Theses

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 83

Open Access
Management of banana pseudostem weevil odoiporus longicollis oliv.using entomopathogenic fungi
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Sahi Beegum, M K; KAU; Anitha, N
Investigation on “Management of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis Oliv. using entomopathogenic fungi” was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The study was conducted to screen four entomopathogenic fungi, to evaluate their biocontrol potential and to standardize the effective dose and method of application for the management of the banana pseudostem weevil. Four entomopathogenic fungi viz., Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Nomuraea rileyi were tested against O. longicollis. Among them M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were found to infect O. longicollis grubs. Susceptibility of different stages of grubs to fungal infection was tested by using first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar grubs of O. longicollis and the results revealed that first and second instar grubs were more susceptible to fungal infection. Determination of effective dose of fungi against second instar grubs of O. longicollis was carried out by spraying the grubs with different concentrations of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. The LC50 values of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were 3.9 x 106 spores ml-1 and 1.6 x 105 spores ml-1 respectively. Evaluation of six naturally available solid media viz., rice bran, wheat bran, guinea grass, gingelly oil cake, coir pith, and neem cake were carried out for mass multiplication of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. The results revealed that both rice bran and wheat bran were suitable for the mass multiplication of these fungi. The spore production was 9.26 x 106 spores ml-1 and 8.71 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively for M. anisopliae on first week after inoculation. For B. bassiana, the spore count was 503.42 x 106 spores ml-1 and 320.32 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively on first week after inoculation. Among the liquid media tried, coconut water and rice bran extract produced maximum mycelial growth and sporulation of fungi. For M. anisopliae the spore count was 7.77 x 107 spores ml-1 and 0.49 x 107 spores ml-1 respectively. B. bassiana recorded 440.03 x 106 spores ml-1 and 232.26 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana grown in rice bran and wheat bran recorded maximum virulence on two weeks after storage and decreased thereafter. However, coconut water and rice bran extract showed maximum virulence on first week after storage and then found decreasing. Studies conducted to evaluate the compatibility of fungi with NeemAzal 0.4 per cent, chlorpyriphos 0.03 per cent, copper oxychloride 0.4 per cent and mancozeb 0.3 per cent revealed that all the pesticides tested inhibited the growth of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. But the per cent inhibition was least in the case of NeemAzal 0.4 per cent. Field experiments were conducted with M. anisopliae and B. bassiana with chlorpyriphos (0.03 per cent) and NeemAzal (0.4 per cent) as checks. The plants were artificially infested with known number of grubs. Two experiments were conducted, one with prophylactic treatments and the other with curative treatments. Three application methods viz., leaf axil filling of spore suspension of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana, leaf axil filling of fungi in rice bran and stem injection of spore suspension were tested. Among these treatments leaf axil filling of B. bassiana spore suspension at 1.8 x 107 ml-1 as prophylactic treatment was most effective which gave 52.42 per cent mortality of grubs.
