An Empirical Analysis of Scientific Attitude among Undergraduate Students in Agricultural Sciences

This study explored the determinants of scientific attitude among undergraduate agriculture students in Telangana State of India, analyzing their attitude levels and demographic influences. A sample of 250 B.Sc. Agriculture students from Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University was surveyed using random sampling. Factor analysis, normal probability curve, and inferential analysis revealed that most students exhibited a moderate scientific attitude, with significant differences based on gender, age, and parental occupation. Male students and those below 19 showed higher engagement, while students from government-employed families had the highest scores. Findings suggested the need for targeted educational strategies, including curiosity-driven learning, hands-on experiments, gender equity, early exposure, and infrastructure upgrades, to enhance scientific attitudes in agricultural education

Potential of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) for the Sustainability of Dairy Industry: Case of three Co-operatives in Kerala

The milk production in Kerala is almost static for the last few years, and the major reasons for this are the increased cost of production and the reduction in the number of dairy animals. Due to scarce resources, small-scale farmers are challenged to raise funds to increase the herd size. One way to solve the problem is to mobilise resources through collaboration with community-based organisations such as Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) formed under the dairy cooperatives. The present research investigated the impact of establishing JLGs under the ambit of dairy cooperatives and providing finance for purchasing dairy animals. The case study examined three dairy cooperatives in the Wayanad district and observed a significant rise in milk procurement within the societies through the establishment of JLGs

University-Industry Collaboration in Dairy and Poultry Sectors of Andhra Pradesh: Status of Stakeholders’ Participation

This study examines the extent and purpose of university researchers and industry personnel participation in University Research-Industry (UR-I) linkages within the dairy, poultry, and pharmaceutical sectors of Andhra Pradesh. Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India was selected as the technology-generating unit, and three sectors - dairy, poultry, and pharmaceuticals - were chosen as technology-utilizing units. Data were collected from 60 university researchers and 40 industry personnel using semi-structured interviews, coded, and analysed for percentage and frequency. Findings indicate that most university researchers (51.67%) and industry personnel (45.00%) exhibit low participation in UR-I activities, primarily due to a focus on small-scale farming and lack of awareness about university capabilities, respectively. Key activities such as trainings, research sponsorships, and joint funding were underutilized, with telephone calls and personal visits being more common. The study underscores the need for universities and industries to enhance collaboration for mutual benefits and the advancement of the livestock sector. Effective communication, regular meetings, and leveraging each other’s expertise are crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness

Factors Affecting Adoption of Recommended Rice Cultivation Practices by Farmers of South Kerala

Rice is a fundamental staple crop and plays a significant role in agricultural production across the southern part of Kerala, India. Implementing recommended rice cultivation practices is essential for boosting yield, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers. However, even with the scientifically proven practices developed by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), the extent of adoption among farmers differs considerably. The present study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts to find out the factors affecting adoption of recommended rice cultivation practices by the farmers of South Kerala. A total of 105 respondents were selected from one panchayat of each of these seven districts. The extent of adoption of selected KAU technologies in rice varieties was found to be ‘medium’ among the majority of farmers. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that out of 11 independent variables selected for the study, three variables were positively and significantly related to the dependent variable adoption of recommended practices by rice farmers. The main factors that influence technology adoption of recommended practices were extension participation and achievement motivation followed by innovativeness

Determinants of Knowledge Level on Kiwi Cultivation Practices in Phek District of Nagaland

The paper examines the knowledge level of kiwi growers and its determinants in Nagaland. The study was conducted among kiwi growers in Phek district of Nagaland during 2023-24 and the sample size was 120. A knowledge test index was adapted with suitable modification. More than half of the respondents were above 50 years of age, majority were illiterate, had marginal size of land under kiwi, had ‘medium’ farming experience and had an average annual income of Rs. 139391.67. The findings of the study concluded that majority of the respondents had ‘fair or moderate’ level of knowledge on kiwi cultivation and the determinants of knowledge level on kiwi cultivation were education, extension contact, training exposure & farming experience

Challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu

Women entrepreneurs frequently face challenges and problems while starting and developing their businesses. The objective of the study was to examine the problems and challenges women face in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. For the sample of the study, the researcher identified fifty-five women who were involved in various enterprises. The main obstacles were found to be lack of work- life balance and lack of financial support

Functional Roles of Farmer Producer Companies: the Stakeholders’ Perception

This study explored the perception of stakeholders of selected Farmer Producer Companies (FPC) ofKerala, India, on the functional role of such companies in the livelihood betterment of farmers. Five roles were identified and ranked based on the percentage scores for understanding the perception of the role of FPCs. The five roles analyzed included facilitate development of member farmers, increase the cultivation of particular crop, identify needs of farmers and conduct trainings/ exposure visits, delivery of services to farmers and creation of more employment among farmers. Based on results it was inferred that stakeholders from various FPCs in the state identified delivery of services to farmers as the most important functional role of FPCs. This was followed by the role of farmer development facilitation which was agreed by over 75 percent of all categories. Creation of more employment opportunities for farmers, and impart of trainings and exposure visits to them was given comparatively less importance by all the stakeholders. The least important role identified was increasing the crop cultivation

Innovative Approaches in Paddy Cultivation: An Analytical Study of Adoption Trends

Adoption of farm innovations in food crops is necessary to modernize agricultural practices, improve efficiency and increase yields to meet the growing global food demand. This study analysed the adoption trends of innovations in paddy cultivation. Key innovations were identified including the adoption of advanced agricultural machinery starting from seed preparation to harvesting and storage, improved irrigation systems and utilization of hybrid rice varieties by interviewing the paddy farmers of Assam, India. Percentage analysis and paired t-test were used to assess the impact of innovations on rice crop productivity. The results of the study indicate a positive and progressive trend in the adoption of innovations in paddy cultivation. The widespreadacceptance of improved machineries and a diverse array of hybrid rice varieties showcases a collective effort among farmers to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and embrace sustainable agricultural practices. To maximize the benefits of these innovations, farmers must receive adequate training

Problems and Complexities in Rural Schools of the Himalayan Region: Challenges for Community Development

The educational system of rural areas in India especially in the Himalayan region, is facing variousproblems like infrastructure, transportation, communication, and quality education. In the present paper, the focus has been given to identifying the problems and challenges faced by rural schools and factors affecting the quality of education in Himalayan region with particular reference to the Paddar sub-division in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Using purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 19 schools, with 180 students as a sample. The findings of the study revealed that low educational qualifications of both parents, low socioeconomic status and low occupational status of parents were the major factors affecting the quality of education. Natural obstacles like harsh winters, heavy snowfall, a high mountainous area, and a lack of transportation also hinder the progress of education. Hence, there is a need to bring structural changes in the rural schools of Jammu & Kashmir

An Analysis of Expenditure Pattern of Farm Families in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh

The study was conducted in the Chaka and Kundhiyama blocks situated in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Altogether, 200 farmers were randomly selected from four villages of the selected blocks. The results of the study revealed that the average monthly family expenditure increased as the land size increased, except in the case of medium-sized farm-holders, as the average family size was larger than that of small-sized farm holders. The percentage of expenditure was found to be more on food; it was found that the percentage of the amount spent on food decreased as the income increased. The percentage of expenditure on food items decreased with the increase in holding size