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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access A MIXED-METHOD ANALYSIS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION FLOW MECHANISM AMONG THE STAKEHOLDERS OF POST T&V SYSTEM AND ATMA MODEL IN ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2021) Saikia, Dipanjali; Barman, UtpalAccess to knowledge and information has become an instrumental component to society’s progress. Information utilization in agriculture has played a key role in boosting agricultural productivity and in overall progress of the farm sector. If properly utilized, information can help in improvement of the farm household economy. The sources of information utilized may however vary. The suitability of these sources utilized also varies according to their needs and the situation they are in. The Indian public agricultural extension system has been a world leader in knowledge and information dissemination. Extension workers and researchers work together to improve farmer productivity and profitability through technology transfer, it is necessary to know the information sources consulted and used by the public extension system and farmers in various situations and times to develop an effective extension system The present study was carried out in the Lakhimpur district of Assam to discover the information flow mechanism among public extension stakeholders (ATMA model and Post T&V phase). Multi-stage sampling design was followed to select farmers and other stakeholders of the ATMA model and Post T&V system; a cent percentage population was taken for the study. A set of structured schedules was used to collect data. For the analysis, the data were grouped into frequency distributions. They paired t-tests using Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation and Fisher's exact test. The mean age of the agricultural scientists was 40.67 years and they had attained postgraduate degrees in their field. Most agricultural scientists (83.33%) had medium service experience (6-11 years). It was also found that 50.00per cent of the agricultural scientists attended two training sessions last year. The agricultural scientists can use mobile telephony, printing, typing, photocopying, projector, exhibition, computer, internet, periodicals and transportation for updating their knowledge. To transfer agricultural information, 33.33 per cent of agricultural scientists used low, medium, or high communication methods. The mean age of the extension personnel were 42.12 years. While 39.39 per cent of extension personnel had completed high school, 27.27per cent had attained education up to graduation level (agriculture), 25.76 per cent had completed post-graduation (agriculture) and only 7.58 had completed graduation (non-agriculture). It was also found that 78.79 per cent of extension workers were men, and 21.11 per cent women. Majority (81.82%) of extension workers were from rural areas. Majority of (65.15%) of extension personnel had a medium aspirational level and 96.97per cent had a medium service length. The study also revealed that last year, 54.54 per cent of extension personnel received medium training, in comparison, 22.73 per cent received low and 22.73 per cent received high training. 86.36 per cent of extension personnel had medium level facilities to transfer agricultural technologies, while 13.64 per cent had high-level facilities. The study also revealed that of all extension personnel, 72.73 per cent used medium communication methods, 16.67 per cent used low communication methods, and 10.60 per cent used high communication methods to transfer information. The average age of farmers was 43.43 years old, with 49.05 per cent of them having attained secondary education. 87.04 per cent of the farmers were men. Farmers owned an average land holding of 1.137 ha. About 90 per cent of farmers had a medium annual income. It was also found that 77.73 per cent of farmers were members of one-single organisation. The majority of farmers were cosmopolite, and 61.54 per cent can be categorized as innovative. 68.42per cent of farmers preferred medium risk, 62.75 per cent of farmers preferred medium media exposure and 71.66 per cent of farmers preferred medium scientific orientation. The marketing personnel had an average age of 43.36 years and 45.46 per cent had graduated from college, followed by graduate school (36.36%) and high school (18.18%). It was observed that 100per cent of marketing personnel were men from rural backgrounds. They had an average service experience of 10.27 years and majority (54.55%) of them received no training last year. The majority of marketing personnel (55.54 %) belonged to one organization. The linkage effectiveness between research and extension was found to be71.97per cent, and that of between research and farmers was at 51.97 per cent. While the linkage effectiveness between extension and farmers was found to be higher (79.43%), no linkage could be found between extension and market. In the ATMA model the linkage between farmers and market the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent, in the Post T&V system, linkage between research and extension, the linkage effectiveness score was 53.83 per cent, linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 51.91 per cent, the linkage between research (KVK Scientist) and market, the linkage effectiveness score was nil (0.00%), the linkage between extension and farmers, the linkage effectiveness score was 64.32 per cent, the linkage between extension and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 8.40 per cent and the linkage between farmers and market, the linkage effectiveness score was 14.53 per cent. The study also found no significant differences in the linkage effectiveness mean score between the two systems. The study found that 63.64 per cent of agricultural scientists