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Open Access
Assessment of livelihood status of farmers of Himachal Pradesh trained by CSK HPKV, Palampur
(palampur, 2020-11-18) Dhadwal, Neha; Thakur, Rajesh Kumar
Agriculture is the major source of livelihood for majority of the rural population in the developing countries like India. The livelihood security is a complex concept that is location specific, subjective and dynamic. It comprises of food, financial, health, cultural and educational securities and among these, food security is undoubtedly the major contributor of livelihood security. The farmers often face the problem of low level of productivity and farm income due to lack of proper knowledge regarding the usage of modern farming techniques. In Himachal Pradesh, imparting trainings to the farmers is one of the mandates of CSK HPKV, Palampur. During the period of 2016 to 2018, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. Shimla has sponsored 52 training programmes to CSKHPKV in which 1300 farmers were trained in different streams. In the present study an attempt has been made to assess the livelihood status of trained farmers with respect to their farm resources, level of awareness & adoption of farm technologies and the different domains of livelihood security. Among the different districts of the state, the highest number of trained farmers were from the district Kangra and hence the district was selected purposively. In order to meet out the requirements of the objectives of the study, primary data were collected from 60 trained farmers through a two-stage sampling design. The secondary data pertaining to various trainings programmes conducted by CSKHPKV, Palampur were collected from records of Directorate of Extension Education, CSKHPKV, Palampur. The results were presented by working out averages, percentages and various indices for livelihood security. The average size of land holding was found to be quite low i.e. 0.3595 ha out of which 0.3055 ha was cultivated on overall farm situation. As far as employment of active workers was concerned, the majority (60.11 %) were associated with farming; while private jobs and government services was the major source of occupation for about 13 and 6 per cent of sample population, respectively, on overall farm situation. As far as the livestock inventory of the sample households was concerned, the average size of herd was found to be 1.62, having the value of Rs. 25,870/farm. The inventory of farm tools, implements and machinery on per farm basis was to the tune of Rs. 39,897 on overall basis. The analysis of the cropping pattern indicated that paddy and wheat were the major crops accounting for about 24 and 19 per cent of the total cropped area. The cropping intensity on the sample households was estimated at 204.75 per cent on overall basis. The analysis of awareness and knowledge about the different crop production practices indicated that the awareness level of sample households was quite good except for that of the weed management through the chemical application. As far as the use of FYM was concerned, it was on the lower side and the gap ranged between 3 to 17 per cent in different crops while in case of N, P and K, the percent gap ranged between 20 to 65 per cent for K among different crops. The per capita household income from different sources was estimated at Rs 4,96,086 in which the share of farm income was highest (60.69 per cent). The values of major domains of livelihood security index indicated that the sample households were relatively more secured with respect to education (0.46) followed by economic (0.30), food (0.27) and social (0.20) security aspect. The value of composite livelihood security index and weighted composite livelihood security index was found to be 0.31 and 0.39, respectively
Open Access
Economics of Organic Farming and Role of CSK HPKV in Transfer of Organic Farming Technology in Himachal Pradesh
(palampur, 2020-11-18) Kaur, Jasmeet; Lal, Harbans
Green Revolution technologies, supported by policies and fuelled by agrochemicals, machinery, and irrigation are known to have enhanced agricultural production and productivity. While these technologies greatly helped to address the food security of India, farmers using these technologies have to depend upon the purchased inputs. The cost of cultivation under this system is consistently increasing over the years. Due to the rampant use of inorganic chemicals for production in agriculture, the quality of food products, environment and eco-system has deteriorated. Organic agriculture is one of the broad spectrums of production methods that are supportive of the environment. Organic farming is certainly an answer to make safe food, eco-system and environment and to bring stability and sustainability to agriculture. The farmers in hilly regions have the opportunity to patronize organic farming ‘by default’. Realizing the importance, Model Organic Research Farm was established at CSK HPKV, Palampur on 15th April 2006. To examine the impact of institutional trainings on adoption of natural/organic farming technology in the state, a sample of 60 farmers was selected randomly through proportional allocation method from selected villages of Kangra and Hamirpur districts. The average size of land holding was 0.83 ha and about 68 per cent of area was put under cultivation. The cropping pattern revealed that among the different crops, the major proportion of total cropped area was occupied by paddy (18.24 %), maize+blackgram (11.56%) and maize (7.86 %) during the kharif season. Whereas, during the rabi season major area accounted for wheat (14.54%), wheat +gram intercrop (12.32%) and potato (8.59%). The net returns with family labour were found to be significantly high in maize + blackgram intercrop (Rs. 30648/ha) than the sole maize crop (Rs. 5608/ha). Similarly, in case of rabi season, wheat+ gram intercrop yielded higher returns (Rs. 26258/ha) than sole wheat crop (Rs. 5673/ha) on overall farm situation. The logit model was used to analyse the factors affecting the adoption of natural/organic farming and the estimates showed that education, family size and number of livestock per household significantly affected the adoption of natural/organic farming in the study area. The principal component analysis was used to calculate the overall adoption index of organic practices which resulted in 72.24 per cent of adoption level by the farmers. To further enhance the adoption levels, it is suggested that liberal funding may be provided to the university to promote organic/natural farming throughout the state. There is need to follow cluster approach and provide certification subsidy to farmers. Moreover, marketing system for organic commodities need to be developed as there is huge potential for organically grown products, worldwide.
