Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access A comparative study of arrivals and prices of Onion and Potato in Assam(2023) PRIYA, ANANTHULA SINDHU; Buragohain, RinumoniThe present study was undertaken to study the arrivals and prices of Onion and Potato in Assam, with the objectives to study the trends, relationship and problems associated with the arrivals and prices. For that purpose, the study was carried out in 6 major district markets of Assam. Information was collected from the secondary sources: AGMARK website and Assam State Marketing Board and from primary sources, with the help of pretested schedule with sample size of 30 (10 farmers, 10 wholesalers, 10 retailers) in Jorhat. The findings of the study revealed that the highest mean and CV of prices of Onion were observed in October and November, lowest in April and May and for arrivals the highest in November and December, lowest in May and June. It was found that, the values for CAGR of prices of Onion were observed to be positive in Nagaon, negative in Bongaigaon and Kamrup, a mixture of both in Golaghat, Sonitpur and Jorhat. For arrivals, all positive growth rates were observed in Nagaon, Jorhat and Bongaigaon and few negative values were seen in Golaghat and Sonitpur and all negative values in Kamrup. Seasonal indices of arrivals of Onion, a large fluctuation is observed. And for prices, highest in October and November and lowest in April and May. It was also found through Pearson’s correlation co-efficient that, In Jorhat and Kamrup markets, the correlation values were all negative. Positive values were seen in the markets like, Nagaon and Golaghat. For Potato, highest mean and CV of prices was observed in November and December, and lowest in January and February. And for arrivals, the highest mean and CV for observed in May and June and lowest in September and October. The values for CAGR for prices both positive and negative rates was seen in all the 6 districts, with highest values in Nagaon and lowest in Jorhat. For arrivals, all positive growth rates were seen in Jorhat, Bongaigaon and Sonitpur and all negative growth rates in Kamrup, a mixture of both in Nagaon and Golaghat. In the Seasonal indices of arrivals, a large fluctuation was observed. For prices, highest in November and December and lowest in February and March. When correlation was calculated, both positive and negative relationship between arrivals and prices were seen in all most all the markets. In Sonitpur and Golaghat markets, more negative relationship between the arrivals and prices were seen. Problems like, Insect and pest attack in Onion, Diseases especially late blight and early blight in Potato, Perishable commodity resulted economic losses, Lack of storage facilities, small land holding and transportation are observed to be affecting the arrivals and prices to a great extent.ThesisItem Open Access A MIXED-METHOD ANALYSIS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION FLOW MECHANISM AMONG THE STAKEHOLDERS OF POST T&V SYSTEM AND ATMA MODEL IN ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Saikia, Dipanjali; Barman, UtpalAccess to knowledge and information has become an instrumental component to society’s progress. Information utilization in agriculture has played a key role in boosting agricultural productivity and in overall progress of the farm sector. If properly utilized, information can help in improvement of the farm household economy. The sources of information utilized may however vary. The suitability of these sources utilized also varies according to their needs and the situation they are in. The Indian public agricultural extension system has been a world leader in knowledge and information dissemination. Extension workers and researchers work together to improve farmer productivity and profitability through technology transfer, it is necessary to know the information sources consulted and used by the public extension system and farmers in various situations and times to develop an effective extension system The present study was carried out in the Lakhimpur district of Assam to discover the information flow mechanism among public extension stakeholders (ATMA model and Post T&V phase). Multi-stage sampling design was followed to select farmers and other stakeholders of the ATMA model and Post T&V system; a cent percentage population was taken for the study. A set of structured schedules was used to collect data. For the analysis, the data were grouped into frequency distributions. They paired t-tests using Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation and Fisher's exact test. The mean age of the agricultural scientists was 40.67 years and they had attained postgraduate degrees in their field. Most agricultural scientists (83.33%) had medium service experience (6-11 years). It was also found that 50.00per cent of the agricultural scientists attended two training sessions last year. The agricultural scientists can use mobile telephony, printing, typing, photocopying, projector, exhibition, computer, internet, periodicals and transportation for updating their knowledge. To transfer agricultural information, 33.33 per cent of agricultural scientists used low, medium, or high communication methods. The mean age of the extension personnel were 42.12 years. While 39.39 per cent of extension personnel had completed high school, 27.27per cent had attained education up to graduation level (agriculture), 25.76 per cent had completed post-graduation (agriculture) and only 7.58 had completed graduation (non-agriculture). It was also found that 78.79 per cent of extension workers were men, and 21.11 per cent women. Majority (81.82%) of extension workers were from rural areas. Majority of (65.15%) of extension personnel had a medium aspirational level and 96.97per cent had a medium service length. The study also revealed that last year, 54.54 per cent of extension personnel received medium training, in comparison, 22.73 per cent received low and 22.73 per cent received high training. 86.36 per cent of extension personnel had medium level facilities to transfer agricultural technologies, while 13.64 per cent had high-level facilities. The study also revealed that of all extension personnel, 72.73 per cent used medium communication methods, 16.67 per cent used low communication methods, and 10.60 per cent used high communication methods to transfer information. The average age of farmers was 43.43 years old, with 49.05 per cent of them having attained secondary education. 87.04 per cent of the farmers were men. Farmers owned an average land holding of 1.137 ha. About 90 per cent of farmers had a medium annual income. It was also found that 77.73 per cent of farmers were members of one-single organisation. The majority of farmers were cosmopolite, and 61.54 per cent can be categorized as innovative. 68.42per cent of farmers preferred medium risk, 62.75 per cent of farmers preferred medium media exposure and 71.66 per cent of farmers preferred medium scientific orientation. The marketing personnel had an average age of 43.36 years and 45.46 per cent had graduated from college, followed by graduate school (36.36%) and high school (18.18%). It was observed that 100per cent of marketing personnel were men from rural backgrounds. They had an average service experience of 10.27 years and majority (54.55%) of them received no training last year. The majority of marketing personnel (55.54 %) belonged to one organization. The linkage effectiveness between research and extension was found to be71.97per cent, and that of between research and farmers was at 51.97 per cent. While the linkage effectiveness between extension and farmers was found to be higher (79.43%), no linkage could be found between extension and market. In the ATMA model the linkage between farmers and market the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent, in the Post T&V system, linkage between research and extension, the linkage effectiveness score was 53.83 per cent, linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 51.91 per cent, the linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and market, the linkage effectiveness score was nil (0.00%), the linkage between extension and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 64.32 per cent, the linkage between extension and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 8.40 per cent and the linkage between farmers and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent. The study also found no significant differences in the linkage effectiveness mean score between the two systems. The study found that 63.64 per cent of agricultural scientists used agricultural information sources only moderately. The study also revealed that textbooks and the internet were more commonly used than other information sources. Majority (69.70%) of extension personnel used agricultural information sources moderately. Among the most common personal information sources used by the extension personnel were colleagues, followed by mobile phones, senior extension officers, agricultural scientists, friends, progressive farmers, farmers committee and local leaders. Training was the most frequently used source of agricultural information for extension personnel, followed by group discussion, meeting, and tour. Agricultural literature was the most frequently used source of information by extension personnel. Majority (70.04%) of farmers also were found to be using agricultural information sources moderately. Progressive farmers were the most frequently used informal source of information for them, followed by neighbours, family members, friends/relatives and local leaders. The most useful source of formal agricultural information sources to farmers were ATMA personnel, followed by ADO, AEA, KVK, input dealers and marketing officials. The majority of farmers were found to be using the internet, followed by mobile phones, TV, newspaper, radio, agricultural literature and demonstrations for information. Among all the agricultural information sources available to marketing people, the most commonly used sources were internal, salesman, and internet, followed by colleagues, periodicals, dealers, newspaper, published market surveys, Govt. publications & reports and senior management. Extension personnel's education, training, and facilities correlated positively with agricultural information source usage. Age and total service time had a negative and significant relationship. An age profile variable accounted for 49.2 per cent of the variance in agricultural information source utilisation patterns. The agricultural information source utilisation pattern of farmers positively correlated with their profile variables education, social participation, innovativeness, media exposure, and scientific orientation, and age. This equation explains 53.8 per cent of the variation in farmers' use of agricultural information sources. The study also found a link between marketing personnel’s agricultural information sources and their profile variables - education, training received last year, and social participation. The study also revealed respondents’ views on the effectiveness of the system ATMA model and the Post T&V system. The main findings were that both the public extension system ATMA and the Post T&V system have an information flow gap. The study suggested that it is the right time to amalgamated ATMA with a post-T&V system by incorporating positive aspects of both.ThesisItem Open Access A MIXED-METHOD ANALYSIS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION FLOW MECHANISM AMONG THE STAKEHOLDERS OF POST T&V SYSTEM AND ATMA MODEL IN ASSAM(2021) Saikia, Dipanjali; Barman, UtpalAccess to knowledge and information has become an instrumental component to society’s progress. Information utilization in agriculture has played a key role in boosting agricultural productivity and in overall progress of the farm sector. If properly utilized, information can help in improvement of the farm household economy. The sources of information utilized may however vary. The suitability of these sources utilized also varies according to their needs and the situation they are in. The Indian public agricultural extension system has been a world leader in knowledge and information dissemination. Extension workers and researchers work together to improve farmer productivity and profitability through technology transfer, it is necessary to know the information sources consulted and used by the public extension system and farmers in various situations and times to develop an effective extension system The present study was carried out in the Lakhimpur district of Assam to discover the information flow mechanism among public extension stakeholders (ATMA model and Post T&V phase). Multi-stage sampling design was followed to select farmers and other stakeholders of the ATMA model and Post T&V system; a cent percentage population was taken for the study. A set of structured schedules was used to collect data. For the analysis, the data were grouped into frequency distributions. They paired t-tests using Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation and Fisher's exact test. The mean age of the agricultural scientists was 40.67 years and they had attained postgraduate degrees in their field. Most agricultural scientists (83.33%) had medium service experience (6-11 years). It was also found that 50.00per cent of the agricultural scientists attended two training sessions last year. The agricultural scientists can use mobile telephony, printing, typing, photocopying, projector, exhibition, computer, internet, periodicals and transportation for updating their knowledge. To transfer agricultural information, 33.33 per cent of agricultural scientists used low, medium, or high communication methods. The mean age of the extension personnel were 42.12 years. While 39.39 per cent of extension personnel had completed high school, 27.27per cent had attained education up to graduation level (agriculture), 25.76 per cent had completed post-graduation (agriculture) and only 7.58 had completed graduation (non-agriculture). It was also found that 78.79 per cent of extension workers were men, and 21.11 per cent women. Majority (81.82%) of extension workers were from rural areas. Majority of (65.15%) of extension personnel had a medium aspirational level and 96.97per cent had a medium service length. The study also revealed that last year, 54.54 per cent of extension personnel received medium training, in comparison, 22.73 per cent received low and 22.73 per cent received high training. 