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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
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
Interaction effect under ammi model
(Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Eldho, Varghese; KAU; Krishnan, S
The study of interaction is one of the major objectives of most of agricultural experiments. Conceptually this is done based on regression technique. Among the interactions studied, two factor interaction derives its importance as it is the simplest of the interactions. The joint regression technique is employed to study the G x E interaction. The regression techniques are having the assumption of additivity of effects. When there is departure from these assumption the joint regression technique fails. Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction studies have helped a lot at this juncture. Raju (2002) derived a more comprehensive measure of interaction based on AMMI model. This was achieved using the spectral decomposition of the relevant interaction matrix which enabled the study of interaction with the same precision as that of studying the main effects. Biplots formulations of interaction effects based on the PCA vector scores are the most simplest and explicit representation of interaction. The study of interaction based on spectral decomposition has been illustrated using the secondary data on the biometric, chemical and qualitative characters from the projects “Development of a bimodal phasic management system to improve both quantity and quality in Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga)” and “Development of a bimodal phasic management system to improve both quantity and quality in Njavara (Oriza Sativa)”. The DMRT tests for each level of the factors viz., calcium and source were carried out for the parameters viz., percentage content of phosphorus in rhizome, percentage content of potassium in rhizome and North – South foliage spread. In all these characters no specific interaction effect could be sorted out. These interactions when studied based on the factor analytical technique revealed that source II and second level of calcium had the highest positive interaction as regards the percentage content of phosphorus; source III and third level of calcium for percentage content of potassium and source II and third level of calcium for North – South foliage spread. When the order of the interaction matrix was high as in the case of the second experiment, DMRT tests failed to highlight the appropriate interactive effect in the characters viz., grain yield, percentage content of nitrogen in grain, percentage content of phosphorus in grain, percentage content of phosphorus in straw and percentage content of potassium in straw. The study based on the factor analytical technique revealed that the treatments T15, T8, T3, T1 and T4 respectively had the highest interactive effect with Payyanur for the above said characters where as for Badagara they were T3, T14, T4, T5 and T8 .
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
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.

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