Open Access
Major spiders in vegetable ecosystem and their predatory potential
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Manu Mani, P; KAU; Hebsi Bai
Spider faunistic survey conducted in okra, brinjal, cowpea, bittergourd and amaranthus fields in Kalliyoor panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district during the summer of 2004, revealed the prevalence of high density and diversity of spiders in the vegetable ecosystem. Hunting spiders were dominant in all the vegetable plots. Thirty species of spiders distributed in nine families were recorded with the number of species in each vegetable field ranging from 10 to17. Among the thirty species, 16 species were commonly seen in the different vegetable fields while 14 species were seen exclusively associated with a particular vegetable. Araneidae with ten species was the most represented family in the vegetable fields followed by Oxyopidae and Salticidae. The other families observed were Miturgidae, Thomisidae, Tetragnathidae, Corinnidae, Lycosidae and Clubionidae. Most of the spiders appeared during the vegetative and flowering stages of the crop. Few spiders were recorded in the early stage of the crops. Four spiders viz., O. javanus, C. danieli, N. mukerjei and T. mandibulata were dominant in all the vegetable plots among which O. javanus and C. danieli predominated. Studies on the seasonal influence showed no significant difference in the abundance of the spiders during summer and rainy seasons. Rather, the growth stages of the crops significantly influenced the build up of the spider population with higher population being observed during the reproductive phase. In general, the spiders preferred soft bodied insects like the hemipterans, lepidopterans, dipterans and coleopterans (eggs and grubs) for predation. While the spiders did not show any significant preference for the different hemipteran prey in a mixed diet, significant difference was shown for the different lepidopteran pests. O. javanus had the maximum preference for the lepidopteran pests Chemical insecticides were more toxic to the spiders than botanicals when tested at their recommended doses. Among the chemical insecticides, dimethoate 0.05 per cent, carbaryl 0.2 per cent and malathion 0.1 per cent were highly toxic. Even at different doses the insecticides were toxic to the spiders. Quinalphos 0.05 per cent and imidacloprid were less toxic. Between the two methods of application, topical application of insecticides was more detrimental to the spiders than release on treated plants. Among the spiders, T. mandibulata was more susceptible to the insecticides followed by C. danieli. O. javanus and N. mukerjei were less sensitive. While the fungal pathogens, M. anisopliae, P. lilacinus and Bt were safe to the spiders. F. pallidoroseum, Fusarium sp. and B. bassiana were pathogenic. Based on the results of the study, conservation of the spiders characteristic of the vegetable ecosystem would be a practical and ecologically and economically viable approach for pest suppression in vegetables. When there is a spurt in pest ravage, the protection afforded by the predator could be supplemented with judicious use of “spider friendly” insecticides.
Open Access
Wood property profile of rosewood (dalbergia latifolia roxb.) ceylon rosewood (albizia odoratissima (Linn.F) Benth.) and raintree(Samanea saman (jacq.) Merr.)
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Vinay Kumar, Sahu; KAU; Gopakumar, S
In the state of Kerala, heartwoods of lesser known timber species viz., Albizia odoratissima (Ceylon rosewood) and Samanea saman (rain tree) are allegedly being used as “substitutes” and “adulterants” for making furniture of Dalbergia. latifolia (Indian rosewood) mainly due to their similar wood colour. As this spurious practice has serious implication in timber trade, a study was undertaken to profile the selected wood properties of all these three species to highlight their similarities and differences. The study involved analyzing selected physical, mechanical, anatomical and biochemical properties of A. odoratissima and S. saman and comparing it with the wood properties of D. latifolia as available from relevant literatures. Variations of higher magnitude were noted between the three species for some wood properties, and with respect to few other properties, the differences were lesser. Significant variations were also observed between tissue types viz., sapwood and heartwood for some wood properties. Heartwood tissue types of S. saman and D. latifolia displayed high calorific value, where as, for A. odoratissima both tissue types (sapwood and heartwood) exhibited medium calorific value. The physical properties of the heartwood of A. odoratissima were observed to be higher than that of D. latifolia. S. saman possessed lower values for the physical properties as compared to D. latifolia. Basic specific gravity, radial and volumetric shrinkages (green to oven dry) were considerably different for all the three species. Generally, for both Ceylon rosewood and rain tree tangential shrinkage was higher than radial shrinkage for both the tissue types. Mechanical properties of A. odoratissima were superior to D. latifolia and S. saman, except modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain. On the other hand mechanical properties of S. saman were closer to D. latifolia. Measure of fibre stress at limit of proportionality and modulus of elasticity in static bending and modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain are considerably different for the three species. In A. odoratissima and S. saman, the mechanical properties of sapwoods varied non significantly with the strength properties of heartwoods. S. saman exhibited superior strength properties for heartwood over its sapwood. Vessel diameter, distribution of parenchyma and ray height can be used to differentiate the three species. In all the species, along the radial axis from pith towards periphery, the vessel diameter, ray height, ray width increased along the region of heart wood. Likewise, ray frequency, and vessel frequency decreased along radial axis in heartwood region. Average vessel diameter, ray height and ray width of sapwoods were greater than that of the heartwoods. Lignin, cellulose and holocellulose percent of A. odoratissima and S. saman were significantly greater than D. latifolia. Higher lignin, cellulose and holocellulose content are responsible for the higher strength properties of A. odoratissima. Methanol-acetone extracts of heartwood of D. latifolia exhibits specific peak wavelengths under spectrometric analysis, which are not found in the other two species. Phenolic compounds were observed to influence some of the physical properties.