86.36 per cent of extension personnel had medium level facilities to transfer agricultural technologies, while 13.64 per cent had high-level facilities. The study also revealed that of all extension personnel, 72.73 per cent used medium communication methods, 16.67 per cent used low communication methods, and 10.60 per cent used high communication methods to transfer information. The average age of farmers was 43.43 years old, with 49.05 per cent of them having attained secondary education. 87.04 per cent of the farmers were men. Farmers owned an average land holding of 1.137 ha. About 90 per cent of farmers had a medium annual income. It was also found that 77.73 per cent of farmers were members of one-single organisation. The majority of farmers were cosmopolite, and 61.54 per cent can be categorized as innovative. 68.42per cent of farmers preferred medium risk, 62.75 per cent of farmers preferred medium media exposure and 71.66 per cent of farmers preferred medium scientific orientation. The marketing personnel had an average age of 43.36 years and 45.46 per cent had graduated from college, followed by graduate school (36.36%) and high school (18.18%). It was observed that 100per cent of marketing personnel were men from rural backgrounds. They had an average service experience of 10.27 years and majority (54.55%) of them received no training last year. The majority of marketing personnel (55.54 %) belonged to one organization. The linkage effectiveness between research and extension was found to be71.97per cent, and that of between research and farmers was at 51.97 per cent. While the linkage effectiveness between extension and farmers was found to be higher (79.43%), no linkage could be found between extension and market. In the ATMA model the linkage between farmers and market the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent, in the Post T&V system, linkage between research and extension, the linkage effectiveness score was 53.83 per cent, linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 51.91 per cent, the linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and market, the linkage effectiveness score was nil (0.00%), the linkage between extension and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 64.32 per cent, the linkage between extension and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 8.40 per cent and the linkage between farmers and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent. The study also found no significant differences in the linkage effectiveness mean score between the two systems. The study found that 63.64 per cent of agricultural scientists used agricultural information sources only moderately. The study also revealed that textbooks and the internet were more commonly used than other information sources. Majority (69.70%) of extension personnel used agricultural information sources moderately. Among the most common personal information sources used by the extension personnel were colleagues, followed by mobile phones, senior extension officers, agricultural scientists, friends, progressive farmers, farmers committee and local leaders. Training was the most frequently used source of agricultural information for extension personnel, followed by group discussion, meeting, and tour. Agricultural literature was the most frequently used source of information by extension personnel. Majority (70.04%) of farmers also were found to be using agricultural information sources moderately. Progressive farmers were the most frequently used informal source of information for them, followed by neighbours, family members, friends/relatives and local leaders. The most useful source of formal agricultural information sources to farmers were ATMA personnel, followed by ADO, AEA, KVK, input dealers and marketing officials. The majority of farmers were found to be using the internet, followed by mobile phones, TV, newspaper, radio, agricultural literature and demonstrations for information. Among all the agricultural information sources available to marketing people, the most commonly used sources were internal, salesman, and internet, followed by colleagues, periodicals, dealers, newspaper, published market surveys, Govt. publications & reports and senior management. Extension personnel's education, training, and facilities correlated positively with agricultural information source usage. Age and total service time had a negative and significant relationship. An age profile variable accounted for 49.2 per cent of the variance in agricultural information source utilisation patterns. The agricultural information source utilisation pattern of farmers positively correlated with their profile variables education, social participation, innovativeness, media exposure, and scientific orientation, and age. This equation explains 53.8 per cent of the variation in farmers' use of agricultural information sources. The study also found a link between marketing personnel’s agricultural information sources and their profile variables - education, training received last year, and social participation. The study also revealed respondents’ views on the effectiveness of the system ATMA model and the Post T&V system. The main findings were that both the public extension system ATMA and the Post T&V system have an information flow gap. The study suggested that it is the right time to amalgamated ATMA with a post-T&V system by incorporating positive aspects of both.ThesisItem Open Access A PRODUCTION TREND AND MARKETING OF BAMBOO IN ASSAM(2023) Chutia, Tulika; Hazarika, ChandanBamboo, the tallest and the fastest growing (up to one metre per day) woody perennial grass on planet earth, belongs to family Poaceae with about 1,200 species reported globally (Lobovikov et al., 2007). Height of bamboo species varies from a few centimetres to about 30 metres and can reach to a diameter of up to 30 centimetres. Because of wide adaptability and utility bamboos are ecologically, socially, commercially and environmentally important group of plants. Bamboos are naturally distributed in the tropical and subtropical belt between 46º north 47º south latitude, and are commonly found in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Bamboo species are found in diverse climates ranging from cold mountains to hot tropical regions. The total population of bamboo species in the world is represented by 80-90 genera and about 1000-1500 species. India is the second richest country of the world after China in terms of bamboo genetic resources, as per the FAO report on world forest resources. According to the India State Forest Report 2017, in India there are 125 indigenous and 11 exotic species of bamboo belonging to 23 genera. The total bamboo area in Assam is about 2.23 million hectares as against India’s total area of about 11 million hectares under bamboo. Out of the 130 bamboo species available in India, 34 species are available in Assam. The main bamboo growing areas of Assam are the districts of Cachar, KarbiAnglong, North Cachar Hills, Nagaon and Lakhimpur. The present study is an attempt made to investigate and analyse the level of area, production and marketing of bamboo and bamboo related products in Jorhat district of Assam. The entire state of Assam is selected for analysing variability in area and production growth of bamboo cultivation. Multistage random sampling design was used present study for collection of primary data from Jorhat District. Total of eighty households were selected from kaliapani block and Titabor block and categorized into four group, viz. marginal, small, semi-medium and medium based on their operational land holding. The study shows that the recorded forest area of Assam experienced the highest increase of 23.73% between the years 2011 and 2017. From 2011 to 2017, the pure bamboo area experienced a significant decrease (-60.95%). After 2017, area shows significant increase. Density of bamboo decreases from 2017 to 2019 significantly (-56.14%) and it further decreased from 2019 to 2021(-2.12%). The average area and production covered by Bholuka bah is more than that of Jati and Kako bah. BC ratio of marginal, small, semi-medium and medium Bholuka bah farmers are 1.57, 1.71, 2.15, 2.35 respectively. For Jati bah growers, 1.80, 2.07, 2.42, 2.14 and Kako bah growers 1.93, 1.99, 2.24, 2.50 respectively. The key bamboo uses in the study area included bamboo house construction, residential fencing, furniture, agricultural purpose, food, fuel and other minor cottage industry handicraft products like basketry, tray, showpiece, lamp and flower vase etc. The study identified four important marketing channels for Bholuka bah and Jati bah and two marketing channels for Kako bah. Out of these four channels, the marketing cost was found to be highest in channel IV and least marketing cost observed in channel II for Bholuka bah and Jati Bah growers. The marketing efficiency was found to be highest in channel III followed by channel II and lowest in channel IV for both Bholuka bah and Jati bah growers. Among all the problems of growers the most important problem was technical problem then timely non availability of labour and high labour cost followed by lack of knowledge about managements, small land holding, lack of technology and lack of planting materials. The present study recognized the bamboo as an important means for increasing return per unit area, which influenced a considerable number of growers to engage in production and marketing. Hence better improvement of their socio economic status is to be expectedThesisItem Open Access A STATISTICAL STUDY ON THE GROWTH OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ON INDIAN ECONOMY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Saikia, Dikhita; Mahanta, SupahiAgriculture contributes significantly to India's productivity and employment as well as that of Assam, which is predominantly agricultural and overpopulated. Agriculture production in the state is below the national average. Knowledge of productivity trends of major crops is critical in various decision-making plans for the benefit of farmers. Several methods are used to calculate income of a state, the most important of which is Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Assam's GSDP growth rate is critical for assessing the state of the economy. As a major component of a state's GDP, the agricultural growth rate should be prioritized in order to increase farmer income and the per capita income of Assam's rural community. Keeping the aforementioned facts in mind, the present study was planned with the objectives: To study the trends and prospects of the productivity of the major crops and its contribution to GSDP of Assam; To study the growth of agricultural GDP versus total GDP growth rate in the state; Modeling of the economic growth rate of the agricultural sector in the state; Forecasting of GSDP with time series models. The data pertaining to the study were based on secondary data for the period of 31 years (1990 to 2020). From the results it was observed that rice, jute, rapeseed and mustard had a significant increasing trend in productivity. About 95.14 per cent of the variation in the GSDP of Assam was explained by the production of the six major crops viz. rice, jute, wheat, potato, sugarcane, rapeseed and mustard. Agricultural GSDP contributed a large percentage of total GSDP during the nineteenth century. It was found that total GSDP had a higher growth rate than agricultural GSDP growth rate but Agricultural GSDP had the highest standard deviation, indicating greatest variability in growth rate. By comparing the results of the Solow Growth model to actual data, a very close relationship was discovered between the actual (11.28 per cent) and calculated (12.13 per cent) average growth rates from 1990 to 2020. The four stages of the Box-Jenkins approach were used to create an appropriate ARIMA model for Assam's GSDP, which later used to forecast Assam's GSDP for the next ten years (from 2020 to 2030). Based on the forecasted values from our model, we expect Assam's GSDP continue to rise.ThesisItem Open Access A study of sulphur metabolizing bacteria from tea garden soil for improving sulphur uptake in crop plants.