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Open Access
Tools and services for m-extension: problems and prospects
(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Nagam Kusuma, Kumari; KAU; Sakeer Husain, A
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has now become an integral part of the development process. Mobile phones added speed to the ICT revolution by converging the services to create, store, access and share information anytime and anywhere making them all-in-one magical device. It has become such an integral part of everyday life that it estimated 7 billion subscriptions (International Telecommunication Union, 2016) i.e. 95 per cent of the world’s population. Rapid growth of mobile telephony and the development of mobile phone applications offer services to users that extend well beyond voice and text communications, which can effectively be utilized by the extension personnel for information dissemination and transfer of technology. Utilizing such new applications and services on mobile phones helps the extension personnel for speedy, accurate and timely supply of information to the farmers in various aspects related to agriculture and allied sectors. The present study attempted to analyse the awareness, extent of knowledge, extent of utilization and satisfaction of extension personnel on m-tools. It also explored the constraints perceived by the agricultural extension personnel in using m-tools and formulated strategies for effective m-extension in Kerala. The study was conducted among 150 agricultural extension personnel selected randomly from five districts; which were selected from five agro-climatic zones of Kerala. Data were collected by using pre tested-structured interview schedule. Contemporary mobile apps in agriculture suited to Indian conditions were identified based on ratings, and after downloading them, they were analysed for its contents on the specific information provided by them. Accordingly they were catalogued. The personal profile of the agricultural extension personnel revealed that 53.3 per cent were under middle age category ranging from 35-45 years. It was found that a greater proportion (63.3%) of the respondents were female. With regards to their educational status, more than half (56%) of them possessed a degree as their basic education whereas with reference to agricultural education, 32 per cent had done a certificate course in agriculture followed by 31.3 per cent with B.Sc. (Ag/Horti) graduation. Exactly 31.4 per cent of them had more than 15 years of experience as extension personnel in the State Department of Agriculture. In case of adopting new technologies majority (40%) of the extension personnel were found as imitators, which revealed that they preferred to take their own time to adopt new technologies. Majority of the extension personnel showed medium level of attitude towards m-tools (77.4%) and medium level of occupational commitment (71.3%). The ICT profile of the extension personnel revealed that 64.7 per cent of them had not attended any e-literacy training programmes whereas cent per cent had not attended mliteracy trainings. Mobile phone was the most frequently used gadget as it was owned by cent per cent of the extension personnel. Internet connectivity was good and sufficient for accessing various m-tools which secured a mean score of 3.54. Most (84%) of the extension personnel were aware of Kisan Call Centre when compared to other m-tools. In case of extent of utilisation, most of the respondents were not making use of m-tools but those who were making use of them showed a good satisfaction level. Among the constraints perceived by the extension personnel in using m-tools, unavailability of user friendly m-apps in Malayalam language was identified as the major constraint followed by non-availability of mobile phone networks in rural areas, lack of exposure to m-education among extension personnel, low level of e-readiness by the extension personnel/organizations and so on. Majority (82%) of the extension personnel opined that m-apps were necessary for effective extension work and the information required by them through m-tools comprised of information on pest and disease identification and control measures, location specific weather and marketing aspects, availability of quality inputs and so on. In order to facilitate effective m-extension in Kerala, there is urgent necessity for organising e-literacy and m-literacy training programmes. Similarly there is a need to modify the G.O. No. 14409/R2/2011/P& ARD which stated a restriction on the use of mobile phone in work place. Mobile voice messages to language minorities focus on developing user friendly apps in Malayalam, providing official smart phones to extension personnel, exposure of extension personnel on m-education and policy level decisions to make the agricultural extension organisations e-ready are some of the strategies to be considered for effective mextension in Kerala.
