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ThesisItem Open Access Evaluative perception of appropriateness of the recommended fertiliser management practices(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Rasheed Sulaiman, V; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, RA study was undertaken to investigate into the extent of knowledge, extent of adoption and evaluative perception of appropriateness of the recommended fertilizer management practices among rice farmers (n=200) and Agricultural Demonstrators (n=54) in Palghat and Cannanore Districts of Kerala State. The study revealed that farmers of Palghat and Cannanore differed significantly with respect to their knowledge and adoption of fertiliser management practices with farmers of Palaghat having higher level of knowledge and adoptionThesisItem Open Access Structural and functional linkages in the transfer of technology of improved rice varieties released by the Kerala agricultural university-a system analysis(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Abdul rahiman Kunju, O; KAU; Tampi, A MThe study aimed at analyzing the extent of existing structural and functional linkages between and among the Research Sub- system (RSS), the Extension Sub-system (ESS), the Client Sub- system (CSS) and the Input Sub- system (ISS) in the transfer of technology (TOT) of improved rice varieties released by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). The study was conducted in the Alleppey, Ernakulam, Trichur and Palghat districts of Kerala. Respondents of the study consisted of 52 researchers, 134 extension personnel, 110 farmers and 32 representatives from the input agencies. To delineate the structural linkages between and among the four sub- systems involved in the TOT process, detailed analysis of the existing formal mechanics of linkage were analysed. Linkage activities that could be performed by each sub- system were identified and relevancy rated for measuring the extent of performance and perception of importance of these linkage activities by the respondents. A linkage index was developed to measure the perception of importance of linkage activities by the respondents. Data from the RSS, ESS, and ISS were collected using separate pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data from the CSS were collected using a pre- tested structured interview schedule. In structural linkage, it was found that there were appreciable linkage forums for the RSS and the ESS. But there was lack of organized linkage forums for the CSS and the ISS. Representation for the ESS in the linkage forums of the RSS was found to be restricted to higher officials. There was no representation for the ISS in the important linkage forums of the RSS. The regularity and periodicity of convening of the package of practices workshops, Extension Advisory Committee (EAC) and State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) were also found not being strictly adhered to. In functional linkages, the extent of linkage of the ESS with CSS and the ESS with the ISS were significantly better and reciprocal. Though the RSS viewed its linkage with the ESS and the CSS as good, the ESS and the CSS did not subscribe to this view. Similarly, the ISS viewed that its linkage with the RSS and the CSS was good but the RSS and the CSS did not corroborate this. Based on these results the hypotheses set for the study were either rejected or accepted. In order to segregate the factors associated with the functional linkages between and among the four sub- systems in the TOT of improved rice varieties, principal- factor analysis was done and the factors were extracted and labeled appropriately. The perception about the importance of linkage activities of the ESS with the CSS and the ISS was significantly better and reciprocal. But the perception about the importance of linkage activities of the RSS with the ISS, the ESS with the RSS and the CSS with the RSS and the ISS were significantly poor and hence the hypotheses set for the study were rejected. Lack of infra- structural facilities for research followed by insufficient staff strength and lack of facilities to multiply seeds were the most- important constraints in evolving and spreading the improved rice varieties as perceived by the RSS. Susceptibility to pests and diseases followed by the need for heavy dose of fertilizers and pesticides and poor cooking quality were the most important constraints in spreading and adopting the improved rice varieties as perceived by the ESS, the CSS and the ISS. Based on the results of the study, certain important implications have been spelt out.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of the effectiveness of national demonstraions conducted by the Kerala agricultural university(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1988) Syamala, K S; KAU; Balakrishnan, CWith a view to study the effectiveness of the National Demonstrations on the behaviour of farmers, the present investigation was undertaken under the title “An analysis of the effectiveness of National Demonstrations Conducted by the Kerala Agricultural University”. Effectiveness was measured in terms of the farmers’ knowing about, attitude towards the adoption of the demonstrated cultivation practices of paddy and their attitude towards the National Demonstration program. The farmers’ perception about the methodology followed in the conduct of the demonstrations and the constraints experienced by the farmer-demonstrations in conducting National Demonstrations were also analysed. The study was conducted in Quilon district where the program is ongoing. The sample consisted of 46 farmer-demonstrators and 100 randomly selected neighboring farmers. Data were collected using interview schedule and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of the data. The study revealed that the farmer-demonstrators’ knowledge about, attitude towards and adoption of the demonstrated practices were significantly affected by the National Demonstration program. The farmer demonstrators’ attitude towards the program was also favourable. But the effectiveness of the program was much less among the neighboring farmers. The selected independent variables together contributed significantly in the variation in the knowledge about and attitude towards the demonstrated practices of the farmer-demonstrators, but not in their adoption and attitude towards the programme. In the case of neighbouring farmers, the contribution of the selected independent variables in the variation in their knowledge, attitude and adoption of the practices and attitude towards National Demonstration program was significant. The methodology followed in the conduct of the demonstrations was not satisfactory as perceived