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Open Access
Etiology and ecofriendly management of fungal diseases of thippali ( piper longum L)
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Poornima, R; KAU; Santha Kumari, P
A survey was carried out at the medicinal garden of College of Agriculture, Vellayani and medicinal garden of Ayurveda Research Institute, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram to study the diseases associated with Piper longum L. (Indian long pepper or thippali). The major disease observed was anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz and Sacc. Pathogenicity test proved that C. gloeosporioides was the pathogen associated with the disease. Cross inoculation studies conducted using C. gloeosporioides isolate of thippali, black pepper and betel vine - the sister plants – showed that the thippali isolate was highly host specific. The colony and conidial morphology of the three isolates also showed considerable difference. C. gloeosporioides of thippali had very small conidia and the culture was also found to be shy sporulating. Studies on the survival of C. gloeosporioides showed that the pathogen survived for 105 days in the infected leaves, under laboratory conditions. In the soil, it survived for 150 days. Of the eleven fungal and four bacterial isolates tested against C. gloeosporioides, T. viride and A.terreus were found to be most effective under in vitro condition. Among the different resistance inducers tested in vitro, SA (1 g/l) was selected for field evaluation, as it had no direct action on the pathogen. Of the two plant based chemicals tested, Ovis reported the highest suppression of the pathogen. These four eco friendly materials selected from the in vitro studies and neem cake were tested in the field to determine their effectiveness in controlling the disease. Their combinations were also studied. Among the different eco friendly materials tested in the field, treatment T12 (T2T5 - A. terreus + neem cake) was found to be best in disease suppression at 45 DAT. Estimation of DRE showed that PO and PPO activity was highest in T3 (Ovis) where as PAL activity was maximum in T1 (T. viride). Combination of treatments revealed that maximum PO activity was in treatment T14 (T3T5 - Ovis + neem cake).The PPO and PAL activity was maximum in T7 (T1T3 - T. viride + Ovis).
Open Access
Nonlinear models for major crops of Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Joshy, C G; KAU; Krishnan, S
Nonlinear modelling techniques are the most suited tools for describing any time series phenomenon. Among the various nonlinear models in vogue monomolecular, logistic, gompertz and mixed-influence models find a prominent place. With this idea the agricultural scenario of Kerala was measured through the three important descriptors namely area, production and productivity of the major crops viz; coconut, rubber, paddy, pepper, tapioca, cashew and banana for all the districts and the state as such. Monomolecular model was the most apt model in most of the cases. The data sets were further explored based on the carrying capacity achieved by 2002-03 coupled with intrinsic growth rate. When none of the nonlinear models were found satisfactory either simple linear regression model or quadratic model was tried to explore the nature of trend. Coconut production was found to have reached its near maximum in all the districts where it was a major crop but the productivity figures gave a warning note for increasing the productivity. Rubber was found to be one of the most gifted crops, which was not devoid of proper attention. Even with this stature, production of rubber can be improved through uniform management practices. Usually nonlinear and quadratic models aptly describe a time series data on crop production. It is astonishing that simple linear regression model aptly described the paddy production in the state. The regressive value of the regression coefficients indicated that paddy production in the state is facing extinction.Paddy production in the state has at least to be protected. The lack of fit of most of the nonlinear models and even quadratic models to the data of pepper production indicate the various devastating hazards that the crop faced with. These contrasting features bring out the fact that pepper cultivation be not allowed to be toyed with. The area specific crops like cashew, cardamom, coffee and banana be made nonspecific through innovative technologies. A concerted effort with valid stresses specific to each crop will make the agricultural scenario bright.