Open Access
Transition to organic agriculture in Kasaragod district: a multi dimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Seenu Joseph; KAU; Jiju, P Alex
Following the widely reported issues of ‘endosulfan’ victims in Kasaragod and in view of the increasing concerns on the impact of indiscriminate use of pesticides, the Government of Kerala has banned the use of chemical inputs for plant protection in Kasaragod district, as a pilot initiative and declared it as ‘organic district’ in 2012.While activists and a section of farmers supported the ban and conversion to organic agriculture, a considerable section of the farming community and extension personnel were apprehensive of the functional difficulties involved in conversion. The present study attempted to characterise the process of transition to organic agriculture in Kasaragod District and find out the nature and extent of institutional support available for this transition. The study also explored the perception of major stakeholders about organic farming, impact of the ban and the functional constraints. The sample included 90 farmers drawn at the rate of 30 farmers each of three major crops viz. Coconut, Banana and Rice. Multistage random sampling method was employed to select farmers from the six panchayats which were selected from the six blocks in the district. The sample also included 40 extension personnel from the department of agriculture. Data were collected by using structured interview schedules, questionnaires and consultative discussions.A historical review showed that organic policy of the state and the pilot project evolved from the recommendations of various committees and commissions that had examined the reports on congenital malformations and diseases reported widely from Kasaragod since 1979. A detailed analysis of the special programme on organic farming implemented by the Department of Agriculture from 2012-13 to 2016-17 indicated that the interventions to sustain the ban and promote organic agriculture had not been uniform. Moreover, majority of the farmers (67.8%) and extension personnel (75%) had unfavourable perception about the ban on chemical inputs. However, 96.7 per cent of farmers and 77.5 per cent of extension personnel were found to perceive the dimensions of sustainability of organic agriculture favourably. While the costs of production of paddy and coconut were found to increase in organic methods, no significant increase was observed in banana. However, both paddy and banana were registered reduction in yield by 21 per cent and 26.4 per cent respectively, on adopting organic agriculture. No significant difference could be obtained in the yield of coconut after conversion. As much as 56.6 per cent of the farmers had low levels of adoption of organic practices. Mulching, incorporation of residues, application of FYM etc., were found to be adopted invariably across different crops.Institutional support was found to be inadequate as majority of the farmers (88.8%) had not availed institutional support in terms of subsidy for organic manure production. However, training programmes had been widely conducted in several places. Among the different socio economic and psychological variables, ‘attitude’ was found to have significant role in transforming adoption level from low to medium. ‘Contact with extension agency’ and ‘availability of organic inputs’ were found to transform adoption levels from medium to high. Poor quality of organic inputs, lack of availability of alternate plant protection materials, unavailability of organic inputs in time, high incidence of pest, disease and weeds, high cost of production and low market price were found to be the major constraints identified by farmers. For extension personnel, lack of effective alternative organic pesticide to replace inorganic pesticide, high incidence of pest, disease and weeds, unavailability of organic inputs in time, poor quality of the available organic inputs etc., were the major constraints. The constraints faced by the farming community calls for monetary compensation for the losses during the transition period, establishment of organic manure production units, adequate mechanisms for quality assurance of organic inputs, integration of various farming components, establishment of a network of markets exclusively for organic products, institution of minimum support price etc. Extensive conversion into organic farming would not be sustainable unless institutional support is strengthened.
Open Access
Analysis of development propgrammes for paddy promotion under decentralized planning in Thrissur distict
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Salpriya Seby; KAU; Mercykutty, M J
Agricultural development programmes are aimed at increasing food supply to feed the rapidly expanding population. The major challenge faced by the Government is to increase the agricultural production with limited natural resources in a sustainable manner for ensuring food security and providing income security to the farmers. With an objective to meet the growing demand for rice through increasing the rice production, the Government has been implementing various programmes. Simultaneously it is important that these programmes should be successful to the fullest in terms of achieving goals since, huge amount of money is spent on the same. Keeping these issues in view, the study entitled “Analysis of development programmes for paddy promotion under decentralized planning in thrissur district” has been framed. The present research work was taken up to study the trend of paddy promotion programmes and to delineate the components. The study has also analysed the perception of beneficiary farmers and extension personnel on the effectiveness of paddy promotion programmes under decentralized planning and the factors influencing the implementation. Apart from this the benefits and constraints of the programme were also analysed. For this, ninety beneficiary farmers of paddy promotion programmes under decentralized planning from three panchayats viz; Chelakkara, Arimpur and Adat were selected as the farmer respondents. Thirty extension personnel from the corresponding three blocks viz; Pazhayannur, Anthikkad and Puzhakkal constituted the other category of respondents. The secondary data were collected from the State Department of Agriculture and various government websites. The trend analysis of the amount allotted for agriculture and allied sectors in the Union budget shows that there was an increase in the per cent of share, from 2011- 12 to 2013- 14. Then the drop is sharp for succeeding two years and a slight increase was noticed in the recent year. The per cent share allotted for paddy promotion schemes in State plans showed a declining trend and a slight fluctuation was observed in the case of Thrissur district. The analysis of the financial allocations given to the three panchayats revealed that more than half of the total financial outlay has been utilized for paddy promotion programmes. The major paddy promotion schemes