(2023) Baruah, Manjistha; Barooah, MadhumitaSulphur, an important element for plant growth, is required for the synthesis of several essential vitamins, amino acids, initiation of enzymes, formation of glucosides, chlorophyll, and glucosinolates. Bacteria with sulphur metabolizing ability are at the center of sulphur cycling taking part in the oxidation, reduction, assimilation and dissimilation of sulphur in the entire ecosystem. In acidic soil, the amount of sulphur is less which affects the plant growth. Sulphur metabolizing bacteria with low pH tolerance can be used as bioinoculum to facilitate sulphur availability to the crop plants. Towards this end, sulphur metabolizing bacteria was isolated from acidic soils and characterized for sulphur metabolizing activity. The most efficient sulphur metabolizing, acid tolerant bacteria along with plant growth promoting activities isolated was identified as Priestia aryabhattai MBM3 as deduced from morphological, biochemical and molecular studies. The genes involved in sulphur metabolic pathway in the bacterial isolate grown in acid stress were upregulated during the lag phase indicating to the low sulphur availability during acid stress and hence higher expression of the gens. Further studies of the isolate for plant growth promotion in Brassica campestris L. variety JT-90-1 (Jeuti) was evaluated through pot experiments. The pot soils with pH 5 were supplemented with 100%RDF (T1), 50% RDF+bio-primed seeds (T2), bio-primed seeds (T3), along with an absolute control. Agronomic and physiological traits in relation to plant height, number of leaves, flavonoid content and total carbohydrate fared better in plants treated with bacteria (T2 and T3) than in control and T1 plants. At a molecular level, the plant sulphur transporters (SULTR1 and SULTR4) and pathway genes such as APS reductase and sulfite reductase had lower expression in roots indicating to favorable uptake of sulphur by the plant and its subsequent transfer to the other parts. This was evidenced by higher expression of the transporter genes in leaves signifying its uptake followed by its subsequent assimilation by the pathway genes viz. ATP sulphurylase, APS reductase, and sulfite reductase. However, in the control and T1 plants, a significant high expression of APS reductase was observed indicating over production of sulfite. Increased sulfite production is reported to affect chlorophyll content and stunted growth in plants as evidenced by agronomic and physiological traits of the control and T1 plants. The above results suggest that isolate MBM3 was able to elicit a sulphur uptake response in Brassica campestris grown in acidic soil of pH 5 as compared to control revealing a delicate symbiosis between plant and bacterial signaling pathways. Further studies to unravel the plant signaling pathways involved in evoking an enhanced sulphur metabolism due to bacterial treatment will shed more light into role of the bioinoculum before it is taken to the field.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIBAL SUB PLAN ON POVERTY ERADICATION IN DHEMAJI DISTRICT OF ASSAM(2023) Doley, Karishma; Borah, DebajitThe study entitled “A Study on Effectiveness of Tribal Sub Plan on Poverty Eradication in Dhemaji district of Assam” was carried out in Dhemaji district of Assam with a view to study the effectiveness of TSP on poverty eradication. The specific objectives of the study were: 1. To study the profile characteristics of tribal beneficiary and non-beneficiary of the study area. 2. To measure the poverty level of the beneficiary and non- beneficiary tribal people in the project area. 3. To identify the barriers of the development of the respondents as perceived by them. The study was conducted in Dhemaji district as it is one of the highest tribal population districts of Assam. All the sub-divisions of Dhemaji district were selected for the study. A purposive and random sampling method was followed for the study. The total sample size was 160 consisting of 80 beneficiary and 80 non-beneficiary tribal farmers in the study area. For the present study a total of 12 independent variables, 1 dependent and 1 descriptive variable were selected. Data pertaining to the study were collected through personal interview method during March-April, 2023. Appropriate statistical techniques were used for analysis of data. The findings with respect to the selected profile characteristics of the respondents indicated that majority of the respondents (58.75 % beneficiaries and 53.75 % non-beneficiaries) belong to middle aged category i.e. 35 years to 55 years. In case of beneficiary respondents 35% had high school level of education and 36.2 % of non-beneficiary respondents had middle school level of education. More than half (60 percent) of the beneficiaries were male while only 40 per cent of the beneficiaries were female. The tradition of joint family system in tribal community was being restored by nuclear families. 63.75 percent of the beneficiary respondents belonged to nuclear family and the remaining 36.25 percent belonged to joint family. In case of non-beneficiary respondents (57.4 %) belonged to nuclear family and the remaining 42.5 percent respondents belonged to joint family. More than 60 % have nuclear family status and the family size is less than 4 members in the family of the respondents. The major occupations of both the category of respondents were only cultivation, which was one of the reasons of poverty in the area. The poverty level for both beneficiary and non-beneficiary respondents was measured using the Global Multi dimensional Poverty Index. The Index includes three dimensions viz., Health, Education and Living Standards with ten indicators such as nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets. Among the 10 indicators the deprivation of improved cooking fuel (21.92 % in beneficiary and 19.71 % in non-beneficiary) and deprivation of improved sanitation (17.3 % in beneficiary and 17.06 % in non-beneficiary) were two leading contributors to multidimensional poverty index in the study area. The index score of the tribal respondents showed that poverty level of beneficiary (0.146) and non-beneficiary (0.245) is significantly different. The association with the perceived poverty level of the beneficiary was found significant in case of education (r=-0.286), Occupation (r=-0.335), annual income (r=-0.650), Extension contact(r=-0.259) and social participation (r=-0.160) were found to have negative and significant relationship with the deprivation score of the beneficiary group of respondents. The findings also revealed that age(r=0.124), family type(r=0.111), family size(r=0.110), operational land holding(r=0.125), farming experience(r=0.125) were found to have no significant relationship with the deprivation score of the beneficiary respondents of the study area. The barriers of development stated by the beneficiaries of TSP included delay in obtaining approved benefits/input supply, Non-availability of suggested inputs e.g. varieties/breeds locally after project period, Distance from village to KVK is more, Unavailability of proper guidance regarding adoption of improved agricultural technology, Lack of knowledge about the varieties of crops/ breed of poultry provided, Lack of own capital, Lack of irrigation facilities, Frequent transfer of scientific staff from KVK/RARS, , Need of constant follow up of respective officer, High cost of feed for animals and birds, Lack of knowledge regarding various benefits under TSP, Lack of technical knowledge regarding plant protection appliances, Excessive formalities for institutional credit facilities, Lack of knowledge regarding various documents requires, Lack of technical knowledge regarding use of agricultural inputs, Dominance by few local individuals. Thus, it is concluded that strategies need to be formulated for further refinement of projects aimed at tribal agriculture development in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Entrepreneurial Behavior of Watermelon Growers of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (CBVZ), Assam(2023) BHARADWAJ, KANGKANA; Borah, D.The present study entitled “A Study on Entrepreneurial Behavior of Watermelon Growers of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (CBVZ), Assam” was carried out with following objectives: 1. To analyse the Entrepreneurial Behaviour of Watermelon growers of the Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone. 2. To determine the factors influencing Entrepreneurial Behaviour of watermelon growers. 3. To identify the problems faced by the watermelon growers in relation to scientific watermelon cultivation. The study was undertaken in both the districts of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (CBVZ) i.e. Nagaon and Morigaon. A purposive cum random sampling design was used to select 180 respondents from 18 villages of both the districts. The primary data for the study was collected during February-April, 2023 through personal interview method with the help of a structured schedule. The findings of the study revealed that majority (66.11%) of the respondents belonged to middle-aged category, majority (38.34%) of the respondents had secondary level of formal education and comes relatively from medium sized family (53.33%). The study also revealed that majority of the respondents (41.12%) were small farmers with medium (68.34%) annual family income. Majority of the respondents had medium (69.45%) farming experience in watermelon cultivation. It is viewed that majority 76.12 per cent of the respondent did not get any training on watermelon cultivation. 72.22 per cent of the respondents had medium level of mass media exposure. In case of source of information majority of the respondents‟ main source of information was social media. Medium level of labour availability within household is viewed in the study area. About 62.22 per cent of the respondents had moderately favorable attitude towards watermelon cultivation. In case of various components related to entrepreneurial behaviour, the study revealed that majority (77.22%) of the respondents had medium level of innovativeness, medium level of achievement motivation (51.67%), moderate decisionmaking ability (67.78%), medium level of risk orientation (68.88%), medium level of coordinating ability (61.11%), moderate level of planning ability (47.77%), medium level of information seeking behaviour (73.33%), medium level of cosmopolitness (58.88%) and medium level of self-confidence (64.44%). The overall entrepreneurial behaviour of watermelon growers were found medium (68.33%) followed by low entrepreneurial behaviour (17.22%) and high entrepreneurial behaviour (14.45%). To determine the factors influencing entrepreneurial behaviour of the watermelon growers, multiple regression analysis was used where annual family income, net annual income from watermelon cultivation, training exposure, attitude towards watermelon cultivation were found to contribute significantly towards variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour of watermelon growers at 0.01 level of probability. Operational land holding and farming experience in watermelon cultivation contribute significantly towards variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour of watermelon growers at 0.05 level of probability. The contributory factors may be given more emphasis by the concerned agencies while formulating any project or related programmes on watermelon cultivation in the study area. With regards to the major problems, the study showed that „High cost of quality inputs‟ was the most important problem (ranked first) faced by the watermelon growers followed by perishable nature of watermelon, adverse effect of natural calamities, non availability of quality seed and non availability of irrigation facility, lack of credit facility, pest attack, lack of extension services. It is imperative to call for attention from government, policy makers, and planners to design effective watermelon production policy/strategy that would ensure to overcome the problems faced by the farmers for promoting watermelon production and to ensure economic development.ThesisItem Open Access A study on entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers in upper Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam(2023) Trishnamoni Hazarika; Deka, ChittaranjanAgriculture is the backbone of economy because of its high share in employment and livelihood generation. Agricultural inputs are the inputs like, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, equipments, animal feeds, machineries etc.that are used in farm production. The person who provides agricultural inputs along with some agro advisory services to the farmers are the Agri Input Dealer. The agri-input dealers play an important role in ensuring that farmers access their necessary inputs for improving productivity in their respective farms. While purchasing the inputs, farmers seek for information from agri input dealers about the usage of inputs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The study was undertaken in two districts of Assam namely, Jorhat and Golaghat. A descriptive research design, following an ex-post facto approach was utilized for the study through a simple, purposive, and random sampling design. A total of 130 respondents were selected for the study. 