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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Samastipur district of Bihar: an evaluative study(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumar, Bipul; Shekhar, DibyanshuThe ICAR has established KVKs all over the country by making provision for multidisciplinary team of scientists. The institution is playing strategic role in technology back stopping, knowledge management and advisory to the stake holders like farmers, farm women, rural youths and extension personnel. The number of KVKs has risen to 645 and 106.more KVKs are to be established in the newly created districts and some larger districts. The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India. The KVK, Samastipur was established in 2004 in 50 Acres of land at Birauli. which is 8 km away from the University headquarters and 15 km from the Samastipur district town. The KVK, Samastipur has under taken many interventions like training, OFT, FLD and other capacity building programmes to enhance the well being of farmers through enhancing production, productivity and profitability. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli Samastipur has been bestowed with the award of “Best KVK (Zone-II)” by Hon‟ble Agriculture & Food Processing Industry Minister, Sri Sharad Pawar at the 8th National Conference on KVK organized at University of Agriculture Science, Bangaluru from 23rd-25th October, 2013.In view of the same, effort was made to undertake a study entitled. “Activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Samastipur District of Bihar: An Evaluative Study” with the following specific objectives: To determine the coverage area through activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samastipur. To find out the socio-economic characteristic of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. To explore the knowledge level and Extent of adoption of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries farmers related with prime activities undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. To assess the effect of different activities on the socio-economic development of beneficiaries. To examine the association between the selected independent variables and dependent variables. During 2016-17, all together 2842 farmers were trained by KVK, Birauli where as 759 farmers had benefited through different FLDs. More than Rs.8.0 lakh was earned by KVK through selling of planting materials, vermicmpost and publication where as 5000 farmers were benefited from other extension activities like Kisan Mela, Gosthi, diagnostic or field visit, advisories etc. more than 10 on farm trail were conducted for assessment and refinement. Majority of the respondents (88.89 per cent) belonged to middle to old age group having agriculture along with dairy and business as their major occupation. Further it was found that the annual income of majority of the respondents was in between 1 to 2 lakh per annum and most of the selected respondents had an educational attainment of intermediate and above. The majority (84.44 per cent) of the respondents belonged to small to marginal land holding category with a family size of more than 5 family members. In terms of farm mechanization, contact with extension agency, economic motivation the EDP beneficiaries‟ ranked top among others (i.e. FLD and non beneficiaries). In case of use of available source of information only 50% of total selected respondents used available source of information, out of them EDP beneficiaries again possess the major proportion. However, the EDP beneficiaries were the most frequently in contact with extension agency. It was also revealed during the study that EDP beneficiaries were found more aware related with knowledge of the activity of KVK undertaken in this study i.e., Mushroom production technology and vermicompost technology. While in case of knowledge level of FLD beneficiaries was having more knowledge about seed variety, package and practices of crop production than non-beneficiaries. Further in terms of adoption the vermicompost technology was most adopted by the beneficiaries and the impact of vermicompost training activities on the socio-economic development of beneficiaries possess high. During the study, it was found that age, land and source of income of the respondents were significantly associated with the knowledge level of the farmers. also, social participation improved technology.ThesisItem Open Access A diagnostic study of makhana production technology among the growers of Madhubani district(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumar, Avinash; Singh, Ashok K.Makhana is grown in stagnant perennial water bodies like ponds, land depressions, jheel, swamps, ditches or wetlands having stagnant shallow water (4-6 ft) which are of perennial in nature. Makhana is an aquatic and floating leaf emergent macrophyte. It is an absolutely seed propagated plant and germination of new plant arises from fully matured seeds. In India, its production is spread over in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Eastern Odisha and Uttar Pradesh for its starchy white edible seeds. Bihar state has the monopoly in Makhana production in the country. Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria and Sitamari districts are major pockets for Makhana cultivation. These districts comprise an area of approx 15,000 ha under makhana cultivation with an average productivity of 1.5 t/ha. The current production of makhana in the state is pegged at around 25,000 tonnes per annum of which around 10,000 tonnes is being processed. At present, some fragmented information’s are available about the Makhana production, however, the crop is such important in nature that the in-depth scientific endeavour is required related with nature and traditional system of Makhana cultivation with the help of makhana growers who are the ultimate producers of this black diamond. Owing to richness in the nutritive contents and having a great potential for cash crop in order to make double the farmers income the present study has been planned, “A Diagnostic Study of Makhana Production Technology among the Growers of Madhubani District” with following specific objectives: 1. To know the demographical, socio-economic and personal characteristics of Makhana growers. 