uniformity had higher levels of adoption. None of the farmers
adopted the fertigation in their drip irrigation unit. Volume of water applied per palm per day,
placement of dripping point and root zone area wetted were the other items which had low
adoption scores. It was revealed that variables viz., faun size, annual income, scientific
orientation and extension contact had significant and positive relationship with extent of
adoption. The results of the study revealed the urgent need to plan and implement appropriate
educational efforts for enhancing the adoption of recommended practices by the coconut farmers
who had already implemented the technology in their orchards.
Future water shortages and emerging environmental concerns place microirrigation in the
forefront of technological alternatives for the sustainable development of agicultural sector.
According to Annan. (2002), in order to save two thirds of the world's population from facing
serious water shortages in the decades ahead, leakage and wastage of water must be reduced,
especially in agriculture by following the approach, what he termed as, 'more crop per drop'.
Coconut is the most important crop cultivated in Kerala Stme, which plays a vital role in the
agrarian economy of the State. However, the productivity level remained low in the State
compared to many other states of India. Lack of inigation is one of the major reasons attributed
to the low level of productivity of coconut in Kerala State (Rajagopal et al., 2001). Scarcity of
irrigation water is also considered as one of the major constraints in resource use management in
coconut farming in Kerala. The northern parts of the State receive 75 per cent of the rainfall
during the period from June to August. A prolonged duration of summer results in moisture
stress which adversely affects the crop productivity. Farmers became aware of the
microirrigation technology for coconut during the early 1980's and consequently many coconut
growers have installed microirrigation system in their gardens. Government also implemented
programmes that encouraged farmers to adopt water conserving microirrigation technology by
providing
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (14-19)
Motivational Profile of Agriculture University Scientists
B. U. Dupare1 and B. P. Sinha2
ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken to investigate the motivational profile of scientists of Dr. Punjabrao
Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, situated in Maharashtra. The data on motivational profile were
collected through Thematic Apperception Test from 47 scientists. The study revealed that the
university scientists irrespective of their status as a project leader on associate had a similar
motivational profile with expressed need for infleunce and achievement for self and relatively
much less concern for social achievement. The study showed the need for enhanced the
motivational level with regard to social action.
Research is a creative activity, which needs an atmosphere that provides freedom, challenges and
motivation. (Singh et at, 2002). Motivation is a goal directed and need satisfying behavior. It
plays a vital role in life. Motive sets an individual into action. It energizes individual to strive
and accomplish something remarkable or to do his best in excelling others in any task
performance. In the condition of limited resources as in case of developing economies like India
and more so in case of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), where resources and rewards are
always limited, persons with higher need for achievement tend to aggressively compete with
each other. This creates competitive behavior especially among managers and in turn tends to
promote work climate of mistrust and negative images. Keeping this in view, the present study
was conducted with the specific objectives of the studying the motivational profile of agricultural
researchers who are working in the institutional research projects of SAU either as a project
leaders or in the capacity of associates.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (20-24)
Information Need of Farm Women of Iran
Ahmad Rezvanfar l, Hommauon Moradnezhai 2 and Ms. Marjan3
Abstract
This Study investigates the information needs and information seeking behaviour of farm women
in Ilam state of Iran. The study was carried out in the rural communities of Shirvan-chardavol
district of the state. To study, a sample of 125 farm women were selected using cluster sampling
technique. Results show that the information needs of farm women in study area are mostly
occupation directed. Their main important sources of information include friends, husband,
neighbors and other native sources. The study recommends that the farm women in Ilam state
urgently need the formal system of information provision like the services of extension personal
and agricultural information officers.
Farm women in Hain State of Iran play an important role in managing different kinds of farm
and home affairs. Jamshidi (2004) reported, about 60 percent of women in farm families
involved in rice production and related activities in Ilam State. About 90 percent and 86 percent
engaged in grain production and dairy farming. So it shows that women not only involved in
home activities, but also play a significant role in farm production. Fatin women take decisions
in their day-to-day lives that many affect them. In talking decisions, however, farm women are
greatly aided by the amount of information available to them about their felt needs. So that,
training and dissemination of information to farm women will be a critical input for the
modernizing of farm production and home management in rural areas (World Bank, 1992).
Keeping the role of farm women in mind, there is a need for training farm women regarding to
necessary technologies, so that they can perform those activities with more competences.
Meanwhile, a pit-requisite to reach this, is to access information needs and information seeking
behavior of farm women.
The advances in information technology have brought an explosion in information flow. In
agriculture, for instance, there is a large quantity of information on various sources, channels and
web sites on the internet, but the information tends to be one-sided, as it is gathered from
research stations in the developed fields. This study is an attempt to identify the information
needs and information seeking behavior of farm women in rural areas of Iran, using the
experience of farm women in selected agricultural communities of Ilam state, as the primary
reference point.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (25-30)
Constraints Faced by Agri-Business Operators
S. S. Vinayagam1 and P. S. Geetbakutty2
ABSTRACT
This paper is based on a study conducted in Palakkad, Thrissur and Erankulam districts of Kerala
state with an objective to identify the constraints, which influence the entrepreneurial behaviour
of agri-business operators. Agri-business operators are defined as those who either cultivate any
crop or undertake any on-farm business activities related to agriculture or agricultural produce
with commercial perspective and motives. Based on this, the respondents were classified into
commercial farmers, on-farm (poultry and nursery units) and off-farm (poultry and nursery units)
agri-business operators. Crops like rice, banana, coconut and rubber were selected covering 240
agri-business operators in eight panchayats of three districts. The findings highlight the
constraints commonly faced by the different categories of respondents influencing
entrepreneurial behaviour and their agri-business performance in the following descending order
-finance, marketing, raw materials, labour, technical and managerial assistance and electricity.
