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Open Access
Financing of fruit and vegetable processing industry in Thrissur district
(Department of Rural Banking and Financial Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2004) Bindumol, R; KAU; Padmini, E V K
The study entitled “Financing of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industry in Thrissur District” was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to examine the extent and pattern of institutional finance to the fruit and vegetable processing units and 2) to identify the factors influencing the repayment behaviour of the selected units. The study was conducted among ten fruit and vegetable processing units out of the 32 units in Thrissur District for a period of five years from 1998 to 2002 using mainly primary data collected with a pre-tested structured schedule. Secondary data were also used from the books and accounts of the units and banks. The study revealed that a substantial percent of the sample units are tiny or small which are organized in the form of sole proprietorship. Majority of the sample firms were established after 1960 because of the increased demand for processed products that too by Christian entrepreneurs. Even though all the units are registered as per the norms of Food Products Order, 1955, majority of the units in fruits and vegetable processing industry in Kerala are outside the purview of Factories Act, 1948. The study also revealed that most of the small-scale units were started with a low fixed capital investment. The share of owned funds in the total capital at the time of establishment was high compared to borrowings, as the units were small and started by the entrepreneurs with sound financial status. The units mainly depend on Public Sector Commercial Banks for their working capital. Study also revealed that the major problem faced by the units is the inadequacy of working capital during the season. More than 50 percent of the working capital requirement of the units is financed by the public sector commercial banks and the rest are met with their own funds. The share of fixed capital in the total capital is higher when compared with working capital. The large-scale units are capital intensive as the share of fixed capital is more. The analysis of the financing pattern revealed that the highest share of finance was from borrowed funds. Building, plant and machinery contribute major share of the fixed capital while the stock of raw materials occupy highest share in working capital. The lower share of sundry debtors of the units denotes that credit sale is less in the industry. The analysis of the cost structure revealed that all the major cost items like cost of fresh fruits, fruit juice concentrates, chemicals and cost of other inputs have increased during the study period. The share of vegetable cost is high in units producing only pickles. The percentage increase in sales is less compared to cost, which adversely affected the profit of the units. The value added of the industry has increased by 27 percent during the study period. The industry depends heavily on local market for the sales of their product, as their promotional activities and marketing are not adequate. To supplement the analysis with the absolute values, ratios are worked out classified into three categories namely structural ratios, activity ratios and financial ratios. Structural ratios reassured the earlier arguments. Activity ratios and profitability ratios established that the dependence on debt is minimum and institutional finance has nothing to do only little. The potential for institutional finance depends on to what extent the industry can diversify and also to what extent the banking agencies can come forward to provide financial assistance for venture financing.
Open Access
Morphological and anatomical properties of teak seedlings as influenced by nursery techniques
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2004) Girija Pushpom, R P; KAU; Anoop, E V
An experiment was carried out at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara with the objective to evaluate the best nutrient levels and sowing treatments required for the production of good quality stumps based on anatomical properties of the seedlings with particular reference to wood formation due to cambial activity. The different nutrient and sowing methods were randomly allocated following completely randomized design. From the experiment, it was found that the best nutrient and sowing method combinations were N2S3 (cowdung 0.4 kg/rrr' and neem cake 0.2 kg/rn ' with spacing of 12 cm x 12 cm between seeds). In terms of biometric characters and biomass characteristics of seedlings it was also found that in quick growing seedlings, vessel diameter was large and vessel frequency was less. Collar girth was positively related with ring width and negative related with vessel frequency. Comparing the performance of nursery raised seedlings with root trainer raised seedlings it was found that the growth characteristics as well as the anatomical properties were inferior for root trainer raised seedlings. In the present study it was found that the best quality teak stumps could be produced by intensive cultural practices. Intensive management of nursery seedlings could produce VlgOurOUS seedlings and thereby it could produce good quality stumps in less time. Results of the present study showed that traditional system of production of teak stumps were efficient By imposing superior nutrient and sowing methods good quality, vigorous stumps can be produced to meet the immediate plantation requirements within a short period.