used agricultural information sources only moderately. The study also revealed that textbooks and the internet were more commonly used than other information sources. Majority (69.70%) of extension personnel used agricultural information sources moderately. Among the most common personal information sources used by the extension personnel were colleagues, followed by mobile phones, senior extension officers, agricultural scientists, friends, progressive farmers, farmers committee and local leaders. Training was the most frequently used source of agricultural information for extension personnel, followed by group discussion, meeting, and tour. Agricultural literature was the most frequently used source of information by extension personnel. Majority (70.04%) of farmers also were found to be using agricultural information sources moderately. Progressive farmers were the most frequently used informal source of information for them, followed by neighbours, family members, friends/relatives and local leaders. The most useful source of formal agricultural information sources to farmers were ATMA personnel, followed by ADO, AEA, KVK, input dealers and marketing officials. The majority of farmers were found to be using the internet, followed by mobile phones, TV, newspaper, radio, agricultural literature and demonstrations for information. Among all the agricultural information sources available to marketing people, the most commonly used sources were internal, salesman, and internet, followed by colleagues, periodicals, dealers, newspaper, published market surveys, Govt. publications & reports and senior management. Extension personnel's education, training, and facilities correlated positively with agricultural information source usage. Age and total service time had a negative and significant relationship. An age profile variable accounted for 49.2 per cent of the variance in agricultural information source utilisation patterns. The agricultural information source utilisation pattern of farmers positively correlated with their profile variables education, social participation, innovativeness, media exposure, and scientific orientation, and age. This equation explains 53.8 per cent of the variation in farmers' use of agricultural information sources. The study also found a link between marketing personnel’s agricultural information sources and their profile variables - education, training received last year, and social participation. The study also revealed respondents’ views on the effectiveness of the system ATMA model and the Post T&V system. The main findings were that both the public extension system ATMA and the Post T&V system have an information flow gap. The study suggested that it is the right time to amalgamated ATMA with a post-T&V system by incorporating positive aspects of both.ThesisItem Open Access FARMERS’ ADOPTION BEHAVIOUR AND FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR ‘WILLINGNESS TO PAY’ (WTP) FOR CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE (CSA) IN ASSAM(2019-07) Barman, SundarAgriculture has become a high-risk profession towards climate change and weather variability, which have direct impact on farmers’ socio-economic condition, and at the same time has to face challenge to provide food security for ever increasing population. So, there is a need to study the different aspects of climate smart agriculture. Keeping this in view primarily, the present study entitled ‘Farmers’ Adoption Behaviour and factors affecting their ‘Willingness to Pay’ (WTP) for Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Assam’ was carried out in four districts of Assam namely Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Dhubri and Cachar in which NICRA programme has been implemented since 2011. The objectives of the study are as follows: 1. To study the degree of farmers’ knowledge and adoption of CSA practices 2. To assess the farmers’ preferences and their ‘Willingness to Pay (WTP) for CSA practices and factors likely to influence thereon 3. To determine farmers’ attitude towards ‘Fee Based Extension Services’ (FBES) 4. To document farmers coping strategies for mitigating effect of climate change and variability. A purposive and proportionate random sampling method was used for selecting 400 farmers as respondents from four NICRA villages of respective districts. Appropriate statistical methods were used for analysis and interpretation of data. The profile analysis of respondents showed that majority of respondents (60%) belonged to age group of 35-50 years with formal educational experiences 6 to 10 years having family size more than 7 members with agriculture as main occupation. The dependency ratio of family was found 64.90 to 304.18 % with average size of land holding as 3.79 ha out of which more than 66 per cent was lowland with average cropping intensity of 135.20 %. The average annual income was Rs.1, 05,000 of which 54 % income came from farm activities. Major proportion of respondents (68 %) had training exposure of 1-3 days with medium level of farm information source relevancy (60 %), market accessibility (55.50%), degree of commercialization (70 %) and degree of innovative proneness (68.75%) with 12-24 years of farm experiences. The findings reveal that overall knowledge on selected CSA practices was of medium level for majority of respondents (69%).The adopters of overall selected practices were 79.85 per cent. The adoption consistency for overall selected CSA practices was of medium level for majority of respondents (58.25%). STVs, INM and IPM were found to be the most preferred and high degree of WTP while low degree of WTP was found for VC and MT. The LMR model showed that adoption consistency, degree of preference and WTP were expressed variation by selected explanatory variables with 23% (R2=0.23), 51% (R2=0.51) and 74%(R2=0.74) respectively. ‘Age’ (X1), ‘dependency