Open Access
Economics of Different Crops Under Natural Farming at CSKHPKV, Palampur Farms
(palampur, 2020-12-31) Gautam, Ishani; Bala, Brij
Excessive use of agro chemicals resulted into degradation of soil and water affecting microbial community on one hand while on the other hand, there are cases of farmers’ suicides due to their inability to pay back loans taken for purchasing these agro-chemicals. With an objective to reduce pressure on environment as well as on farmers, Padma Shri recipient Subhash Palekar experimented various techniques and consolidated them into a concept called natural farming. These techniques are being popularized in different states. Therefore, the present study was taken to examine the economics of different crops under natural farming. The study pertained to CSK HPKV, Palampur farms as the natural farming in Himachal Pradesh started with the inauguration of a pilot project on natural farming at CSK HPKV, Palampur. It was observed that the cost of various nutrient formulations prepared on natural farms viz., Jeevamrit and Beejamrit was Rs. 2.36 and 8.99, respectively per litre while that of Ghanjeevamrit was Rs. 9.87 per kg. Variable cost accounted for more than 90 per cent of total cost incurred for preparation of these formulations. Per litre costs of pesticide formulations like Neemastra, Agniastra and Brahmastra were found to be Rs. 18.42, Rs. 12.69 and Rs. 14.46, respectively. Crops selected for the study were maize, pea, wheat, gram, soybean, finger millet and foxtail millet and the per hectare total cost of cultivation for these crops was Rs. 31686, 47555, 36914, 38280, 39267, 25711, and 21872, respectively. Comparison of these costs with the costs of crops grown under conventional farming showed that the total costs were comparatively less under natural farming. Further, it was also found that the yields and hence, the gross returns of crops under natural farming were less than the crops grown under conventional farming. Despite lower yields, BC ratios were higher under natural farming due to low cultivation costs. It was inferred that the natural farming can provide higher net returns but the yield/total production may go down risking the food security. Therefore, some efforts are needed in the direction to ensure equivalent yields under natural farming before advocating it on large scale.
Open Access
Economic analysis of hybrid paddy production in Poanta Sahib block of district Sirmaur (H.P.)
(palampur, 2019-07-23) Thakur, Narender; Gupta, Manoj
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a cereal crop and is the staple food for more than 60 per cent of world‘s populace. About 90 per cent of all rice grown in the world is produced and consumed in the Asian region. In India, rice accounts for 32.7% and 41.5% of the acreage and production of food grains respectively. The present study was undertaken on hybrid paddy in Poanta Sahib block of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. A survey of 60 hybrid paddy growers was conducted in Poanta Sahib block. Out of 60 farmers, 24 hybrid paddy growers were small and 36 growers were large. The major findings revealed that the average area under hybrid paddy cultivation was 1.14 ha on small farms, 1.94 ha on large farms with an average of 1.62 ha. The major component of cost was found to be hired labour estimated at Rs. 20592 per ha on overall farms. Value of seed was another major cost component as the cost of seed was estimated at Rs. 6346 per ha on overall farms. The productivity of hybrid paddy came out to be 67.14 q/ha on overall farms. The returns over total cost were Rs. 31802/ha on overall farms. The highest output-input ratio was on small farms (1.47:1) as compared to large farms (1.16:1) and it was 1.34:1 at overall farms. Maximum technological gap in hybrid paddy cultivation was in fertilizers use as excess amounts of chemical fertilizers were used. Number of irrigations was also higher than recommended rate on overall farm situations. The hybrid paddy production was found to be 108.84 q per farm on overall farms and 99.85 per cent of which was meant for sale in the market. The hybrid paddy growers followed three major marketing channels, out which channel-I (Producer- Govt. procurement agency-Miller-Govt. agency-fair prices shops-Consumer) was found to be major marketing channel disposing 64.38 per cent of total marketed surplus. The low efficiency index in channel-II was reported due to many market functionaries involved between producer and consumer. Non-availability of proper market and lack of milling facilities and labour shortage, high wage rate and tractor charges were the main problems reported by growers in the study area.