that had been implemented through Krishibhavans were identified as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, MOU Rice, Food Security Project as the Centrally sponsored schemes; Sustainable Development of Rice, ATMA & ATMA Plus as the State sponsored schemes. Under decentralized planning, Comprehensive Organic based Rice Development Project and paddy cultivation assistance to SC youth in Adat panchayat ; Distribution of HYV paddy seed in Arimpur panchayat and in Chelakkara different schemes were identified and all these were delineated. The schemes under decentralized planning varied among the panchayats, whereas the same Centrally and State sponsored schemes were implemented in all the three panchayats. Resource aspects was perceived as the most influencing factor, followed by scheme features, beneficiary aspects and leadership style and management approach of extension personnel in both cases of central and state schemes as well as schemes under decentralized planning. Profile of the beneficiary farmers were noted down. Majority of the beneficiary farmers belonged to ‘elderly’ age group (56 years and above), had high school education, belonged to large family(5 to 6 members), had an annual family income above 1 lakh rupees, and were small and marginal paddy farmers ( below 5 acres), and practiced paddy cultivation in their own land. The respondents were found to have medium level of economic motivation, risk orientation, mass media exposure, social participation, contact with extension agency, scientific and market orientation. The benefits accrued under decentralized planning were listed out and categorized into- socio economic development, asset generation, inputs availed, skill development. Kruskal Wallis test was employed to compare the perception of the beneficiary farmers on the effectiveness of paddy promotion schemes under decentralized planning. It was found that the farmers of Adat, Chelakkara and Arimpur panchayats had high, medium and low levels of perception respectively. Further, dimension wise perception was analysed and the panchayats were ranked accordingly. Majority of the extension personnel perceived the effectiveness of the programmes as good. Constraint analysis revealed that the beneficiaries of Arimpur panchayat experienced more number of constraints, followed by Chelakkara and Adat panchayats. The severity varied among the panchayats. The extension personnel perceived constraints in manpower as the most important one. The suggestions include increasing the number of components implemented and enhancing the subsidy amount under each comprehensive scheme with capacity building at different levels. For addressing the manpower constraints, at the institutional level appointment of more staff based on the geographical area of the panchayat and at field level, merging with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) are proposed. The persistent problem of timely seed availability may be addressed by devising innovative measures at local level as far as possible. In a nutshell, the paddy promotion programmes implemented under decentralized planning augmented sustainable rice farming. However, the effectiveness can be enhanced by rectifying the existing lacunae.
Open Access
Technology utilisation of organic plant protection practices of KAU
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Aparna, K V; KAU; Allan Thomas
The present study entitled “technology utilization of organic plant protection practices of KAU” was undertaken with the objectives of studying the adoption of standardized practices, factors affecting the rate of adoption and constraints in the process of adoption, if any with suggestions for refinement of organic plant protection practices. From Thiruvananthapuram district three panchayts namely, Nedumangad, Kunnathukal and Chenkal panchayats were selected from three blocks having more number of farmers practicing commercial vegetable cultivation along with organic practices for plant protection. Ninety such farmers were selected through simple random sampling procedure from the list of farmers provided by the respective agricultural officers. Two dependent variables and fourteen independent variables were studied and analyzed with the help of different scales and techniques. On analysis of data it was found that most of the respondents (53.33%) belonged to old age group and majority of respondents (63.33%) were having high school level of education and 5.56% of farmers were identified as illiterate. Majority of farmers (84.44%) had agriculture as their primary occupation. More than half of the respondents (73.33%) were having experience in farming for more than 5 years. More than 50% of farmers (87.78%) had 1-2 acres of farm land. Most of farmers (51.11%) followed scientific practices only. Majority of farmers belonged to medium category with respect to information source utilization (54.44%), extension orientation (55.56%), economic motivation (88.89%), environmental concern (62.22%), market perception (67.78%), risk orientation (74.44%), and attitude (67.78%). The results also points to the fact that the most widely used information source was television (43.33%) followed by magazines (37.78%) and newspapers (33.33%) respectively. When 63.34% of respondents felt that television was the information source that was more useful, and 81.11% of respondents felt that information kiosk was the source that was not that useful for the farmers. Distribution of respondents based on extension contact showed that the majority of respondents (50%) visited Krishi bhavan for getting information and support. In case of distribution of respondents based on extension participation 36.67% reported that they participated in seminars as and when conducted. Majority farmers (77.78% and 64.44%) were having medium level of awareness and knowledge about organic plant protection practices. Seven out of 12 variables were significantly correlating with extent of knowledge on organic plant protection aspects at 1% significance. They were farm size, farming experience, extension orientation, information source utilization, market perception, awareness on organic plant protection practices and attitude towards organic plant protection practices. In case of plant protection preferences family safe food concept ranked one followed by cost effective plant protection practices, and sustainability. Majority (97.78% each) of farmer respondents reported that use of botanicals and cultivating crop mixtures were the two practices that were effective for them. In case of extent of perceived usefulness of the technology 97.78% opined that cultivating crop mixtures followed by use of botanicals (69.8%) was useful. More than half of farmers belonged to medium (83.33%) level of adoption and majority (44.44%) of farmers belonged to early majority group in Rogers standard adopter category curve. The results of ANOVA revealed that there was no significant difference among the three panchayats of study in terms of adoption level. Extent of adoption was