The entrepreneurial behaviour index and agribusiness performance index of the agri-business
operators exhibited highly significant correlation with their score on perceived constraints.
Five-year plans undertaken by the government as well as scientific break-through in agricultural
front have resulted in spectacular increase in agricultural production with a compound growth
rate of 2.5 percent per annum over the last three decades. The food production in country has
increased from 50 million tonnes in the fiftees to 212 million tones in 2002. However, with this
comfortable agricultural situation, seasonal rains affect agricultural growth in India, which poses
serious problems in increasing production and productivity of crops, particularly during the year
when monsoon fails creating drought conditions. Again, sometimes untimely, unseasonal, or
excessive rains also damage the crops. It is rightly said that agriculture in India is a gamble for
the farmers, particularly those dependent solely on monsoon. To mitigate the effect of such
situations to a certain extent, of course, research emanated technologies are available, but
remarkable growth in agriculture may be obtained if proper entrepreneurial skill and hard work
are geared up amicably (Patel, 1995).
The importance of agri-business in nation's development is being increasingly recognized and
financing for agri-business enterprise has grown considerably in recent years. Policy makers
have rediscovered that creating a strong agri-business sector is prerequisite to achieve viable
industrialization. Agri-business can only be as strong as its agro-industry and vice versa. In
developing countries, both agricultural and on-farm/off-farm components become increasingly
significant and preserve the overall economic contribution of agri-business (Austin, 1992). In
Kerala, the state government has come out in a big way with a number of promotional
programmes for agri-business entrepreneurs, to motivate and train them through organised
programmes and through different agencies. On the whole, in the trade scenario of Kerala there
is steady increase in the number of entrepreneurs, which has been felt in the state economy
(Beegam and Sarngadharan, 1994). This study is an attempt to identify the constraints perceived
by the entrepreneurs in performing their agri-business in relation with their entrepreneurial
behavior.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol.42, No. I & 2, 2006 (31-35)
Farm Opinion Leaders and Transfer of Aquaculture Technology
M.Kumaran1
ABSTRAC
Identification and use of faun opinion leaders whose early adoption of innovations will trigger
other adoptions could be a novel idea to reach the aqua farmers pervading across the coastal
States and Union territories of India. Nine such farm leaders highly trusted by fellow farmers
were identified in three coastal districts of Tamil Nadu State using sociometry. The leaders are
local residents and pioneers in aquaculture who had access to new information through their
close rapport with R&D agencies of aquaculture. Most of them dealt shrimp/fish feed and other
inputs on credit basis and had powerful influence on the farming community. Identification such
opinion leaders of aquaculture, establishment of communication links with them through district
level extension officials, creating awareness and capacity building of opinion leaders by R D
organizations in innovations, guidelines, best management practices etc., would assure
sustainable coastal aquaculture in India.
The guiding theme for diffusion and adoption research in agriculture was a two-step flow of
communication - a process of information moving from the source to opinion leaders and from
opinion leaders to the fellow farmers (Muthiah, 1981; Rogers, 1995 & 1998; Ronald Burt, 1999
Sundaramari, 1989). Opinion leaders of a community/ society are persons on whom the people
have faith due to their social, cultural, economic or political standing. Generally People approach
opinion leaders to seek advise on the Problems faced by them in all facets of life. Opinion
leaders ire more precisely opinion brokers who can carry information across the social and
economic boundaries. They act as legitimizers of planned change and could influence the
decision of the opinion seekers. An opinion leader is expected to have more formal education,
higher socio-economic status, progressive, cosmopolite, more social participation and exposure
to mass media. They amplify the message dissemination in the society and often counter the
possible impact of unfavourable propaganda (Ray, 1991).
Earlier studies conducted on the sources of information for aqua farmers have indicated that
inputs dealers/ representatives and fellow farmers were the major sources of information
(Immanuel and Alex, 1998; Kumaran et al., 2003; Meeran and Jayaseelan 1999 and Ponnusamy
et al. 1999). Since the R&D institutions had minimum impact on the information dissemination it
is very essential that a two-step communication pattern of Research institutions/ Extension
departments (major sources of information) - to - Opinion Leaders - to - Fellow farmers has to be
established. In this context opinion leader who is also a progressive farmer could contribute
significantly in aquaculture extension and play a decisive role in influencing the decisions of
fellow farmers. Identification of people whose early adoption will trigger other adoptions and use
them in the process of technology transfer and obtaining field feedback could be a novel
approach to reach the hitherto unreachable end-users. Keeping this in view an investigation was
carried out in Tamil Nadu State of India to identify the opinion leaders among the shrimp
farmers who can influence the decisions of fellow farmers.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (36-42)
Institutionalization of Development Processes in Watershed Project
Lakhan Singh1 and B. P. Sinha2
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to investigate the peoples' involvement in community institutions
created for Doon Valley watershed management project. Data were collected from 96 farmers
through interview schedule. The investigation showed that the greater involvement of successful
villagers was due to their concern for medium to long-term socio-economic concerns. However,
the villagers of less successful villages were attracted by smaller personal benefits. The desire to
acquire fame and recognition was the dominant force which mobilised both successful and less
successful group of farmers. Further, most of the villagers were quite cynical about the village
institutions and expressed lack of faith in project functionaries.
