Sustainability of Farmer Producer Organisations - The case of producer organisations involved in the production and marketing of ‘neera’ in the coconut sector

Neera-the coconut inflorescence sap has been promoted as a potential value-added non-alcoholic beverage with abundant health benefits. The concerted effort of the stakeholder agencies could liberate the product from the policy regulations on its production under the excise act (known as ‘Abkari act’ in Kerala). Subsequently, the coconut producer federations (CPFs) in the State were granted licenses for ‘neera’ production and marketing. However, the majority of the CPFs discontinued the ‘neera’ enterprise, which they have initiated with greater enthusiasm. The present study is a modest attempt to trace the reasons for setbacks experienced in the ‘neera’ sector and also to provide a refined framework for revamping the sector. The details of licenses granted to the CPFs were sourced from the Department of Excise, Government of Kerala. The sample size of the study was 95 (13 CPFs who are still active and 82 CPFs who have discontinued). It was observed that the ‘neera’ value chain is in the evolving stage, and the withdrawal of the institutional support had detrimentally affected the confidence of the CPFs ventured into it. The availability of ‘neera’ technicians (tappers) and the high wage rates have evoked concerns on the profitability as well as the assurance of continuous supply of the product. The study categorically highlights the need for a restructured value chain of ‘neera’ with specific roles assigned to the stakeholders through the creation of functional linkages

Studies on genetic relationships and diversity in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) germplasm utilizing RAPD markers

In the present investigation, genetic relationship among 60 arecanut germplasm, consisting of both indigenous and exotic accessions, were assessed using 14 polymorphic RAPD primers. The average polymorphism was 6.64 markers per primer. The PIC values among the 14 primers ranged from 0.19 to 0.49. Similarity values among the accessions ranged between 0.68 and 0.93. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters. The Indian collections Konkan I, Konkan II and Maidhan formed a separate cluster. All the collections from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Singapore and China and some Indian collections (viz., Andaman and Nicobar Islands and North East germplasm collections) formed a second cluster. The clustering pattern was, in general, in accordance with the geographical origin of the collections. The results obtained from this study are crucial for developing effective management strategies for genetic improvement of arecanut

Effects of Varying Sufactant Chain Lenghts on the Magnetic, Optical and Hyperthermia Properties of Ferrofluids

We report studies of the structural, magnetic, magneto-thermal and magneto-optic properties of dextran, oleic acid, lauric acid and myristic acid surfacted Fe3O4 nanoparticles of hydrodynamic sizes ranging from 32 nm to 92 nm. All the samples showed saturation magnetization of ̃50 emu/g, significantly smaller than the bulk value for Fe3O4, together with superparamagnetic behavior. The ac magnetization measurements on the dextran coated nanoparticles showed frequency dependent blocking temperature, consistent with superparamgnetic blocking. The ferrofluid heating rates in a 250 Gauss, 100 kHz ac magnetic field varied with the chain lengths of the surfactants, with higher heating rates for longer chains. DC-magnetic-field-induced light scattering patterns produced by two orthogonal He-Ne laser beams passing through the ferrofluid sample revealed different optical signatures for different surfactants

Assimilating socio-economic perspective in designing crop sector technology interventions: A farmer participatory study on coconut sector in Kerala

The economic viability of coconut farming in the state has witnessed a steady decline due to a complex interplay of several socio-economic, environmental and institutional factors. But the crop sustains the livelihood of a significant share of the population in the state. Equitable growth in agricultural sector of the state cannot be attained unless the fortunes of coconut farming sector are revived. A critical understanding of the production environment is very important in crafting appropriate strategies for the sector. This study is based on a detailed analysis of socio-economic profile of 180 coconut farmers in Kerala across five major agro-ecological units, collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. The study draws on trends in relevant socio-economic trends to examine the reasons for the vicious cycle of low investment-low profits -low productivity. The study identified structural agrarian changes like low dependence on farm income, High share of non-farm income, high cost and non-availability of skilled labour, etc., as contributing factors to the extant situation. Based on the socio-economic profile of the coconut farmer and technical studies, soil nutrient management centric strategy was identified as the key element in reorienting coconut farming. The intervention strategy was designed as an alternative approach for reviving the economic viability of coconut farming. The initial results on farmer perception on impact of technology intervention, with direct and indirect links to several biological and socio-economic limiting factors, indicate significant improvement across several parameters influencing crop productivity. Assimilating the lessons from the operation of the intervention strategy, the study also outlines a roadmap for multiple institutional involvements for scaling up this strategy across the state