Open Access
Economic analysis of tomato under protected and open environment in Kangra District, H.P.
(palampur, 2017-07-15) Mehta, Kanika; Guleria, J.S.
The present study pertained to economic analysis of tomato under protected and open environment in Kangra District, H.P. This study is based upon the data collected for the Agricultural Year 2015-16 from 60 tomato (30 open-field and 30 polyhouse) growers, selected through proportional allocation method from Baijnath and Bhedu Mahadev blocks of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals that under open-field/ natural conditions, among vegetables, the average yield of tomato crop was found to be the highest in the study area. Under protected conditions, the maximum cropped area was found to be under tomato (52.59%) followed by capsicum (21.04%) and cucumber (14.83%). Human labour was found to be the most important component of tomato cultivation under both open-field and protected conditions, accounting for 73.43 per cent and 82.68 per cent of the total variable cost, respectively. Under open-field conditions, the net returns over variable cost was Rs. 2,32,282/ha and output-input ratio stood at 1.50:1. Under protected conditions, it was found that all types of costs viz. variable, fixed and total costs declined with the size of the holding, mainly due to economies of scale. Further, it was found that the returns over total cost and variable cost were higher on small farms in comparison to large farms. The output-input ratio stood at 1.15:1, on overall basis. Protected cultivation contributed 10.68 per cent in the total annual gross household income of the polyhouse growers, at overall level. Large polyhouse category earned higher proportion (14.52%) as compared to small category (7.02%). The income variability of polyhouse growers was found to be less in comparison to the open-field growers. Unavailability of improved varieties at the time of sowing, the high cost of improved varieties, lack of awareness regarding the high yielding and resistant varieties, lack of storage facilities, etc. were the major problems faced by open-field growers in the study area. In case of polyhouse growers, the lack of knowledge about site, orientation, material etc., non-serious approach of construction companies, problem of repairs/spare parts, lack of technical knowhow and training, inadequate extension and advisory services, etc. were the major problems. The study has suggested that efforts are required for creating cold storage facilities to increase the shelf life of tomato. Aside from prolonging the shelf life of the crop, product diversification through processing may enhance the income of tomato growers in the study area. There is a dire need to bring polyhouses under insurance cover to make the scheme more sustainable in future.
Open Access
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE CULTIVATION IN SIRMAUR DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
(CSKHPKV Palampur, 2020) RAHUL; Gupta, Manoj
Sugarcane is an important cash crop grown in India. In Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur district is a major producer of sugarcane and has the highest area among all districts. The study was based on primary as well as secondary data collected during the year 2019-20. The present study was conducted in the Paonta block of the Sirmaur district since the whole sugarcane acreage of the district is concentrated in this block alone. In 2017-18, Himachal Pradesh had 1870 hectares of sugarcane area out of which 45 per cent area was in the Sirmaur district alone. The result is revealed that the compound growth rates of area, production, and productivity of sugarcane in the Sirmaur district during the years 2006-07 to 2016-2017 were -7.55, 2.51, and 10.88 per cent, respectively. The study is based on data collected from 60 farmers of the Poanta Sahib block out of which 19 farmers were categorized as large farmers (>2.88 ha) and 41 small farmers (<2.88 ha). The per hectare cost of cultivation of sugarcane was found to be ₹ 1,66,125. The per hectare yield, gross returns, and net returns attained from the sugarcane were 898 quintals, ₹ 2,69,495, and ₹ 1,03,370, respectively. The output-input ratio was marginally higher on large farms (1.64:1) than in small farms (1.62:1) and on the overall farm categories output-input ratio was 1.62:1. The Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to work out the extent of efficacy of resource use. The maximum technological gap in sugarcane cultivation was found in the use setts of sugarcane than the recommended rate on overall farm situation. The marketed surplus accounted for 99.28 per cent after the home consumption and losses at the farm. Labour scarcity for manual inter-cultural operations, non-availability of machines for the harvesting of sugarcane, delayed payment by sugar mills, etc. were some of the major constraints impelling sugarcane acreage.