Open Access
Group marketing system for fruits and vegetables in Kerala
(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Co operation and Banking Management, Vellanikkara, 2007) Bibin, Mohan; KAU; Philip, Sabu
The study entitled “Group marketing system for Fruits and vegetables in Kerala” was undertaken with the following objectives: To analyse the marketing behaviour of commercial fruits and vegetables farmers and to evaluate the structure, conduct and performance of Swasraya Karshaka Samithies (SKSs) promoted by Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Keralam (VFPCK). The study was conducted in Thrissur and Palakkad districts which accounted for the largest volume of business through SKSs. Commercial farmers and traders of fruits and vegetables constituted the population of the study. For the study, five SKSs were selected from each district randomly. From the area of operation of each SKS, ten member farmers who marketed their produce through SKS and five farmers who marketed their produce otherwise were selected randomly to constitute the sample of farmers. Similarly five traders selected from each SKS constituted the sample of traders. Data were collected from the sources through personal interview method by administering separate pre-tested structured schedules to farmers and traders. The data thus obtained were analysed by using bivariate tables, percentages, satisfaction indices, and ranking. Analysis of the socio-economic profile of the farmers revealed that older generation are more interested in farming than younger generation. The analysis also brought out the predominance of men in agriculture, and they possessed vast experience in farming. The results indicate that marginal and small holdings dominate the agricultural sector in the study area. Analysis of the annual income of the farmers showed that the number of farmers with an annual income of Rs.1,00,000 and above was higher among SKS farmers than Non-SKS farmers. The share of income from fruits and vegetables in the total agricultural income was higher for SKS farmers. ‘Better price for the produce’ followed by regular market for the produce, ‘better measurement and grading practices in the market’, ‘feeling of farmers own organisation’ were the most important reasons for farmers to take membership in SKS. Regarding the ownership pattern of cropped land of the farmers, the share of farmers cultivating on leased land was more among the SKS farmers than Non-SKS farmers. The SKS also attracted farmers with larger area under fruits and vegetables cultivation to its fold. The selected farmers depended more on man made sources of water than natural sources for irrigation and the majority of the farmers used either electric pump or diesel pump for irrigation. Majority of the SKS farmers preferred VFPCK as the main source of seeds for cowpea, bittergourd and amaranthus. In the case of nendran the most preferred source of suckers was traders. When the Non-SKS farmers preferred own sources and fellow farmers for the purpose. The main source of suckers of nendran was traders. Analysis of the different varieties of crops preferred by farmers revealed that in the case of nendran farmers in general preferred Mettupalayam, Kottayam and Manjeri varieties. In the case of cowpea Lola was the most preferred of SKS farmers and Non-SKS farmers preferred Lola, Local and Vyjayanthi varieties. Regarding bittergourd when SKS farmers showed a strong preference towards Preethi, Non-SKS farmers mostly preferred Local variety. Arun was the most preferred variety of amaranthus SKS farmers and Kannara Local by Non-SKS farmers. In the case of ivy gourd majority of SKS farmers preferred Sulabha variety while Non-SKS farmers preferred Local variety. The main sources of planting material for farmers were VFPCK, KAU, traders and fellow farmers. KAU was the only institutional agency which supplied all types of planting materials. Out of the four sources of planting materials, KAU was the dearest and VFPCK the cheapest. Majority of the SKS farmers availed credit from commercial banks linked to SKS when majority of the Non-SKS farmers preferred money lenders and traders for their credit needs. The SKS farmers harvested nendran coinciding with the SKS market days. Cowpea, bittergourd and ivy gourd were harvested thrice a week by majority of the SKS farmers. Vast majority of Non-SKS farmers harvested nendran weekly. Majority of the Non-SKS farmers harvested cowpea and amaranthus thrice in a week. In the case of bitter gourd and ivy gourd majority harvested two days in a week. SKS was the prime source of market information to SKS farmers while traders constituted the main source of information to Non-SKS farmers. The SKS farmers were better placed with regard to scientific marketing practices. All the produces except amaranthus and cowpea were graded and sold in SKS. Only nendran and bitter gourd were graded in Non-SKS market. Majority of the SKS farmers used plantation leaves for packing nendran. Plastic bags were used for packing other crops. Majority of the farmers in Non-SKS markets marketed nendran without packing. The main reason for selling the produce outside the SKS market was farm gate collection by the traders. The important means of transportation for SKS farmers was tailed autorikshaw and head load for majority of Non-SKS farmers. Price fluctuation was the only one risk perceived by SKS farmers, while the Non-SKS farmers perceived the risk of unsold produce, physical damage, and default in payment besides price fluctuation. In