by the farmers. The results of the constraint analysis also pointed out that follow-up, trainings and field days were given the least attention. The results point out to the need for proper planning and improvement in every step in the conduct of the programme to reach its cherished goals.ThesisItem Open Access Training programmes of Kerala agricultural university krishi vignan kendras- an analysis(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Sanjeev, K V; KAU; Thiagarajan Nair, GA study was conducted in Palghat and Wynad district to analyse the training programmes undertaken by Krishi Vignan Kendras at Pattambi and Ambalavayal. Impact of training with respect to the knowledge about, attitude towards and adoption of improved paddy cultivation practices was assessed. The study also aimed at identifying the motivational pattern of farmers for participation in training, their perception about training, suggestions for future trainings, and their training needs. Ex-post-facto design was used for the study. Data were collected from 80 trained farmers and 80 untrained farmers from Palghat and Wynad. Statistical analysis was done using non-parametric procedures. The study revealed that participation in training improved the knowledge of farmers about improved paddy cultivation practices, created favourable attitude towards improved paddy cultivation practices and there was increased adoption of the various practices. Of the eight independent variables considered in the study, only farming experience was found to be significantly related to the impact variables and that too only to the knowledge of farmers. Major motives of farmers in attending the training were economic motive, innovativeness, prestige motive and affiliation motive. Among tribal farmers in Wynad, affiliation motive was found to be stronger than prestige motive. Majority of the trained farmers perceived the training to be satisfactory with regard to the time of training, venue of training, use of audio-visual aids, opportunity for field visit and arrangements made at the venue. Training in the farmer’s field was proffered by majority of the farmers to institutional training. They preferred discussion method to lecture method. They wanted to have more of method demonstrations and issue of printed notes and preferred a training duration of one day. Areas in which farmers needed further trainings were high yielding varieties of paddy and their characters, fertilizers and their application and use of plant protection chemicals.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of the inservice training programme for the personnel of the department of agriculture conducted by the Kerala agricultural university(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Santhi, C U; KAU; Menon, A G GA study was undertaken to analyse the selected inservice training programmes conducted by the Kerala Agricultural University for the extension personel of the State Department of Agriculture to assess, 1. the impact of selected inservice training programmes on the professional knowledge of the trainees 2. the perception of the trainees about the treatment and utility of the selected inservice training programmes 3. the perceived effectiveness of training methodology followed in the inservice training programmes and factors related to it 4. the constraints experienced by the trainees, trainers and Course Directors of inservice training programmes conducted by the Kerala Agricultural University. Three selected training programmes namely ‘Training in plant protection for Agricultural Demonstrators’, ‘Training in pulses and oilseeds production technology for Agricultural Officers’ and ‘Training in audio-visual aids and techniques for Assistant Directors of Agriculture were evaluated with the objectives mentioned above. The study revealed that all the three categories of trainee-respondents namely, Agricultural Demonstrators, Agricultural Officers and Assistant Directors showed significant gain in knowledge due to the training programmes. The gain in knowledge due to training was the highest for Assistant Directors of Agriculture, followed by the Agricultural Officers and Agricultural Demonstrators. The independent variables namely; ‘education’, ‘number of previous trainings undergone’, ‘attitude towards extension profession’ and ‘job satisfaction’ of Agricultural Demonstrators were found to be significantly associated with their gain in knowledge. In the case of Agricultural Officers and Assistant Directors none of the independent variables showed significant association with their gain in knowledge. Among the three training programmes the ‘training in plant protection for Agricultural Demonstrators’ had the highest treatment-utility index (58.43), followed by the ‘training in pulses and oilseeds production technology for Agricultural Officers’ and ‘training in audio-visual aids and techniques for Assistant Directors’ for which the treatment – utility indices were 58.27 and 51.42 respectively. Both the Agricultural Demonstrators and Assistant Directors had the highest perception about the training methodology aspect namely ‘Timeliness of information about the training’ where as the Agricultural Officers had highest perception about the ‘Selection of subject matter for training’ in the pre-training stage. ‘The competency of the trainers in general’ was the training methodology aspect which was highly appreciated by the Agricultural Demonstrators in the in-training stage. ‘Opportunities for clarification of doubts’ and ‘opportunities for trainees participation’ were given highest perception scores respectively by the Agricultural Officers and Assistant Directors in the in-training stage. In the post-training stage all the three categories of respondents namely the Agricultural Demonstrators, Agricultural Officers and Assistant Directors had the highest perception about the ‘Monitoring and evaluation of training’. The Agricultural Demonstrators were constrained with the ‘Poor lodging facilities and poor boarding facilities’ provided for them. The ‘Lack of skill practice’, ‘Inadequate practicals’ and ‘Lack of field visits’ were the serious constraints experienced by the Agricultural Officers. The Assistant Directors perceived the ‘Insufficient transportation facilities’ and ‘Non-supply of training literature’ as serious constraints. Both the trainers and Course Directors felt the ‘inadequacy of transportation facilities’ as serious constraint.ThesisItem Open Access Awareness and training needs of officers of the department of agriculture in watershed planning(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Sheela, L; KAU; Balakrishna Pillai, GA study was undertaken to assess the awareness and training needs of officers of the department