Open Access
Nutrient analysis and value addition of underutilized fish
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Jishy, K K; KAU; Omana Pavunny, E
Fish contains the best proteins and other superior nutritional constituents that place them in a specially important category of food. It has very poor shelf life. Hence, the present study on nutrient analysis and value addition of under utilized fish was aimed at evaluating the nutrients and developing products from three under utilized fish varieties namely netholi (Stoliphorus heterolobus), flat fish (Cynoglossus macrostorus) and veluri (Kovala kova/). This will help in meeting the increasing demand for fish; to avoid wastage of small fish and to provide income to the fisher women. The fresh and dried fish varieties were analysed for chemical constituents like moisture, fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and peroxide value. Fish was found to be rich sources of protein, calcium and phosphorus. Chemical constituents varied significantly between the varieties. The dried fish was packed in polythene covers and was stored for a period of three months. The peroxide value increased during the storage but the increase was not significant. Dried netholi had the highest peroxide value throughout the storage period. The organoleptic qualities decreased during storage. The change of organoleptic scores was not significant; veluri had the highest acceptability throughout the storage period. Microbial enumeration revealed that bacterial population increased I slightly during storage and fungus was found only in second and third month of storage. No traces of yeast were found throughout the storage period. The pickle prepared from fresh and dried fish was stored in glass bottle and polyester laminated HDPE film for a period of six months. The peroxide value of the pickle increased during the storage but the increase was insignificant. The acidity of the pickle increased significantly. The pickle stored in flexible packaging material had higher peroxide value and acidity than pickle stored in glass bottle. Dried fish pickle had higher peroxide value and acidity than fresh fish pickle. The organoleptic evaluation of pickle revealed that appearance and colour decreased during storage. The flavour texture, taste and overall acceptability of pickle increased during storage. Changes in organoleptic scores except appearance were insignificant. Appearance decreased significantly. The pickle stored in glass bottle had better acceptability than pickle stored in polyester laminated IIDPE film, but the variation was insignificant. The fresh fish pickle had better acceptability and among them veluri pickle was found to be the best. A gradual increase in the bacterial and fungal load with storage of pickle was observed but yeast was not found during the storage. The benefit cost analysis showed that all products had BC ratio above one hence, all are economically beneficial.
Open Access
Nutritional profile of fisher women
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Saleena, K; KAU; Omana, Pavunny
A study on "nutritional profile of fisher women" was conducted among 100 fisher women of 18-45 years age group in the coastal areas of Thrissur district. The result of the study indicated that majority of them were Hindus. Nuclear family system was found in most of the families and family size ranged in between 3 to 5. Most of the male and female members were literate and engaged in fish related work. Majority of the families had a monthly income in between Rs.500 to Rs.1500. Maximum proportion of income was spent on food items and majority of the families did not have the habit of saving money. Majority of the families had their own houses with brick as wall -.-- material and with thatched or concrete roof. Majority of the houses had separate kitchen with 3 to 5 rooms. Drinking water, electricity and lavatory facilities were satisfactory whereas drainage facilities were found to be inadequate. As a medical aid majority of the families depended on district hospital, primary health centre as well as private doctors for their medical care. Majority of the families were members ofmatsyafed. All the families were non vegetarians and consumed rice as the staple food. Maximum percentage of the food expenditure was for cereals. The most frequently used food items were cereals, fish, fats and oils, sugar and spices and condiments. None of the families planed their meals in advance and maintain time schedule for taking meals. Majority of the families consumed food three times a day and did not give equal importance to all family members in food distribution. Special foods were included in the diet during pregnancy, lactation and infancy. Diet modification during disease conditions was observed. The nutritional profile of the respondents indicated that the body weight of33 per cent and height of24 per cent of the respondents were lower than the reference body weight and height for an Indian reference woman. About 13 per cent of the respondents had various grades of CED. The waist hip ratio indicated that about 97 per cent of the respondents had femoral gluteal obesity and 3 per cent had abdominal obesity. Dietary profile of respondents indicated that all the food groups were far below the requirement except for fish. The nutrient intake was satisfactory only with respect to protein. Clinical examination showed vanous symptoms of nutritional deficiencies among the respondents. Actual nutrient intake of the respondents indicated that except fat, calcium and vitamin C, all nutrients were lower than the RDA. Biochemical estimation of blood showed 35 per cent of respondents had low haemoglobin values, indicating anaemia.