order to manage the price risk a majority of the SKS farmers sold the produce to the same trader even at a lower price when Non-SKS market sold to other traders. Regarding the realization of credit sales, 90 per cent of the SKS farmers received payment within a week while majority of the Non-SKS farmers received payment within two weeks. Lack of adequate processing and storage facilities were reported as the most serious problems faced by the commercial fruits and vegetables farmers. The SKS farmers were found better trained than Non-SKS farmers. While analyzing the structure of SKS market, it was found that majority of the sample traders were wholesalers. Majority of them had more than five years experience in fruits and vegetables trade. Majority of them had more than five years experience with the SKS. Regarding the admission in SKS, vast majority of the traders found the rules simple. Seasonality analysis of the market for the selected crops disclosed that the farmers especially nendran farmers realized the best price during Onam season as demand outstripped the supply during the season. The SKS market exhibited conditions of ‘slightly concentrated oligopsony’. Market power concentration analysis showed that in Elevenchery, Pariyaram and Thottipal the market power was highly concentrated in top four traders compared to other SKSs.. However the market power was less concentrated in top four traders in markets like Kottayi, Kanjirapuzha, Viyyakurishi and Pazhayannur. Conduct of the SKS market revealed that majority of the traders waited till the close of the market to buy the produce at a lower price as the price used to cool down towards the end of the market. The purchased produce were fed by the traders to the end markets situated far and wide from the SKS. Majority of the traders operated in more than one market. Regarding the management of price risk the traders signed forward contracts with their retailers and regulated their purchase from SKS according to the price and quantity contracted with their customers. The Marketing Efficiency Index for all the selected crops except bittergourd was the highest in SKS market compared to other markets as the marketing cost was the lowest in the SKS market. The farmers were ‘highly satisfied’ and the traders were ‘highly satisfied’ with the working of the SKS market. The VFPCK, through its group based production and marketing approach has been able to give a fillip to the vegetable and fruit cultivation in Kerala. The Swasraya Karshaka Samithies (SKSs) promoted VFPCK have enabled the farmers to enhance their production and productivity through scientific cultivation practices. The SKS market owned and operated by the farmers have enabled the farmers to realise better price for their produce by setting up best trade practices and price discovering mechanism.
Open Access
Performance analysis of agro-processing self-help groups in Thrissur district
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Lina, Joy; KAU; Prema, A
The present study on the "Performance analysis of agro-processing Self Help Groups in Thrissur district” was conducted to study the functioning of Self help Groups (SHGs), to identify the factors determining effective functioning and to study the constraints faced by the SHGs and provide suggestions for effective functioning. The study was taken up among Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) SHGs in Thrissur district. Five blocks having maximum percentage of agro-processing SHGs were selected. The activities undertaken by the agro-processing SHGs were classified under four groups i.e. fish processing, copra processing, powder making and ready to eat items making Group characteristics as the indicators of performance studied were group cohesion, group decision-making, group leadership, team spirit and maintenance of records. Copra processing unit obtained the highest rank in group characteristics. Profile characteristics studied were information seeking behaviour, innovativeness, risk orientation, economic motivation, management orientation, attitude towards self employment, knowledge about processing and market perception Powder making units were having the highest rank in profile characters Non performing groups showed the lowest score in both the group characteristics and in the profile characteristics Correlation analysis between group and profile characteristics revealed that management orientation was the major socio-economic variable affecting the group performance. Marketing channel for all the categories showed the lack of adequate forward and backward linkages. All the categories marketed their products within the district only. Packaging and traveling expense were the main items of the marketing cost Lack of common retail outlet for SHG products was the major constraint faced by SHGs in their marketing Cost of material input and labour cost were the main items in working capital of each category The copra processing units were having highest BC ratio (2.26) BC ratio of all the performing units were more than unity which indicated that all the units studied were running in profit The units were receiving a subsidy of 50 percent loan taken and they also received Rs10000 as revolving fund. All the units studied were having more than Rs 30,000 as thrift. The major constraints faced by the SHGs were the lack of concession regarding lending rate and lack of any aid from panchayat.
Open Access
Evaluation of seed source variation and clonal propagation techniqes in Jatropha curcas linn.
