Entrepreneurial Attributes of Floriculture Farmers

Floriculture has emerged as an important agribusiness, providing employment opportunities and entrepreneurship in both urban and rural areas. This study calculated the entrepreneurial attributes of floriculture farmers in Nashik, Maharashtra, India were calculated based on seven parameters viz., innovativeness, achievement motivation, economic motivation, decision making ability, leadership ability, risk orientation and management orientation. Majority of the flower growers belonged to medium entrepreneurial category. There was a highly significant and positive relationship of entrepreneurial attributes of respondents with Annual Income, Mass Media Exposure and Extension Agency Contact

Understanding the Information Network among Farmers through Content Analysis of Farmers’ Facebook Groups

Facebook groups have emerged as a powerful tool for connecting individuals with shared interests, and the agriculture sector is no exception. Examining the significance of Facebook’s involvement in agricultural extension within India is essential because of the nation’s significant agricultural industry, growing digital presence, and the necessity for prompt and precise information distribution. This research aims to investigate the origins of the Bengali Facebook groups, the profiles of members and administrators, and the manner in which information is shared through posts within these groups. The study also seeks to delve into the broad themes of these posts and their specific focus on agricultural topics, including general agriculture, identification of plant diseases, crop varieties, recommended practices, and more. Furthermore, this study analyses the content of posts concerning agricultural operations, implements, agricultural products, and livestock. Out of 995 Facebook groups, 84 core agricultural groups and 24 Bengali groups were purposively sampled. Among the 1442 posts, 206 were screened randomly for the study. Results revealed that 50 percent of these groups emerged during the lockdown period and the most discussed agricultural operation in these groups was ‘plant protection measures’ . The study suggests that Facebook groups should be mainstreamed by public and private extension agencies to reach even those farmers with low levels of formal education

Vegetable Marketing Practices followed by Farmers in Dibrugarh District of Assam

Agriculture is crucial to India’s rural economy, with vegetable cultivation being a key component. This study focuses on 150 rural farmers in Assam’s Dibrugarh District, exploring their socioeconomic characteristics, marketing practices, factors influencing these practices and the barriers they experience. The rapid sale of vegetables, driven by their perishable nature, emerged as the most influential factor in farmers’ marketing practices. It was found that farmers face various barriers like perishability of vegetables, limited access to ICT tools and low level of knowledge. Findings revealed a significant association between socioeconomic characteristics and marketing practices

From the Editor's Desk

From the Editor's Desk - 35(2); Common Service Centres in Indi

From the Editor's desk - evaluating information sources

Editorial on evaluating information soruces ; Journal of Extension Education; 35 (1)&nbsp

Empowerment of Women through Microfinance in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka

The present study was carried out to analyse the indicators of women empowerment and evaluate the effectiveness of microfinance on women empowerment. Empowerment indicators were identified and analysed based on the responses of 60 SHG (Self-Help Group) women in Mudigere Taluk of Chikmagalur District of Karnataka state. The findings pointed the impact of microfinance on women empowerment based on women empowerment indicators using five-point Likert scale. It was concluded that women’s participation in microfinance empowers them in family, social and economic security in terms of decision making, mobility, ownership of assets and independent savings

Socio -Economic and Demographic Characteristics of Kadar Tribe of Anamalai Tiger Reserve

This article provides a descriptive glimpse into the socio-economic and characteristics of the Kadar tribe who live in all six settlements within the Pollachi division of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu viz., Kavarkkal, Nedungundru, Ethakuli, Erumparai, Theppakadu, and Udumanparai. The study reveals that the tribals have varying age distributions, gender and marital status. Primary education is the most common, with a significant portion engaged in agriculture. Low-income households rely on traditional livelihoods, and occupational diversity is limited. Access to government funds is limited, and housing consists of traditional 'kutcha' mud-houses

Unearthing the Knowledge of Natural Farming through Content Analysis of English YouTube Videos

Amidst the vast realm of digital content, YouTube covers agricultural videos that exhibit the marvels of natural farming. This content analysis, conducted in 2023, encompasses a comprehensive synopsis of YouTube videos communicated in English on natural farming. By employing a meticulously prepared checklist, the study delved into both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the videos. A total of 150 videos were selected through systematic random sampling, assuring recurrent themes and subthemes. An accurate and consistent analysis was ensured by conducting intra-coder reliability. The analysis includes categorization in respect oftype of enterprise, type of crop, place of program, shot type, Type of operational practices, type of manure, type of mulching, type of compost, type of soil water conservation techniques, type of pest management techniques, the theme of the channels, number of subscribers, and type of content. The analysis focused on YouTube’s coverage of promoting knowledge about natural farming practices by serving as a comprehensive resource for empowering and motivating people on their sustainable agricultural journeys

From the Editor's Desk

This editorial of Journal of Extension Education , 34 (4) deals with various forms of aberrations in research misconduct

Rural Community Teachers’ Awareness and Attitude on Learning Challenges

In rural landscapes, teachers are unsung education heroes, facing challenges like limited professional growth, inadequate infrastructure, and the need to innovate teaching methods for diverse student needs. They shape their communities’ education through adaptability and evolution. A September 2022 study conducted in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu surveyed 149 rural primary school teachers, using self-developed questionnaires on background information, awareness of learning challenges, and attitudes toward them. Reliability, measured with Cronbach’s Alpha, showed scores of 0.829 for awareness and 0.854 for attitudes. Results revealed that most teachers had moderate awareness, with some displaying low awareness and manyholding neutral attitudes, which could turn unfavorable over time. Linear regression highlighted associations with age, experience, and class type. Experience emerged as the main predictor for both awareness and attitude, implying that more experience leads to improved awareness and attitude. These findings can guide stakeholders in supporting rural educators, benefitting students across geographical boundaries