Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur
The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established on 12th June 1964 at Hyderabad.
The University was formally inaugurated on 20th March 1965 by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India. Another significant milestone was the inauguration of the building programme of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi,the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd June 1966.
The University was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on 7th November 1996 in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga, who rendered remarkable selfless service for the cause of farmers and is regarded as an outstanding educationist, kisan leader and freedom fighter.
HISTORICAL MILESTONE
Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) was established under the name of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) on the 12th of June 1964 through the APAU Act 1963. Later, it was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on the 7th of November, 1996 in honour and memory of the noted Parliamentarian and Kisan Leader, Acharya N. G. Ranga. At the verge of completion of Golden Jubilee Year of the ANGRAU, it has given birth to a new State Agricultural University namely Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University with the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014. The ANGRAU at LAM, Guntur is serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication.
Genesis of ANGRAU in service of the farmers
1926: The Royal Commission emphasized the need for a strong research base for agricultural development in the country...
1949: The Radhakrishnan Commission (1949) on University Education led to the establishment of Rural Universities for the overall development of agriculture and rural life in the country...
1955: First Joint Indo-American Team studied the status and future needs of agricultural education in the country...
1960: Second Joint Indo-American Team (1960) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Vice-President of Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended specifically the establishment of Farm Universities and spelt out the basic objectives of these Universities as Institutional Autonomy, inclusion of Agriculture, Veterinary / Animal Husbandry and Home Science, Integration of Teaching, Research and Extension...
1963: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) Act enacted...
June 12th 1964: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established at Hyderabad with Shri. O. Pulla Reddi, I.C.S. (Retired) was the first founder Vice-Chancellor of the University...
June 1964: Re-affilitation of Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Hyderabad (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Osmania University), Agricultural College, Bapatla (estt. in 1945, affiliated to Andhra University), Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati and Andhra Veterinary College, Tirupati (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University)...
20th March 1965: Formal inauguration of APAU by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India...
1964-66: The report of the Second National Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Commission stressed the need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each Indian State...
23, June 1966: Inauguration of the Administrative building of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India...
July, 1966: Transfer of 41 Agricultural Research Stations, functioning under the Department of Agriculture...
May, 1967: Transfer of Four Research Stations of the Animal Husbandry Department...
7th November 1996: Renaming of University as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga...
15th July 2005: Establishment of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) bifurcating ANGRAU by Act 18 of 2005...
26th June 2007: Establishment of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University (APHU) bifurcating ANGRAU by the Act 30 of 2007...
2nd June 2014 As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, ANGRAU is now...
serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication...
News
https://angrau.ac.in/ANGRU/Library_Resources.aspx
Browse
Browsing Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur by Subject "Agricultural Business Management"
Now showing 1 - 18 of 61
Results Per Page
Sort Options
ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR VALUE ADDED MILLET PRODUCTS IN URBAN AREAS OF PRAKASAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, 2024-02-08) PENUGONDA RAMAKRISHNA; P.V. SATHYA GOPALMillets are small-grained cereal food crops with drought, and extreme weather resilience and require minimal chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides to flourish. Millets are also known as "Nutri-cereals" because they contain most nutrients necessary for regular human body function. Millets can bring a dietary advantage to their consumers and help them to tackle many lifestyle diseases. Millets are becoming more essential because of the systemic link between human health and nutritional consumption. The rise in demand for value added millet foods is mainly due to a change in their lifestyle and the resulting diseases like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer etc., Commercialization with value addition of the products is the only way to increase the consumption of millets. The objective of the present study was to collect the data on market opportunities for value added millet products in urban areas of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The study is based on primary data collected from sample of 80 consumers from four urban centres (20 consumers from each urban centre). The data on consumption of millets, consumer preference towards value added millet products was collected with the help of a structured interview schedule developed based on the study objectives. The collected data was processed using Percentages, Frequencies, Mean, Standard Deviation and Garret ranking. Presented in the form of tables to draw valid conclusions. Several factors affect the consumption of millets which resulted in shifting of consumers from fine cereals to millets. Socio-economic factor is one of the major variables which changes the food purchasing behaviour which is unique for each consumer. xiv The education, income and health level of the family are the major factors that were found to influence the consumption of millets. The present study found a positive association between education levels and millet consumption. The millet consumers were more in the higher education level category. Most of the consumers expressed that they could observe an improvement in their health status due to the consumption of millets. Thus, millet consumption was found to be positively associated with health status. Income status too influenced millet consumption. The consumption statistics for value added millet products revealed that they were consumed regularly, either alternate day or weekly once and that they provided personal benefits to the consumers. While majority of consumers preferred to consume instant mixes, RTE foods, and RTC foods to save preparation time, avoids spoilage and wastage. Most of consumers are spending an average high amount on traditional recipes for consuming. The study revealed that nutritional value, price, good flavour and taste, storage and preservability are the major attributes preferred by the consumer. The estimated market potential of value added millet products in Prakasam district, for Traditional recipes was rupees 72.15 crores followed by Pasta products is rupees 21.46 crores, Bakery products is 16.86 crores, Flaked and popped products is rupees 8.29 crores and for Instant food mixes is rupees 4.02 crores (per year)ThesisItem Open Access AN ANALYSIS OF FARMERS BUYING BEHAVIOR TOWARDS CHILLI SEED IN GUNTUR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2022-12-22) AZMATH HUSSAIN, KANDUKURU; UJWALA RANI, S.The present study entitled “An analysis of farmers buying behavior towards chilli seed in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken mainly to study about the aspects of farmer buying behavior and brand preference towards chilli seed and the results was analysed with the concept of brand loyalty and switching behavior of farmer. Guntur district was purposively selected for the study and the top two mandals were choosen which has maximum area under cultivation of chilli crop and three villages from each was selected with a sample size of 120 farmers. The selected villages were Gudipudi, Nandigama, Peddamakkena, Anantavarappadu, Vatticherukuru and Lemallepadu. The data related to the present study was collected using a well defined schedule through personal interview method and it pertained to the agricultural year 2019-20. The statistical tools like weighted average score method, percentage analysis, Chi-square test, factor analysis and Garatte’s ranking technique were used. There are eight seed brands which were popularly used by farmers in the study area i.e. 355 Byadgi , BSS – 355 VNR – 577, ROMY 