(Department of Tree Physiology and Forestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Anisha Kalkoor, M; KAU; Vijayakumar, N K
A study was conducted in College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Trichur, during the period 2005-2007 to evaluate different seed sources Jatropha curcas, a potential source of producing biodiesel for their genetic variation and to standardize efficient clonal propagation techniques. The study involved the evaluation of seed sources for their seed and seedling parameters as well as field performance of the plants. Attempts were made to standardize of macro and micro propagation techniques for the multiplication of elite genotypes. The material used for the evaluation consisted of different seed sources from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka. Although the variation among the seed sources for most of the seedling characters in the nursery was found non significant, a considerable variation was observed among them in their field performance. Considerable variation was also noticed for the seed parameters such as length, width, 100 seed weight, germination percentage, kernel: seed weight ratio and seed oil content. None of the seed sources excelled for all the characters studied. Among the different seed sources three seed sources viz., Kasargod, KAU and Palakkad seed sources were found to be superior in terms of most of the characters studied. Standardization of rooting of cuttings was attempted with 10 and 20 cm cuttings taken from semi-hardwood and softwood parts of the stem. Three levels each of IAA, IBA and NAA were used for evaluating their efficiency for rooting as well as shoot formation in the stem cuttings. Effect of these hormones on the shoot parameter was found less significant. However, highest sprouting was recorded in IAA 100 ppm where as IAA 250 ppm recorded highest number of shoots. Almost all the root characters were found to be greatly influenced by growth hormones. The semi-hardwood cuttings were found superior to the soft wood cuttings while, the 20 cm cuttings were found better than 10 cm cuttings with respect to most of the characters studied. Clonal propagation of Jatropha curcas was attempted by micro propagation through tissue culture using nodal segments as explants. Among the three basal media tried viz., MS, WPM and B5 medium, MS was found to be better in terms of bud, leaf and shoot initiation. The culture establishment was greatly influenced by the season of culturing. All explants cultured during the rainy season were got contaminated. A fungicidal dip in 0.2 per cent Bavistin (Carbendazim) and Indofil M- 45 (Mancozeb) for 1 hour followed by 15 minute dip in 0.1 per cent HgCl2 was the most effective surface sterilization procedure. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best medium for shoot production. Highest average number of leaves (3.47), maximum number of leaves (8.67) and maximum shoot length was observed in this medium. The synergistic effect of BA and kin in MS medium was found to be better than supplementing them individually especially for the enhanced release of axillary buds. The treatment MS+0.5 mg l-1BA+1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best treatment combination to get highest shoot initiation.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management for basmati rice(oryza sativa L) production
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Tulasi, T; Shalini Pillai, P
A study entitled “Integrated nutrient management for basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) production” was undertaken at the Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karmana, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from September 2006 to January 2007, with the main objective of evaluating the relative efficiency of different integrated nutrient management practices on the yield and quality of basmati rice. The experiment was laid out in (4 x 2) + 2 Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatments comprised two organic sources (M1- FYM, M2- FYM + neem cake) and four levels of inorganic substitution with organics (L1- 25 percent substitution, L2- 50 percent substitution, L3 - 75 percent substitution, L4 -100 percent substitution.) compared against two controls (absolute control, standard practice). The test variety was Pusa Basmati-1. The response of the growth characters (plant height, tiller count and LAI) was more pronounced with respect to the levels of substitution than the organic sources. Substituting the entire quantity of the standard dose of fertilizers (SDF) and 50 percent substitution of SDF with organics were more or less equally effective in boosting the vegetative growth of basmati rice. Between the two organic sources tried, the application of FYM and among the levels of substitution, 25 percent substitution recorded higher shoot biomass. The combined application of FYM + neem cake (M2) and 50 percent substitution of SDF with organics (L2) resulted in higher panicle biomass. The higher number of productive tillers, spikelets per panicle and a lower sterility percentage supported by substituting 50 percent of SDF with FYM + neem cake, reflected upon the grain yield also. This treatment combination was at par with the standard practice. Though the cooking properties were not influenced by INM, in general, the optimum cooking time was lower and the volume expansion and grain elongation ratios were higher at 50 percent substitution of SDF with organics. Integration of chemical fertilizers and organics maintained a higher crude protein and intermediate amylose content. The organoleptic test rankings were higher for 75 percent and 50 percent substitution with FYM + neem cake. Integrated nutrient management was observed to produce grains, which were as good as or even better than the market sample, with the respect to grain quality attributes studied. Application of FYM to the substitute chemical fertilizers resulted in higher uptake of nitrogen and potassium. The phosphorus uptake was maximum with 100 percent organic nutrition. The agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency of basmati rice improved significantly when 50 percent of the chemical fertilizers were applied as FYM + neem cake. This treatment was at par with the standard practice. The organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus status of the soil remained unaffected after the experiment. Application of FYM in conjunction with neem cake as a substitute for chemical fertilizers, improved the available potassium status of the soil. Considering organic sources tested, application of FYM was more remunerative than the combined application of FYM + neem cake. The effect of substitution on net income and BCR was not significant. Between the various treatment combinations including controls, the standard practice, 25 percent substitution of chemical fertilizers with FYM and 50 percent substitution fertilizers with FYM + neem cake were at par. The study indicated that the response of basmati rice to INM was at par with the standard practice. However, considering the multifaceted benefits of organics, on crop yield, quality and soil health, integrated nutrient management needs to be emphasized. Thus it could be concluded that, the treatment combination where in 50 percent of the standard dose of fertilizers was substituted with a combination of FYM and neem cake, was a better option than the application of chemical fertilizers alone for achieving higher yields and quality in basmati rice. Substituting the entire dose of chemical fertilizers with organics (L4) was found to improve the growth, yield, nitrogen use efficiency and nutrient uptake in basmati rice. The volume expansion and crude protein content were better at 100 percent organic nutrition. Thus the present study also revealed the possibility of adopting organic nutrition in basmati rice without any appreciable reduction in yield and quality.