Open Access
Forecasting technical manpower needs in agriculture in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Suja, S L; KAU; Sherief, A K
The study entitled "Forecasting technical manpower needs in agriculture in Kerala" was undertaken to forecast the technical manpower demand and supply in agriculture for a decade in Kerala. It was also aimed to study the characteristics of the existing employment pattern of technical manpower. Its aim also included to identify the constraints faced by the technical manpower in getting gainful employment in agriculture. The study was conducted in identified organizations in Kerala state. A sample of 150 agriculture graduates who were working in different sectors of agricultural development in the state were selected for studying the characteristics of existing employment pattern in the state. The study developed after having discussion with the officials and subject matter specialists. Well structured and pre-tested interview schedule was used for data collection. For forecasting the technical manpower demand in the next decade, data regarding the employment pattern during the last five years and at present were collected from the government sector, industrial and corporate sector, research and academic sector, banking sector, non- governmental organizations and others. Then the trend of variation in the employment pattern was analysed. Based on this trend future technical manpower requirement in different sectors was worked out by regression analysis, For technical manpower supply forecasting agricultural students enrolled in Kerala Agricultural University from 1995 - 2002 were collected. In this study based on the data it \\';\'S assumed that 25 per cent of the students were coming from outside Kerala. The study revealed that most of the respondents were working in identified organizations whose functional area IS' research and development. Most of the respondents were postgraduates and they receive monthly salary for the service or work rendered by them in the identified organizations. The study revealed that in the government sector there will be a decrease in the demand for the technical manpower in the next decade even though number of vacancies will rise due to retirement of the employees. The factors affecting future technical manpower demand in the identified organizations were emerging technological development, impact of GATT and WTO agreement and government policies related to agriculture, industry and economy, competition between different enterprises in the agricultural field, opening new areas of employment, higher salary expectation of employees and improved mechanisms for rural credit. As per the study the estimated annual outturn of agricultural graduates from 2004 to 2010 will be 177. As per the study the technical manpower demand - supply gap analysis revealed that the present level of potential unemployment in the state is about 53.33 per ce~t. The cumulative potential unemployment is 313. Among the constraints listed out, narrow focus on unemployment mismatching of education with jobs, delay in updating the curriculum and lack of adequate practical exposure in starting and running enterprises were considered to be the major constraints felt by the agricultural graduates in getting gainful employment in agriculture.
Open Access
Pathology of the prostate gland in dogs
(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2004) Dhanya Menon, KAU; Vijayan, N
The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence and nature of pathological conditions of the canine prostate. A detailed systematic examination of 100 carcasses brought for autopsy during the period of investigation was conducted and the gross and histopathological lesions were studied in detail. The study confirmed prostatic disorders as an age related problem and also warned that involvement of the prostate in concurrent pathological affections of the urogenital system should not be overlooked. Heavy breeds like the German shepherds were found to be the most susceptible to prostatic diseases. An age related increase was also seen in the prostatic weight, circumference and length. Prostatic lesions could be encountered in 49 per cent of the cases. The most common prostatic disease encountered in this study was benign prostatic hyperplasia followed by prostatitis, prostatic atrophy, prostatic adenocarcinoma and squamous metaplasia. Glandular, cystic and complex types of hyperplasia could be observed. The identification of prostatic adenocarcinoma in a castrated dog pointed to the necessity to study the role of extra gonadal sex hormones in prostate carcinogenesis. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. were isolated from cases of prostatitis. Acid phosphatase activity was more for hyperplastic and neoplastic prostates when compared to the normal prostate. This indicated that prostatic acid phosphatase could be used as a marker for the diagnosis of canine prostate cancer both by impression smears and cryostat sections.