The` Doon Valley Integrated Watershed Management' project was initiated in June 1993 by the
Government of Uttar Pradesh with technical and financial assistance of European Commission,
which focussed on the participatory and integrated approach to watershed management. The
project aimed at socio-economic development of local people through community participation
and involvement. The people's involvement in the project through community participation was
channeled through people's institutions created for the purpose. Gaon Resource Management
Association (GAREMA), Self Help Group (SHG) and Users Group (UG) created by the project,
were considered as people's institutions. This paper discusses the people's responses to these
institutions.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
42, No. I & 2, 2006 (43-48)
Role of Veterinary Officers: Expectations of Livestock Owners
Barsati Lal1, H. P. S. Arya2 and M. K. Mandape3
ABSTRACT
Role of Veterinary Officers as expected by the livestock owners in seven role segments, viz
health care, breeding, feeding, fooder production, management, office and miscellaneous work
were studied. The study was conducted in purposively selected eight villages of Bareilly district.
From a combined list of households of all the eight villages (four from project and four from
non-project area) owning dairy animals, 100 livestock owners were selected randomly and
interviewed with the help of structured interview schedule. The expectations of livestock owners
were found very high in most of the activities viz, health care, feeding, management and fodder
production. However, expectations were some extent lower in case of the breeding and office
related roles.
The basic objective of an organisation is to provide requisite opportunities and facilities to the
individuals to perform his/her role effectively. The role system of any organisation is the total
complex of expectations about role requirements and role performance. Role can be defined as
the assignment of task to a particular individual (Herman, 1973). The veterinary civil hospitals
were estabilished for providing timely veterinary aid, treatment of sick animals and control of
contageous and epidemic diseases. The veterinary officer is the main input and functionary at a
veterinary hospital. He plays different roles looking after various aspects of animal husbandry
like, treatment, vaccination, breeding, feeding and management of livestock. He is also supposed
to play educational role too. All above mentioned roles of veterinary officer are very much
related and concerned with the livestock owners, But, what the livestock owners expect from him
is not known to then. Resultantly, he is not able to behave with them in the way, they expect, this
creates role conflicts and disturbances in his working on one hand and frustration amongst
livestock owners on the other hand. Earlier studies on this aspect were related to analysis of role
of Animal Husbandry Officer in Haryana (Kaul, 1967), Role Performance of Veterinary
Assistant Surgeons, (Rao, 1982), and Role conflicts and its consequences (Kumar, 1982). All the
above studies were related to only Veterinary Officers and investigators used the infoimation
collected from them only. None of them used the information collected from livestock owners'
expectations from veterinary officer, which is very essential and warranted because, they are the
clients to whom he has to serve. Therefore, keeping in view this background the study was
undertaken with an objective to analyse the role of veterinary officers as expected by the
livestock owners.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (54-59)
Preferred Possession and Selling Mode for Murrah Buffalo
Mai Chand1, Ram Kurnar2 and D. D. Sharma3
ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken in Rohtak and Jind districts in Haryana to investigate the preferred
possession and selling mode for Murrah buffaloe. Data were collected from 200 dairy farmers.
The study revealed that the most preferred mode of passion was 'rearing from birth' (34%) and
'purchasing' (32.5%). Most of the farmers (66.50) were inclined to sell the animals and the
preferred mode of selling was through 'exporters'. The investigation showed the need for
educating the farmers about conserving the good germplasm of Murrah buffaloes.
Popularly known as India's milking machine', buffalo is considered as the mainstay of Indian
dairy industry. It contributes more than 55 per cent to the total 68 million metric tones of the
milk produced in the country (Misra et al., 1998). That may be the reason, it is rightly called as
the "bearer cheque" of the rural folk. Haryana State has been well known for its `Murrah' breed
of buffalo which has attracted even the foreign markets. But, the situation in respect of Murrah
buffalo in the state is quite pitiable. Due to its attractive appearance and high milk yielding
capacity, the breed is either exported from the state or is being deteriorated by following
inappropriate breeding practices. Consequently, the number of Murrah buffaloes is declining day
by day. So, how to check this fall off was one of the issues which needed immediate attention of
the scientists, policy maker and Government officials concerned. Keeping this in view, the
present study entitled "dairy farmers' possession and selling mode of Murrah buffalo" was under
taken.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, NO. I & 2, 2006 (60-65)
Linkage Mapping of Dairy Knowledge Information System
Anindita Saha' and Jamcy Gupta2
ABSTRACT
Studying Dairy Knowledge Information System (DKIS) in terms of generation, dissemination,
transformation, utilization, storage and retrieval of knowledge and information is needed for
dairy development. Efforts are being made to map the linkages among various actors of DKIS.
The study was conducted in purposively selected Birbhum district of West Bengal. Dairy
farmers, extensionists and dairy researchers were considered as respondents. Information
obtained from all the actors of DKIS was summarized in matrix form to analyze the extent of
information exchange among various actors pertaining to breeding, feeding and management
aspects of dairy animals. The matrices revealed that information flow was linear in majority of
the cases. The feedback got blocked with some of the actors, as upstream flow of information
was weak.