positively and significantly correlated with seven out of 12 independent variables at 1% significance, namely, farm size, farming experience, extension orientation, information source utilization, market perception, awareness and attitude. Technology need assessment as perceived by organic farmers revealed that maximum need was observed for soil solarization technologies. One kg of fresh cow dung was mixed with10 litres of water with crushed neem leaves and kept for 6 hours. The clear solution then is filtered and the supernatant liquid was sprayed at regular intervals to manage the leaf spot of amaranthus. Lack of knowledge on organic plant protection products and its preparation cum use was perceived to be the most important reason for non adoption of organic plant protection practices followed by lack of support from extension agents and many organic plant protection practices were not effective especially in commercial growing tracts. The major constraint experienced by farmers was the ongoing drought situation during the time of data collection followed by, Lack of extension service to facilitate transfer of technology scientifically on organic plant protection, same price or even more than that of chemical produce, time consuming while resorting to organic plant protection preparation, storage and its application and organic practices that were labour intensive coupled by non availability cum high cost of labour. The top five suggestions for refinement for tackling the constraints as perceived by farmers and refined through focus group discussions were facilitating regular and frequent farm visit, diagnostic and consultancy by krishibhavan officials on organic plant protection (90.44%) followed by making available low cost organic inputs and feasible technologies (88.33%), inclusion of more number of classes, demonstrations and seminars about organic pp practices (75.22%), Timely access to organic plant protection inputs (70.22%), construction of low cost mini dams or water storage facilities like technologies developed and popularised by RARS, Ambalavayal (65.22%).
Open Access
Multidimensional analysis of farmers of Integrated farming systems in Kuttanad
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Mamatha, G Nair; KAU; Jayalekshmi, G
The present study entitled as Multidimensional analysis of farmers of integrated farming systems in Kuttanad was conducted in the Kuttanad region which lies in the three districts of Kerala namely Kottayam, Alapuzha and Pathanamthitta. Three panchayats namely Kumarakom, Nedumudi and Niranam were selected from these three districts respectively. The objective of the study was to study the perception of the farmers regarding the feasibility and utility and constraints of the integrated farming systems in Kuttanad. Seasonal employment pattern, employment profile and the involvement of family members were assessed and the components of integrated farming systems were inventorised. In the present study, from each of the three panchayat 20 marginal and 20 small integrated farming system farmers were selected, making a total of 60 marginal and 60 small farmers. Thus the total number of respondents selected was 120. Data collection was carried out with the help of a well structured interview schedule. Two dependent variables and 15 independent variables were studied and analysed with the help of various statistical tools like quartile deviation, frequency, percentage, correlation, ANOVA and spearman’s rank order correlation. Perception of the farmers regarding the feasibility and utility of the integrated farming systems were measured using the scale developed by Argade (2015). Majority of farmers in Kuttanad exhibited medium level perception regarding the feasibility and utility of the integrated farming systems. There was no significant difference between the perception of small and marginal farmers regarding the feasibility and utility of the integrated farming systems. Significant positive correlation was observed between the profile characteristics of marginal farmers such as family size, economic motivation, self confidence and resource recycling to the perception of the farmers regarding feasibility of integrated farming system. Similarly significant positive correlation was observed between economic motivation, level of aspiration, resource recycling and entrepreneurial behaviour of small farmers to their perception regarding feasibility of the integrated farming systems. Profile characters of marginal farmers such as family size, level of aspiration, self confidence, experience in farming, entrepreneurial behaviour and achievement motivation showed a significant positive correlation to their perception regarding utility of integrated farming system. Likewise a significant positive correlation was observed between economic motivation, level of aspiration, self confidence, orientation towards competition and achievement motivation of small farmers and their perception regarding utility of integrated farming system. Lack of irrigation water and ecological problems such as soil salinity, acidity and flooding were the major constraints perceived by the farmers of integrated farming systems of Kuttanad. No significant difference was observed between the constraints perceived by small and marginal farmers. Seasonal employment pattern observed in the three districts differed according to the farming systems prevailing there. However 15% involvement of other state labours were observed in farms of Kumarakom Panchayat. Farming was identified as the main occupation of the respondents. However a small portion of the marginal farmers (28.33) were depending on subsidiary occupations such as petty shops, auto service, electrical works and agents of LIC. Involvement of the family members were mainly found in carrying out of the four activities mainly harvesting of crops, marketing of produce, purchase of animals and care and management of animals. Rice based farming system was identified as the major farming system of Kuttanad followed by coconut, banana and vegetable based farming systems respectively. Poultry was identified as the major animal component followed by dairy, duckery, goatry, fisheries, rabbit and piggery. So, from the study it can be concluded that majority of the farmers studied are having medium level perception regarding the feasibility and utility of integrated farming system and the most important constrain perceived by them is lack of irrigation water. The extent of involvement of family members were found in four activities in harvesting of crops, marketing of produce, purchase and sale of animals and care and management of animals. Wives and sons were the major contributors of family labour. The seasonal employment pattern identified in Kuttanad varied according to different farming systems. Rice based farming system was the major farming system in Kuttanad. Allied enterprises like poultry, dairy, duckery, fisheries, goatry, rabbit rearing and piggery were also identified from the farming systems of Kuttanad.