Open Access
Effectiveness of IEC materials on health and nutritional practices of adolescent girls
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2004) Sheela, K V; KAU; Subaidabeevi, S
A study entitled the "Effectiveness of lEC materials on health and nutritional practices of adolescent girls" was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of information education and communication materials on the knowledge and adoption of health and nutritional practices by the adolescent girls and also to find out the comparative effectiveness of the formulated lEC materials. The study was carried out in Venganoor and Thiruvallam Higher Secondary Schools in Thiruvananthapuram district. The formulated lEC materials viz., flash cards, charts, posters and leaflets were tested for their effecti veness. The topic selected to teach the respondents were importance of nutritious food, body changes in adolescent period, health care and reproductive health and hygiene. Hundred adolescent girls of APL and BPL families belonging to the age group of 13 to 15 years form the study sample. All respondents were exposed to the selected topics at one-week interval using the formulated lEC materials. Gain in knowledge, retention in knowledge and the adoption of gained knowledge on health, and nutritional practices are the dependent variables. Age, family size, type of family, monthly income, educational status of the respondent and family, mass media contact, basic facilities available in the family, health profile and nutritional status were selected as independent variables. The results revealed that the educational programme USing lEC materials had significant effect on the knowledge and adoption of health and nutritional practices by the adolescent girls. The gain in knowledge and retention was more on the topic reproductive health and its hygiene. The lEC materials i. e., lecture + flashcard + leaflet was the most effecti ve in terms of gain knowledge and adoption of knowledge. The knowledge adoption was also more on the topic reproductive health and hygiene and the retention was more in the respondent, who were exposed to treatment 4 i. e., lecture + demonstration + exhibition. The correlation between the overall knowledge gain, retention, adoption and socio-economic variables revealed that the retention have significant relationship with income, education and food consumption pattern. The adoption of the respondents of APL and BPL families have significant relationship with the personal hygiene. The relative effectiveness of the formulated TEe materials revealed that there was significant difference between the selected lEe materials of teaching. The lecture methods in combination with formulated lEe materials have more influence on the gain retention and adoption of knowledge when compared with the lecture method alone.
Open Access
Quality evaluation of selected leafy vegetables consumed by the tribes of Wayanad district
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Neetha Hyder, C; KAU; Indira, V
The study entitled 'Quality evaluation of selected leafy vegetables consumed by the tribes of Wayanad District' was undertaken to estimate the nutrient composition, anti- nutritional factors and organoleptic qualities of the ten leafy vegetables consumed by the tribal communities ofWayanad district. The leaves were analysed for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, total carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene and vitamin C. The results revealed that among the nutritional constituents, protein content was highest in Thakara than the other nine leafy vegetables. The fat , phosphorus, and sodium were highest in Kandariyila, where as Kannisoup had the highest value for total carbohydrates, iron and potassium. The highest crude fibre, calcium and ~ carotene were in Valiya kadaladi. Chumalacheera was found to have the highest vitamin C content among the ten leafy vegetables studied. The anti-nutritional factors namely oxalates and nitrates III the leaves indicated that Kandariyila had the highest oxalate and nitrate content. Oxalate content was found to be low in Kozhuppa, while Kannisoup had the lowest nitrate content. Other chemical constituents like phenols, flavanoids and methanol extractable crude alkaloids were also estimated. The total phenol content was highest in Chumalacheera whereas, the flavanoid and methanol extractable crude alkaloid contents were found to be highest in Kandariyila. The average nutritive value computed on the basis of nutrient content of the leafy vegetables revealed that Valiya kadaladi had the highest nutritive value among the leafy vegetables selected for the study. Organoleptic evaluation of the leafy vegetables indicated Churuli as the most acceptable one. Based on the nutrient and anti nutrient composition, the leafy vegetables were grouped into four clusters, each cluster containing similar leafy vegetables. Cluster I contained Churuli, Kandariyila and Murikkila. Kozhuppa and Valiya kadaladi were included in Cluster II and III respectively. Ambasheppu, Chumalacheera, Kannisoup, Ponnankanni and Thakara were included in Cluster IV. Valiya kadaladi, which was included as the sole member of Cluster III, was found to be the best with respect to higher nutrients and lower anti-nutritional factors.