The linkages between research and extension have been identified as one of the weakest areas of
agricultural technology systems. The most important aspect of the linkage process is the
information flow. Earlier, farming system, extension, agricultural technology development,
research and policy making were considered as separate entities each with its own set of issues,
managed by groups of researchers and professionals. There is a conceptual progression from
looking at various institutions and practices such as farming system development (FSD),
extension and research in isolation to considering the linkages between pairs of these elements
and now to looking at all the elements as an agricultural knowledge information system (AKIS).
AKIS respond to technology, knowledge and information needs of farmers helping them in
decision-making and management of their farms. A need for research with an approach based on
this paradigm shift is felt necessary to strengthen the responsiveness of research towards the
problems and opportunities of farmers. The basic assumption is that information relevant for
decision-making is generated by different actors and reaches fanners in many different
ways. Keeping these in view an attempt was made to analyze who contribute, which kind of
knowledge and information to decision making in dairying and what are the relationships
between different actors in the system. With reference to dairying the AKIS is suitably named as
DKIS i.e. Dairy Knowledge Information System Thus, the present study was undertaken with the
specific objective to map the diary knowledge information system (DKIS) with respect to
various categories of dairy farmers. Mapping is a very useful tool to draw a comprehensive view
of the information system and to analyze the linkages in it. The mapping of the information
linkage matrix to analyze the extent of information exchange between various actors pertaining
to different subject matter area was used as a tool to analyze knowledge information system by
Van Beek, 1991; Blum, 1991; NRTI, 1992; Blum, 1996; Blunt and Katz, 1997; Gupta, 1998 and
Diagra, 2000.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (66-70)
Effectiveness of Self Help Groups
M. H. Renjitha 1and Premlata Singh2
ABSTRACT
Women Self Help Groups are bringing out a silent revolution in all faces of rural society. A
study was conducted in Kerala state to develop a self-help group functioning effectiveness index
and evaluate the functional effectiveness of groups covered under study. The study revealed that
characteristics like trust, co-operation, communication, group size, motivation, goal achievement
and decision making enhance the effectiveness of functioning whereas, competition between the
members retards the effectiveness. In the initial stages of group development monetary benefits
acted as the most important facilitating factor which were later replaced by social belongingness
and improved social status factors. Major hindering factors that operated at the group formation
stage were also monetary in nature but turned out to be management problems at the later stages
of group development.
Even today, rural women with their considerable contribution to food security, remain as the
most disadvantaged section of the society. Several programmes were envisaged to uplift their
present status but most of them lacked sustenance. Significance of the concept of self help
groups (S HG) comes in this context, where rural women join hands to help themselves. The
hidden potential in this concept has led to the mushrooming of such women self help groups
throughout the country. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the functioning of such
women self help groups and to identify different facilitating and hindering factors operating at
different stages of group development.The specific objectives were: i) To develop a self help
group functioning effectiveness index (SHGFEI), ii) To evaluate the functioning of self help
groups under study using SHGFEI and iii) To identify different facilitating and hindering factors
operating at different stages of group development.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (71-73)
Correlates of Job Satisfaction and Job Performance
B. S. Meena l and Baldeo Singh2
ABSTRACT
The present investigation aimed at analyzing the vocational trainings imparted by Krishi Vigyan
Kendras run by ICAR, SAUs and NGOs in Rajasthan state and ascertain their comparative
performance. The findings of this study reveals that maximum number of trainer of NGO KVK
(70%) has post graduate degree' whereas SAU and IGAR KVK had 42.10 and 27.27 post
graduate trainers, respectively. The majority of trainers (57.90%) in SAU KVK were from rural
agricultural families while about 60% in NGO KVK belonged to urban areas. In terms of job
satisfaction, the majority of the trainers in ICAR KVK (63.63%), SAU KVK (68.92%) and NGO
KVK (50%) were reported to have medium level of job satisfaction. However, the trainers in
SAU and ICAR KVK were relatively more satisfied than the trainer of NGO KVK. The job
insecurity was the major contrainst for low level of job satisfaction. The trainers of NGO KVK
stood first (40%) followed by ICAR and SAU in terms of job performance.
Establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is a landmark in the transfer of technology programmes
in India. These are the grass root level vocational training institutions designed for bridging the
gap between the available techniques at one end and their application for increased production at
other. The success of these kendras depends on many factors including infrastructural facilities,
transport facilities and competence of trainers who are directly involve in conducting training
programmes for their clients. The traits of the trainers working in the KVKs influenced their job
satisfaction and job performance level which has direct bearing on the effective functioning of
KVKs. Keeping in view the study was undertaken to study the factors related with job
satisfaction and performance.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (74-80)
ABSTRACT
This study was formulated to assess the impact of educational technology on students'
development. The study was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore,
covering undergraduate students of three Agricultural Colleges namely, Bangalore, Mandya and
Shimoga. A sample of 185 students studying under semester system was contacted and the data
were collected through well-structured questionnaire. The results revealed that majority of the
under-graduate students were of the opinion that the curriculum was useful to them. The extent
of use of instructional methods and instructional aids was moderate and students were of the
opinion that the evaluation procedure followed was rigid and teaching-learning situation was
congenial. The impact of education technology on students' development was medium which
calls for greater importance to educational technology in SAU's to achieve quality of education
in the years to come.