of Agriculture in watershed planning. The study was conducted in five districts of Kerala. The respondents were the Junior Soil Conservation Officers (JSCOs) Junior Soil Survey Officers (JSSOs) of the Soil Conservation Unit and Agricultural Officers (AOs) of the department of agriculture. Total sample size was 100 of which 21 were JSCOs, 19 were JSSOs and 60 were AOs. A knowledge test and aptitude scale were constructed for the study. Data were collected with the help of a well constructed interview schedule which was pretested. The data thus collected were subjected to correlation, path analysis, multiple regression etc. to derive the results. The study revealed that more than 47 per cent of the JSCOs possessed high level of awareness in watershed planning. Majority of the respondents among the JSSOs and AOs possessed only low level of awareness in watershed planning. Majority of the JSCOs had high level of knowledge in watershed planning. Only 21 per cent of the JSSOs had high level of knowledge in watershed planning. Same was the case with AOs. Only 33 percent of AOs possessed high level of knowledge in watershed planning. Only 33 per cent of the JSCOs were having a high attitude score regarding watershed planning. About 22 percent of the JSSOs were in the high attitude group and the same numbers of respondents were in the low attitude group. Majority of the AOs were having low attitude score regarding watershed planning. Educational status, information seeking behaviour, training undergone and self confidence were positively and significantly related to the knowledge of the officials in watershed planning. Age and experience was found to have negative and significant relationship with the knowledge of the JSCOs only. Educational status, information seeking behaviour, training undergone and self confidence were found to have positive and significant relationship with the attitude of the officers towards watershed planning. Age was found to have negative and significant relationship with the attitude of the JSCOs and JSSOs towards watershed planning. Experience was found to have negative and significant relationship with the attitude of the JSCOs towards watershed planning. Self confidence had the highest direct effect on knowledge of the JSCOs in watershed planning and age had the highest indirect effect. Information seeking behaviour had the highest direct effect on knowledge of the JSSOs and training undergone had the highest indirect effect. Self confidence had the highest direct effect on knowledge of the AOs in watershed planning and information seeking behaviour had the highest indirect effect. Information seeking behaviour had the highest direct effect on the attitude of the JSCOs towards watershed planning. Highest indirect effect was that of age. Self confidence had the highest direct effect on the attitude of the JSSOs towards watershed planning and educational status had the highest indirect effect. Self confidence had the highest direct effect and information seeking behaviour had the highest indirect effect on the attitude of the AOs towards watershed planning. Variables experience, information seeking behaviour and job satisfaction had significant contribution to the knowledge of the JSCOs in watershed planning. Independently, only information seeking behaviour had significant contribution towards knowledge of JSSOs. Training undergone and self confidence had significant contribution to the knowledge of the AOs in watershed planning. None of the independent variables had significant contribution to the attitude of the JSCOs and JSSOs towards watershed planning. Only self confidence had significant contribution to the attitude of AOs towards watershed planning. Majority of the JSCOs perceived training need in watershed planning. A considerable number of JSSOs also perceived high training needs in watershed planning. But majority of the AOs perceived only a low training need in watershed planning. No significant difference in knowledge, attitude and training needs was observed between the JSCOs, but for awareness there was significant difference between these two groups. There was significant difference in awareness, knowledge attitude and training needs between the JSSOs and AOs and also between the JSCOs and AOs. Non-availability of demonstration plots for seeing the benefits of watershed management was the most important constraint in watershed planning as perceived by the JSCOs. But according to the JSSOs lack of awareness of the policy makers on the advantages of watershed planning and management was the most important constraint, whereas the AOs perceived inadequate training of the officers in watershed planning and management as the most important constraint.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of the training programmes under training and visit system in Kerala(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1984) Rajababu, M; KAU; Tampi, A MThe study was undertaken in Neyyattinkara (Trivandrum district ). Adoor (Quilon district) and Mavelikkara (Alleppey district) sub divisions in order to eveluvate the training programmes conducted under T & V system. Objectives of the study were the following. 1. To analyse the major training components, namely, the trainer, the trainee and the subject matter and other related components within the T & V system. 2. To study the perception and performance of these training components by the trainees towards achieving effective training programmes within the T & V system. 3. To analyse the methodology of training and the transfer of technology within the T & V system as perceived and employed by the trainees. 4. To find out the relationship between the perception and performance of the trainees with their personal characteristics.ThesisItem Open Access Utilization of soil test recommendations by the farmers in Trivandrum district(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1987) Balan, S; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, RThesisItem Open Access Evaluative perception of appropriateness of the recommended fertiliser management practices(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Rasheed Sulaiman, V; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, RA study was undertaken to investigate into the extent of knowledge, extent of adoption and evaluative perception of appropriateness of the recommended fertilizer management practices among rice farmers (n=200) and Agricultural Demonstrators (n=54) in Palghat and Cannanore Districts of Kerala State. The study revealed that farmers of Palghat and Cannanore differed significantly with respect to their knowledge and adoption of fertiliser management practices with farmers of Palaghat having higher level of knowledge and adoption