Open Access
STATUS AND SCOPE OF FARM MECHANIZATION IN SUNDERNAGAR BLOCK OF DISTRICT MANDI (HP)
(CSKHPKV Palampur, 2020-11-13) DIKSHA; Kumar, Virender
This study was conducted in Sundernagar block of Mandi district purposively as it combines the features of traditional as well as commercial agriculture and as such was appropriate for the study. For the selection of farmers, two stage random sampling technique was used for the selection of villages and farmers. In the first stage of sampling 10 villages were selected randomly from the entire block. In second stage a sample of 8 households was drawn randomly from each selected village using proportional allocation method. A sample of 80 farmers was drawn randomly from the selected villages to accomplish the objectives of the study. Farm mechanization helps in ensuring timely field operations, increasing productivity, reduction in crop losses, improving the quality of produce, increase use of land and other inputs more efficiently and reduces drudgery. Results of study revealed that for ploughing and sowing purpose, tractor with cultivator, power tiller and planker were used for cultivation of major crops. Manual and power sprayers, and small implements like spade, sickle, hoe, axe, rake, etc. were used for intercultural operations Major crops like paddy, wheat and maize accounted for 27.41 per cent, 23.87 per cent, and 7.75 per cent of the total cropped area, respectively and vegetables like tomato, cauliflower, and pea accounted 10.60 per cent, 5.85 per cent, and 4.51 per cent of the total cropped area, respectively. The net returns over Cost A1 were Rs. 30072/ha, Rs. 54489/ha and Rs. 50075/ha in paddy, wheat and maize whereas, in vegetables net returns over cost A1 were found to be Rs.437084/ha in tomato as well as Rs. 164294/ha in cauliflower and in pea net returns were found to be Rs. 156779/ha. It was observed that age, education, family size and income, positively and significantly affected the farm mechanization The major problems in farm mechanization were high initial cost of machinery, high maintenance cost, labour hiring charges and small size of holdings. Therefore, in order to overcome these problems, the institutional mechanism for custom hiring of farm machinery should be developed and strengthened so as to further promote farm mechanization in the area.
Open Access
ROLE OF BACKYARD POULTRY IN HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY OF CHAMBA DISTRICT IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
(CSHHPKV Palampur, 2019-07-23) KAPOOR, NITIKA; Kumar, Rajesh
Backyard poultry is one of the important activities being promoted in the state for the supplementation of household income by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK HPKV Palampur. The backyard poultry has a potential of improving the socio-economic status of marginal, small farms and even landless households through the generation of supplementary income along with other farm activities. The present study was conducted in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh to study socio- economic status of households and workout the economics of backyard poultry. Both primary data were collected from 60 backyard poultry owners of Chamba and Mehla block, selected by using two stage random sampling technique. Simple tabular method was used for the analysis of data and results have been presented by working averages, percentages, indices, etc. The average size of land holding was 0.22 ha in which 86 per cent area was under cultivation crops. The analysis of cropping pattern revealed that maize and wheat were the major crops grown by the respondents. The livestock inventory was about 5.79 animals which comprised cattle, bullocks, sheep and goat. Among the cereal crops, the productivity of maize was highest (about 23q/ha) followed by wheat. The total per farm value of farm inventories except land was worth Rs. 2,56,539 comprising buildings Rs. 1,91,916, livestock Rs. 57,548 and farm machinery and implements Rs. 7075. The size of backyard poultry unit was about 47 birds comprising 31 hens and 16 broilers. Under backyard poultry schemes, the respondents had purchased 76.67 chicks on subsidized rates while 3.52 waterers, 3.6 feeders and 60 kg of feed were supplied to the respondents free of cost. The average total initial investment on backyard poultry was around Rs. 23,898 out of which, investment on poultry shed was highest (89.62%) followed by cost of chicks (6.74%). The average annual use working capital in the backyard poultry was Rs. 41,048 in which poultry feed accounted for about 60 per cent followed by cost of family labour (31.27%). The total annual cost of managing the backyard poultry was estimated at Rs. 44,596/annum. The annual production of poultry unit comprised 4640 eggs, about 20 poultry birds sold for meat and 10.28q of poultry manure. The gross value of all these products was estimated at Rs. 59114 in which major share was from the sale of eggs (86%). Backyard poultry in the study area was found to be profitable activity as the net returns over total coat were to the tune of Rs. 14518/unit and 309/bird, respectively. Moreover, the Benefit cost ratio worked out 1:1.33, which indicated total investment of worth Rs.1 in backyard poultry will generate an income of Rs. 1.33. The major portion of total production of main products of poultry viz., eggs (86.26%) and bird meat (100%) was marketed. The share of income from backyard poultry was about 17 per cent of the total agricultural income. The major problems in backyard poultry were loss by predators, losses due to the insect pest and diseases, costly feed and damage to field crops by poultry birds.
Open Access
PROSPECTS OF FLOWER CULTIVATION UNDER POLYHOUSE CONDITIONS IN BILASPUR DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
(CSKHPKV. Palampur, 2020-10-08) NIKHIL; Brij Bala

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