Educational technology is a pre-requisite to achieve quality education and is a crucial and the
most powerful element in the process of economic development and social change in building
the nation. The National Policy of Education (NPE, 1986) cites human being as a positive asset
and a precious national resource which needs to be cherished, nurtured and developed with
tender care and dynamism. NPE laid special emphasis on the use of educational technology for
improving the quality as well as quantity of education for the first time in the history of Indian
education. The Ministry of Education & Social Welfare, Government of India realized the
importance of educational technology for quality improvement of education during 1971. As a
result, National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT), New Delhi came into
existence in 1973. Agricultural Universities do have concern for imparting quality education in
agriculture and allied sectors to the students with proper pre-service training in agriculture.
The curriculum is the central part of the agricultural education in offering qualitative education
besides other factors, such as physical facilities. The University of Agricultural Sciences,
Bangalore (UASB) at present has eight teaching campuses and offers nine Under-graduate
degree programmes in Agriculture, Veterinary, Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing & Cooperation, Dairy Technology, Sericulture, Forestry and Fisheries Sciences. In the four years
B.Sc. (Agri.) degree programme under Semester system 62 courses were offered in 28
disciplines. However, the system of education expects students to be accountable for their
studies, teachers for their teaching, research and extension and the University as a whole, for the
quality of education besides other duties. Keeping these points in view an attempt has been made
in this study to assess the effectiveness of educational technology on students' development in a
State Agricultural University of Karnataka (UASB) with the following specific objectives:
1) To enumerate the educational technology employed in terms of curriculam, instructional
methods, instructional aids and evaluation system followed in an Agricultural University
as perceived by the students.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (81-87)
Know ledge Level of Fish Farmers About Fish Production Technology
Vikram Sharma 1 and S. N. Laharia2
ABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to study the knowledge level of farmers about fish
production. The study was conducted with 58 fishery farmers in 50 villages under ten Blocks
of five districts which were randomly selected representing different classes formed on the
basis of ground water quality. Fish farmers in Haryana were of comparatively young age
group as well as belonged to dominant caste. On an average they possessed 2.64 acre of pond
and they had low to medium level of material possession. The knowledge level of fish
farmers about recommended fish practices was low (39.63%). It was slightly higher with
respect to pre-stocking (42.88%) than post-stocking (36.38%). It was also observed that there
was considerable variation in their knowledge on different aspects/items.
India is the sixth largest producer (5477 mt) of fish in the world after China (39937), Peru
(7878), Japan (7408), Chile (6366) and U.S.A (5493) as the total world fish production is
130882 million tones, while it is the second largest producer of inland fish after China.
India's contribution in the world production has improved from 3.70 per cent in 1951 to 4.18
per cent in 1997. The export potential has also increased considerably. The fish export from
India was only 19.7 thousand tonnes in 1950-51, which has increased nearly 15 times in
1995-96. This sector provides employment to 57.70 lakhs fishermen with an equally
impressive segment of the population engaged in ancillary activities associated with fisheries.
At the time of formation of Haryana state in 1966, fisheries was at a rudimentary stage in the
State, but the state has now earned a reputation of being one of the most "go ahead" state of
the country and ranks second in per hectare fish production. Its geographical area of 44212 sq
kms and is a land locked State. Haryana has got 5000 kms of rivers and canals, 0.10 lakh
hactare of tanks and ponds.
In total it has got 0.49 lakh hectares of water bodies. The climatic conditions of the state are
not much conducive for fish production as negligible growth of fish occurs during severe
winter months when the temperature is below 3°C. Despite the climatic adversaries, the State
has produced fish to the tune of 11,000 kg/hectare/year by manipulating stocking and
preferential harvesting. There are two types of ownership of these ponds, i.e., panchayat and
individuals. Panchayat ponds constitute more than 80 per cent of the water area. In 1966-67,
only 58 hectare water area in the shape of village ponds was under fish culture while it has
now increased more than 150 times having the total area of 8882.17 hectare in 2004- 05.
Similarly, total production from ponds was only 62 tonnes in 1966-67, while it has increased
to 42050 tonnes in 2004- 05. At the time of creation of Haryana, fish production was mainly
from natural water resources and culture fisheries had been contributing only 10.3 per cent of
the total fish production. At present, fish production from ponds contributes 74.6 per cent of
the total fish production. The Present study was, therefore undertaken to find out the
knowledge level of fishery growers about improved fishery practices with respect to culture
fishery in the state.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (88-91)
Classroom Performance of University Teachers
Milind C. Ahire 1 and B. Kumar2
ABSTRACT
The study conducted at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar.
Classroom performance of teachers was studied in terms of skill needed to make teaching
effective. It was revealed that most of the teachers while planning prepared objectives for
every lesson in advance, selected contents by referring two to three books, prepared twothree pages draft of lecture and planned questions to be asked in the class. Teachers made
step by step plan of instruction, explained ideas and quoted examples to clarify points, kept
moderate pace of speaking and considered relationship of lesson to previous and future
lesson while organizing contents. After entering in the classroom they smiled and gave
friendly look, began lecture by reviewing last lecture, created interest by using students input.
All teachers used blackboard, asked question to check understanding of students, called
students by name and made review of the class at the end.