21, GAYATRI – 155, JINI- 2626, US -341 and VIKRANTH. Among these, most of the farmers purchased 355 Byadgi even though its cost is high when compared to other varieties. Through factor analysis it is observed that high yield potential of seed which influence the sample farmers to purchase the brand. Majority of the farmers gather information from dealers about price, availability and quality of seed before taking decision to purchase specific xvi seed and they are also influencing farmers by giving services like discounts, credit on the brand to increase their market share. There is always a positive relationship between brand loyalty and brand preference of a product. Farmers loyalty can be gained when he is provided with good quality seed type. Through Chi square analysis, it was observed that there is a strong association between seed characteristics with farmers brand preference and also revealed that there is no association between age, literacy, income with brand preference. Purchase pattern of various seed brands by sample farmers was collected and data were analysed in four cluster namely loyals, habitual, variety seekers, switchers by using brand loyalty matrix between product involvement and brand support . It was found that, sample farmers repeatedly purchase the same brand with high product involvement, if they were satisfied about price, yield of brand and the farmers shifts to other brands if they have low product involvement with the various reason like trying of new brand and unavailability of credit on brand and lost trust. Some of constraints like unavailability of quality seed, high price of seed were major constraints perceived by farmers. The area under cultivation is not likely to increase significantly, the thrust will have to be on rising productivity per unit of cultivated land. So the government institutions like KVKs, RARS, extension officers should ensure the availability of quality certified seed to farmers at sowing time. Supply of seed on subsidies and attractive MSP will enable small and marginal farmers to purchase seed at affordable price which will help in achieving desirable increase in production and productivity.ThesisItem Open Access ANALYSIS OF FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS FOLLOWED BY STREET FOOD VENDORS, RETAILERS, AND HOUSEHOLD WOMEN IN TIRUPATI OF CHITTOR DISTRICT(ACHARYA N.G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2015) NARAYANA, M.V.; PRABHAVATH, YThe present study entitled “ANALYSIS WITH REFERENCE TO STREET FOOD VENDORS, RETAILERS, AND HOUSEHOLD WOMEN IN CHITTOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH ” has been taken up with the objectives namely viz., to evaluate the food safety standards followed by the fruits, meat and Packaged processed food value chains. The sample for the study consisted of 50 household women, 25 street food vendors and 10 retail food value chains selected through purposivc cum random sampling technique. The study pertains to Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. Education group categorization indicates that 20 per cent of the household women had qualification up to 9th class, 26 per cent has under gone upto intermediate level while 54 per cent were degree holders. Coming to safety standards 18 per cent of the household women followed low food safety standards, 68per cent followed moderate food safety standards and 14 per cent adopted high food safety standards. A greater percentage of sample household women belonged to OC, category. Among general requirements (100%) of the selected households possessed electricity connections, 87.3 per cent of women were found to cook daily 3 times and 84.6 per cent women followed the practice of protecting the ready to eat food protected from contamination. Regarding health and hygiene requirements majority (96%) indicated that they were having proper hand washing facilities. Taking into 13 consideration of cleaning and sanitation maintenance requirements the majority (98.6%) are mentioned that house toilets were maintained in cleanly condition, followed by 97.3 per cent maintained kitchen in cleanly condition. There was no significant association between opinions given by the sample household women while buying food protected from contamination with respective age groups, education groups, and social groups. In terms of general requirements street food vendors had 86.6 per cent knowledge on license to run the business, with 42.6 per cent displaying current licence prominently on premises. They were also having 84 per cent knowledge on food protected from contamination at the receiving point , 40 per cent knowledge on food stored in contamination free environment and 37.3 per cent knowledge on methods used to cool food and heating /reheating procedures. Taking health and hygiene requirements into consideration the respondents were having 81.3 per cent knowledge on ensuring staff members not to engage in food handling if they were suffering from food borne illness or sickness. Among the respondents 74.6 per cent were following cleaning and sanitation maintenance requirements for kitchen. Out of sample respondents of 4 restaurants 50 per cent followed low food safety standards 25 per cent followed moderate food safety standards and again the same per cent followed high food safety standards. Out of the 3 chicken retail outlets 33 per cent each followed low, moderate and high food safety standards. All the 3 selected retail super markets followed moderate food safety standards.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT AND FORMULATION OF COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR PENETRATION OF e-NAM AMONG FARMERS IN ANDHRA PRADESH(ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2019) SWARNA, g; VANI, nThe present study entitled “Assessment and formulation of communication strategies for penetration of e-NAM among farmers in Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken to study the present awareness of farmers and to propose communication strategies for the reach of e-NAM to the rural farmers. This study was conducted in major markets of Andhra Pradesh state. Three markets i.e., Guntur, Kurnool and Duggirala were selected based on maximum arrivals. The sample constituted 60 farmers and 15 traders. Apart from using descriptive statistics, percentages, simple ranking and chi-square test were also used for the data collected from primary and secondary sources and the results were tabulated. About 21.67 per cent of the farmers belonged to the age group below 35 years, 58.33 per cent of the farmers represented the age group of 36-50 and the remaining (20 %) of farmers were of above 50 years. Coming to literacy 26.67 per cent illiterates followed by primary school educated 21.67 per cent, secondary school 21.67 per cent, higher secondary 18.33 per cent and graduates were 11.67 per cent.42 per cent of farmers borrowed money from banks and rest of them borrowed from fellow farmers, friends and 5 per cent from relatives. 76.67 per cent of the farmers were not aware of e-NAM and 23.37 % of the sample farmers had the knowledge of e-NAM. xiv Most of the traders belonged to the age group of 36-50 years with 53.33 percentage. They got market information from mobile (60 per cent), followed by television (20 per cent) followed by markets (13.3 per cent) and both TV and apps is (6.7 per cent). The number of farmers registered were the highest in Guntur market with 548246 followed by Adoni with 318190. Kurnool had a registered farmers’ strength of 98774 and the next market to follow was Hindupur with 92380. The number of lots was maximum in Guntur for dry chillies which stood at 896793 during the period from 2016-19. The percentage of lots traded in Anantapur was the highest with 99.77 per cent followed by Rapur with 95.58 per cent, Hindupur 95.54 per cent, Yemmiganur (93.96 per cent), Kadapa (88.89 per cent) and Adoni (87.70 per cent) were the others to follow. The percentage of traded quantity in e-NAM against total arrived quantity in the market disclosed that percentage was largest in Kadapa with 99.89. Anantapuramu with 99.73 followed by Rapur with 96.92 and Duggirala with 90.67. The results from the chi-square test showed there was no significant relationship between Sage of farmers, education, farming experience, land holding on the awareness of the farmers on e-NAM except source of finance. The opinion of the farmers revealed that 18.33 per cent of farmers were unaware of banking transactions and 15 per cent held the impression that the payments from banks were not immediate. 13.33 per cent each reported that there was no time to go to banks and traders were not making payments immediately. 11.69 per cent of the farmers were of the feeling that the bid results were late and 10 per cent expressed that they were getting low price because of secret bidding. About 8 per cent reported that they had no trust on traders. Among different problems faced by the traders in trading through eNAM, 33 per cent had a feeling that it was a long process, 20 per cent felt that bidding results were late, 20 per cent opined that there was no problem in trading through e-NAM. As e-NAM is in its infancy all possible measures should be undertaken by all government agencies involved in the production, marketing and extension apart from involving other agencies with a sole motto of bringing the awareness of e-NAM and its benefits at large to the farming communityThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY CONTROL PROCESS IN PROCUREMENT OF MILK: A CASE OF FPO OWNED DAIRY.