Open Access
Impact of bioagents and soil amendments on the performance of patchouli (pogostemon patchouli pellet.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Smilu, Babu; KAU; Asha Shankar, M
An experiment entitled "Impact ofbio agents and soil amendments on the performance of patchouli" was conducted at the Department of Plantation crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2002-04 to elucidate the effect of application of bioagents, soil amendments and bioregulators on growth, yield and oil quality of patchouli. The study was also aimed at refming vegetative propagation technique to generate disease free quality planting materials. The investigations were conducted in two experiments. Results of the first experiment, " Impact of bioagents on the production of quality planting materials in the nursery "revealed that bioagents had a significant influence on the growth characters of the crop in the nursery stage wherein significant differences were observed among the treatments with respect to characters such as number of leaves, number of roots, length of roots and root volume. Root characters were markedly influenced by bioagents and bioregulators. Root length and root volume were found the highest for the treatment receiving combined application of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens at the rate of 2 g each at the time of planting. This treatment also recorded earliest sprout emergence in 6.3 days after planting the terminalcuttings in the nursery. Terminal cuttings which were treated with IBA at the rate of 1000 ppm at the time of planting came to rooting earlier in 8 days after planting in the nursery. Root number was also recorded the highest with the same treatment. The highest leaf number in 45 days old patchouli plants was recorded in nursery with the incorporation of Trichoderma at the rate of 2 g per bag. This treatment also recorded the highest sprout length of 0.45 cm. Earliness in sprouting, length of sprout and earliness in rooting were not found influenced by bioagents in nursery experiment. Plants raised in the nursery by the combined application of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens rated the best in the nursery were selected for main field experiment. Impact of bioagents and soil amendments on growth, yield and oil quality were studied in the main field and results obtained revealed that treatments ~----.-.- .. -- involving combined application of bioagents and soil amendments significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of the crop plant .. Plant height was the highest with the combined application of lime, neem cake, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the application of recommended doses of FYM and NPK both in main crop and regenerated crop. Compared to control, this treatment also improved vegetative characters like number of leaves and yield attributes like fresh herb yield and fresh leaf yield both in main crop and regenerated crop. Combined application of control, lime, neem cake and Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded highest number of branches and greatest plant spread. Leaf area also was found varying significantly among treatments. Application of neem cake, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens in addition to the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded the highest leaf area. Dry leaf yield recorded was also the highest with the same treatment. Oil yield and oil content in the plant were found to be significantly influenced by bioagents and soil amendments. The plants treated with a combination of neem cake + Trichoderma + Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded highest values of oil yield and oil content. Physicochemical properties of the essential oil of patchouli were analysed wherein it was, observed that specific gravity of oil between 0.940 and 0.953 and refractive index was recorded between 1.5032 and 1.5150 at 31 Qc. Gas chromatographic profile of oil samples were analysed and significant variation with respect to the application of various treatments was observed. Number of components present in the oil sample varied significantly among treatments. It is observed that when the number of peaks increases, the percentage of major components in the oil decreases. Treatments receiving neem cake along with NPK and FYM recorded maximum number of components in the oil sample. It is found that neem cake can add optimum level of nutrients to the soil at a slow and steady rate which finally resulted in the increment of oil components.

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