India has developed strong agricultural education system since the independence. The
establishment of SAUs on the pattern similar to that of land-grant colleges of the United
States, made landmark in reorganizing and strengthening agricultural education system The
green revolution, with its impressive social and economic input would have not been possible
without the contribution of these centers of learning in the form of development of trained
scientific manpower, the generation and assessment of new technologies and their
dissemination to the farming community. The human resources developed in agricultural
education system has been instrumental in agricultural transformation in the country.
However, agricultural education system has not kept pace with the rapid technological
development taking place globally. College teachers enter the profession on the basis of
academic qualification and not on their ability to teach. It is frequent practice to select young
men who have made high grades in college. They begin teaching without any instruction in
the learning process, philosophy of education or method in teaching. They are judged by
researches and publication they do, while the quality of their teaching is seldom the topic of
discussion. Now, that the competitiveness for job is increasing rapidly and numbers of
government jobs are fast shrinking there is need to examine the current status of instructional
quality and environment. Researches in this important area are almost non-existent.
Therefore, it is to find out as to what ails teaching at present. Keeping this in mind, the
present study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to assess personal,
psychological and professional characteristics of teachers and (2) to analyze classroom
behavior of teachers.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (92-95)
Constraints in Adoption of Ber Production Technologies
S.R. Meena 1, D. G. Dhandar2 and O.P.Awasthi3
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in Bikaner district of western Rajasthan during 2002-2003 to
assess the socio-psycho and economic hindrances in adoption of ber production technologies.
A total of 120 farmers were interviewed to collect the information. The study reveals that
attachment with traditional cropping systems and cultural practices, lack of knowledge of
new technologies, fear of crop failure, fear of attack of diseases, distress sale and poor
bargaining, low demand and consumption in local markets, monopoly of private brokers in
purchasing of ber fruits, non availability of inputs on reliable costs in the locality are the
major socio-psycho and economic hindrances in adoption of innovative her production
technologies.
Ber is an important indigenous fruit and one of the most ancient fruits of India. It is a drought
hardy fruit crop and can be grown in very harsh climatic conditions like hot arid eco-system
of Bikaner district of western Rajasthan. The farmers of Bikaner district are very eager to
adopt ber plantation and are planting ber trees on their fields. However, the progresses of
adoption of ber production technologies is very slow and limited. Various research
organizations and agricultural universities have evolved different production technologies of
ber. However, the rate of adoption of the recommended technologies amongst the farmers is
very slow and poor. Several factors may be attributed towards lower adoption of new
technologies. The factors such as socio-psycho and economic status of the farmers play an
important role in technology adoption behaviour. Keeping this in mind, a study was
conducted in Bikaner district of western Rajasthan to evaluate the socio-psycho and
economic hindrances in adoption of innovative ber production technologies and to invite the
suggestions from the farmers to overcome these hindrances.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (96-99)
Factors Influencing the Participation of People in Social Forestry Programme
P. S. Swathilekshmi 1 and R. Annamalai 2
ABST ACT
Social forestry means planting of trees which are useful for community development. Forests
can be preserved only through people's participation and by creating a climate under which
the poor derive due benefits from forest development. In this study, factors influencing
people's participation in social forestry programme was studied. The study was carried out in
the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala State, India. A total of 120 farmers consisting of
60 small and 60 marginal farmers were selected using simple random sampling procedure
from 6 blocks of the district where all the programme components were implemented. Out of
the nine independent variables studied only social participation of the marginal farmers and
occupation of the small farmers had a positive and significant relationship with their
participation in social forestry programme.
Social forestry programme in India has failed to muster iii) To find out the influence of the
socio-personal. people's involvement and participation in the various activities sociopsychological and socio-economic characteristics on like plantation activities, strip
plantations, fodder plantations farmers participation in social forestry programme. and
nursery activities. The social forestry schemes continue to be mainly a government
programme without adequate local participation as viewed by Bapat and Shailaja (1983). The
participation of the people is mainly restricted to farm forestry in their own lands. Hence an
attempt was made to find out the influence of farmers socio-personal, socio-psychological
and socio-economic characteristics on their participation in social forestry programme.
Keeping this in view, the study was conducted with the following objectives:
i)
To study the extent of participation of the respondents in social forestry programme.
ii)
ii) To find out the relationship of characteristics of respondents with their
participation in social forestry.
iii)
To find out the influence of the socio-personal, socio-psychological and social
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (100-102)
Effectiveness of Expert System on Knowledge Retention
N. Balasubramani1 , P. S. Swathilekshmi 2 and K. Chandrakandan3
ABSTRACT
Artificial intelligence based computer programmes called Expert System has received a great
deal of attention throughout the world, due to its impressive problem solving capability in a
variety of fields. For the present study, an expert system named as RUBEXS-04 was
designed to simulate the pest and disease diagnosing behaviour. The RUBEXS-04 thus
developed was tested for its relative effectiveness over four other different treatments such as
human experts without discussion, human experts with discussion, RUBEXS-04 without
discussion and RUBEXS-04 with discussion, using the multiple randomized design. The four
treatments were allotted to 12 experimental groups to find out the relative effectiveness of the
four selected treatments towards knowledge retention. Highest mean retention of knowledge
was observed when the subjects were exposed to RUBEXS-04 with discussion (Tr4). This
was followed by the treatments Tr2, Tr' and Tr' These four treatments were also found to be
significant at one per cent level in respect of mean knowledge retention after 15 days.