(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 2022-12-22) SOWMYA, POTHARLANKA; KRISHNA KISHORE, N. T.The present study “Assessment of Quality Control Process in Procurement of Milk: A Case of FPO Owned Dairy” has been taken up with the objectives viz., to assess the quality control practices followed at farmers level, at milk pooling points and at bulk milk chilling centres during milk procurement. Shreeja Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited dairy in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state was selected purposively as it is the only Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) owned milk producer company in South India. The present study was under taken in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh in view of presence of highest milk procuring bulk milk chilling center units in the district. From the selected bulk milk chilling centre (BMC) fifteen milk pooling points (MPP) were selected based on the highest quantity of milk received from farmers. From the registered milk pourers of each MPP eight dairy farmers have been chosen randomly and made the total sample size to 120. Primary data was collected from sample farmers using a welldefined schedule through personal interview. The data collected was analyzed to attain the stated objectives by using frequencies and percentages, likert’s scale and construction indices. The study on farmers revealed that majority of the sample farmers were belonged to age between 30-40 years and most of the sample farmers were educated up to 10th standard. Majority of sample farmer’s primary occupation was dairying and secondary occupation was agricultural labor. The operational landholding data revealed that majority of farmers were marginal farmers. The net income level showed that most of farmers were earning between Rs.50,000 to Rs.75,000 per year. Herd size data showed that greater percentage of farmers were maintaining medium herd. Further dairying experience data revealed that majority of farmers had dairying experience between 11 years to 20 years. xiii Awareness of sample farmers on practicing of quality control practices during milking was high only among 37.5 per cent of sample farmers while around 62.5 per cent of their awareness levels lies between low to moderate. Awareness levels of sample farmers on practicing of quality control practices during milk storing was low in 51 per cent while around 49 per cent lies between high to moderate. Awareness of sample farmers on practicing of quality control practices during milk pouring at MPP was high in 43 per cent while around 57 per cent lies between moderate to low. Perception on important factors effecting spoilage of milk during milk collection was moderate sensitivity in 43 per cent while around 57 per cent lies between high to low. Awareness on role of quality and quantity in relation to profit was high in 52 per cent while around 48 per cent lies between moderate to low. Farmer’s opinion towards quality control practices by FPO during milk collection was moderate in 50 per cent while around 50 per cent lies between high to low. Among 15 MPPS, 47 per cent of MPPs sometimes cleaned and dried equipment and cans well before milk collection, 33 per cent of MPPs often sampled milk from every farmer, 40 per cent of MPPs often tested each collected milk sample, 47 per cent of MPPs often transported milk within one hour of collection to BMC, while 53 per cent of MPPs rarely cleaned equipment immediately after milk collection and 70 per cent of MPPs never arranged insect traps at MPP. The observed FPO’s BMC unit followed all NDDB standards except opening and closing timings for milk collection as a result preparation time is reduced hindering the efficiency of milk collection process and in running the BMC unit in auto mode due to this delay in manual cut off the milk is being crystallized. The selected BMC centre follows “Must have practices” and “Must not have” practices. It is recommended to implement “Good to have” practices such as cleaning of milk cans with hot water, checking the time of the can arrival and temperature of the can, organoleptic testing of milk from each milk can received, proper handling of milk can, usage of housefly and insect traps, mobile application with Qr code or Bar code for reporting and tracking, and surveillance cameras to monitor activities which would set new industry standards, achieve high quality milk and lead to control on over all procurement quality control practices. It may also implement “Optional to have” practices like separate space to keep chemicals, live temperature and time tracking, using of IRDF or GPS tags, computerization of the activities which would lead to setting industry bench mark, highest quality milk and lead to highest control on over all procurement quality control practices. The results emphasize the need for training programs, result oriented demonstration, role plays, and posters display to be conducted on regular basis to increase awareness for adopting appropriate quality control practices such as maintain animal health record, usage of separate towel for drying teat, precautions to avoid vector contamination, avoid practicing of mastitis cow milking, sieve usage for filtration, usage of food grade material cans for xiv storing and carrying. The outcomes on awareness on role of quality and quantity in relation to profit emphasize the need to stress about the fact that good fat percentage with less milk volume would be more profitable than high milk volume with less fat percentage during various meetings and wall painting of quotes in vernacular language to bring awareness the among farmers. The emphasis on increasing awareness on collective responsibility among the FPO member can be achieved through including team building activities, pledges, slogans during various events, trainings, and general body meetings. To create the awareness about quality control practices to be followed at MPP among MPP operators training programs need to be conducted emphasizing all quality control practices. Introduction of check list method would be more effective to sustain the quality control practices. A check list painted on wall for daily use would act as a reminder for the MPP operators.ThesisItem Open Access BUYING BEHAVIOUR OF FARMERS TOWARDS PESTICIDES IN GUNTUR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2018) SREEKANTH, M.V.; TULASI DAS, V.The present study entitled “Buying behaviour of farmers towards pesticides in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh” was intended to examine the socio-economic profile, pesticides usage pattern, awareness towards pesticides usage, farmers’ buying behaviour towards pesticides and constraints faced by the farmers in purchasing of pesticides in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Guntur district was purposively selected for the study, as the district occupied a pride of place in consumption of pesticides, area and production of major crops like chilli and cotton in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The top three mandals having maximum area under cultivation of chilli and cotton crops were purposively selected. From the selected mandals all the villages having maximum area under cultivation were listed out and arranged in the descending order and top two villages from each mandal were purposively selected thus making a total of six villages. From the selected villages 15 farmers from each village were randomly chosen for the study and made the sample size to 90. The selected villages were Kandlagunta, Sirigiripadu from Veldurthy mandal, Gurajala, Madugula from Gurajala mandal and xiii Dachepalli and Tangeda from Dachepalli mandal. The data required were collected with the help of a pre-tested schedule for the year 2016-17 using survey method. The data collected was analysed to attain the stated objectives by using frequencies and percentages, Chi-square test, Garrett’s ranking technique and Likert’s scale. Majority of farmers in the study area were middle aged, educated up to 10th and below 10th class, were living in brick walled and tiled house, medium family sized, medium income grouped, had small operational land holding and medium level of farming experience. Cent percent of farmers used Acephate 75% SP and Monocrotophos 36% SL for cotton and 94.44 per cent used Difenthiuron 50% WP for chilli crop. Farmers had good knowledge regarding pesticide spraying techniques and pest enemies in their field. Chi-square test showed a significant association between educational status of the farmers and their level of awareness towards pesticides usage. Majority of farmers got information regarding pesticides from private dealers, purchased pesticides from private dealers, depended on credit purchases, opted to take credit from others if credit sales were not available, favoured