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Vol XI No. 1 January - June, 2010
1. An Assessment of Farmers’ Attitude to Improved Soil
and Water Conservation Practices in the Environs of Simen Mountains
National Park, Ethiopia …………by Girmachew Siraw
Abstract
In
the past, many soil and water conservation practices were introduced
in Ethiopia. However, those technologies failed to win acceptance of
the land users because of their limitations and constraints. Thus,
identification of constraints in relation to the adoption of soil
and water conservation practices is of paramount importance. A study
was undertaken in the environs of Simen Mountain National Park area
of Amhara state to assess farmers’ attitude on the existing soil
erosion and soil and water conservation and to identify alternative
approaches and strategies to promote improved soil and water
conservation technologies. The results of the study show that
farmers’ level of perception on soil erosion and soil and water
conservation is significantly related to adoption of soil and water
conservation practices by the farmers. Incorporating farmers’ views
in the design of physical works undertaken in soil and water
conservation should be practiced as an alternative policy and
strategy to promote improved soil and water conservation practices.
2. Development based Extension Systems in India…. G.R.
Desai and P.L. Manohari
Abstract
Management of agricultural extension has special relevance to meet
the needs of the farmers. Speedy transfer of technological
innovations to the farm level, necessitates emphasis on building
synergy among the delivery systems. The extension activities in the
country are carried out through Line Departments based on various
sectors. To take advantage of the opportunities offered by the
changing scenario, it is necessary to understand the present working
modalities of Line Departments with farmers. This paper attempts to
study the present status of line departments in order to understand
the organizational aspects, extension activities and services
undertaken, infrastructure availability apart from departmental
linkages with other institutions, aspects related to training,
capacity building, income generation and suggest suitable measures
for improving the performance of the system. The study revealed
different aspects that need to be addressed to make the systems
professionally competent, to play their roles effectively. These
include reducing levels of hierarchy, filling up vacant staff
positions, offloading some of the services on a public private
partnership mode, promoting alternate service providers and
allocating sufficient funds for capacity building.
3.
A Study of Training Programmes – a case of MANAGE…Vikram
Singh,
G.
Jaya and A.S. Charyulu
Abstract
This study was undertaken to have insight into the important
variables that influence the effectiveness of training programmes
and enable the trainer to reorient them, suitably dovetailing to the
needs of the trainees and the organizations. The objectives are to
assess the strengths and weaknesses in terms of design, delivery,
content creation and training methodology and suggest ways and means
to bring about overall improvement in training programmes. Results
reveal that MANAGE training programmes were found to be designed
appropriately, content matched participants’ needs and helped to
realize program objectives; training methodology was found suitable
and the training contributed to performance back at work. Some of
the recommendations include, giving adequate space to emphasize
skill development and field application of the content covered;
Training Need Assessment (TNA) as an important requirement; field
visits; greater use of audio visual aids, panel discussions. Some
follow up exercise with the trainees is also suggested to not only
help trainees to monitor progress but also help MANAGE to improve
the quality of future training programmes.
4.
Constraints Faced by the Farmwomen in Women Headed Households…K.
Uma Rani
.
Abstract
The role of women in agriculture has become all the more important
with migration of farmers and the increasing number of women headed
households. However, women, as producers, still remain largely
invisible and unsupported; mainstream investments and development
interventions tend to focus elsewhere and are often ineffective.
This study on women headed households in Andhra Pradesh analyses the
personal, socio-economic and extension related characteristics of
women heading farm households, types of women-headed households,
constraints they face and identifies solutions. Constraints
expressed include non-availability of labour, poverty and
indebtedness, high cost of fertilizers and pesticides, limitations
in getting credit etc. Some of the suggestions include ensuring
supply of good quality seeds, fertilizers etc., by the government;
labour exchange between households and villages during peak seasonal
farm operations to overcome constraint of labour shortage, imparting
training on income generating activities, etc. The study concludes
that income generating activities like, dairy units, sheep rearing
units, vermmicompost units and small business activities like
mushroom units, leaf plate making and value addition to locally
available products may be encouraged to improve income levels and
economic status of women. Women headed households deserve special
attention within the ongoing developmental schemes so as to
mainstream their concerns.
5.
Organised Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Channels in Andhra Pradesh…B.
Venkat Rao
Abstract
Marketing of fruits and vegetables has assumed new dimensions with
rise in per capita income and health consciousness, mostly in urban
areas of India. This study looks at existing Marketing Channels
viz., Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees, Rythu Bazaars and
organised Private Retail and compares benefits accruing to consumers
in Andhra Pradesh. The various dimensions studied include, preferred
channel by consumers; quality of produce in different marketing
channels; consumer satisfaction with prices; convenience factor;
service factor; impact of display; promotional advertising and price
display on channel preference. According to the study, except for
little benefit to consumers, not much benefit has accrued to
producers even from Organized Private Retail. However small and
medium farmers are benefited through Rythu Bazaars since farmers are
able to sell their produce directly to consumers and get a good
price. There is a mismatch between demand and supply due to lack of
information and knowledge on production, price and market
dynamics within and outside India. The study suggests that in order
to prevent seasonal glut and ensure price stability throughout the
year, the government must take steps to prepare Mandal level plans
for agricultural produce, estimate the quality of produce coming to
the market, route excess produce to other consumption centers and
look into processing and export opportunities. Timely information
must be provided to farmers by extension staff to prevent crop loss
and ensure good price to thefarmers.