Open Access
Major spiders in vegetable ecosystem and their predatory potential
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Manu Mani, P; KAU; Hebsi, Bai
Spider faunistic survey conducted in okra, brinjal, cowpea, bittergourd and amaranthus fields in Kalliyoor panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district during the summer of 2004, revealed the prevalence of high density and diversity of spiders in the vegetable ecosystem. Hunting spiders were dominant in all the vegetable plots. Thirty species of spiders distributed in nine families were recorded with the number of species in each vegetable field ranging from 10 to17. Among the thirty species, 16 species were commonly seen in the different vegetable fields while 14 species were seen exclusively associated with a particular vegetable. Araneidae with ten species was the most represented family in the vegetable fields followed by Oxyopidae and Salticidae. The other families observed were Miturgidae, Thomisidae, Tetragnathidae, Corinnidae, Lycosidae and Clubionidae. Most of the spiders appeared during the vegetative and flowering stages of the crop. Few spiders were recorded in the early stage of the crops. Four spiders viz., O. javanus, C. danieli, N. mukerjei and T. mandibulata were dominant in all the vegetable plots among which O. javanus and C. danieli predominated. Studies on the seasonal influence showed no significant difference in the abundance of the spiders during summer and rainy seasons. Rather, the growth stages of the crops significantly influenced the build up of the spider population with higher population being observed during the reproductive phase. In general, the spiders preferred soft bodied insects like the hemipterans, lepidopterans, dipterans and coleopterans (eggs and grubs) for predation. While the spiders did not show any significant preference for the different hemipteran prey in a mixed diet, significant difference was shown for the different lepidopteran pests. O. javanus had the maximum preference for the lepidopteran pests Chemical insecticides were more toxic to the spiders than botanicals when tested at their recommended doses. Among the chemical insecticides, dimethoate 0.05 per cent, carbaryl 0.2 per cent and malathion 0.1 per cent were highly toxic. Even at different doses the insecticides were toxic to the spiders. Quinalphos 0.05 per cent and imidacloprid were less toxic. Between the two methods of application, topical application of insecticides was more detrimental to the spiders than release on treated plants. Among the spiders, T. mandibulata was more susceptible to the insecticides followed by C. danieli. O. javanus and N. mukerjei were less sensitive. While the fungal pathogens, M. anisopliae, P. lilacinus and Bt were safe to the spiders. F. pallidoroseum, Fusarium sp. and B. bassiana were pathogenic. Based on the results of the study, conservation of the spiders characteristic of the vegetable ecosystem would be a practical and ecologically and economically viable approach for pest suppression in vegetables. When there is a spurt in pest ravage, the protection afforded by the predator could be supplemented with judicious use of “spider friendly” insecticides.
Open Access
Efficacy of vermicompost,vermiwash and amf on quality seed production of bhindi
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Nishana H; Sajitharani T
An experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during June to September of 2004 to evaluate the efficacy of vermicompost, vermiwash and AMF on quality seed production in bhindi. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two replications. The main treatments were aquatic weed vermicompost, banana pseudostem vermicompost and farmyard manure along with vermiwash through soil application, foliar application, soil + foliar application and control treatment as water spray. The subplot treatments consisted of AMF application and without AMF application. Taller plants were observed in banana pseudostem vermicompost and aquatic weed vermicompost treated plots. Significantly higher number of leaves with high leaf area index and dry matter production was noticed in aquatic weed vermicompost compared to other organic manures. Days for 50 per cent flowering was found maximum for farmyard manure. Aquatic weed vermicompost also showed better root characteristics along with yield attributes such as number of flowers plant-1, number of fruits plant-1, fruit yield plant-1, total fruit yield ha-1, number of seeds fruit-1 & seed yield ha–1 with better seed quality parameters like seed viability, seeding vigour and germination percentage. Among the modes of vermiwash application, soil + foliar application of vermiwash was found better in showing superior trends in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, dry matter production, number of flowers and fruits plant-1, fruit yield plant-1, total fruit yield and seed yield ha–1 with better seed quality i.e., seedling vigour and germination percentage. AMF application also showed maximum plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, root length, root - shoot ratio, fruit yield plant-1, total fruit yield, weight of seeds fruit-1 and seed yield ha–1. Higher BC ratio was found in aquatic weed vermicompost, soil + foliar application of vermiwash and in AMF. So aquatic weed vermicompost along with soil + foliar application of vermiwash and AMF is ideal for quality seed production in bhindi.