low priced brands when prices changed, turned to other branded products during non-availability of required pesticides and felt that they did not mind changing the brand or dealer according to the situation. Intensity of pest and disease was the major factor influencing quantity of pesticides application and brand selection. Farmers’ level of satisfaction was high with the product availability with dealer and distance of pesticides dealer shops. Major constraint faced by the sample farmers during pesticides purchase from private dealer was high interest on credit and major constraint during purchasing from department of agriculture was untimely supply of pesticide products.ThesisItem Open Access BUYING BEHAVIOUR OF FARMERS TOWARDS PESTICIDES IN KURNOOL DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(ACHARYA NG RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, 2021-10-01) YASWANTH, C.; N. VANIThe present study entitled “Buying behaviour of farmers towards pesticides in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh” was intended to examine the pesticides usage pattern, awareness towards pesticides, farmers’ buying behaviour towards pesticides and constraints faced in purchasing process of pesticides by farmers in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool district was purposively selected for the study, as it occupies first place in gross area sown in Andhra Pradesh. Out of the various crops cultivated in the Kurnool district two crops viz., cotton and chilli were selected as the pesticides consumption is high in these crops. Two mandals for each selected crop based on the highest area under the crop was chosen for the study, thus making the total selected mandals to four. From the selected mandals, villages with maximum area under cotton and chilli cultivation was listed out and arranged in the descending order and top two villages from each mandal were selected to make total of eight villages. From the selected villages 10 farmers from each village were randomly chosen for the study, making the sample size to 80 farmers. The selected villages were Chippagiri, Degalahal from Chippagiri mandal, Badinehal, Kowthalam from Kowthalam mandal and Naganathanahalli, Pedda Harivanam from Adoni mandal, Badinehal, Kowthalam from Kowthalam mandal were selected as they were the highest chilli and cotton growing villages respectively. The data required were collected with the help of pre-tested schedule for the year 2019-2020 using survey method. The data was analysed to attain the stated objectives by using frequencies and percentage, Chi-square test, Garrett’s ranking technique and likert’s scale. Majority of the farmers in the study area were middle aged, education upto 10th class, were living in concrete house, medium family sized, medium xiv income grouped, had large operational land holding and low farming experience. Monocrotophos 36% Sl was used by the farmers (92.50%) for cotton and (97.5%) used Pendimethalin 30% EC for chilli crop. Framers had good knowledge on pesticides dosage and bio pesticides. Chi-square test showed a significant association between educational status, operational land holding and farming experience of the farmers and their level of awareness towards pesticides usage. Majority of the farmers got information regarding pesticides from private dealers, purchased pesticides from private dealers, depend on credit purchases, switch over to dealers who provides credit if credit sales were not available, favoured same brand same quality even the price change, turned to other brands during non-availability of required pesticides and they did not mind changing the band or dealer according to the situation. Dealer recommendation was the major factor influencing quantity of pesticides application and brand selection. Farmers’ level of satisfaction was high with the cost of pesticides in the market and free sample distribution by the private companies. Chi-square test showed a significant association between educational status of the farmers and their level of satisfaction towards pesticides and support services. Major constraints faced by the farmers during pesticides purchase from private dealers was high price and major constraints during purchasing from agriculture department was no credit availability.ThesisItem Open Access CENTRAL WAREHOUSING CORPORATION – ITS IMPACT ON FARM INCOME IN KURNOOL DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) PRASHANTH, K; APARNA, BThe present study entitled “Central Warehousing Corporation – Its Impact on Farm Income in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken to study the utilization pattern of warehouses among farmers and traders, effectiveness of warehousing receipt as an instrument of credit, advantage of warehousing corporation over private warehouses with respect to the storage. For the present study, Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh was purposively selected. Out of 54 mandals in the district, two warehouses i.e., one central warehouse and one private warehouse were selected purposively. In each of the selected warehouses 30 farmers who were storing their produce in the warehouses were selected consisting of 10 small farmers, 10 medium farmers and 10 large farmers. Thus the total sample size was 60 farmers from the two warehouses. The data collected were analyzed with percentage analysis, average annual growth rates, and Garrett’s ranking technique. xiii The study revealed that the number of central warehouses operating in Kurnool district from 2000 were only 3 with a storage capacity of 75250 metric tonnes, while the number of private warehouses increased from 50 to 120. The percentage of utilization by farmers was 18.48, while traders utilization percentage was 46.45. In case of private warehouses there was 100 per cent utilization by farmers and no traders were operating. The average total cost of cultivation decreased with the increase in the size of the holding farms. The bank advanced 75 per cent of the total value of the produce deposited in the warehouse, as advance after due verification of the ware house receipt. It was observed that bank advances on the basis of warehousing receipts in central warehouse had increased from ` 30,05,513 to ` 38,78,700 and from ` 76,09,545 to ` 7,99,94,250 in private warehouse during a period of fifteen years. Majority of farmers in central warehouse had given first rank that ware house system allowed banks to improve the quality of their lending service with a mean score of 64.04. The farmers in private warehouses gave first rank to better price risk with a mean score of 60.13. In private ware house the storage charges were fixed after the announcement of the central ware house storage charges, so based on that charges the private ware house fixed comparatively low charges. The percentage of net incremental benefit to farmers was almost similar in both the warehouses.ThesisItem Open Access CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR BASMATI RICE IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) PRIYANKA, T; APARNA, BIndia accounts for 75 per cent of total basmati rice produced globally. The remaining 25 per cent is contributed by Pakistan. The demand for basmati rice has grown at a CAGR of 20 per cent in the past seven years. Around 45 per cent of the basmati rice demand emanates from exports and the balance from domestic consumption. Domestic consumption of basmati rice is growing at a healthy CAGR of 15 per cent over the medium term, buoyed by the increasing spending power of the middle-income sections of the society. The proliferation of the modern retailing format has helped the consumption of a higher quantum of branded products, as Indian consumers are fast embracing the mall culture and organized retail, triggering a shift from unbranded to branded rice and from economy to premium brands. The present study “Consumer preference for basmati rice in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh” was mainly aimed at studying the most preferred attributes of basmati rice, to identify the factors influencing the purchase intention of basmati rice and to find the impact of basmati rice on purchase intention of consumers in the study area. Purposive-cum-simple random sampling technique was adopted. Major retailers in the district were identified and five retailers were randomly chosen for the study. Thirty consumers visiting each retail shop were identified and randomly selected thus the total sample size is 150. Through pre structured schedule consumer preferences for basmati rice was identified. The data collected was analyzed to attain the stated objectives by using percentage analysis, Garret ranking technique, Kendall’s co-efficient of concordance. Likert scaling technique, factor analysis and cross tabulation. xiii The study revealed that gender, age, literacy status, income, occupation and family size of sample respondents are the main demographic variables that significantly influenced the purchase pattern of basmati rice in the study area. The findings show that colour was the most preferred attribute of basmati rice among sample consumers. The study identified the factors influencing the buying decision using factor analysis. Seasoning factor followed by colour factor were the major factors considered by sample respondents while purchasing the basmati rice. Physical and influential factor and keeping quality factors were least preferred by respondents while purchasing basmati rice. Majority of sample respondents fall in the age group of 23-35 years and were majorly considering cooking factor while purchasing basmati rice. Majority of sample respondents fall in the occupation group of self-employed and were majorly considering colour factor and physical and influential factor while purchasing basmati rice. The results of cross tabulation indicates that gender has significant impact on quantity of purchasing and brand preference and income of sample respondents shows significant impact on place of purchase, quantity of purchasing and brand preference. The major constraint in purchasing basmati rice by sample respondents was lack of quality followed by adulteration and high price of basmati rice and the least constraint was limited choices to access points for purchasing of basmati rice.