6.
Comparison of the Organic Farmer’s Crop Production Practices with
Prescribed Standards……………….
B.Savitha and R. Ratnakar
Abstract
This paper studies the status of organic farming in the state of
Andhra Pradesh with an objective to compare the agricultural
production practices of the organic farmers with the prescribed
organic crop production standards. The aim is to find out the
deviations in practices followed by the organic farmers from that of
the prescribed standards. Findings of the study outline the existing
crop production practices of organic farmers under conversion
requirements, farm designing, land preparation, seed / plant
materials and sowing, crop diversity, weed management, irrigation
schedule, fertilization policy, plant protection measures,
contamination control, post harvest storage and processing,
packaging and labeling, record keeping. The results reveal that the
practices of Warangal farmers (71.88 per cent), East Godavari (60.94
per cent) and Chittoor (50 per cent) matched with that of prescribed
organic crop production standards. However some of the important
principles of organic crop production were not taken care of. Hence
it is essential for the promoters to educate and create awareness
among the organic farmers about organic crop production standards to
ensure that they reap the benefits of certification.
7.
Impact of Integrated Sericultural Technologies on Cocoon
Productivity at Farmer Level ……Dayananda
and P. Kumaresan
Abstract
A
study was conducted during 2005-06 to 2006-07 in Anekal division of
Bangalore district, Karnataka to know the impact of group
demonstration of integrated sericultural technologies (IST) on
knowledge and adoption of sericultural technologies by farmers. Two
villages were identified and 20 farmers each in selected villages
were randomly selected whose benchmark mulberry yield was less than
40.00 MT/ha/year and cocoon yield was less than 40 kg/100 disease
free laying (dfls) before initiating the group demonstration. At the
beginning of the demonstration of IST, a baseline survey of selected
farmers with respect to knowledge and adoption level of different
sericultural technologies and their sericulture productivity level
was carried out. The demonstration of IST covering 20 sericultural
technologies was conducted in the field among the selected farmers
who were guided in their sericulture activities for a period of two
years. After two years, the impact of demonstration on knowledge and
adoption level of sericultural technologies and improvement in
mulberry and cocoon productivity levels were assessed among the
selected farmers. The results reveal an improvement in knowledge
level, adoption level among the selected farmers besides an
improvement in the leaf yield and cocoon yield over the bench mark.
8.
Effectiveness of Farm Programme
Amachi Mati Amachi Mansa
perceived by Televiewing Farmers………………………..Deshmukh
P.R. and V.T.Wattamwar
Abstract
Television is recognized as an effective mass medium to spread
education, promote social change and rural development. A study was
taken up on the perception of the viewers about the effectiveness of
the agricultural programme Amachi Mati Amachi Mansa, a television
programme in Marathi. The specific objectives were to assess the
effectiveness of the programme as perceived by televiewing farmers
and to know their expectations about the farm programme. The study
revealed that the programme was perceived as useful, effective, and
motivating. Some of the suggestions relate to duration of the
telecast, programme timings, involvement of progressive farmers in
the programme etc.
9.
An Impact Analysis of Front Line Demonstrations on Castor Growers
Janaki Rani, V. Palanisamy
and S. Venkatesan
Abstract
Castor is an important oilseed crop which occupies an important
place in the country’s vegetable oil economy. In order to increase
the production and productivity of castor crop, introduction of
castor varieties and improved technologies are essential. For these
Front Line Demonstration (FLD) is a useful extension tool. In order
to have an in depth analysis of FLD and its impact on castor
growers, a study was undertaken on impact of Front Line
Demonstration on castor growers. Results reveal increased yield,
decreased cost of cultivation and increased income as reported by a
majority of the farmers under direct impact. Indirect impact,
includes increase in confidence, decision making power,
participation in training, investment and consultation by fellow
farmers. The study concludes that popularization of hybrid castor
technologies through various extension methods will be useful to
increase area, production and productivity of castor in Tamil Nadu.
10. Indebtedness of Farmer Suicide Victims in Vidarbha Region of
Maharashtra…N.
M. Kale, S.R.Khonde and D.M.Mankar
Abstract
This paper examines aspects relating to the indebtedness issue of
farmer suicide victims in Vidarbha. The paper discusses the
indebtedness position of the victims’ households according to the
credit sources; analyses the average outstanding debts across land
holdings; distribution of the victims according to the amount of
debt and sums up the indebtedness issue of farmer suicide victims of
Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and policy implications. Results
reveal that majority (98.50 per cent) of the victims were found
indebted and 92.00 per cent were defaulters. Over 51.50 per cent of
the victims, had outstanding debt of both institutional and
non-institutional credit sources, whereas 47.00 per cent were having
debt of only institutional sources. Institutional credit sources
used by the selected victims to fulfill their credit needs include
cooperative and commercial banks, while non institutional credit
sources include friends, relatives and money lenders.
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