Open Access
Integrated pest management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Saijyothi, D; KAU; Indira Devi, P
The present study entitled Integrated Pest Management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics, was conducted in Kuttanad region of Kerala, India with the specific objectives of evaluating the economics of IPM technology over the traditional practice and to assess the resource use efficiency. The study pertaining to the summer crop in the area (November 2004 to February 2005) was undertaken during March to July 2005 A sample of 70 farmers each from IPM and Non-IPM category were selected by conducting a preliminary survey to categorise the farmers under each group. The production details of paddy were gathered from both the groups using a pretested structured questionnaire by personal interview method. The management under IPM programme starts from the very beginning of the crop calendar, starting with the varietal selection, its source, seed rate and method of planting. Though both types of farms were sowing only recommended varieties, seed rate was much above the recommended level in the case of non IPM group and they primarily relied on farm saved seeds. It was the reverse in the case of IPM farms. The level of application of fertilizers and soil ameliorants was lower in the case of IPM farms. Among the various inputs in crop production, labour was the most important single item of expenditure in paddy production. The total labour use in IPM farms was found to be 75 man-days per hectare i.e., 5.63 per cent higher than that of Non-IPM farms (71 man days per hectare). This is primarily due to the additional labour required in IPM farms for weeding (due to lesser amount of weedicide use), land preparation (additional ploughing), harvesting (higher yield) and IPM measures. Thus the total expenditure on seeds and sowing, fertilizer application and plant protection charges were 67.15 per cent higher in the Non-IPM group. Contrary to this, the expenditure on land preparation, weeding and harvesting operations together, were 11.93 per cent higher in IPM group. Total cost of cultivation was estimated as 5.07 per cent higher in Non-IPM group (Rs31536/ha) compared to IPM group (Rs 29841/ha) Apart from the cost saving, relatively higher yield (45.23 quintals per hectare) was also there in IPM farms compared to the other group.(44.46 quintals per hectare). The partial budgeting analysis have revealed that the cost saving coupled with higher yield realization in IPM farms has resulted in an additional net private gain in income to the tune of Rs 2824 per hectare Benefit cost ratio at Cost A1 was estimated as 1.85 (Non-IPM) and it was 2.06 for IPM farms inferring rice cultivation under IPM, as more beneficial than chemical based cultivation. At cost C3 level, the non IPM groups were more prone to risk as the BC Ratio was very close to unity Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to assess the efficiency of resource use in paddy cultivation for both IPM and Non-IPM farms. It could be concluded that IPM farms were economically more efficient in resource utilization than the Non-IPM counter parts. Though most of the farmers were aware of the potential hazards of excessive chemical use in agriculture, and got exposed to adequate training, the spread of the technology is constrained by factors like, the perception of a yield loss, difficulties in water management and labour problems. But those who have adopted the technology was found to be aware of the short-term nature of yield reduction and cost saving aspects of the technology. The policy suggestions are made based on the findings and future line of work is also suggested.
