Challenges and Constraints in Adopting Modern Horticulture Practices in Apple Orchards

In many developing countries the adoption rate of new agricultural technology especially by small-scale farmers is low. The factors influencing farmers’ adoption of new technologies vary from specific circumstances to local conditions. The most essential aspect in the adoption of new tools and techniques is the farmer’s perception of these technologies which often remains unidentified. Using a mixed method approach, this study explored marginal and small-scale apple orchardists of rural Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India for their perceptions, challenges, and limitations of adaptive capacity to modern horticulture practices. Via in-depth interviews, the growers shared multifaceted challenges and fears impeding their adoption decision, the most noticeable ones were - the high cost of horticulture inputs, unpredictable weather conditions, small orchard size, inadequate labour, insufficient knowledge on modern horticulture practices and lack of information from the government departments. Based on these interviews, a thematic analysis and a survey were conducted - broadly representing the common horticulture problems and factors restricting these orchardists from adopting new technologies

Awareness and Perceptions of Farmers about Water Pollution in Rajasthan

This study assessed 120 farmers’ awareness and perceptions of water pollution in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India using Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Findings revealed that most of the farmers had low legal literacy (67.50%), with limited awareness on laws such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. While 85.83 per cent perceived visible effects of water pollution, such as foul smells, only 13.33 per cent were aware of specific legal frameworks. Television and social media emerged as primary information sources. The study highlights the need for targeted legal literacy programmes to empower farmers in addressing water pollution issues

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Rural Development in India: Lessons from the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (Improved India Mission) Programme

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is an initiative by the Government of India that fosters collaborations between Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and rural communities to promote holistic rural development. The present study was conducted to examine the experiences, role, functions and perspectives of UBA Coordinators in transforming rural communities through UBA projects. Insights were drawn from a focus group discussion with 50 UBA coordinators from 50 HEIs from 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, a constituent state of India. The findings reveal that the UBA coordinators had made significant efforts to foster trust in community leadership, identify the needs of the community, and establish connections with partner organizations to carry out UBA projects. The findings of the study can be used to enhance UBA strategies, empowering rural communities across India with tailored, technology-driven solutions

From the Editor's Desk: Editorial; 35-4 (2023)

This editorial (JEE , 35 (4)) deals with the strategies for enhancing extension's role in agritourism

Assessing the Satisfaction of Women Members of Cooperative Societies

In Kerala, a constituent state of India, the expansion of agricultural and related cooperatives indicates the general degree of contentment among its members. This study aims to analyse data from a primary survey among agricultural and milk cooperatives to elucidate the elements contributing to members’ satisfaction. Descriptive statistics indicate that most female members of the cooperatives have completed only a basic level of education, and furthermore, only a minority of them occupy important roles within these organizations. The estimated structural equation model depicts the dynamics of satisfaction in detail. According to the study, members’ participation in cooperative activities yields a variety of benefits, thereby increasing their overall satisfaction

Awareness and Consumption of Millets among Young Adults of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

The present study was conducted with the objective to identify the awareness levels and consumption of millets among young adults from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India . A total of 232 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years were interviewed in this concurrent nested design-based study. The objective of this study was to identify the awareness of millets and investigate the consumption patterns of millets among young adults. The results showed that although 80.20 percent of the respondents were aware of millets in general, only 23.20 percent knew of more than 5 types of millets. The recognition rate was lowest for Barnyard millet (35.60%). The consumption pattern showed majority of the respondents were consuming millets but the frequency was only ‘few times a year’. The study concluded that young adults need to be made aware about the importance and ways of consuming millets for better mainstreaming of millets among the population

From the Editor's Desk

This editorial (JEE , 35 (3)) deals with the need for extension interventions in urban agriculture.&nbsp

Cocoa Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Extension Services in Ghana

Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity, resilience, andsustainability of farming systems, particularly for smallholder farmers. In Ghana, cocoa farming remains a vital economic activity, contributing significantly to livelihoods and national revenue. However, the effectiveness of extension service delivery has often been limited by inadequate resources, infrequent farm visits, and a lack of tailored support to address farmer-specific needs. As farmers increasingly face challenges, the demand for improved extension services has become more urgent. This study explores cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved extension services in Ghana. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, selecting 394 respondents through the multi-stage sampling process. Majority of the farmers were willing to pay for improved extension services, thus, arrangement for the supply of inputs, financial literacy and farm management training, and access to high-quality, certified seeds. Factors influencing willingness to pay included age, household size, household headship, farm size, sex, farming experience, access to credit, and skilled labour. There is strong consensus on three critical features of an improved extension system: the frequency of farm visits, prompt response from extension agents, and availability of essential tools and equipment. For improved extension services, the Ghana Cocoa Board must design and promote financial mechanisms that facilitate farmers’ ability to pay for extension services through flexible payment options or subsidies for disadvantaged farmers

Impact of Kitchen Gardens as an Empowering Initiative for Mothers of Children with Disabilities

This study explores the impact of kitchen gardens as an empowering initiative for mothers of children with disabilities in Chennai City. Kitchen gardens, can be established on small patches of land with minimal technical input, offer a sustainable solution for supplemental food production and improving the livelihoods of urban and rural poor communities. The study involved training 50 mothers of children with disabilities at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College, Chennai in developing kitchen gardens within their small dwelling spaces. Participants were initially provided with seed kits, containing vegetables such as ladyfinger, brinjal, bottle gourd, cucumber and bitter gourd. This initiative led to increased income and enhanced nutritional security for the mothers. It also empowered them to balance work and family life by enabling them to sell produce in local markets. The study concludes that kitchen gardening is a sustainable and profitable initiative that economically empowers mothers of disabled children, allowing them to stay engaged in the home environment while providing care for their children

Constraints Experienced by Women Entrepreneurs in Managing Poultry and Handicraft Enterprises

A study was conducted with 150 women entrepreneurs managing poultry and handicraft enterprises in Tirupattur District of Tamil Nadu, India to identify the constraints they faced. The main production constraints experienced by the women entrepreneurs in poultry were high mortality rates, high costs of good-quality feed, and other inputs. The major marketing constraints they encountered were rumours about hormone injection and other alleged health hazards associated with consuming poultry meat and products. Similarly, the major constraints experienced by them in handicraft production were shortages of raw materials, lack of skilloriented training, and inadequate finance. The major marketing constraints the women entrepreneurs facedwere lack of transportation and price fluctuations. These insights can help address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in these sectors