Open Access
Entrepreurial behaviour of coconut oil-based unit owners
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellayani, 2007) Gurubalan, M; KAU; Seema, B
The study entitled “ Entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units owners” was undertaken with an objective to analyse the entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units, their profile characteristics and economic dimensions of enterprise. It was also aimed to identify the constraints as perceived by the entrepreneur so as to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the enterprise. The study was conducted in Pallichal, Pulimath, Parasala block Panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 25 copra units and 10 coconut oil mills from each Panchayat were selected at random thus making a total of 105 respondents. The data collected were statistically analyzed using arithmetic mean, percentage and simple correlation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents from both categories had medium to high level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Relationship of the profile characteristics with entrepreneurial behaviour showed that in the case of copra unit owners, variables namely education, annual income, mass media exposure, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation and knowledge about value added products were positively and significantly correlated. In case of coconut oil mill owners, education, mass media exposure, level of aspiration, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation, self reliance and knowledge about value added products had positively significant correlation with the entrepreneurial behaviour. Economic analysis of enterprises showed that profitability and sound economic position in both the categories of respondents. Shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, high labour charges, and lack of infrastructure facilities were considered to be major hindrances encountered by copra unit owners. Whereas in coconut oil mill owners, shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, competition from low priced oils and lack of organized marketing were perceived as major constraints. Current information on prices coupled with ware housing facilities. Market literacy programme, vertical integration of coconut oil based units and initiation of new processing technologies were the major suggestions for the development of coconut oil based industry.
Open Access
Isolation and Characterization of cDNA encoding chalcone synthase from flower buds of orchid Dendrobium variety sonia 17
(Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Anjana, G R; KAU; Soni, K B
The study entitled “Isolation and characterization of cDNA encoding chalcone synthase gene from the flower buds of orchid Dendrobium variety Sonia 17” was conducted at the Department of Plant Biotechnology, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from 2005 to 2007 with an objective of studying the isolation and characterization of cDNA encoding chalcone synthase gene involved in anthocyanin pigmentation in orchid flower buds. . Heterologous forward and reverse primers were designed based on the gene sequences of Oryza sativa, Fragaria ananasa and Phalaneopsis orchid using primer3 software. Total RNA was isolated from immature floral tissues using hot phenol method which gave an yield of 80 - 200 μg g -1 of the tissue and a A260/A280 ratio ranging between 1.6 –2.0. Messenger RNA was purified from the total RNA using the mRNA purification kit from GENEI (Bangalore). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was carried out to study the expression of gene. The RT-PCR amplified products representing chalcone synthase (CHS) gene was eluted and purified. The product was sequenced and studied the similarity of the same using homology search. All sequenced regions were subjected to BLASTN and BLASTX similarity search. Rice chalcone synthase specific primer produced an amplified sequence of 460 bp long and showed maximum similarity to the cDNA clone 5', mRNA sequence of. flower bud of Phalaenopsis violacea and flower bud of Phalaenopsis equestris Lambda ZapII cDNA Library in BLASTN similarity search.BLASTX analysis of the sequence showed similarity to maturase K protein of Aerangis kirki. The cDNA amplified with strawberry chs specific primer showed maximum similarity to the cDNA clone 5’, mRNA sequence of Phalaenopsis violacea flower bud and flower bud of Phalaenopsis equestris in the BLASTN similarity search. BLASTX analysis of the sequence showed similarity to LFY-like protein of Serapias lingua. The results of the nucleotide to nucleotide search (BLASTN) of the cDNA of orchid, amplified using chalcone synthase specific primer from orchid showed similarity to cDNA 5', mRNA sequence of Ipomoea batatas in the BLASTN similarity search. BLASTX analysis of the sequence showed similarity to retrotransposon protein of Oryza sativa (japonica cultivar-group). The result of the sequences obtained from the study shows similarity with the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of Phalaenopsis orchid flower fragrance.