40% respondents from each district were selected. With respect to profile characteristics of the respondents, the study revealed that majority of the respondents (63.846 %) belonged to the middle-age category. Near about half of the respondents (46.93%) had completed graduation and PG level of education. Majority (60%) of the respondents belonged to small sized family. Most of the respondents (40.77%) had 6-10 years of experience as an agri-input dealer. Around half (54.62%) of the respondents received 1-2 nos. of training programmes. Majority (80.76 %) of the agri-input dealers have received training on pest and disease control in agriculture. Around half (50.769%) of the respondents had marginal land holding and one third (33.85%) of the respondents had 2-4 lakhs of annual income from dealership. With regards to entrepreneurial behaviour of the respondents, the study revealed that majority (64.62%) of the respondents had medium level of innovativeness, medium level of achievement motivation ( 53.85% ), medium decision making ability ( 72.3% ), medium level of risk orientation (63.845%), medium level of co-ordinating ability (56.93%), medium level of planning ability (50.00%), medium level of information seeking behaviour (69.23%), medium level of cosmopoliteness (63.07%) and medium level of self-confidence(63.85%). With the help of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Index (EBI), entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers was calculated and came into the conclusion that majority (64.62%) of the respondents had medium entrepreneurial behaviour followed by high entrepreneurial behaviour (16.93%) and low entrepreneurial behaviour (18.46%). To determine the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviour and some selected independent variables, correlation and multiple regression analysis was used. Among 7 independent variables, 5 variables viz. age, education, years of experience as an agri-input dealer, nos. of training received, annual income received from dealership showed significant relationship with the entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers at 0.01 level of probability. In multiple regression analysis, it was found that among 7 independent variables, 5 variables viz. age, education, years of experience as an agri-input dealer, nos. of training received, annual income from agri-input business contribute significantly towards variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealer at 0.01 level of probability. With regards to problem, the study showed that86.92% of respondents were facing problem due to complex procedure for procurement of inputs for the farmers. To combat this problem, any other procedure of maintaining log record other than Aadhar linking must be initiated by the government or must fix the glitches in the current system.83.07% were facing problem due to less demand of agri-inputs which is because of erratic rainfall which disturbs the cultivation practices of farmers in their fields. Proper irrigation facilities should be provided to the farmers to deal with this problem. Other problems faced by the input dealers are- “loss incurred by them due to lack of getting quick information about banning of pesticides”, “unscrupulous sale of agri inputs by the non licensees to the farmers”, “more market competition” etc. CONTENTThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURIAL BEHAVIOUR OF NURSERY OWNERS IN ASSAM(2023) Bhutia, Penchen Tshyoza; Borua, SajibNursery is a place where plants are propagated, cared for, grown, and then sold for use in commercial or residential gardens. Improved quality seedlings are raised under ideal circumstances until they are ready to be planted on a small or large scale. Nurseries are presently becoming popular economic agro-based enterprises and commercial ventures in horticultural sector. It has established its credibility by increased production, creating jobs in both rural and urban areas, and increasing exports significantly. To be profitable, establishing a nursery is a long-term endeavour that demands preparation and skill. New breed of entrepreneurs who are well versed in the modern principles of business management and who have the desirable attitude, values and behaviour are required to show a significant outcome in this sector as success of any enterprise depends on entrepreneur’s efficiency and effectiveness. Understanding nursery owners' entrepreneurial behaviour will allow change agents and extension machinery to intervene to correct, modify, alter, or promote appropriate behavioural changes that will allow nursery owners to pursue their business profitably and sustainably. The study was undertaken in three districts of Assam namely, Jorhat, Nagaon and Golaghat which were selected purposively as it is located in close proximity to the only Agricultural University in the state. A sample size of 90 was taken using convenience sampling. 30 nurseries were selected from each district under the study. Primary data for the current study was collected in the month of April- June. The findings of the present investigation revealed that majority of the respondents (55.56%) belonged to the middle-aged category. Most of the respondents (46.67%) had high level of education. Majority (56.67%) of the respondents belonged to small sized family while 91.1% of the respondents had marginal land holding. Most (62.22%) of the respondents belonged to medium income category. Majority (80%) of the respondents had easy access to labour available on both weekdays and weekends. The study also revealed that most (52.22%) of the respondents had medium level experience in nursery business while majority (71.11%) of the respondents had medium level of training exposure and had attended 1-3 number of trainings conducted by various external sources. In terms of various parameters related to entrepreneurial behaviour the study reveals that majority (74.44%) of the respondents had medium level of innovativeness, medium level of achievement motivation (57.78%), moderate decision-making ability (68.89%), medium level of risk orientation (51.11%), moderate level of coordinating ability (57.78%), moderate level of planning ability (60.00%), medium level of information seeking behaviour (77.78%) and medium level of self-confidence (86.67%). With the help of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Index (EBI), entrepreneurial behaviour of nursery owners was calculated and came into the conclusion that majority (68.89%) of the respondents had moderate entrepreneurial behaviour followed by high entrepreneurial behaviour (17.78%) and low entrepreneurial behaviour (13.33%). The problems stated by the respondents included non-availability of desired inputs at the right time, high cost of inputs, lack of knowledge about proper techniques of marketing, lack of knowledge on proper utilization of land under nursery and many more. In terms of natural calamities high rainfall was stated as the most occurring problem for the outdoor nurseries though measures have been taken to overcome the problem. On the other hand, flood was stated as a major problem by almost all the nursery owners of Nagaon district. By overall evaluation of problems, problems related to inputs ranked first followed by land utilization problems, problems related to storage, institutional problems, marketing problems, transportation problems, problems related to natural calamities, social problems and personal problems.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS AGRICULTURE IN THE LAST FIVE DECADES IN THE STATE OF ASSAM(2021) Baruah, Bhargab; Kalita, Hemanga Kr.A lack of approach towards agricultural activities can be observed in the rural areas of Assam despite having economic crisis at the household level. While the notion of disenchantment of farmers towards the profession and the likelihood of many farmers willing to leave agriculture has caught steam in the country, considering how important agriculture is to the lives and livelihood of rural population in Assam the present study was taken up to develop insights into the reasons behind decline in preference of the farmers in Assam to continue performing agriculture as their primary livelihood activity. This study proposes that farmers’ psychologically constituted attitude, values and goals towards life domains shall help us understand the foundational basis of preferences and choices of farmers to engage in agriculture as a profession and for fulfillment lifestyle goals under changed circumstances to perform agriculture as a livelihood. The present study was conducted in five districts across Assam, viz., Jorhat, Morigaon, Barpeta, North Lakhimpur, and Cachar. Data was mainly collected through personal interview channels, and employing psychometric assessment techniques - Likert-scale and Q-methodology. Multi-stage purposive and random sampling techniques was used to draw out a sample of 400 respondents proportionately from three stratums based on age categories. A purposively drawn sub-sample of respondents was used for Q-study. Cluster analysis and factor analysis were used for interpretation of the data. Other appropriate analytical tools were also used for analysis of data. The study revealed that although food production was simply seen as a means to meet a minimum level of subsistence through collective action of family members during phase 1, the farmers did not face economic crisis at household level. Farming was more about maintenance of traditional rural/agricultural values, than economic rationality and modern technological innovations had very little importance in farming. Farming was mainly constrained by damage due to floods, lack of policies to safeguard farm household economy against crop loss and access to for credit channels. While there was shift in preferences among expanders, contended believers and potential escapees during phase 2 to utilize their farm holdings for earning a real income from farming most others preferred to farm at subsistence level. Family remained central to the management of farms and farmers drew comfort from being part of his private social world, while many started to see farmers being viewed as inferior section of the society. Farmers became aware that the resources that were accessible and affordable to them would not be enough for a settled life in farming. Farmers were unhappy with the prices of farm produce and the smaller farmers felt that they were relegated to poorer section of the society. Although there was increase in use of modern technologies in farming, the quality planting materials were costly and the situation in marketing did not allow farmers to get a remunerative price. Access to irrigation and credit was also limited. Role of extension was passive and improvements in mechanization was not achieved. Damage to crops due to floods remained a primary concern for the farmers. Economic rationality in food production took over the idealistic values of being a farmer embedded in the traditionalist rural/agricultural culture during phase 3. Leaving aside the potential escapees, it appeared that the others view their farm household enterprise to be of considerable importance for their livelihood, although their livelihood strategies differed. For the expanders maintenance of traditional and cultural values in farming and opportunity of self-expression in farming occupation was as important as economic rationality in farming. They enjoyed better wellbeing and status and saw prospects of expansion of their farm business. Otherwise oriented towards commercial cultivation, some of the contended believers have been quite selective in making changes to their farming systems during phase 3. Although some contended conservators prefer to be commercially oriented, for most of them food production at subsistence or semi-subsistence level seems quite the preferable choice. Being oriented towards farming at subsistence level, the continuing bottomliners believed that farming must be carried out with collective action of family members. The symbolic status of owning agricultural land and performance of work tasks, preserving their lands for the future generation and working hard in the land to grow a good crop no longer ensures economic rewards in farming. Change in the institutional life-world within which the farmers are embedded, threatened the traditional values in farming and forced the farmers to question their self-worth. Unsatisfactory performance of extension service, credit and insurance, non-existence of storage facilities, intuitional support in marketing constrained progress of farmers. Irrigation and mechanization improved, while modern quality inputs were easily available. The growth in non-farm employment, within and outside rural areas, made family farming more attractive. While only 8.95 per cent farm households reported to have off-farm source of livelihood during phase 1, 72.50 per cent of households indicated that they had off-farm sources of income during phase 3. While potential escapees had at least one off-farm source of income during phase 3, the contended believers less frequently had an off-farm source of income in their household (56.25%). While 93.68 per cent farmers reported that they were highly dependent on agriculture for livelihood during phase 1, only 49.75 per cent reported that their dependence on agriculture was high during phase 3. While majority of potential escapees (69.64%) reported to have very low dependence on agriculture; majority of expanders (67.05%) and contended believers (65.18%) reported that they were highly dependent on agriculture during phase 3. Although there are fewer households in phase 3 that get their principal income from cultivation than in phase 1 and phase 2, majority of farmers (68.75%) still get their principal income from cultivation. Other off-farm enterprises (10.25%) was the most utilized form of employment for principal income by the farmers during phase 3 next to cultivation, followed by salaried employment (9.50%), and other wage employment (7.5%). Other off-farm enterprises (37.50%), salaried income (25%), and other wage employment (21.42%) were the most prominent principal sources of income for the potential escapees. Only as few as 5.50 per cent of the farmers reported that they were dependent on single source of income for livelihood during phase 3. As many as 38.50 per cent of farmers reported that they depended on three sources of income, while another 16.50 per cent farmers depended on four or more sources of income during phase 3. Other sources category of income was frequently utilized by the expanders, potential escapees and contended believers. Salaried income was an important source of income for potential escapees, expanders and contended believers. The contended conservators can be frequently found to be either a wage labour in nonfarm or operating a petty business while the continuing bottomliners are more likely to be involved in wage labour - nonfarm or in blue collar jobs.