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF ONE STOP SOLUTION FOR DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION TO IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS IN AGRICULTURE(ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2019) PHANI VARDHAN, JARUGU; KRISHNA KISHORE, N.T.The present study “Development of One Stop Solution for Dissemination of Agricultural Information to Identified Stakeholders in Agriculture” was mainly aimed to study information needs of different stakeholders, to develop an information flow model and to formulate market penetration strategies. Purposive cum random sampling design was adopted for selection of sample farmers and agri-startups for the present study. Study area for sample farmers was Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and for agri-startups was Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Stakeholders identified for study was farmers and agri-startups. For sample famers list of progressive farmers was obtained from KVKs of both districts and for sample of agri-startups sample was selected randomly from MANAGE and NAARM incubators. The study on farmers with sample size 100 revealed that, majority of sample farmers belong to old age group more than 45 years age and with literacy status of majority of farmers was intermediate and graduation. Further, land holding details revealed that majority of farmers were medium land holding farmers. On an average farmer were obtaining information from nine sources and frequency of usage of sources was once per month. Search behaviour of sample farmers was divided into low, medium and high search behaviours based on usage pattern of available information sources. Chi square test revealed that socio economic characters like literacy status, land holding and farmers usage of mobile phones were shown significance with information search behaviour of farmers (p values 0.048,0.002,.001 respectively). Kruskal wallis test revealed information types like Seed varieties, pest and fertilizer management has shown significance with low search behaviours ( p value- 0.043, 0.004,0.001) and open market price and minimum support price information has shown significance with high search behaviour (p value- 0.007 and .001). Logit model revealed variables like secondary education, basic featured mobile and cultivation practices information were shown significance at 5% level of significance with negative effect on shifting from low to high search behaviour. For grouping of information needs factor analysis was used and cumulative variance accounted by all the eight factors after rotation with varimax rotation method was 71.59 per cent. Mean scores of these identified eight factors revealed that factor named price for produce followed by weather and input price related information factor were the major factors preferred by farmers. For agri-startups farmers, extension wokers, kisan melas and mass media were major information sources. Further, agri start-ups preferred media technology related information was videos while for other information’s videos and text messages were preferred equally. Whereas farmers’ preference for media was videos for technology, text messages for real time information, videos and text messages for post-harvest messages, voice messages for static information. But majority of farmers were not willing to pay for service it was suggested to go with advertising models for viable market presence. Information flow model was proposed for the digital agricultural information dissemination platform based on results from above study. It was suggested that firm has to provide service for customer based on type of user registration i.e., subscription type and premium subscription. Premium subscribers should be provided with real time data, uberisation features along with static Information and features to be incorporated for different stakeholders was suggested in report. Market penetration strategies like segmented awareness creation through village shows, demonstrations and content creation were the major strategies suggested for better success of ICT platforms at farmer level.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF AGRO INDUSTRY- A CASE STUDY OF SRI VENKATESWARA CO-OPERATIVE SUGAR LTD, GAJULAMANDYAM, RENIGUNTA.(ACHARYA N.G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2015) SHINY ISRAEL, KOMMU; PRABHAVATHI, YThe study was undertaken to carry out Economic analysis of agrobased industry and to assess the business performance of the Sri Venkateswara Co-operative Factory Ltd., Gajulamandyam in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh with the following objectives 1. To evaluate the growth and performance in terms of physical indicators. 2. To evaluate the growth and performance in terms of financial indicators 3. To study the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of the Sri Venkateswara co-operative sugar ltd. and. 4. To support a suitable strategy for effective functioning of the Sri Venkateswara co-operative sugar ltd. The Sri Venkateswara co-operative sugar industry, Renigunta, Gajulamandyam of Chittoor district was selected purposively for the present study. There exist two co-operative sugar factories in the district. Among them, one co-operative sugar factory namely Gajulamandyam was purposively selected as this is only co-operative factory carrying out sugarcane crushing operations. Index number, growth rate analysis and ratio analysis were used to analyze the data. X Agreement area under sugarcane increased from 4744 hectares in 19771978 to 6681.75 hectares in 2013-14.Highest agreement area under cane was observed during the year 1994-1995. The agreement quantity of the sugarcane to be supplied by the sugarcane growers was 93014 in 1977-77 and increased to 172993 metric tons in 2013-2014. A highly fluctuating trend of sugar production was observed in the factory The compound annual growth rate(CAGR) for agreement area, agreement quantity, average cane crushed, sugar production, sugar recovery and average cane crushed per day was 1.025, 1.027, 1.03, 1.04, 1.005 and 1.02 respectively. The index number of agreement area which was 125 had fallen to 60 during1997-1980.But improved for 122 during 1981-1982. The maximum percentage change in the agreement area took place during 1985-86 where it was increased by 150 percent over 1984-85. The index number of sugar production which was 79 quintals in 197778 gradually rose to 608 quintals by 2000-01 and thereafter there was decline for subsequent four years with a steep production in 2004-05.The momentum picked up in 2006-07 but could not sustain from 2010-11onwards as there was a gradual fall in the sugar production. The index number of sugar recovery which was 5.37percent in 1977-78 slowly started increasing and touched 9.6 percent by 2002-03 The percentage change in average cane crushed per day recorded all time high in the year 1981-82 where it was increased by 110 percentage. The current ratios of the factory for the years 2009-10, 2010-11, 201112, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were 0.83, 0.73, 0.86, 0.84 and 0.73 respectively. the quick ratio of the factory for the years 2009-10, 2010-11,201112,2012-13 and 2013-14 were 0.16 ,0.09,0.13,0.12 and 0.07 respectively. The debt ratio of the company for five years i.e. for 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,2012-13 and 2013-14 were Rs. 0.44, 0.51, 0.57, 0.52and 0.59 respectively. The lenders contribution over the assets maintained by the company was increased from 2009-10 to 2011-12 and then decreased in the year 2012-13 and again increased in the year 2013-14. The interest coverage ratios for the years 2009-10 and 2012-13 were 0.74 and 4.43 respectively. XI The interest coverage ratios for the years 2009-10 and 2012-13 were 0.74 and 4.43 respectively. The fixed charges coverage ratio for the year 2009-10 and 2012-13 were 0.05 and 0.19 respectively. For the remaining years i.e. for 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2013-14 the above two ratios were not calculated as there were no earnings available with the company in order to pay the interest principle.The inventory turnover ratios of the factory for the years 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were 3.04, 0.62, 1.10, 1.49 and 0.89 respectively The inventory turnover ratios of the factory for the years 200910, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were 3.04, 0.62, 1.10, 1.49 and 0.89 respectively The gross profit margins of the company for the year 2009-10, 201011, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were (0.092),( 0.189), (0.0546), (0.772), and (0.044). The net profit margins of the company for the years 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were 0.811, 2.311, 1.388, 1.0209, and 2.123. The return on equity figures of the company reveals that there was no increase in the shareholders wealth from 2009-10 to 2013-14.