2. To assess the extent of knowledge related with Makhana Production Technology. 3. To examine the Traditional Wisdom related with different methods of Makhana cultivation. 4. To identify the constraints as confronted by Makhana growers. 5. To suggest the strategies for eliminating the constraints in order to enhance the Makhana production In the study four blocks namely Pandaul, Rahika, Kaluahi and Benipatti was selected of the Madhubani district. Out of the selected blocks 23 respondents were selected from Pandaul block, 31 respondents from Rahika, 25 from Kaluahi and 21 from Benipatti block. Thus, altogether a total sample size of 100 was taken for study. On the basis of extensive review of literature, discussion with concerned scientists, extension experts and members of advisory committee twelve independent and two dependent variables were selected for the purpose of study. The main independent variables were age, caste, education, family size, sources of livelihood, total income and debt status, earning from makhana, contact with extension agency, community participation, seasonal involvement (month wise), risk bearing ability and level of satisfaction while knowledge and Makhana production technology were served as the dependent variable in course of the study. It was found in the study that 29% makhana growers belong to the age group of 46-55 years and 98% of them belong to the same caste category, i.e. Sahni-Mallah. Majority of respondents (40%) were illiterate and 45% of the selected sample had a family size of 4-7 person further 52% respondent had makhana, fisheries combine with the agriculture as their sources of livelihood and 59% respondents having an annual income of `50,001-1 lakh. Majority (89%) of respondents don’t have any loan. 76% of respondents found an earning of `25,001-50,000 from makhana while, 61% of selected respondents earn the same amount from fisheries. The 77% of selected respondent were found to have membership of fisherman cooperative society as well as their contact with extension agency however, 79% respondents utilise television as their mass media information source. It was also found that 59% of respondents have medium level of risk orientation and 70% have medium level of satisfaction. In terms of knowledge and traditional wisdom it was found that they are still practicing the method of their forefathers due to lack of scientific knowledge. There were several constraints found during the course of study through open end question. Further they were categorized in four groups as: (i) Production constraints, (ii) Economic constraints, (iii) Technological (iv) Policy related.Which are enlisted on appropriate place with frequency and percentage score along with the suggestions reported by growers in order to eliminate them.ThesisItem Open Access Uses of Weather Forecasting Advisory Services as Disseminated by Dr.R.P.C.A.U among the farmers of Muzaffarpur District(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumari, Shweta; Prakash, SatyaAgriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. Compared to various other sectors of economy, agriculture is unique, whose output is largely dependent on weather conditions. The degree of success of agriculture production and its economics is determined to a significant extent by how well weather conditions corresponding to the optimal requirements of the crop are best exploited to raise the crops. Also, how effectively adverse weather conditions, which cause moisture, thermal, wind, radiation and biotic stress impeding growth and development of crop are managed to minimize their adversity. Further to this, it also depends on management aspects of preventing the crops from severe weather conditions. Agriculture in India and entire world in mostly dependent on the persisting weather conditions. The alteration is global warming has dramatically effected agriculture and its productivity. The increase in temperature has significantly led to change in the agricultural zones and shift in the growing seasons. On the other hand the change in the rainfall pattern is the serious threat to agriculture, which turn affects the country’s economy and food security. The delayed or inadequate monsoons also cause influence on the sale of agriculture inputs such as fertilizers, agrochemicals, tractors etc. So advance weather forecasting is essential for mass awakening. It is evident from experiences that yearly information of weather and appropriate advisory minimizes the production loss of farmers. Therefore, In view of the effectiveness of advisory services study has been proposed with the following specific objectives: 1. To assess the socio- economic and personal characteristics of users. 2. To explore the level of knowledge and attitude of users towards the weather forecasting information. 3. To study the extent of adoption of weather forecasting information as disseminated by R.P.C.A.U. 4. To identify the different constraints as perceived by the users related with adoption of weather forecasting information. 5. To ascertain the relationship between selected socio- economic and personal characteristics of users with the adoption level of weather forecasting information. The study was conducted in Marwan and Saraiya block of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. One village was selected from each block i.e. Bhagwatpur and Ballysaraiya. 