Open Access
Evaluation of bait application technique for the management of fruit flies infesting cucurbits
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Vidya L; Jiji T
A survey conducted in Kalliyoor and Nedinjil areas and Instructional farm, Vellayani for the assessment of pest incidence in the field revealed that among the five cucurbits viz., snakegourd, bittergourd, pumpkin, cucumber and coccinia, bittergourd had the maximum percentage incidence and coccinia the minimum. Two spiders viz., Oxyopes shweta and Oxyopes sp. and a larval pupal parasite of fruit flies viz., Opius sp. were observed in the field. From the infested fruits of these cucurbits the maximum number of flies emerged from snakegourd and the minimum from coccinia. B. cucurbitae was the only species that emerged from these infested fruits. The survey conducted in Kalliyoor and Nedinjil areas for documenting farmers’ practices showed that majority of the vegetable growing farmers cultivated cucurbits. The farmers were not following Package of Practices recommendations for spacing and fertilizer and pesticide dosages. All the farmers adopted the use of fruit fly traps, especially Palayankodan + carbofuran trap. In the screening experiment in the field, Rasakadali + jaggery + water + carbofuran, Palayankodan + boiled jaggery + water + carbofuran, Palayankodan + jaggery + water + carbofuran and Palayankodan + carbofuran were found to be significantly superior food baits with respect to total fly catch and duration of effective trap catch. In the cage experiment for selecting two superior baits out of the four baits selected from the field screening trial, Rasakadali + jaggery + water + carbofuran and Palayankodan + boiled jaggery + water + carbofuran were found significantly superior. Heating jaggery to 80oC increased the duration of effective trap catch and keeping quality of food baits. Plastic bottles of 350ml capacity provided with windows of size 6cm x 3cm was found to be the most efficient bait dispenser. In the field experiment for standardization of spacing Rasakadali + jaggery + water + carbofuran at 3.5m x 3.5m had the maximum fly catch, compared to all the other treatments. However there was no significant difference in fly catch when the same food bait was used at different spacing. The significantly lower percentage of incidence was noted when Rasakadali + jaggery + water + carbofuran was used at 2.5m x 2.5m and 3m x 3m and Palayankodan + boiled jaggery + water + carbofuran at 2.5m x 2.5m. The yield was maximum when Rasakadali + jaggery + water + carbofuran was used at 2.5m x 2.5m. The population of foliage pests in the snakegourd field was maximum during peak vegetative stage. The peak population of spiders did not coincide with peak fruit fly population. But the population of Opius sp increased with the population of fruit flies. In correlation with weather parameters it was found that female and total fruit fly population had significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity and number of rainy days. The results of the present study clearly revealed that by the adoption of improved Bait Application Technique profitable production of cucurbits without pesticide contamination is possible.
Open Access
Seasonal occurance and ecofriendly management of pests of amaranthus
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Asha, J S; KAU; Nandakumar, C
Seasonal occurrence of pests, their natural enemies and leaf blight disease of amaranthus were studied in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from April 2004 to April 2005. Leaf webbers Psara basalis F. and Hymenia recurvalis (F.) were the major pests of amaranthus and leaf blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. was the major disease. The leaf webber P. basalis was present in the field throughout the year. However the highest population and infestation was observed during the summer months. Maximum population of larvae was observed during the month of April 2004. The population and extent of damage by the pest exhibited significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature. The leaf webber H. recurvalis was also present in the field throughout the year. The population and extent of damage by the pest was maximum during June, July and November 2004 and minimum during the summer months (April and May 2004). The population of the pest showed significant positive correlation with minimum temperature. The green grasshopper Atractomorpha crenulata F. was observed in the field throughout the year. Highest population was observed during the first fortnight of October 2004. The percentage of plants and leaves damaged by the grasshopper was maximum during the second fortnight of November 2004. The population and extent of damage of the grasshopper showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. The percentage of plants damaged by the tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura (F.) was maximum during the second fortnight of June 2004 and the leaves damaged was the highest during the first fortnight of June 2004. The leaf damage showed significant positive correlation with rainfall. A solitary braconid endoparasitoid Apanteles opacus (Ashmead) was found infesting the second instar larvae of H.recurvalis. The population of pupae of the parasitoid was maximum during the first fortnight of July 2004. Spider predators viz., Oxyopes spp., Cheiracanthium sp., Phidippus sp. and Tetragnatha sp. were found in the field throughout the year. Maximum population of spiders was observed during the second fortnight of September 2004. The population showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature. The leaf blight disease caused by R. solani was observed throughout the year. The percentage disease index (PDI) was maximum during the second fortnight of December 2004. Studies on antifeedant effect of botanicals on major pests of amaranthus revealed that azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent was the best phagodeterrent followed by cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent and NSKE