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FARMERS’ GRAIN STORAGE PRACTICES IN GUNTUR DISTRICT O(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) HASEENA, SHAIK; VANI, NThe present study entitled “Economic Analysis of Farmers’ Grain Storage Practices in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken to study the economics of major crops, to identify grain storage structures used by the farmers and their economics and to assess the problems in storage. The study covered two mandals, six villages and 60 farmers storage structures like puri, gadhe, wooden box and gunny bags. The relevant data were collected for the year 2014-15 through a pretested schedule by survey method. The data were analyzed using tabular analysis. The major cropping seasons in the study area were kharif and rabi. During kharif season, paddy was the major crop. During rabi season the major crops were paddy, groundnut and greengram. Total cost of cultivation per hectare was highest in rabi paddy (` 86958.45) followed by kharif paddy (` 83,297.91), rabi groundnut (` 77,812.94) and rabi greengram (` 53,731.50). Gross returns were maximum in rabi paddy (` 1,00,462.50) followed by kharif paddy (` 90,592.50), rabi greengram (` 82,209.19), and rabi groundnut (` 81,600.00) per hectare. The net returns were maximum in rabi greengram (` 28,477.69) followed by rabi paddy (` 13,504.05), kharif paddy (` 7,294.59) and rabi groundnut (` 3,787.06). Higher returns per rupee of expenditure in rabi greengram (1.53) followed by rabi paddy (1.16), kharif paddy (1.08) and rabi groundnut (1.05). xii In kharif paddy 28.57 per cent of the produce was stored in gunny bags, very closely followed by puri, (27.27%) and gadhe (25.85%). The additional gains in terms of per cent was 16.84, 18.15, 16.99, 12.48 and 10.21 for puri, gunny bag, gadhe, plastic drum and wooden box storage structures respectively. Maximum gain through gunnybag, storage closely followed by gadhe and puri. The additional gains were minimum under wooden box storage (10.21 per cent). The period of storage for rabi paddy was four months. The quantity of paddy stored in various storage structures in terms of percentage was puri (32.83), gunny bag (33.30), gadhe (20.20), plastic drum (12.63) and wooden box (4.04). The additional gains of ` 21,570, ` 20,957, ` 13,349, ` 6,990 and ` 1800, were obtained under puri, gunny bag, gadhe, plastic drum and wooden box storage respectively. The gains in terms of percentage turned out be a maximum of 34.92 per cent under gunny bag storage very closely accompanied by gadhe (33.37) and puri (33.18). Relatively lowest gain was is wooden box storage. The popular storage structure for ground nut during rabi season were gunny bag, plastic drum and wooden box. Of the three storage structure, it was gunny bag storage which was predominant holding 52.17 per cent of the stored produce. Plastic drum was the next one with 34.78. Groundnut farmers during rabi season realized 11.57 per cent of additional grains through storage in gunny bags and minimum gain of 8.70 per cent was found in wooden box storage. The farmers’ storage structures for rabi greengram were gunny bag, plastic drum and wooden box. There was an additional gain of ` 21, 880 (9%), ` 35,750 (8.59%) and ` 12,828 (7.19%) for the respective storage structures. The extent of gains were more or less closer in gunny bag and plastic drum storage. The results of the Garrett’s ranking technique have indicated that storage pest was the major problem followed by leakages, collapse and weight loss. These were found to be common with all storage structures, but the degree of occurrence varied.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF OIL PALM PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING IN EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2018) SUDHEER VARMA, A; TULASI DAS, VThe present study entitled “Economic analysis of oil palm production and processing in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken mainly to study costs and returns, economic viability and processing aspects of oil palm and consumer preference for Ruchi Gold palmolein oil. East Godavari district was purposively chosen for the study as it has considerable area of 26,522 hectares under oil palm. All the mandals in East Godavari district growing oil palm orchards were listed out and and arranged in descending order of their area under oil palm cultivation and the top 2 mandals were selected purposively. Two villages from each mandal based on criterion of highest area under oil palm were purposively selected. The list of farmers in the selected villages was prepared and 40 farmers were randomly selected. The information pertaining to the oil palm processing was collected from the selected processing unit located at East Godavari district for the year 2016-17. The primary data regarding the consumer preference for Ruchi Gold palmolein was collected randomly from the 50 consumers using simple random sampling technique. Tabular analysis was used to analyse the costs and returns of oil palm. Project appraisal techniques (NPW, BCR and IRR) were employed to test the economic feasibility of oil palm orchards. An opinion survey was conducted to study the processing and marketing constraints of oil palm xiii processing. Likert’s scale and Garrett’s ranking techniques were used to know the consumer preference for Ruchi Gold palmolein oil. Total labour utilization during economic life span of oil palm orchard stood at 1968.18 man days of which harvesting operation took 734.42 man days (37.31 per cent) followed by watch and ward 506.25 man days (25.72 per cent) and fertilizer application 176.9 man days (8.98 per cent). The oil palm orchadists in the study area spent on an average Rs. 2799460.24 towards the cultivation of one hectare of oil palm during its life span of 25 years. The gross income realized by the oil palm orchardists during its lifespan amounted to Rs. 3916960 per hectare from oil palm fruit bunches from fourth year onwards. The respective net income received by the farmer stood at Rs. 1117499.76. NPV at 12 per cent and 28 percent discount rate for the entire life period was found to be Rs. 386046 and 9889.73 respectively. The benefit-cost ratios were 1.81, 1.58, 1.38, 1.20 and 1.04 at 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 per cent discount rates respectively. The internal rate of return was found to be 29.30 per cent indicating that the investment on oil palm orchards was economically viable. The main constraint in the cultivation of oil palm was harvesting followed by lack of remunerative market price, lack of availability of labour, high input cost, pests and diseases and lack of HYV and early bearing varieties. The total costs incurred to produce one tonne oil was Rs. 51915.35. The gross and net returns worked out to be Rs. 68,950 and Rs. 17034.65 per tonne of palm oil respectively. Availability and quality of raw material were major processing constraints faced by the oil palm processing industry. Imitations and negative image on oil palm were the major marketing constraints faced by the processing industry. With regard to consumer preference for Ruchi Gold palmolein oil, more than 86 per cent of the respondents had a monthly income below Rs. 10,000. About 80 per cent of the respondents were married. 62 per cent of the respondents were daily labour and 34 per cent were doing small business. 72 per cent of the respondents were using Ruchi Gold palmolein oil for more than 3 years and 76 per cent of the respondents have stated their frequency of purchasing Ruchi Gold palmolein as “weekly”. For 60 per cent of the consumers, retailer was the source of knowledge for purchasing Ruchi Gold palmolein oil and 52 per cent of the respondents consumed 4-6 kgs/ month. Brand image was the most preferred attribute of the Ruchi Gold palm oil. Price was the next attribute to catch the consumer’s attention and then taste element. Colour and aroma were the other attributes that influenced the consumers’ choice.