A Study on Consumer Behaviour: Transition from Traditional Shopping to Online Shopping During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aims to investigate Malaysian and Indian consumers’ preferred ways of shopping, the reasons behind their choices, and problems of transactions they faced during the pandemic. Data were primarily collected through a survey distributed to 200 respondents. The study concluded that it is unlikely for online shopping to replace traditional shopping as many consumers remain value physical examination of the products prior to purchase. However, many have opted for online shopping for its various advantages. Regardless of which method of shopping, respondents face similar problems in their transactions. The findings of this study may serve as a guideline for businesses to integrate into online shopping platforms for potential future development

Snakebite and its socio-economic impact on the rural population of Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND: Snakebite represents a significant health issue worldwide, affecting several million people each year with as many as 95,000 deaths. India is considered to be the country most affected, but much remains unknown about snakebite incidence in this country, its socio-economic impact and how snakebite management could be improved. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a study within rural villages in Tamil Nadu, India, which combines a household survey (28,494 people) of snakebite incidence with a more detailed survey of victims in order to understand the health and socio-economic effects of the bite, the treatments obtained and their views about future improvements. Our survey suggests that snakebite incidence is higher than previously reported. 3.9% of those surveyed had suffered from snakebite and the number of deaths corresponds to 0.45% of the population. The socio-economic impact of this is very considerable in terms of the treatment costs and the long-term effects on the health and ability of survivors to work. To reduce this, the victims recommended improvements to the accessibility and affordability of antivenom treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Snakebite has a considerable and disproportionate impact on rural populations, particularly in South Asia. This study provides an incentive for researchers and the public to work together to reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes for snake bite victims and their families

Circular Economy Pathways for Municipal Wastewater Management in India: A Practitioner’s Guide

The 2030 Water Resources Group is a unique publicprivate- civil society partnership that helps governments to accelerate reforms that will ensure sustainable water resource management for the long term development and economic growth of their country. It does so by helping to change the “political economy” for water reform in the country through convening a wide range of actors and providing water resource analysis in ways that are digestible for politicians and business leaders. The 2030 WRG was launched in 2008 at the World Economic Forum and has been hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) since 2012

Laser beam welding: research state of the art on performance and measures

Laser beam welding (LBW) is a remarkable method for combining dissimilar materials, primarily when the unique amalgamation of metals is necessary. LBW, owing to attractive features, namely: low heat input, high heat concentration, high power density and low distortion is one of the more advantageous methods for, e.g., welding and repair of aircraft and turbine engine elements, constructed from superalloy. In this paper, the literature is scrutinized on diverse techniques that are associated with laser welding systems. The review is provided of several dozen research articles, involving an appropriate analysis. Initially, the analysis depicts various schemes that are contributed in different articles. Subsequently, the analysis also focuses on various particular features such as laser beam width and type of laser, and it also considers the heat treatment analysis that is contained in each of the articles reviewed. Furthermore, the present paper provides a detailed study regarding the performance measures and maximum performance achievements regarding each contribution accounted for. Finally, it indicates the various research issues, which can be useful for the researchers to carry out further research on laser welding systems. Of particular interest to the Readers of this journal is the fact of ample application of modelling, identification, data processing, image processing and AI tools in the respective surveyed studies