As agricultural technology is constantly subjected to metamorphosis over years, today's
farmers are swamped with many new cultivars, pesticides and farming techniques. In order to
make prudential and accurate decisions, farm managers/extension workers/farmers need
speedy access to advices on agricultural problems which should be timely, reliable and
consistent. Information and Communication Technology provides instant access to
agricultural information. knowledge based computer programmes or expert system
containing "expert knowledge" brings significant change in agriculture, in terms of reduced
costs, increased storage, early usage and speedy access. With this background, a study was
undertaken with the following objectives:
1. To study the effectiveness of the treatments in terms of knowledge retention among rubber
growers.
2. To propose strategies for designing and using expert system for effective technology
transfer.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (103-105)
Research Note
Adoption of IPM Practices by Trained and Untrained Farmers
S. Parthasarathi 1 and Santha Govind2
Present day world is much concern about the environmental issues. The eco-friendly
technologies are to be monitored and reviewed periodically for the favour of adoption. In
agriculture the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is much focused since the past.
IPM is a programme by farmers not for farmers. It seeks to empower farmers to become
managers and decision makers so that they can handle and control their farms, The IPM
programmes aims at educating the fanners and extension agencies through Farmers' Field
School (FFS) or IPM cluster demonstrations-cum-training. Santha (1992) reported that the
training on IPM promotes the adoption behavior of 1PM technologies among the farmers.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (106-109)
Research Note
Participation of Tribals and Non-Tribals in Agricultural Activities
Sujeet K.Jha 1, O. N. Kunzru2, Sabyasachi Das3, S. R. K. Singh4 and S. K.Jha5
Most of the tribal families, in India, in term of economic characteristics, belong to the
category of below poverty line. Most of them are involved in agricultural and dairy farming
activities; and, in addition, they also work as agricultural labourer. The present study was an
attempt to know their time utilization pattern in different activities/ enterprises, wherein the
main emphasis was on to study the involvement of the tribals and non-tribals in different
activities.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (110-115)
Research Note
Participation of Tribals in Household and Agricultural Activities
Raj Pathania 1 and Pawan Pathania 2
A large part of Himachal Pradesh is covered by snow clad peaks of the Himalayas and as
such there is low density of population. The inhabitants literally live in the lap of nature.
Because of their near total isolation from the mainstream for centuries, these inhabitants have
preserved their traditional culture in its pristine glory. Inspite of many invasions from foreign
forces, the glimpses of the age-old culture of our country can still be seen in these areas. The
original character of the culture and traditions has more or less stayed intact and has
remained free from any large scale acculturation.
Himachal Pradesh has a number of tribal communities such as Kinnauras, Lahaulas,
Pangwals, Swanglas, Ithampas, Bhots/Bodhs Jads, Lambs, Gujjars and Gaddis. They
comprise 4.00 per cent of the total population of the state. In Himachal Pradesh, the Kinnaura
is the single largest scheduled tribe which inhabit the district of Kinnaur. The tribal areas in
the state are spread over the districts of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Pangi and Bharmaur
sub-divisions of Chamba district. Snow glaciers, high altitude and highly rugged terrain
crisscrossed by fast flowing rivers and their tributaries are the peculiar features of the tribal
belt.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (116-117)
Research Note
Decision -Making Profile of Rural Women of Uttar Pradesh
Priya Vasishtha l and Bharat S. Sontakki2
In traditional village community, the women have been playing crucial role not only in
agricultural development and allied fields including crop production, livestock production,
horticulture, etc. but also in non-farm operations and household activities. Although they do
participate in decision making process related to farm and household activities, in patriarchal
society they play only supporting roles in agricultural related activities. Since the pattern of
their participation in decision-making vary according to regional and cultural norms, it was
contemplated to ascertain the decision-making profile in Uttar Pradesh. Thus, with this in
view, a study on this aspect was conducted in rural households of Aligarh and Agra districts.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (118-121)
Research Note
Factors Causing Illiteracy of Rural Women
Rekha Singh l, Prakash 2 and B. Mishra 3
The picture of girl child in education is grime and disturbing. As a child, she deserves basic
right but, education for girls/ women is considered wastage of time and money. Howsoever
better a girl may be in studies in comparison to her brother, it is the son who gets preference
for being sent for higher education and this happens not only in the homes of poor and
orthodox people but sometimes the same scenario prevails in the home of well-to-do
educated or so called modern families. The drop out rate of girls in adolescence is higher
owing to the two major reasons; the first being that home is considered to be 'safe' place for
the growing up girls and secondly she is more useful to the mother at the home (Puspha,
1983). Keeping in view the education as major issue, many researches have been conducted.
Tiwari (1992) concluded and recognized through surveys and reports of social scientist that
"South Asian girl child" as opposed to the "boy child" faces discrimination from the moment
she is born. She gets less to eat, has less access to schooling and is sick more often and get
less medical attention on different aspects. The different factors can be found in illiteracy of
rural women like social, economic, psychological, etc. Keeping in view, the present study
was undertaken to study the factors causing illiteracy of rural women.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (122-125)
Research Note
Decision Making Pattern of Dry Land Farmers
K. Thangaraj l and C. Karthikeyan2
In Tamil Nadu, area under dry farming constitutes 52 per cent of total cultivable area
contributing to 40 per cent of total food production. The productivity of crops grown in
dryland is not only low but also remain stagnant over years. Most of the areas in Tamil Nadu
come under semi arid tropical climate, except the hilly regions and east coast. Out of 5.50 m
ha of net sown area, nearly 3.20 mha are rainfed. Majority of the dryland farmers are small
farmers with scarce resources. The poor resource base allows only a low input subsistence
farming with low and unstable crop yield.