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SHRIVELLAGE IN SELECTED VEGETABLES AND FRUITS IN ORGANIZED AND UNORGANIZED RETAIL OUTLETS IN S.P.S. NELLORE DISTRICT, ANDHRAPRADESH(ACHARYA N G RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GUNTUR, 2019) UDAYA KIRAN, PONGURU; BHAVANI DEVI, IProduction of vegetables and fruits play an important role in generating employment, income and meeting household nutritional security. There has been ‘silent–revolution’ in food value chains in India with rapid raise of super markets as a part of third wave of super market revolution in developing countries. The study was conducted in Nellore city covering seven organized stores and ten unorganized retail stores. The data was analyzed to attain the stated objectives by using simple averages, percentage analysis, correlation analysis, independent sample t-test and Garrett’s ranking technique. Majority retailers procured vegetables and fruits on daily basis. Major organized retail outlets had their own distribution channel to procure vegetables and fruits and in unorganized retail outlets majorly procure from nearby wholesale markets. Highest quantity procured was found in respect of Reliance fresh for brinjal. Regarding unorganized stores, the average monthly quantity procured varied from 221.88 to 426.38 kg. Organized stores handled average monthly procurement of 517.41 kg of ridge gourd, while the same for unorganized retail stores was 187.97 kg. In bitter gourd, the quantity handled by unorganized stores was found to be more when compared to quantity procured by organized stores. The procurement figures of potato with regards to organized markets exhibited a minimum variation. Unorganized stores on other hand handled relatively lesser quantities. The mean of monthly procurement of all the organized stores was 774.55 kg, while the same for unorganized stores was 569.18 kg in carrot. With regard to cauliflower organized stores were found to procure substantially higher quantities compared to unorganized stores. In onions, the procurement quantities were more by two times in organized stores against unorganized stores. In okra, it was organized stores that handled relatively larger volume compared to unorganized stores. No distinct trend in procurement of cabbage could be seen between the organized and unorganized stores. The mean procurement of tomato by organized shops was 3424.14 kg, whereas it was 1560.25 kg in the case of unorganized stores. Of the seven organized stores, Heritage.1 was found to handle highest quantity of banana. Maximum procurement of apple was found with Big Bazar, while the minimum was with ‘More. 2’.The highest procurement of grapes was by Magna, while lowest by More. 2. Among the organized stores that procure pomegranate there was not much variation in the quantities procured. Among the all vegetables studied, the percentage loss due to shrivellage was highest for cauliflower in both organized and unorganized bazars. The maximum loss regarding fruits was found in respect of banana in unorganized stores. Delayed sales, over ripening and poor customer handling were the three top ranked factors affecting shrivellage losses of vegetables and fruits in organized stores, while the same for unorganized stores were high temperatures, customer handling and the delayed sales.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TOBACCO NURSERIES AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION UNDER SHADE NETS IN VINUKONDA REGION OF GUNTUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2018) KESANUPALLI. V.N.S.L. RUPAThe present study entitled “Economic analysis of tobacco nurseries and vegetable production in Vinukonda region of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh” was intended to examine economics of tobacco nurseries and vegetables, technical efficiency of inputs, resource use efficiency under shade nets and conventional farms, price spread analysis under shade nets and response of the conventional farmers towards shade nets. Guntur district is one of the leading districts in growing tobacco nurseries (White Burley) and vegetables. Five mandals from Guntur district with maximum area under cultivation of tobacco nurseries and vegetables was selected. Based on this criterion, Vinukonda, Nujendla, Bollapalli, Mundlamuru and Ipuru were purposively selected. The selected villages were Bharathapuram, Sivapuram, Chikatigalapalem, Kotappanagar, Yogireddipalem, Tangirala, Kothanagireddipalli, Pathacherukumpalem, Kondramutla, Velaturu and Bheemavaram. There were 16 farmers under shade net cultivation in the selected villages, therefore all the farmers under shade net cultivation were purposively selected. Another sample of 30 conventional farmers from the same villages was also randomly selected to serve as a control group. Based on xv the information given by the farmers, ten wholesalers and ten retailers were randomly selected. The information related to the present study was collected using a well-defined and pre-tested schedule through personal interview method. Detailed information was collected and it pertained to the agricultural year 2017-2018. Apart from simple tabular analysis, Data Envelopment Analysis and Production function analysis were carried out. Total human labour employed was 846.18 and 780.15 man days per hectare by shade net farmers during cycle- 1 and 2 respectively and 285.37 man days on tobacco nurseries by conventional farmers. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of tobacco nursery under shade nets was Rs. 3,27,600.06 and Rs. 3,07,413.22 during cycle- 1 and 2 respectively and Rs. 1,30,113.08 on conventional nurseries. The price per 1000 seedlings was more on shade net nurseries with Rs. 500 in each cycle compared to Rs. 230 on conventional nurseries. The shade net and conventional nurseries realized a gross income of Rs. 17,27,748 and Rs. 17,37,748 during cycle- 1 and 2 (under shade nets) and Rs. 5,32,045.2 respectively. The net income was higher under shade net nurseries with Rs. 14,00,147.94 and Rs. 14,30,334.78 during cycle- 1 and 2 compared to Rs. 4,01,932.53 on conventional nurseries. Total human labour employment was 169.42 and 159.77 man days per hectare under shade nets and conventional tomato farms. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of tomato under shade nets was Rs. 1,14,173.45 and Rs. 80,121.77 on conventional farms. The price per quintal was more under shade nets with Rs. 1150.01 compared to Rs. 593.03 on conventional farms. The shade net and conventional farms realized a gross income of Rs. 2,42,159.37 and Rs. 1,12,681.86 respectively. The net income was higher under shade nets with Rs. 1,27,985.92 compared to Rs. 32,560.09 on conventional farms. On an average 205.73 man days were utilized per hectare by european cucumber. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of european cucumber was Rs. 2,61,816.20. The price per quintal was Rs. 1325.01. European cucumber farms realized a gross income of Rs. 3,96,034.38. The net income was high with Rs. 1,34,218.08. Total human labour employment in the cultivation of capsicum was 100.44 man days per hectare respectively. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of capsicum was Rs. 1,38,020.38. The price per quintal was Rs. 2400.23. Capsicum farms realized a gross income and net income of Rs. 2,10,764.64 and Rs. 72,744.36 respectively. On an average 110.59 man days were utilized per hectare by cabbage. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of cabbage was Rs. 83,150.47. The price per quintal was Rs. 730.02. Cabbage farms realized a gross income and net income of Rs. 1,63,211.21 and Rs. 80,060.74 respectively. xvi Total human labour requirement for the cultivation of green chilli was 119.89 man days per hectare. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of green chilli was Rs. 79,664.28. The price per quintal was Rs. 2500. Green chilli farms realized a gross income and net income of Rs. 1,45,025 and Rs. 65,360.72 respectively. Spinach was cultivated under two cycles. Each cycle lasts for about two months. On an average 78.41 and 56.2 man days were utilized during cycle- 1 and 2 per hectare by spinach. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of spinach was Rs. 37,637.63 and Rs. 25,910.38 during cycle- 1 and 2 respectively. The price per quintal was Rs. 700 and Rs. 750 during cycle- 1 and 2 respectively. Spinach farms realized a gross income of Rs. 70,441 and Rs. 60,000 during cycle- 1 and 2 respectively. The net income was Rs. 32,803.37 and Rs. 34089.62 during the corresponding cycles. The technical efficiency of inputs in the production of tobacco nurseries and vegetables under shade nets were identified by using DEA analysis. Between tobacco nurseries and vegetables, tobacco nurseries were better off in all aspects of OTE, PTE and SE. Among vegetables capsicum was superior to european cucumber and tomato in respect of PTE and SE. Resource use efficiency analysis on conventional farms indicated that there was under utilization of fertilizers both on tobacco nurseries and tomato farms. Under utilization of human labour was noticed in the case of tobacco nurseries whereas it was machine power on tomato farms. Price spread analysis under shade nets indicated that producer's share in consumer's rupee was higher under channel III compared to channel II. Marketing costs for producer were completely absent under shade nets. Tobacco seedlings were directly sold to the consumer through which farmers received cent per cent share in consumer's price. Higher share in consumer's rupee was found in tomato followed by green chilli, spinach, capsicum, cabbage and european cucumber. Price spread was relatively more in channel II compared to channel III for green chilli followed by european cucumber, capsicum, cabbage, tomato and spinach. The major response of the conventional farmers towards shade nets as revealed by the opinion survey was remunerative price for their produce, reduced expenditure on weeding, scope of year round cultivation, efficient use of inputs, good quality produce with longer shelf life, pests and disease resistance, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, favorable micro-climate suitable for plant growth and good germination percentageThesisItem Open Access ECONOMICS OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND TELANGANA STATES(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2016) PRADEEP KUMAR, D; VANI, NThe present study entitled “Economics of medicinal and aromatic plants of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states” was undertaken mainly to study costs and returns, marketing aspects of coleus and palmarosa, extent of value addition, constraints in production and marketing of coleus and palmarosa. The study covered two mandals and four villages and a sample of 60 farmers on from four villages. The primary data was collected through a pretested schedule by survey method. Conventional analysis was used to analyze the data and to arrive at valid conclusions. The total cost of cultivation of coleus per hectare was Rs 90452.42 and that of palmarosa for main crop were Rs 75184.30, ratoon I, II, and III were Rs 48161.81, Rs 43550.70, and Rs 39756.33 farms respectively. The gross returns on coleus farm were Rs 252000 and Rs 154000 in main crop in palmarosa followed by ratoon crops I, II, and III, with gross income of Rs 140000, Rs 119000, Rs 105000 farms respectively. The marketing channels for coleus were in channel – I (producer - pharmacy), channel – II (producer – trader – pharmacy). The same for palmarosa was (producer – industry) Majority of the farmers reported power cuts as the major constraints in the production of coleus and palmarosa with a mean score of 67.80 followed by high cost of input and input services, inadequate credit facilities, lack of knowledge about new technologies, adverse climate conditions and pests and diseases etc. Regarding marketing problems highest marketing margins as the major marketing problem of coleus and palmarosa followed by frequent price fluctuations, lack of transportation facilities, and lack of market information.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMICS OF SERICULTURE AND PROCESSING OF COCOONS IN KURNOOL DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) RESHMA CHANDAN, SHAIK; VANI, NThe present study entitled “Economics of Sericulture and Processing of Cocoons in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh” was undertaken to study the cost of cultivation of mulberry leaf production and cocoon production, study marketing aspects and processing of cocoons, problems encountered by the sericulture industry and price behavior of cocoons. The study covered 2 mandals and 4 villages with 60 farmers growing mulberry. The sample farmers were stratified into marginal (up to 1 hectare) and small (up to 2.5 hectares). The data pertained to agricultural year 2014- 15 were collected through survey method with the help of pretested schedules. Conventional method was used to analyse the data and to arrive at valid conclusions. The per hectare cost of establishment of mulberry garden on marginal, small and pooled farms were worked out to Rs. 77,734.85, Rs. 76,900.63 and Rs.77,112.12 respectively and thus exhibiting inversed relationship with the size of the farm. The per hectare cost of maintenance of mulberry garden on marginal small and pooled farms were worked out to Rs. 1,08,885.2, Rs. 1,05,747.18 xiv and Rs 1,07,015.5 respectively and thus exhibiting relationship with the size of the farm. The cost of production per kg of mulberry was Rs. 1.50, Rs. 1.49 and Rs. 1.50 on marginal, small and pooled farms the gross and net income was Rs.1,22,097.30 and Rs. 13,212.10 on marginal farms, Rs. 1,18,828.79 and Rs. 13,081.61 on small, Rs. 1,20,233,.99 and Rs. 13,219.45 on pooled farms. The total cost of cocoon production was Rs. 3,54,444.8, Rs. 3,38,517.66 and Rs. 3,46,225.58 on marginal, small and pooled farms. The gross income from cocoon production was higher on marginal farms (Rs. 7,65,866.12) than small and pooled farms (Rs. 7,59,424.68 and Rs 7,62,646.64). In the marketing of cocoons, single channel was identified. That is farmer → market → reeler → twister → weaver → dyer → weaver → consumer. The cost of production of yarn per kg per year worked out to Rs. 89,54,984.42. The analysis of marketing costs and margins revealed that the weaver was getting higher share of consumer’s rupee. The raw silk obtained was 4,596.58 kg along with the 1,544.4 kg of jute and 2,246.4 kg of water jelly as byproducts per unit per year. The total gross income was Rs. 1,81,61,548 and net income was Rs. 92,06,563.58 per unit per year. The gross ratio and B-C ratio was 2.02 and 1.02 respectively. Total 26,450 silk cocoons was reeled to produce 4,396.58 kgs of yarn, renditta to produce 1 kg of yarn was 6.66. The results revealed that there was an increasing trend in the prices of cocoon in the selected market. Seasonal variations in prices were observed in the selected market and the highest seasonal index was found in the month of may (92.25). The results of cyclical variations of cocoon prices in the Dharmavaram market indicated that no price cycles. Irregular variation did not exhibit any definite periodicity in their occurrence in prices of cocoon in the selected market.ThesisItem Open Access ECONOMICS OF TOBACCO AND OTHER MAJOR CROPS IN PRAKASAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH(Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2018) PRUTHVI KUMAR, K; CHALAM, GVThe present study entitled “Economics of tobacco and other major crops in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh” was intended to examine costs and returns of FCV tobacco and other major crops and also to assess technical efficiency of inputs in the production of FCV tobacco and other major crops. Prakasam district was purposively selected for present study as it is one of the leading districts in production of FCV tobacco. The top four mandals with maximum area under cultivation of FCV tobacco and two villages (one model village and one general village) from each mandal based on criterion of highest area under FCV tobacco was purposively selected. The selected villages were Narasayapalem, Lingamgunta, Vennuru, Chowdavaram, Vardinenipalem, Chinthapalem, Chekurupadu and N.G. Padu. All the farmers in selected model villages were listed out and 40 farmers were randomly selected. Another sample of 40 farmers from the general villages were also randomly selected to serve as a control group. For selecting the farmers growing other major crops, the list of the farmers xii growing other major crops from all the selected eight villages were prepared and 40 farmers were selected randomly. The information related to the present study was collected using a well-defined and pre-tested schedule through personal interview method. Detailed information was collected and it pertained to the agricultural year 2016-2017. Tabular analysis and Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) were employed to analyse the set objectives. Total human labour employed was 219.83 and 234.45 man days per hectare of FCV tobacco on model and general village farms respectively. On an average the total cost of cultivation per hectare of FCV tobacco was Rs. 143840 on model village farms and Rs. 153478 on general village farms. The price per quintal of tobacco was higher in model villages with Rs. 8750 compared to Rs. 8500 in general villages. The gross income realized on general village farms as well as model village farms with Rs. 192500 and Rs. 184875 respectively. Net income realized was higher on model village farms recording Rs. 48659.44 against Rs. 31396.73 by general village farms. Total human labour requirement was 34.62, 35.51 and 549.03 man days per hectare for bengalgram, redgram and chilli respectively. The total cost of cultivation per hectare of bengalgram was Rs. 65099.9, Rs. 43991.48 on redgram farms and Rs. 270442.33 on chilli farms. In chilli the gross income realized was higher with Rs. 309375 as against Rs. 103155 on bengalgram farms and Rs. 51875 on redgram farms. Net income too exhibited similar trend, with chilli farms recording Rs. 38932.67 against Rs. 38055.10 on bengalgram farms and Rs. 7883.52 on redgram farms. The technical efficiency of inputs in the production of FCV tobacco and other major crops were identified by using DEA analysis. Model village tobacco farms were better off in respect of overall technical efficiency (93%) and pure technical efficiency (95%), while, general farms were relatively better off respect of scale efficiency (99%). Between tobacco farms and other major crop farms, tobacco farmers were better off regarding all efficiencies i.e. OTE, PTE and SE.