Open Access
Nutritional awareness among the participants of national nutritional anaemia prophylaxis programme
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bhuvaneshwari, P; KAU; Geetha, P
Iron deficiency anaemia is a major global nutritional problem and is prevalent in 50-80 per cent of population in different parts of India. Towards reducing anaemia, the government of India (GOI) launched the National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme (NNAPP) in 1970.National Anaemia control and Prophylaxis Programme has been fighting the relentless struggle to control the ailment since 1970, but has not yielded much. Hence a study entitled “Nutritional awareness among the participants of NNAPP” was undertaken to elicit the existing knowledge, attitude and practice on the programme among the participants identify the lacunae and to suggest correct preventive measures among the participants and to study its impact through KAP studies. For pre test and posttest of knowledge and attitude suitably structured and pre test checklists were used. The dietary practice was assessed through food use frequency studies before and after the education programme. The regularity in the consumption of IFA tablets by the beneficiaries was studied before and after the intervention on consumption basis. The data pertaining to the socio economic and personal characteristics, health and nutritional profile and their participation in the NNAPP of the participants were ascertained with the help of a structured and pre tested interview schedule. The collected data were tabulated, analysed statistically and the results were interpreted. Majority of the selected participants (84 per cent) in the study belonged to the age group of 21-30 years. Nearly 59 per cent belonged to Hindu community. Most of the participants were from nuclear family with medium level of education, low monthly income and moderate physical amenities. Majority of the families possessed television and radio in their homes and 72 per cent of the participants were members of one or other organization. Anthropometric measurements revealed that body mass index of 50 per cent of the women beneficiaries were found to fall in the normal range, weight for height of child beneficiaries revealed that only 31 per cent were normal, 47 per cent were stunted and remaining 20 per cent of the child beneficiaries were stunted and wasted. Haemoglobin level of the beneficiaries revealed that only 17 per cent were normal.40 percent were moderately anaemic and 37 per cent had mild anaemia. However 6 per cent were found to be severely anaemic. Mean food intake of the beneficiaries revealed that the food group, which met the RDA least, was green leafy vegetables followed by fruits, milk and milk products, fats ad oils, and even sugar. Mean nutrient intake of the women beneficiaries revealed that iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C and folic acid were far below the RDA stipulated. Mean nutrient intake of the child beneficiaries indicated that energy, protein, iron, vitamin C and folic acid were below the RDA. Nutritional Status Index of the beneficiaries indicated medium and high Nutritional Status Index among 81 per cent of the beneficiaries and only 19 per cent of the beneficiaries were in the low Nutritional Status Index. Majority of the participants relied more on the anganwadi workers than the PHC staff for iron and folic acid supplements. Less than 25 per cent of the participants participated in the meetings, campaign, nutrition and health education classes consistently.52 percent of the beneficiaries never consumed the IFA tablets. Participation Index of the beneficiaries in the programme related activities of PHC revealed that 58 per cent had medium level of Participation Index. Data collected on the constraints faced by the beneficiaries revealed that irregular supply of supplements, gastro intestinal side effects, forgetfulness, blind beliefs and lack of awareness were the constraints experienced by the beneficiaries/participants. The pre test scores revealed the lack of knowledge of the participants about various aspects of anaemia and its prevalence, role of iron and dietary modification, and anaemia control progrmme objectives. The education programme of three days duration was conducted for the benefit of the participants to impart required information on the above areas. The education programme had significant effect on the gain in knowledge as well as change in attitude and extent of adoption of practices. Correlation of selected independent variables of participants on the knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that there was significant positive correlation was observed with educational status, participation index and knowledge. Significant positive correlation was observed with age, educational status and attitude. Comparison of mean scores of pre test and post test knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that education programme had significant improvement in the awareness of the participants.

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