CPLR and Water Resource Utilization by Livestock Farmers in Different Ecosystems of India

The common property resources comprises of all such resources that are meant for common use of the villagers including all resources. The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), 1999 in its report defines CPRs as “Resources accessible to and collectively owned\held\managed by an identifiable community and on which no individual has exclusive property rights are called common property resources”. Over the time, there has been gradual decline in CPRs availability to the villagers. The CPRs play an important role in the livelihood of resource poor farmers. According to NSSO, 1999, the percentage of Common Property Land Resources in total geographical area, Common Property Land Resources per household (ha.), Common Property Land Resources per- capita (ha.) is 15, 0.31 and 0.06 respectively. Components of Common Property Land Resources include Community Pastures and grazing land (23%), Village Forest and woodlots (16%) and Other (61%) and there has been reduction of 19 ha in CPR land during last 5 years (per 1000 ha.). The animal land intensity in India is high with an average land holding size of 1.57 ha supporting nearly 2.94 bovines and 1.14 ovine. This in turn puts pressure on common property resources. In developing countries, common property resources (CPRs) can be an important source of income for certain individuals within households (Maggs and Hoddinott, 1997). The common lands are significant form of natural resource endowment in developing countries, play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, and in supporting the rural poor, in eking out their livelihood (Qureshi and Kumar, 1998). The objective of present study is to assess the utilization of CPLRs (Common Property Land Resources) and water resources in different ecosystems of India

A note on indigenous technical knowledge in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh

520-531Over the years, Indian farmers have leveraged their ancestral know-how and experimented to cultivate different crops in difficult environmental conditions. Of late, however, traditional knowledge and practices have suffered massive erosion, mainly due to the impact of globalization and modernization. In this regard, the objective of the present paper was to document and validate the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITKs) in the tribal farming system in Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh were purposively selected for the study owing to their special status of Scheduled Tribal Area. Further, three villages from each district were selected randomly covering a sample of 120 farmers. In addition, 5 key informants experienced in particular ITKs were selected from each village for its validation through Quantification of Indigenous Knowledge (QuIK) methodology. The major documented ITKs were classified into appropriate categories such as soil and water management, cropping system, farm implements, post-harvest technology, storage, horticultural crops, food product development, agro-animal based yarns and leaves, medicinal, veterinary science, animal husbandry, and some myths. Further, Kothar, Graat, Suttar, tying of branches of trees, and chicha were revealed as the most useful ITKs in the tribal areas of Kinnaur. In Lahaul-Spiti, Khudh, Sumbhu, Sem, and shaving off of yak’s hair in summer were the most popular ITKs

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Not AvailableEffective and efficient Extensionists are essential for delivering the required services to the farmers. Skill Gap Analysis is important to make the Extensionists updated and competent in their field. A Skill Gap Analysis using Borich Need Assessment Model was carried out in the four zones of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) during 2016. The zones of ICAR-KVK were selected using simple random sampling. Twenty KVK from each zone were selected randomly and 3 Extensionists from each KVK were selected by using simple random sampling technique. The total sample size was 240. Mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS) was used to study the skill gap. The result of the study indicated that the highest level of skill gap were expressed in designing and conducting farmers training, assessing training needs of the farmers, their ability to use computer (internet) and power point presentation, knowledge and awareness to approaches towards adult education and their ability to prepare visual aids to help deliver information. Lowest mean weighted discrepancy score was given to their ability in presenting the seminar and coordinating work with their peer. Inadequate funding emerged as the major barrier in acquiring the required competencies. Attention should be given to skill gap analysis owing to the importance given to skill development at the national level. Extensionists with the required skill in their job will lead to the better performance and ultimately better services to farmers.Not Availabl