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN MANIPUR(2023) Soibam, Premlata; Borah, SangitaManipur, a state in northeastern India offers the perfect climate and soil for agricultural growth. LOKTAK LAKE, the largest freshwater lake in North-East India with a surface size of 24,672 hectares, is the state's most important inland water resource. Fishing and other fisheries activities in and around the lake account for somewhat more than half of the fish produced in the state. Manipur shares a section of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is abundantly endowed with a range of biological resources. In Manipur, aquaculture is significant not just for nutrition but also for the state's rural economy. This suggests an excellent opportunity to develop fish culture enterprises and boost the rural economy. The present study is an attempt to study the fisheries management systems in Manipur. The study was conducted in the four highest fish-producing districts of Manipur. The data were collected using a special schedule through personal interviews with respondent farmers. The government record showed that the state comprised 56,461.05 ha of diversified water bodies suitable for fish farming with different species of fish being cultured by Manipuri people producing 33,112 tonnes of fish in the year 2021-22. The compound growth rate analysis of table fish and fish seed reflected a positive growth rate during the period of 2012 to 2021. The study revealed that the majority of fish farming in the state was based on polyculture, with a variety of species stocked in the same pond. It had also been observed that the majority of the state's aquaculture practices were traditional, they also followed semi-intensive and intense farming systems. The analysis of the study reflected that the resources use patterns among the different groups of fish farmers seem to be different from one another which also revealed the inefficient use of resources for fish farming in the study area. Manipur has a huge potential to advance its fish farming industry by implementing improved production techniques. The study's demand and supply gap analysis reflected that the demand was more while the supply was less, for that tonnes of fish, had been brought in from other states of India to fulfil the demand. After the analysis, it was clear that for Manipur’s fish industry, effective administration practices and leveraging current technology to tap into untapped and prospective resources will develop growth in the production of fish.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON IMPACT OF “BRINGING GREEN REVOLUTION TO EASTERN INDIA” (BGREI) PROGRAMME IN UBVZ OF ASSAM IN PROMOTION OF FARM MECHANIZATION(2021) Buragohain, Moromi; Neog, P.K.Agricultural mechanization technology plays a key role in improving agricultural production in developing counties, and should be considered as an essential input to agriculture. In Assam most of the farm operations are done using animal power, hence, there is great scope of selective mechanizing in Assam where, small hand tools are used involving drudgery. In order to bring about a change, a programme under Farm Asset Building Activity has also been proposed under BGREI programme. The major component of the BGREI programme is farm mechanization, and promotion of farm mechanization has been recognized as one of the essential requirement and need of the hour for agricultural development in Assam especially in rice cultivation. Keeping this in view primarily, the present study entitled- “A study on impact of Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) programme in UBVZ of Assam in promotion of farm mechanization” was carried out in three district of Assam namely Golaghat, Johan and Sivasagar. The objectives of the study are as follows: OBJECTIVES:- 1. To assess the extent of utilization of farm machineries by the beneficiary and neighbouring farmers 2. To determine the level of knowledge on operation of different farm machineries and extent of adoption on scientific practices of applying farm machineries and tools in selected crops 3. To analyze the factors influencing the extent of utilization of farm machineries and tools. 4. To study the change in farming in terms of cropping intensity, cropping pattern, crop, diversification, intensification, productivity and profitability as a result of using farm machineries. 5. To identify the constraints face by the beneficiary and non beneficiary farmers in utilization and application of farm machineries and to pool suggestions thereof. A multistage purposive cum random sampling design was used for selecting 300 farmers as respondents. Approprite statistical methods were used for analysis and interpretation of data. The findings reveal that majority (57.33%) and (49.33%) of the BGREI beneficiary farmers and non-beneficiary farmers had medium and low level of utilization for farm machineries and tools respectively. Majority (68.67%) and (55.33%) of the beneficiary farmers and non-beneficiary farmers had medium and low level of knowledge on different farm machineries and tools respectively. Majority (60.00%) and (53.33 %) of the BGREI beneficiary farmers and non-beneficiary farmers belong to medium and low adoption category towards scientific practices of farm machineries and tools respectively. Paired “t” test was applied to compare between the BGREI beneficiaries’ farmers and non-beneficiaries farmers related to their extent of utilization of farm machineries and tools and it revealed that the beneficiary’s farmers had significantly higher utilization as compared to non-beneficiaries farmers. Likewise, beneficiary’s farmers had significantly higher level of knowledge on operation of farm machineries and tools as well as higher adoption on scientific practices of applying farm machineries and tools as compared to non-beneficiaries farmers. For extent of utilization of farm machineries and tools of the BGREI beneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between annual income, information source utilization, credit orientation, mass media and social media use and attitude towards farm mechanization. In case of non-beneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between social participation and labour availability. For level of knowledge on operation of different farm machineries and tools of the BGREI beneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between information source utilization, credit orientation, scientific orientation and attitude toward farm mechanization. In case of non-beneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between age, annual income, scientific orientation, extension contact and mass media and social media use. For extent of adoption on scientific practices of applying farm machineries and tools of the BGREI beneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between age, size of operational land holdings, annual income, information source utilization, mass media and social media use, and participation in farm machineries related training. In case of nonbeneficiary farmers, correlation table revealed a positive and significant relationship between size of operational land holdings, annual income, labour availability, mass media and social media use, participation in farm machineries related training and attitude towards farm mechanization. Among economic factors, social factors, personal factors and organizational factors subsidies availability, after seeing neighbours development, self-reliance or independence and guidance from ADO respectively were the major factors influencing the extent of utilization of farm machineries and tools for majority of the BGREI beneficiary farmers and nonbeneficiary farmers. The changes has taken place for more than 50 per cent of the beneficiary farmers in terms of cropping intensity, cropping pattern, crop diversification, productivity and profitability. The constraints face by the beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in utilization and application of farm machineries and tools are as follows: Economic constraints includes high initial cost of implements (Rank I), Infrastructural constraints includes non availability of spare parts in nearby places (Rank I), Information constraints includes farmers faced lack of skilled labour to operate farm machineries and tools (Rank I), The major situational constraint faced by the respondents was most of the farm machines and tools were not suitable for women farmer (Rank I) and frequent repairing (Rank I) was the most felt technological constraint by the BGREI beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmersThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION OF ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES OF BLACK RICE (CHAK-HAO) BY THE FARMERS OF MANIPUR(AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Devi, Kharibam Kabita; Das, P. K.The present study entitled “A study on knowledge and adoption of organic farming practices of black rice (Chak-Hao) by the farmers of Manipur” was carried out with the following objectives: 1. Study the personal, socio-economic, psychological and communication characteristics of farmers associated with organic cultivation practices of black rice 2. Assess the farmers’ level of knowledge and extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers 3. Find out the factors influencing farmers’ level of knowledge and extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers 4. Identify the constraints as perceived by the farmers in production and marketing of organic black rice The study was undertaken in Imphal West and Kakching districts of Manipur which were selected purposively, asthese two districts had the larger area under organic black rice cultivation. The Patsoi sub-division from Imphal West district and the Waikhong sub-division from Kakching district were selected purposively as these two sub-divisions had larger area under organic black rice cultivation. From Patsoi subdivision, three villages namely Kamong, Heigrujam and Ngairangbam were selected purposively on the basis of highest number of black rice cultivating farmers. From Waikhong sub-division, three villages namely Wangoo, Sugnu and Khongyam were selected purposively on the basis of highest number of organic black rice cultivating farmers. For each of the selected villages, a list of organic black rice cultivating farmers was prepared from which 50 per cent of the total farmers was selected to the sample following proportionate allocation method. Thus, from the population of 160 farmers, a sample of 80 farmers were selected for the study. The primary data for the study were collected by the personal interview method with the help of a structured research schedule during the period from April, 2020 to September, 2020. Keeping in view the objectives of the study, 19 independent variables and 2 dependent variables were included in the study. The independent variable included in the study were Age, Education level, Farming experience, Type of family, Family size, ii Size of operational land holding, Area under black rice cultivation, Farm mechanization, Annual farm income, Annual net income from black rice production, Extension contact, Mass media exposure, Exposure to training, Scientific orientation, Decision making ability, Achievement motivation, Economic motivation, Management orientation and Risk bearing ability. The dependent variables included in the study were farmers’ level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice and extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers which was measured by using the procedure used by Borah (2017).The statistical techniques and tests used in the study for analysis and interpretation of the data were frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, co-efficient of variation, multiple correlations, multiple regression and t-test for testing the significance of the coefficients for correlation and regression analysis. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents (56.25%) belonged to middle aged category followed by 37.50 per cent of respondents in old aged category. The rest 6.25 per cent of the respondents belonged to young aged category. Majority of the respondents (31.25%) had middle school level of education and again 31.25% had Graduate/diploma and above level of education followed by 22.50 per cent respondents with high school level of education, 10.00 per cent with higher secondary /PU level of education. 5.00 per cent of the respondents were illiterate but there were no ‘can read only’ and ‘can read and write/primary level’ category respondent in the sample of the study. Great majority of the respondents (81.25%) had medium (5-8 years) experience of organic black rice farming followed by 10.00 per cent respondents with long term experience (9 years and above). Only 8.75 per cent of the respondents had short term experience (Up to 4 years) of organic black rice cultivation. Most of the respondents (61.25%) belonged to the nuclear family type and the rest 38.75 per cent belonged to the joint family type and majority of the respondents (66.25%) had small family size (having up to 5 members) and rest 33.75 per cent had large family size (having up above 5 members). More than half of the respondents (56.25%) belonged to the small category of operational land holding size followed by marginal land owners 35.00 per cent and 7.50 per cent of the respondents with semi-medium land holding while only 1.25 per cent of the respondents belonged to the medium land holding category. No respondents were found in the large land holding category. Great majority of the respondents (85.00%) were having land area from 0.23 to 0.76 ha under organic black rice cultivation followed by 7.50 per cent respondents having land area from 0.76 to 2.0 iii ha under organic black rice cultivation. Again 7.50 per cent of the respondents had land area up to 0.22 ha under organic black rice cultivation. In case of farm mechanization majority (62.50%) of the respondents were having medium level of farm mechanization, followed by 18.75 per cent with high level of farm mechanization and the remaining 18.75 per cent were having low level of farm mechanization. Majority of the respondents (56.25%) had medium annual farm income ranging from Rs 110038 to Rs 520891 followed by 38.75 per cent respondents with low annual farm income ranging from Rs 45300 to Rs 110037 while only 5.00 per cent of them had high annual farm income ranging from Rs 520892 to Rs 747000. Regarding the net farm income from organic black rice production, majority of the respondents (78.75%) had medium net income ranging from Rs 37451 to Rs 83906 followed by 11.25 per cent respondents with low net income ranging from Rs 25500 to Rs 37450 and 10.00 per cent of them had high net income ranging from Rs 83907 to Rs 125000. Majority of the respondents (75.00%) had medium level of extension contact followed by 20.00 per cent with low level of extension contact and only 5.00 per cent of the respondents were found with high level of extension contact. Majority of the respondents (63.75%) had medium mass media exposure, followed by 23.75 per cent with low mass media exposure. Only 12.50 per cent of the respondents had low mass media exposure and majority of the respondents (81.25%) had medium level of exposure to training followed by 23.75 percent respondents with high level of exposure to training and only 7.50 percent respondents with low level of exposure to training. Majority of the respondents (46.25%) had low level of scientific orientation followed by 36.25 per cent respondents with medium level of scientific orientation and 17.50 per cent respondents with high level of scientific orientation. Majority of the respondents (60.00%) had low level of decision making ability followed by 33.75 per cent respondents with medium level of decision making ability and only 6.25 per cent respondents with high level of decision making ability. Most of the respondents (68.75%) had medium level of achievement motivation followed by 25.00 per cent respondents with low level of achievement motivation and only 6.25 per cent of them had high level of achievement motivation. Majority of the respondents (52.50%) had medium level of economic motivation followed by 32.50 per cent respondents with low level of economic motivation and 15.00 percent respondents with high level of economic motivation and majority of the respondents (71.25%) had medium level of management orientation followed by 17.50 per cent respondents with low level of management orientation. Only 11.25 per cent of iv the respondents were found with high level of management orientation. Majority of the respondents (67.50%) had medium level of risk bearing ability followed by 26.25 per cent respondents with low level of risk bearing ability and only 6.25 per cent respondents with high level of risk bearing ability. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents (53.75%) had medium level of knowledge on recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice, followed by 30.00 per cent respondents with low level of knowledge and the remaining 16.25 per cent of them were found with high level of knowledge. The findings revealed that majority of the farmers (71.25%) had medium extent of adoption, followed by 23.75 per cent of the respondents having low extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. Only 5.00 per cent of them had high extent of adoption of recommended package of practices of organic black rice. Findings of correlation analysis indicated that out of the 19 selected independent variables, 9 independent variables were significantly correlated with farmers’ level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. Among the 9 independent variables, 8 variables viz., education level (0.841), farming experience as organic black rice cultivator (0.339), extension contact (0.843), mass media exposure (0.477), exposure to training (0.820), scientific orientation (0.328), decision making ability (0.741) and management orientation (0.829) showed significant and positive relationship with the level of knowledge of recommended cultivation practices of organic black rice at 0.01 level of probability and 1 variable viz., farm mechanization (0.272) showed significant and positive relationship with the level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice at 0.05 level of probability. The variables which were found to have significant correlation with level of knowledge of recommended cultivation practices of organic black rice were further selected for multiple linear regression analysis with a view to determining the relative influence of those variables in predicting the variation in level of knowledge. The prediction power of multiple regressions was estimated with the help of coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) and adjusted R2. Out of 9 independent variables, only 5 variables, viz., education level (0.329), extension contact (0.716), exposure to training (0.155), decision making ability (0.544) and management orientation (0.267) were found to contribute significantly towards v variation in the farmers’ level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. Four variables, viz., extension contact, exposure to training, decision making ability and management orientation showed significant contribution towards level of knowledge at 0.01 level of probability and only one variable viz., education level showed significant contribution towards the level of knowledge of recommended cultivation practices of organic black rice at 0.05 level of probability. The value of R2 (0.902) indicated that 9 independent variables selected for the study were efficient in predicting the level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. The 9 independent variables fitted in the linear regression analysis could predict 90.20 per cent of the variation in the farmers’ level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. The value of adjusted R2 (0.890) indicated that 9 independent variables selected for regression analysis could predict 89.00 per cent of the variation in the farmers’ level of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice taking only the useful variables into account. Findings of correlation analysis indicated that out of the 20 selected independent variables, 10 independent variables were significantly correlated with extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers. Among the 10 independent variables, 9 variables viz, education level (0.793), size of operational land holding (0.736), extension contact (0.857), mass media exposure (0.859), exposure to training (0.831), scientific orientation (0.781), decision making ability (0.449), achievement motivation (0.548) and economic motivation (0.849) showed significant and positive relationship with the extent of adoption of recommended cultivation practices of organic black rice at 0.01 level of probability and 1 variable viz., knowledge (0.261) showed significant and positive relationship with the extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice at 0.05 level of probability. The variables which were found to have significant correlation with extent of knowledge of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice were further selected for multiple linear regression analysis with a view to determining the relative influence of those variables in predicting the variation in extent of adoption. The prediction power of multiple regressions was estimated with the help of coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) and adjusted R2. vi Out of 10 independent variables, only 6 variables, viz., education level (1.075), extension contact (1.978), scientific orientation (0.256), achievement motivation (0.237), economic motivation (0.317) and knowledge (0.107) were found to contribute significantly towards variation in the extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers. Three variables, viz., education level, extension contact and scientific orientation showed significant contribution towards extent of adoption at 0.01 level of probability and the remaining three variables viz., achievement motivation, economic motivation and knowledge level showed significant contribution towards the extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice at 0.05 level of probability. The value of R2 (0.908) indicated that 10 independent variables selected for the study were efficient in predicting the extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice. The 10 independent variables fitted in the linear regression analysis could predict 90.80 per cent of the variation in the extent of adoption of recommended organic cultivation practices of black rice by the farmers. All the respondents (100.00%) perceived that ‘high cost of labour during peak time’ was the most important constraint (ranked first) faced by the farmers in production of organic black rice. The other constraints faced by the farmers in order of importance were ‘small and fragmented land holding’ (97.50%), ‘Lack of knowledge of latest technical information’ (75.00%), ‘Inability to attend training programmes on organic black rice production due to distance’ (67.50%), ‘Lack of skill to operate machines/implements’(50.00%), ‘Lack of knowledge about organic certification process’(45.00%), and ‘non-availability of equipments’ (11.25%) which were ranked 2nd, 3rd , 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th respectively. Regarding marketing related problems, majority (77.50%) of the respondents perceived that ‘lack of market related information’ was the most important constraint faced by the farmers which was ranked first. The other constraints faced by the members in marketing of organic black rice were ‘lack of market facility other than MOMA’ (72.50%), ‘low selling price’ (37.50%), and ‘poor storage facility’ (12.50%) which were assigned ranks from 2nd to 4th respectively.