five per cent. Six botanical pesticides were evaluated with malathion as check in a field experiment. The treatments included neem seed kernel extract five per cent (NSKE), neem cake (NC) soil application @ 250 kg.ha-1 at planting + neem cake extract (NCE) 10 per cent spray, azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent, cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent, Pongamia oil soap emulsion two per cent and annona seed extract two per cent. Three sprays of the treatments were applied on the crop during the experiment. The results revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior to control in reducing the population of pests and their damage. Azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent was the most effective treatment against leaf webbers and grasshopper. This was followed by cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent and NSKE five per cent. The extent of damage caused by these pests in azadirachtin treated plots was statistically similar to that of malathion treated plots. . The extent of damage by the tobacco caterpillar was the lowest in NC soil application @ 250 kg ha-1 + NCE 10 per cent spray treatment. Higher population of spiders was found in botanical treated plots and control plots compared to malathion treated plots. The botanical treatments were not effective in containing the leaf blight disease. Maximum yield of marketable produce was recorded from malathion treated plots. However the B : C ratio was the highest (3.20) in botanical treatment, azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent (NeemAzal 1% TS @ 2.5 ml/litre) followed by cow’s urine 10 percent + NSKE five per cent (2.12) and NSKE five per cent (2.08). Three sprays of any of these botanicals at fortnightly intervals starting from two weeks after transplanting could manage the pests of amaranthus.
Open Access
Non- governmental sources of agricultural extension in Kerala: status and potential
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2005) Simi George, KAU; Jayasree Krishnankutty
The study entitled “Non-governmental sources of agricultural extension in Kerala: Status and potential” was undertaken to “ collect and consolidate the different types of non-governmental extension sources involved in providing extension in the state; to classify the non-governmental extension sources based on their involvement in agricultural development; to analyse the activity focus, extension approaches followed and the mode of operation of the selected non-governmental extension agencies; to identify the success indicators of these non-governmental extension providers; and to analyse the salient personal and socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries under different agricultural programmes implemented by the non-governmental extension providers and to appraise the suggestions of the beneficiaries in improving the non-governmental extension services”. The study was carried out in five non-governmental extension agencies of Kerala, selected based on the predominant roles being performed by them, identified by the researcher. A sample of 30 beneficiaries covering different agricultural programmes was drawn from each agency following simple random sampling, thus making the total sample size 150. The personal and socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiary respondents as well as the probable success factors of the non-governmental extension agencies were selected through judges rating. The selected variables were measured using suitable procedures. Data were collected through pre-tested interview schedules and were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical tools. Types of non-governmental extension agencies identified are: (1) Agricultural consultants/firms (2) Para technicians (3) Progressive farmers (4) Farmer’s organizations/Co-operatives (5) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) (6) Agri-business firms (7) Input dealers (8) Print and electronic media (9) Private sector banks (10) Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The major roles found being performed by the non-governmental extension agencies are: (1) Advocacy (2) Consultancy (3) Infrastructure development (4) Input supply (5) Marketing. Mode of operation is influencing the outcome of non-governmental efforts. A high degree of concordance among beneficiaries regarding their perception about various success factors of the agencies was noticed. All the selected agencies were comparatively good in their effectiveness and the general factors found to be contributing to their effectiveness and success were communication methods, periodic evaluation and review of activities, co-ordination and integration of activities, resource use efficiency, participatory approach, and activities based on felt needs of clientele. Taking into account the effectiveness index computed for every selected agency, the agency selected for ‘marketing’ role came first and the agency selected for ‘consultancy’ role, the last. The factors that distinguished between the most effective and the least effective agencies were communication methods, periodic evaluation and review of activities and resource use efficiency. The mean status score was computed for assessing the status of any new agency that is to be taken up for studying on this particular aspect. Beneficiary respondents were analysed based on their socio-economic characteristics and 100 per cent variation could be noticed among them on their socio-economic characteristics. Regarding the scope for non-governmental extension services in future, both the staff and beneficiaries feel an ample scope for them in the coming years. Suggestions to improve the non-governmental extension services were collected after discussing with the beneficiary respondents. The study draws attention to the emergent need of effective utilization of the experiences and services of non-governmental extension agencies for rural development, particularly for agricultural development.

Theses

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results