Open Access
Entrepreneurial behaviour of agripreneurs of KAU technology
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horiculture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Raju Parashuram, Naik; KAU; Helen, S
Entrepreneurial behavior of agripreneurs of KAU technology Kerala Agricultural University has been transferring agricultural technology to the benefit of farming community right from its inception. Several recommended agricultural technologies were utilized by the stakeholders for enhancing their income for their livelihood. Recently, promotion of agripreneurship has been realized as inevitable for the revitalization of agriculture sector. Kerala Agricultural University has also taken earnest and concerted effort to consolidate, showcase and disseminate the various technology generated suitable for entrepreneurship and skill development. Apart from showcasing the technology in various fairs, seminars, trainings and workshops, KAU Technology Meet-2014 was organised to transfer the technology to the ultimate users. It was felt as appropriate to study the entrepreneurial behavior of agripreneurs of KAU technology with the objectives of assessing the status of the agripreneurs in terms of their entrepreneurial behaviour, factors influencing their entrepreneurial skill and constraints faced by them in utilising the technology. A total sample size of 100 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique from the list of trainees who participated in the trainings conducted by the extension centres of Kerala Agricultural University such as Communication Centre, Central Training Institute and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thrissur. The results showed that majority of the respondents were under middle age group of 36 - 55 years. It was observed that 36 per cent of the respondents had an education up to high school level. Majority of the respondents had medium level of mass media contact (76%), social participation (73%), attitude towards self- employment and economic motivation. Among the 10 dimensions of the entrepreneurial behavior, decision making ability, coordinating ability, management orientation and market perception were high, whereas self-confidence, information seeking behavior, innovativeness, risk orientation, leadership ability and achievement motivation were medium among the agripreneurs. Further it was also observed that among the listed 10 dimensions the composite index for market perception was ranked the highest (83.12). This indicated that the agripreneurs gave much importance to the current market trend, marketing channel, market information and continuous supply of raw materials for the particular enterprise. The overall entrepreneurial behavior of the respondents was found to be medium. Study on factors affecting entrepreneurial behavior of agripreneurs showed that social participation, mass media contact, attitude towards self-employment and education had significant positive relationship with entrepreneurial behavior of agripreneurs. Securing working capital (62.00%) was the serious constraint faced by agripreneurs under financial constraints. Lack of market information (41.00%) was the serious constraint under marketing category, whereas non-availability of input materials (67.00%) and high labour cost (60.00%) were the serious constraints under production category and dual duties (45.00%) was the serious constraint experienced by the agripreneurs under personal constraints. Apart from imparting technical skills, extension programmes of Kerala Agricultural University may also include the subject areas like linkage with financial institutions, methods of tapping market information through Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, introduction of mechanization, soft skills on managing dual duties, sharing responsibilities with fellow members etc. The activities of Technology Incubation Centres are to be strengthened as continuous support system to facilitate the agripreneurs for meeting the challenges they face during the process of doing the agribusiness. Periodic review of the performance of agribusiness by the Technology Incubation Centres may create a platform for solving most of the constraints faced by the agripreneurs. Networking of agripreneurs who are involved in similar kind of agribusiness for the exchange of available resources and inputs are to be promoted.