Decision making is important because much of the success of any enterprise and particularly
farming depends upon how well the family makes decision. For the purpose of studying the
decision making pattern in dry land faimers, the major decision making areas were identified
and classified into nine major headings like purchase of agricultural inputs, getting
loans/credits, investment decision, seeds and sowing, inter cultivation, harvesting, quantity of
produce to be stored, allied activities and marketing decisions. In this context, the present
study was taken up with the specific objective viz., to study the decision making pattern of
dry land farmers in agricultural and allied activities of dry farming.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (126-129)
Research Note
Constraints in Adoption of Recommended Cultivation Practices
by Coffee Growers
S. Thyagarajan 1 and K. S. R. P. Paranikumar2
Coffee is the most important beverage crop in the world and more than sixty per cent of
people from different countries have been addicted to taste of coffee. The major coffee
growing states in India are Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu covering ninety percent of the
total area. In Tamilnadu, coffee is cultivated in the belts of lower Palani hills, Anamalai hills,
the 'Nilgris and Salem districts. The demand for coffee in India is bound to increase steadily
in the coming years with the increasing population trend, development of industrial sectors
and considering the foreign exchange. Coffee cultivation is influenced by the number of
factors and constraints which make the coffee cultivation complex. The effects made though
the Coffee Board, Government of India has increased the area, but it did not reflect
significantly on coffee production. Keeping this in view, this study was taken up to identify
the constraints experienced by the coffee growers in adopting the recommended coffee
cultivation practices.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (130-132)
Research Note
Dairy farmer`s Perception of Improved dairy Husbandry Practices
A.S.Arora1, Avadhesh Kumar2, D.Bardhan3 and Y.P.S.Dabas 4
For making dairy business more remunerative, transfer of improved dairy husbandry practices to
the farmers is the need of the hour. Before transferring an improved technology, it would be
beneficial to know the perception of the farmers who have already adopted the practice towards
its simplicity or complexity, so that future extension services could be modified according the
attitude and perception of the farmers and more attention is devoted to transfer of practices
which are perceived to be complex by the adopters. This would ensure better acceptance and
adoption of the recommended practices by the farmers who have not yet adopted them. This
study is an attempt in this direction and tries to find out the perception of dairy farmers of
Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttaranchal about improved dairy husbandry practices in regard
to their simplicity and complexity.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. I & 2, 2006 (133-135)
Research Note
Impact of training on Plant Protection of Jute
Rajendra Chapke, N.C.Pandit,S.K.Das, C.R.Biswas and S.K.Jha*
Jute is an important fibre crop next to cotton, which plays important role in country's economy.
Raw jute being bio-degradable and annually renewable source, is considered as an environmentfriendly crop. To obtain good quality fibre and minimize the yield loss from different biotic
stress, adoption of appropriate plant protection measures is a vital component for production of
jute. Recent studies have shown that the problems of agricultural development are mainly related
to inadequate knowledge, skill and proper management. Training has been acclaimed as an
effective tool to develop the quality of human resource to gain confidence and capability of
individuals in relation to their needs and requirements. Against this backdrop the present study
was undertaken to assess level of knowledge gained about the course content of the training
programme.
Indian Journal of Extension Education
Vol. 42, No. 1 & 2, 2006 (136-139)
Research Note
Impact of Capacity Building Measures of Integrated Wasteland
Development Project
Swarnalata Arya1 and Partap Singh2
Natural resource mobilisation and management along with watershed lines is becoming a key
strategy for rural development and poverty alleviation in rain fed areas. The emphasis in
watershed development is to enhance the productive base of rain fed agricultural and biomass
based livelihood systems. Watershed development as a comprehensive and intersectoral activity,
with the active participation of primary stakeholders requires capacity building and hand holding
in technical, social, gender and managerial aspects. This is required not only during the project
implementation, but also for creating necessary competence and skills for maintenance of assets
created. It also involves setting up and sustaining of vibrant and empowered local institutions
and self-help groups. Capacity building is important essentially for three reasons:
(1) If the watershed development approach is to be broadly effective and sustainable, it will be
necessary not only to organise but also to institutionalise, a participatory learning process
initiated through a flexible and iterative planning process.
(2) If projects are to stimulate, influence and "co-ordinate" processes of change, then institutions
will be needed as partners in this process which "embody" and articulate the various interests in
the project region, and which can take on tasks at the various levels of action.
(3) Self-responsibility on the part of resource users must be expressed by some kind of
"organisation". This, might be anything from a tree nursery run by its users, to a committee
addressing the complex issues of watershed development.
Capacity building is realised through participatory operational pedagogy, which is a step-by-step
interactive strategy for awareness generation, training and skill development in the various
aspects of watershed development programme. An attempt has been made in the present paper to
examine the impact of various capacity building measures undertaken while implementing an
Integrated Wasteland Development Project in 1997-98 in Aganpur-Bhagwasi villages of Patiala
district (Punjab).