30 farmers were selected from each village so total numbers of farmers were 60 for study purpose. Twelve independent variables of the study were: Age, Caste, Occupation, Education, Family type, Family size, Annual family income, Social participation, Sources of information utilized, Attitude, Farming experience, Land of size holding. The dependent variables were: Knowledge level and Extent of adoption. All the variables were measured strictly under the set rule and procedure, with scale and schedule developed for the study. An interview schedule was prepared and face to face interview was carried out with farmers. Appropriate statistical tests were used for data analysis. This study concluded that maximum per cent of farmers were belonged to middle age group, OBC caste, farming occupation, high school education level, joint family type, medium size family, less than Rs.50, 000 annual family income. Likewise farmers had not member of any organization in social participation, often used TV and AAS bulletin as source of information, above 10 years of farming experience, marginal land holding group. It is also concluded that farmer had medium level of knowledge about weather forecasting information, medium favourable attitude towards weather forecasting information, medium level of adoption of weather forecasting information. It can be observed that “Farmers could not understand SMS on mobile due to lack of knowledge of its application” and “The farmers cannot get time to view weather forecast advisory services due to delay in media” has got first and second rank respectively while “Farmers are not able to know the economic benefits of weather forecasts” has got last rank in constraints perceived by the farmers. It is also observed that attitude and size of land holding had a positive significant association with the level of adoption of farmers towards weather forecasting information.ThesisItem Open Access Study on Effectiveness of different Extension Teaching methods under KVK System of Bihar(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Ojha, Pankaj Kumar; Singh, MadanExtension education is an informal out of school education designed to help rural people to satisfy their needs, interest and desires. All the extension activities carried out through various extension teaching methods. In another words, we can say that extension teaching methods are the wheels of extension education. This study was mainly focused to explore the effectiveness of various extension teaching methods used by extension functionaries, viz. SMS from KVKs and Agricultural coordinators from state agricultural department of Bihar to train the farmers according to their needs. In general, effectiveness is a measure of the match between stated goals and their achievement. Erlendsson (2002) says that effectiveness as the extent to which objectives are met (‘doing the right things). The Extension Teaching methods are broadly classified into two groups: (1). According to use and (2). According to form. Further use based teaching methods classified into 3 groups like (1). Individual methods, (2). Group methods and (3). Mass methods. Each group has different sub-methods. In this study, we have three groups of extension teaching methods like individual, group and mass contact methods, each group having 7, 10 and 15 methods respectively. We measured the effectiveness of these methods by providing rank order, the ranks were provided by respondents as per their perception. The rank order has been provided through ‘Garrett Ranking Technique’. Beside the effectiveness, we also measured job involvement, job satisfaction and knowledge level of respondents about extension teaching methods. The descriptive type of research design has applied to this study. The three districts of Bihar like Samastipur, Sitamarhi and East Champaran were purposefully selected as locale under the study. Extension professionals like SMS from KVKs and Agricultural Coordinators from department of Agriculture, government of Bihar and farmers equally from selected locale were the respondents of the study. The data were collected through the well structures interview schedule and through face to face interview. Mainly correlation, chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis of the collected data. There were eight independent variables like age, education, service experience, job involvement, job satisfaction, sources of information, sources of income and knowledge level of extension professionals about different extension teaching methods and there was single dependent variable as effectiveness of different extension teaching methods. The analysis revealed that most of the respondents belonged to middle age group. Mostly (60 % and 51.7 %) they were belonged to backward caste. Majority of respondents were male under the study. All the extension personnel are married while 68.3 per cent farmers were married. Majority of respondents were belonged to joint family type. Majority (46.7 %) of extension professionals have small landholdings while majority of farmers have medium sized landholdings. Majority (46.7 %) of extension professionals was found to have M.Sc. (Ag.) or equivalent degree and 26.7 % have Ph.D. degree. Majority (53.3%) of farmers were found to have intermediate level of education. Majority of extension professionals were found to have long (> 10 years) service experience, 90 per cent were found to have salary as a main source of income, most of them frequently used the sources of information like through training (80 %), by farmers’ field visit (93 %), internet (83 %), mobile (77 %) and books (60 %). In case of farmers they were mostly used the sources of information like mobile (91.7 %), TV (76.6 %), radio (71.7 %), and through scientists (90 %). The professionals were found to have good knowledge level of extension teaching aids, extension teaching methods, handling of different teaching methods. Most (62.5 %) of the SMS were found to have medium level of job involvement while 50 % Agricultural Coordinators have high level of job involvement. Majority of SMS were found to have high level of job satisfaction while most (57.7 %) of the Agricultural Coordinators were less satisfied with their job. Farm and home visit, telephonic calls, farmers’ call, adaptive and mini kit trial and farm clinic were found to have frequently used individual contact methods, with respect to group contact method demonstration, leader training meetings, lecture methods, result demonstration and group discussion were frequently used and in context of mass contact bulletins, leaflets, literature, digital training were found to have frequently used by KVKs of selected locale. Farm and home visit, farmers call, method demonstration, internet, agricultural shows, etc. were found effective in acquiring knowledge, skill development and formatting attitude. The extension professionals were stated some constraints during handling of extension teaching methods. The constraints were related to extension teaching aids, extension teaching methods and some personal and psychological traits.