Open Access
Effectiveness of Kerala Agriculture University in technology facilitation for entrepreneurship
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Learou, L D; KAU; Alexander George
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has in the past been adjudged the best in the nation in academics’ performance. Undoubtedly KAU has a pool of very good teachers, but how did this translate into technology facilitation for entrepreneurship? How oriented were KAU teachers in converting research output into entrepreneur usable technology? Were teachers keeping the technology to themselves for fear that once released they would never get due credit for the effort they had put in? Were intellectual property rights at stake? Was innovation duly rewarded? Where did KAU stand on ease-of-doing business parameters? What were the issues that needed to be addressed to make KAU gain the status of being an entrepreneur friendly destination? Could technology transfer procedures be simplified? Was there a mechanism for aspiring entrepreneurs to redress their grievances? These were the questions that this study sought to address. The study attempted to decipher the level of entrepreneurship orientation among KAU teachers. The study documented the experiences of aspiring/practicing agri-entrepreneurs in relation to KAU with respect to transfer of technology. The study provided insight on how KAU can reinvent itself to remain relevant in the changing agribusiness scenario and made suggestions for improving the entrepreneur interface of Kerala Agricultural University. The random sample included 90 teachers and 30 aspiring/practicing agri-entrepreneurs who had contacted the KAU Technology Hub. The study documented the profile characteristics of the teacher respondents with respect to designation, place of work, age, gender, qualification, service details, faculty improvement, publications, research involvement, recognitions received and extension activity. Entrepreneurship Orientation of KAU teachers: While teachers had a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, 44.4 per cent believed that KAU would never give them due recognition for trying to promote entrepreneurship and 36.7 per cent believed that KAU will never give them credit for technology transferred. Entrepreneurship Interface of KAU as perceived by the teacher respondents: 26.7 per cent opined that there were sometimes many barriers to effective transfer of technology in KAU and that administrative barriers often prevented effective and timely transfer of technology in KAU. Entrepreneurship Interface of KAU as perceived by aspiring/practicing entrepreneurs: 90 per cent expressed that response at first point of contact was always quick but 56.7 per cent stated that protection of entrepreneur interest in the MoU was not really ensured. Based on mean score index the Entrepreneurship Orientation of KAU teachers and the Entrepreneurship Interface of KAU as perceived by the teachers was found to be at a medium level while the Entrepreneurship Interface of KAU as perceived by aspiring/practicing entrepreneurs was found to be at a low level. Years of service as head of office/institution in KAU, number of popular articles and research notes published had a positive and significant relationship with Entrepreneurship Orientation. Total number of research projects as Principal Investigator had a positive and significant relationship with the perception of KAUs’ Entrepreneurship Interface as perceived by the teachers. Five technologies, viz., Veggie Wash, Red Banana Cool, Njavara based health drink, Osmo-dehydrated Products and induction of flowering and improvement of yield in adult mango trees were randomly selected for case study. Each case study brought to light a different aspect of KAU technology transfer process that required focused and immediate attention of the highest authorities in KAU. Suggestions have been put forth to foster a better entrepreneur interface for the Kerala Agricultural University and four areas were delineated for future research.
Open Access
Gender analysis of 'ADIYA' tribal agricultural labourers of Wayanad district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Dhanusha Balakrishnan; KAU; Anilkumar, A
Wayanad is the home for majority of the tribal people in Kerala. ‘Adiya’ tribe is one of the major tribal groups in Wayanad. Women formed half of the population and they played an integral role in the tribal society. Even though they formed a major portion, they were also the most oppressed community. Adiya women were hard working and bread winners of the family. Most of them are agricultural labourers working in coffee plantations, rice fields, ginger fields and banana orchards. They strived hard to meet the needs of the family as the male members of their family spend most of their income on alcohol. But still they were excluded and discriminated in and outside the society. The study aims to bring their unheard and unsaid problems into light and reduce the drudgeries faced by them in their day to day life. The present investigation was undertaken with the major objectives of conducting the gender analysis of ‘Adiya’ tribal agricultural labourers of Wayanad district. The livelihood constraints and scale of social exclusion of ‘Adiya’ women agricultural labourers were also identified. The present study was conducted in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This district has been purposively selected for conducting the study because this is one of the districts which has the highest concentration of ‘Adiyan’ tribal settlements in Kerala. Samples of 120 tribal people were selected randomly from three panchayaths of Wayanad namely Thirunelly, Mananthavady and Panamaram. Detailed review of literature, judges rating, and discussion with experts and scientists were used in the selection of variables. The dependent variables selected for the study were social exclusion and social discrimination. Profile characteristics were selected as the independent variables. Moreover gender analysis of ‘Adiya’ tribal agricultural labourers was also conducted. The data was collected using pre-tested and structured interview schedule. The statistical tools used were frequency, simple percentage analysis and correlation analysis. The salient findings of the study are summarised below: 1. In the case of gender analysis, major women dominated decisions were in the cases of child rearing and religious matters. 