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Management Orientation and Productivity of the Members of Farmers Producer Company with reference to Potato Production in Assam(2023) Hussain, Irshad; Das, P. K.The present study entitled “A Study on Management Orientation and Productivity of the Members of Farmers Producer Company with reference to Potato Production in Assam” was carried out with the following objectives: 1) To study the personal, socio-economic, psychological and communication characteristics of the members of Farmer Producer Company 2) To assess the level of management orientation of the members of Farmer Producer Company 3) To assess the level of productivity of potato by the members of Farmer Producer Company 4) To identify the factors which influence management orientation and productivity of the members of Farmer Producer Company 5) To determine the direct and indirect effects of selected factors on the level of management orientation and potato productivity of the members of Farmer Producer Company 6) To identify the constraints as perceived by the members of Farmer Producer Company in production and marketing of potato The study was undertaken in Sonitpur and Nagaon districts of Assam which were selected purposively, as two Farmer Producer Companies dealing with commercial potato production were operating in these two districts. Two FPCs namely, Satbhani Potato Producer Company limited of Sonitpur district and Sankar Azan Agro Producer Company limited of Nagaon district were selected purposively for the study. Six villages were selected from each of the FPCs therefore all together twelve villages were selected for the study randomly by using the equal allocation method to get a sample size of 300 farmer members. The primary data for the study were collected by the personal interview method with the help of a structured research schedule. The primary data for the study were collected during the month of February, March and April of 2022. Management orientation and productivity of potato were the dependent variables in the study. A standard scale was developed in the present study to assess the level of management orientation of the members of Farmer Producer Company following the procedure followed by Sharma et al. (2012). A total of 21 independent variables were selected for the study. The independent variable included in the study were Age, Education level, Family size, Family type, Potato farming experience, Occupational status, Size of operational land holding, Area under potato cultivation, Net annual income from potato, Social participation, Farm Mechanization, Scientific orientation, Leadership ability, Decision making ability, Risk orientation, Achievement motivation, Economic motivation, Degree of information exposure, Exposure to training on potato cultivation, Adoption of improved potato production technology and Knowledge on potato production practices. The statistical techniques and tests used in the study for analysis and interpretation of the data were frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, co-efficient of variation, multiple correlations, multiple regression, t-test for testing the significance of the coefficients for correlation and regression analysis and path analysis. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (56.34%) were belonged to middle aged category and middle school level of education (46.34%). Majority of the respondents (61.33%) belonged to the nuclear family with small family size (51.57%) upto 5 members. Majority of the respondents (59.33%) had medium term potato farming experience with (70.00%) of respondents used to follow cultivation as their occupation. Most of the respondents (38.66%) belonged to the marginal farmer category and (56.33%) of the respondents were having a land area up to 0.8 ha under potato cultivation. Majority of the respondents (52.00%) had high net annual income from potato above Rs. 173543. In case of social participation majority of the respondents (85.33%) were member of one organization. Majority of the respondents had medium level of farm mechanization (71.66%), medium level of scientific orientation (69.66%) and medium level of leadership ability (63.66%). Majority of the respondents had medium level of decision making ability (60.34%), medium level of risk orientation (67.66%), medium level of achievement motivation (65.33%) and medium level of economic motivation (64.33%). Among the personal cosmopolite sources of information, majority (54.33%) respondents used to get the information by Input dealers in regular basis. And through personal localite sources of information, friends/ relatives/ neighbors or fellow farmers majority (41.66%) of the respondents used to get the information regularly. Among the mass-media sources, farm publications were used regularly by majority (24.00%) of the respondents and overall majority of the respondents (55.00%) had medium level of information exposure. It was found that majority of the respondents (51.67%) had no exposure to training. Majority of the respondents (64.00%) were found in the medium level of adoption in case of adoption of improved potato production technology and majority of the respondents (71.34%) had medium level of knowledge on potato production technology. Majority of the respondents (64.34%) belongs to medium management orientation of the members of the farmers producer company, whereas 19.33 per cent of the respondents belongs to the category of low management orientation. The remaining 16.33 per cent of the respondents had high management orientation. It was observed that the majority of the respondents (71.34%) had medium level of productivity followed by 15.33 per cent respondents with low productivity and 13.33 per cent respondents were found with high level of productivity. The mean value 27.61 indicated that on average respondents had medium level of productivity. The coefficients of correlation were worked out to examine the relationship of 21 independent variables with the management orientation of the members of FPC. Almost all the 17 variables viz., education level (0.149), potato farming experience (0.175), size of operational land holding (0.550), area under potato cultivation (0.583), net annual income from potato (0.744), social participation (0.268), farm mechanization (0.824), scientific orientation (0.865), leadership ability (0.812), decision making ability (0.873), risk orientation (0.822), achievement motivation (0.877), economic motivation (0.782), degree of information exposure (0.888) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (0.178), adoption of improved potato production technology (0.340) and knowledge on potato production practices (0.744) showed significant and positive relationship with the management orientation of the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. The correlation analysis of productivity of potato with the independent variable indicated that out of the 21 selected independent variables, 17 independent variables were significantly correlated with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. Among the 21 independent variables, 16 variables viz, potato farming experience (0.152), size of operational land holding (0.377), area under potato cultivation (0.384), net annual income from potato (0.552), social participation (0.195), farm mechanization (0.636), scientific orientation (0.747), leadership ability (0.724), decision making ability (0.711), risk orientation (0.884), achievement motivation (0.849), economic motivation (0.864), degree of information exposure (0.769) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (0.150), adoption of improved potato production technology (0.288) and knowledge on potato production practices (0.631) showed significant and positive relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. Only independent variable family size (0.132) showed significant relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC at 0.05 level of probability. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the contributory effects of selected independent variables with the management orientation. Results of regression analysis revealed that 8 variables, viz., net annual income from potato (b=0.288), farm mechanization (b=0.132), scientific orientation (b=0.118), decision making ability (b=0.182), achievement motivation (b=0.261), economic motivation (b=0.159), degree of information exposure (b=0.224) and knowledge on potato production practices (b=0.090) had positive and significant relationship with the management orientation of the members of farmers producer company at 0.01 level of probability and 3 variables viz., area under potato cultivation (b=0.108), Risk orientation (b=0.150) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (b=0.039) showed significant and positive relationship with the management orientation of the members farmers producer company of at 0.05 level of probability. The value of coefficient of multiple determination (R2) being 0.923 indicated that the eleven independent variables jointly could predict 92.30 percent of the variation in the level of management orientation. Results of regression analysis of selected independent variables with the productivity of potato revealed that among the 17 independent variable, 4 variables viz., net annual income from potato (b=0.202), risk orientation (b=0.361), achievement motivation (b=0.199) and economic motivation (b=0.306) had positive and significant relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of farmers producer company at 0.01 level of probability and 2 variables viz., potato farming experience (b=0.053) and area under potato cultivation (b=0.167) showed significant and positive relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of farmers producer company of at 0.05 level of probability. The value of R2 (0.837) indicated that 6 independent variables selected for the study were efficient in predicting the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. The 6 independent variables fitted in the linear regression analysis could predict 83.70 per cent of the variation in the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. Path analysis was done to get a clear picture of how the chosen independent variables affected both directly and indirectly the level of management orientation and productivity of potato by the members of the Farmer Producer Company. The results of path analysis in management orientation revealed that the highest direct effect on the management orientation was exhibited by net annual income from potato (0.274) which was followed by achievement motivation (0.263) and degree of information exposure (0.209). The maximum indirect effect was exhibited by the degree of information exposure (1.315), which was followed by scientific orientation (1.218). The highest total effect on the management orientation by the members was exhibited by degree of information exposure (1.524) and followed by scientific orientation (1.312). In case of productivity of potato the results of path analysis revealed that the highest direct effect on the productivity of potato was exhibited by risk orientation (0.363) which was followed by economic motivation (0.315) and area under potato cultivation (0.231). The maximum indirect effect was exhibited by the achievement motivation (0.832), which was followed by economic motivation (0.769). And the highest total effect on the productivity of potato by the members was exhibited by risk orientation (1.108) followed by economic motivation (1.084). The most important constraints faced by the majority of the respondents (82.66%) is the ‘Blight problem’ in production faced by the members of FPCs. The other constraints faced by the members in order of importance were ‘Lack of availability of good quality seeds’ (75.33%), ‘Unavailability of fertilizers in planting time’ (68.00%), ‘High cost of good quality inputs’ (62.66%) and ‘Labour shortage problem during the planting and harvesting time’ (59.00). Regarding marketing constrains majority of the respondents (86.33%) perceived that ‘Lack of proper market place’ was the most important constraint faced by the members of FPCs. The other constraints faced by the members in marketing of potato were ‘Lower market price due to import from other states’ (78.66%), ‘Involvement of middleman in the marketing system’(64.33%), ‘Low price given by the brokers’(59.00%), ‘Inadequate storage facility’ (49.66%) and ‘Increasing charge of cold storage’ (35.33%).ThesisItem Open Access A study on managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur district of Assam with reference to commercial litchi production(2023) Thakuria, Samar; Das, P. K.he study entitled “A study on managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur district of Assam with reference to commercial litchi production” was conducted with the following objectives: 1. Measure the managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited with reference to commercial litchi production 2. Find out the factors influencing managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited with reference to commercial litchi production 3. Identify the constraints faced by the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in management of litchi orchard The study was undertaken in Sonitpur district of Assam which was selected purposively, as the Farmer Producer Company dealing with commercial litchi production was operating in this district. FPC namely, Agnigarh Producer Company Limited of Sonitpur district was selected purposively for the study. A sample of 80 respondents was selected from the 13 selected villages following a proportionate random sampling technique. The primary data for the study were collected by the personal interview method with the help of a structured research schedule. The primary data for the study were collected during the month of February, 2023 and June, 2023. Keeping in view the objectives of the study, 18 independent variables and 1 dependent variable were included in the study. The independent variable included in the study were Age, Education level, , Size of operational land holding, Area under litchi cultivation, Annual net farm income, Litchi yield, Farm mechanization, Irrigated area under litchi cultivation, Level of farm wage payment related to litchi cultivation, Experience in litchi cultivation, Social participation, Adoption of recommended litchi production technology, Achievement motivation, Orientation towards the competition, Attitude towards modern agriculture, Risk orientation, Extension contact, Exposure to training on litchi cultivation. The dependent variable included in the study was the managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited with reference to commercial litchi production which was measured by using the scale developed by Jadav (2005). Extensive literature was browsed for seeking additional information on the conceptual framework of the dependent variable. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents (43.75%) belonged to middle aged category. Majority of the respondents (41.25%) had formal education up to higher secondary/PU level and there were not any respondents from illiterate, can read only category in the study area. Majority of respondents (41.25%) belonged to small farmer in land holding category. Majority of the respondents (50.00%) were having area from 0.10 to 1.5 ha under litchi orchard with medium annual net farm income ranging from Rs 94278.31 to Rs 156528.93. Majority of the respondents (60.00%) had medium level of litchi yield, medium level of farm mechanization (70.00%) and medium level of irrigated area under litchi cultivation (77.50%). Majority of them (80.00%) had medium level of farm wage payment related to litchi cultivation. Majority of respondents (53.75%) had 9-19 yearsof experience in litchi cultivation. Majority of the respondents (55.00%) were belonged from having membership in one organization. Majority of them (70.00%) had medium level of adoption of recommended litchi production technology, medium level of achievement motivation (68.75%), medium level of orientation towards the competition (67.50%), medium level of attitude towards modern agriculture (63.75), medium level of risk orientation (67.50%), medium level of extension contact (63.75) and high level of exposure to training on litchi cultivation (50.00%). Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (61.25%) had medium level of managerial ability index. The mean score (56.62%) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of managerial ability index with standard deviation of 15.69. The value of co-efficient of variation (27.72) indicated that the respondents were relatively homogenous with respect to their level of managerial ability index.Majority of the respondents (50.00%) had medium level of knowledge on scientific practices of litchi,medium level of planning ability (63.75%), medium level of organizing ability(45.00%),medium level of supervising ability (72.50%),medium level budgeting ability(50.00%), medium level of coordinating ability (53.75%),medium level communication ability (60.00%).Majority of them(56.25%) had medium level of controlling ability,medium level ofdecision making ability (52.50%),medium level of human relationship ability (61.25%). Findings revealed that Mean supervising ability score (70.93) indicated that on an average the respondents had high level of supervising ability (ranked first),mean communication ability score (62.49)indicated that on an average the respondents had high level of communication ability (ranked second),mean decision making ability score (61.62) indicated that on an average the respondents had high level of decision making ability(ranked third).Mean organizing ability score (61.60) indicated that on an average the respondents had high level of organizing ability, mean human relationship ability score (60.62) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of human relationship ability, followed by mean controlling ability score (59.68) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of controlling ability, mean budgeting ability score (58.53) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of budgeting ability, mean coordinating ability score (56.81) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of coordinating ability which were ranked Fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight respectively. Similarly, the mean planning ability score (53.74) indicated that on an average the respondents had low level of planning ability. The mean knowledge in scientific practices of litchi score (49.78) indicated that on an average the respondents had medium level of knowledge in scientific practices of litchi which were ranked ninth and tenth respectively. Findings of correlation analysis indicated that out of the 18 selected independent variables, 12 independent variables were significantly correlated with the managerial ability of the members of FPC. All these 12 independent variables viz., education level (0.687), size of operational land holding (0.520), area under litchi orchard (0.327), annual net farm income (0.686), level of wage payment related to litchi cultivation (0.404), experience in litchi cultivation (0.634), adoption of recommended litchi production technology (0.704), achievement motivation (0.716), attitude towards modern agriculture (0.465), risk orientation (0.793), extension contact (0.810) and exposure to training on litchi cultivation (0.587) showed significant and positive relationship with the managerial ability of the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. The findings of the regression analysis indicated that out of 12 independent variables, only 5 variables, viz., educational level (1.819), experience in litchi cultivation (0.415), achievement motivation (1.001), extension contact (1.588) and exposure to training on litchi cultivation (3.334) were found to contribute significantly towards variation in the managerial ability of the members of FPC. Two variables viz., educational level, experience in litchi cultivation showed significant contribution towards the managerial ability of the members of FPC at 0.05 level of probability. Three variables viz., achievement motivation, extension contact and exposure to training on litchi cultivation showed significant contribution towards the managerial ability of the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. The 12 independent variables fitted in the linear regression analysis could predict 92.30 per cent of the variation in the managerial ability of the members of FPC. Findings revealed that "High incidence of bats and birds" got the highest score (PCI-217) and hence was the 1st ranked problem of the majority of the respondents. Followed by "Litchi yield loss due to weather condition" which got the 2nd highest scores (PCI-200) and hence ranked as the 2nd major problem. “High cost of labour' was another problem faced by members of Agnigarh Produce Company Limited in management of litchi orchard which was ranked third on the basis of the 3rd highest score (PCI-199). "Scarcity of labour in time" was ranked 4th among problems faced by the respondents while with a PCI score-189. "Lack of irrigation facility" got the 5th rank among the problems based on the score of PCI-178 as mentioned by the respondents.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON PERCEPTION OF ASSAM AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TOWARDS FARMING AS A MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD(2023) S, KAVIYA; Borah, DebajitThe study entitled “A Study on Perception of Assam Agricultural University Students Towards Farming as a means of Livelihood” was carried out in all three campuses with faculty of agriculture in Assam Agricultural University i.e., CoA, BNCA and SCSCA. The research was carried out with the objective to study the perception of agricultural students towards farming as a means of livelihood, to identify the factors influencing the willingness of students to take up farming as a means of livelihood and to find out the difficulties faced by students while selecting farming as a means of livelihood. A proportionate stratified sampling design was followed for selecting a total of 300 respondents from 3rd year and 4th year students. Data were collected with the help of google form sent through mail during April-May, 2023. The findings of the study revealed that all the students were in the age of 20-24, 55.33% and 44.67% of the students were males and females. 47.33% and 52.66% of respondents were 3rd year and 4th year. Most of the students (72%) were had obtained CGPA of 7.00 to 8.50.16% of respondents had selected agronomy as their elective subject. 56% and 44% of respondents were from rural and urban background. About 63% of the respondents had small (1-4) family.46.67% and 51% of students mother and father were graduated and almost half (49%) of the fathers were government employment and most of the mothers were housewife. About 72% of respondent’s family had medium level of annual income. 61% of students had operational land holding for farming, among 74% of the students had marginal land holding. More than two-fifth (45%) of students had very-low level of resource availability. Around 71% of respondents had no farming experience and 63% of students had contact with Agri professionals. 73%, 64%, 68%, 72% and 67% of the respondents had medium level of achievement motivation, self-confidence, risk orientation, mass media exposure and agricultural business anxiety, respectively. Nearly two-third (65%) of students had medium level of perception towards farming as a means of livelihood. Most of the student’s perception towards farming was “It develops awareness about the surrounding environment”. Family size, Achievement Motivation, Self-confidence, Risk orientation, Mass media exposure and Agricultural Business Anxiety were significantly related with perception towards farming as a means of livelihood. The association of elective subject, parent’s education, parent’s occupation and farming experience with the perception of students towards farming as a means of livelihood was found. Majority of the respondents (83%) were willing to take up farming career and most of the students were willing to grow ornamental plants. Binary logistics regression revealed that academic performance, annual income of family, operational land holding, farming experience, achievement motivation, self-confidence, risk orientation and agricultural business anxiety were the factors that influencing the willingness of students to take up farming as a means of livelihood. The major difficulties faced by students while selecting farming as a means of livelihood were risk of crop failure, chronic fluctuation of prices of agricultural products, high cost of cultivation and lower returns and unpredictable climate change. Some of the suggestions given by students to overcome the problems were financial assistance from government, regulation of prices of agricultural produces, improvement of quality of rural life and infrastructure. So, efforts should be made by government, policy makers and planners to reduce the enormity of the problems given by the agricultural students while selecting farming as a means of livelihood.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Prevalence of Social Anxiety among Students(2023) Laldinpuii, B.; Bhattacharjee, RupjyotiAnxiety is a mental health condition in which the person anticipates a future worry and reacts to specific items and situations with dread and fright. Social anxiety is a persistent mental health issue characterized by unreasonable anxiety during social interactions. Everyday social encounters for those with social anxiety can result in unreasonable worry, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. Symptoms can include an extreme fear of being judged, feeling embarrassed or ashamed, or worry about upsetting someone. The college time is critical for college students’ rapid maturity of cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Interpersonal communication is becoming increasingly vital in college students’ studies, lives, and employment. It is one of the most significant psychological issues influencing college students’ studies and lifestyles, and interpersonal communication issues are prevalent among today's college students. (Luan Y. et al, 2022). The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of social anxiety among students, to assess gender difference in the prevalence of social anxiety and to find out the impact of social anxiety on life style of the students. The study was conducted on 198 numbers of college going students who falls under the age group of 19-21 years. Two questionnaires were used for data collection. The responses were coded and analysed. The findings revealed that social anxiety was prevalent among students as about a quarter of the students (24.8%) were found to have a high level of social anxiety and 56.6 percent of the students were found to have a moderate level of social anxiety. Social anxiety has the potential to negatively impact all aspects of life, including social relationships, academic performance, emotional well-being, and future work opportunities — particularly if left unaddressed. With proper planning and understanding of its unique effects on students, educators can create an inviting environment for all students to learn and grow.