2. Major men dominated decisions were in the cases of household decisions, jobs to be taken, education, expenditure of Income and decisions regarding elderly people in the house. 3. In the case of benefits and incentive analysis, women were most capable of using the information obtained through extension agency contact and farmer groups. 4. In the case of men, they were capable of using the money obtained from income , utilizing the education received for one’s own empowerment, understanding and using the technological developments, enjoying the benefits of employment opportunities, utilizing the transportation facilities and utilizing the benefits of farmer groups 5. In the agricultural activity analysis, women oriented activities were weeding, post harvest operations, livestock and poultry activities. 6. Major men oriented agricultural activities were land preparation and fertilizer application. 7. In the case of house hold activities, women oriented activities were food preparation, child care, elderly care, cleaning activities and collection of water. 8. In the case of men, they were mostly engaged as construction/daily wage labourers. 9. In the case of influencing factors, the positively influencing factors for women were, they were provided equal medical facilities, they were allowed to participate in social meetings and gatherings and they were allowed to vote in elections. 10. The negatively influencing factors were, they were not allowed to stay outside the home for late hours, they were not allowed to travel distant places alone, they were not provided equal wages for the same amount of work and they were not allowed to take up political powers in the society. 11. In the case of men other than timely availability of incentives, and inability to take up political powers in the society all other factors were positively influencing. 12. Results of analysis of access and control to resources shows that women had access to inputs but did not have control on any and in the case of men, they had access to all resources and maximum control was on land, labour, money and technology. 13. In the case of social exclusion, majority of the females and males of Thirunelly panchayath experienced high level of geographic exclusion, 80% of the females and 50% of the males in Mananthavady panchayath, experienced high level of geographic exclusion, but in Panamaram panchayath, majority of the females and males experienced low level of geographic exclusion. 14. In the case of economic exclusion 90% of the females and males experienced high level of economic exclusion, 90% of the females and males in Mananthavady panchayath experienced high level of economic exclusion and in the case of Panamaram panchayath majority of the females and males experienced low level of economic exclusion. 15. In the case of socio cultural exclusion,73% of the females and 80% of the males experienced high level of socio cultural exclusion, majority of the females and males of Mananthavady panchayath experienced low level of socio cultural exclusion and in the case of Panamaram panchayath also majority of males and females experienced low level of socio cultural exclusion. 16. In the case of political legal exclusion, majority of the females and males of Thirunelly panchayath experienced high level of political legal exclusion, in the Mananthavady panchayath majority belonged to the high level of political legal exclusion and in the Panamaram panchayath also females and males also experienced high political legal exclusion. 17. In the case of social discrimination, majority of the male and female respondents of all the three Panchayaths experienced high level of social discrimination. 18. Regarding age, it was found that 53.36% of the females and 56.67% of the males belonged to middle age category. When 5.56% of the females and 36.67% of the males were of the old age group, 41.11% of the females and 6.67% of the males belonged to young age category. 19. Looking into the data of annual income, it can be found that 72.22% of the females and 60% of the males were in medium category of annual income, 13.33% of the females and 33.33% of the males belonged to high category and 14.44% of the females and 6.67% of the men received a low level of annual income. 20. In the case of marriage 75.56% of the females and 93.33% of the males were married. However, 24.44% of the females were widows and 2.22% of the males were widowers. 21. Considering family size, 54.44% of the females and 43.33% of the males had a family size ranging from 4 to 5. However, 30% of the females and 36.67% of the males had a family size of more than 5 members. In the case of families with 3 to 4 members, 15.56% of females and 20% of males belonged to this category. 22. Regarding educational status, 40% of the females and 50% of the males could read and write, 24.44% of the females and 33.33% of the males were illiterate, 26.67% of the females and 13.33% of the males received primary level of education, 4.44% of the females and 3.33% of the males were graduates, and 3.33% of the females had high school level of education. 23. With respect to their alcoholism habit, 95.55% of the women never consumed alcohol, and only 4.44% of the females consumed alcohol occasionally. In the case of men, 83.33% of the men consumed alcohol on a daily basis, and 16.66% of the men consumed alcohol weekly. 24. In the case of extension agency contact, majority of the males and females had contact with agricultural officers and panchayath officials but did not have any contact with, agricultural assistants and agricultural scientists. 25. Considering mass media exposure, majority of them had daily and weekly exposure to radio and television but did not have any exposure to books, farm magazines and internet. 26. Regarding environmental orientation, Environmental orientation was recorded as 100% in all the three panchayaths among both the genders. 27. In the case of land holding, 20% of the females and 6.67% of the males had land of about 5 cents. When, 42.22% of the females and 43.33% of the males had land ranging from 6 to 10 cents, 34.44% of the females and 30% of the males had a land size ranging from 11 to 25 cents. However, 3.33% of the females and 20% of the males had land more than 25 cents. 28. Regarding wage structure, 80% of the females and 46.67% of the males received a wage between Rupees 250 and 500 and 7.78% of the females and 50% of the males received a wage more than Rupees 500. Whereas 12.22% of the females and 6.67% of the males received a wage less than Rupees 250. 29. In the case of political orientation, it can be concluded that 75.56% of the females and 70% of the males had medium level of political orientation. Moreover, 24.44% of the females and 30% of males had high level of political orientation. 30. Looking into the data of indebtedness, it can be found that 56.67% of the females and 36.67% of the males had no debt, 42.22% of the females and 26.67% of the males had a debt less than Rupees 2500. Finally, 3.33% of the females and 36.67% of the males had a debt between Rupees 2500 and 5000. 31. Regarding the type of houses they lived in, 36.67% of the females and 33.33% of the males lived in small concrete homes. 32. Houses of 51.11% of the females and 33.33% of the males were in average condition and houses of 48.89% of the females and 66.67% of the males were in good condition. 33. The major constraints identified in the case of women were inaccessibility of support from government, unequal wage structure and crop damage due to animal attack, domestic violence and alcoholism. 34. In the case of men, the major constraints identified were inaccessibility of support from government, inaccessibility of incentives, depletion of agricultural lands, poor economic status and crop damage due to animal attacks.
Open Access
Sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram district: a multidimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Namitha, K; KAU; Seema, B
The present study entitled ‘Sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram district: a multidimensional analysis’ was conducted in the two blocks of Thiruvananthapuram district with objectives : to assess the sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram district, measure the commercial vegetable grower’s scale of knowledge and rate of adoption of KAU practices in selected vegetables, measure the perception about the feasibility of commercial organic vegetable cultivation and to identify the constraints faced by the commercial vegetable cultivators. The selected vegetables were amaranthus, cowpea and bitter gourd. The study was carried out in the four Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district (Pallichal, Kalliyoor, Kottukal, Venganoor) from two blocks having maximum area under commercial vegetable cultivation. A sample size of 100 was selected for the study with 25 farmers from each Panchayat. The findings of the study revealed that more than 50 percent of the respondents belonged to medium category in respect to sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation. Among the five dimension of sustainability, economic dimension of sustainability contributed 72 % of the total sustainability followed by socio – psychological dimension (36%), environmental dimension (7%), technological dimension (5 %) and temporal dimension (4%). In the case of total sustainability 55 % of the respondents belonged to the medium category followed by 23 % in high category and 22 % in low category. With respect to knowledge about the KAU practices in amaranthus, cowpea and bitter gourd 60 % of the respondents were having higher level of knowledge whereas only 40 % of respondents belonged to low knowledge category. In the case of adoption of KAU practices in amaranthus, cowpea and bitter gourd 54 % respondents belonged to medium category whereas only 27 % had high rate of adoption. Only 19% respondents had higher level of perception about the feasibility of commercial organic vegetable cultivation, whereas 58 % of them belonged to medium category. Sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation was positively and significantly correlated with annual income, knowledge about KAU practices, adoption of KAU practices, farming experience, economic motivation, market orientation, exposure to mass media, entrepreneurial behaviour, training undergone and incentives received for commercial vegetable cultivation and it was negatively and significantly correlated with perception about the feasibility of commercial organic vegetable cultivation. Scarce water resources, extremity in weather conditions, non-assurance of premium price for organic products, incidence of pest and diseases, were the important constraints faced by the commercial vegetable growers. The suggestions put forward by the farmers were inclusion of accessible and low cost technologies, ensuring of premium price for the product especially for organic vegetables, improve the marketing and transport facilities without intermediaries, promotion of value addition technologies, providing training programmes to youth and support from the extension agents for the adoption of improved practices. The study therefore revealed that, economic dimension of sustainability stands first among the various dimensions affecting sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation. To maintain the sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram district a comprehensive strategy is needed focusing on productivity enhancement, market - led extension approach with less number of intermediaries, which will have an impact on the economic side of sustainability. More investment in research and extension should also be undertaken to meet the upcoming challenges of commercial vegetable cultivation especially for pest and disease incidence.

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