ratio of family’ (X3), ‘proportion of low land’ (X4), ‘market accessibility’ (X7) and ‘cropping intensity’ (X9) were found to have positive and significant influence on adoption consistency while dependency ratio of family (X3)’ ‘proportion of low land’ (X4), institutional contact (X6)’, ‘market accessibility’ (X7) degree of commercialization’ (X10) and ‘adoption consistency’ (X13) recorded to have positive but age (X1)’, annual farm income (X5) and ‘farm experience’ (X8) have negative and significant influence on farmers’ degree of preferences. In case of WTP, educational experience’ (X2), ‘market accessibility’ (X7) ‘cropping intensity’ (X9), ‘adoption consistency’ (X13) and ‘degree of preferences to CSA practices’ (X14) were found to have positive while variable ‘age’ (X1) and ‘institutional contact’ (X6) have negative and significant influence on WTP. Perception of farmers about climate change was found complementary with realities as most of the farmers disagree with change of temperature, rainfall over last 20 years. Majority of respondents (54.75 per cent) had unfavorable attitude towards FBES while middle age group with occupation agriculture, agriculture +service and agriculture + wage earner had favourable attitude but medium and large farmers had unfavourable attitude towards FBES. Farmers with low and high institutional contact had favourable attitude but high income group farmers had unfavourable attitude. Farmers’ copping strategies such as ‘transplanting of Bao paddy during May-June instead of normal practice i.e. direct sowing during March-April’, ‘erecting solar electrical wire with low voltage in the boundary of crop cultivation area’ ‘selling of livestock before onset of summer season’ change of cropping sequence rice - rabi vegetables to rice-maize, staggered sowing of seed with high rate, Community seed bank for paddy crop were followed for mitigating adverse effect of climate change. Extension agencies, both public and private should put forward strategic effort to make farmers aware of climate change and its impact on food production, popularizing these technologies need to be taken care of in other similar areas, systematic assessment of other CSA practices available in the research front, different stakeholders (both public and private) in input and output chains should work in convergence mode as a common entity so that farmers get necessary environment for adoption of technologies.ThesisItem Open Access FACTORS AFFECTING RICE-TORIA DOUBLE CROPPING IN UPPER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE OF ASSAM – AN ANALYSIS THROUGH AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION SYSTEM(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-01) Saikia, Shyamolima; Barman, U.The Northeast region of India including Assam is considered as original home of the world’s hottest chilli, Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense). In recent years several varietal types of Bhut Jolokia exhibiting considerable variation in plant, fruit and pungency traits has been observed in the farmers’ field. Therefore, an attempt was made to characterise a few accessions of Bhut Jolokia at morphological, biochemical and DNA level to elucidate the extent and nature of genetic variation. Expression profile of few pungency related genes in Bhut Jolokia was also attempted to detect their possible allelic variation in the Bhut Jolokia accessions. A set of 20 Bhut Jolokia (C. chinense) accessions, three Capsicum annum accessions (Krishna Jolokia, bell pepper and Cherry type) and one C. frutescens accession (Mem Jolokia) were analysed using 35 morphological and biochemical characters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quantitative characters revealed considerable genetic variation among the genotypes. Variability and path analysis identified fruits/ plant, fresh fruit weight and photosynthetic rate as important parameters for improvement. Principal component analysis (PCA) isolated eight principal components each comprising of several characters and accounting for 78.36% of the total variability among the accessions. Several seedling, fruit and physiological characters contributed towards total variability of the population. The PCA plots failed to distinguish Bhut Jolokia accessions into distinct clusters despite sufficient diversity among them. Sixteen characters were identified based on their contribution to PCA, as minimum morphological descriptors for preliminary characterization of Bhut Jolokia genotypes. Population structure analysis separated the accessions into Bhut Jolokia and non Bhut Jolokia populations. Majority of the genotypes had > 80% membership coefficients for each specific group. Only Acc-21 (Cherry type) showed genomic admixture indicating gene flow between Bhut Jolokia and non Bhut Jolokia populations. The genetic diversity studies conducted with the use of 51 SSR markers and 40 gene specific markers exhibited a low inbreeding coefficient (FIS=0.147), thereby indicating high heterozygosity among the genotypes. The overall FST value of 0.432 indicated large genetic differentiation between the populations. AMOVA performed between all lines grouped according to structure indicated 43% variation between populations, 20% variation among individuals within populations and 37% variation was due to variation within individuals. Gene expression analysis of 6 genes of the capsaicinoid biosynthetic pathway exhibited that the Capsaicinoid pathway genes studied showed significantly higher expression in Bhut Jolokia (C. chinense) genotypes while very low expression levels were observed in Bell pepper genotype (low-pungent). Amongst these candidate genes, AMT, Pun1, PAL from Phenylpropanoid pathway and BCAT, KAS and ACL from Fatty acid biosynthetic pathway were found to be up-regulated in pungent genotypes especially in the breaker stage (25-35 DAF) of the fruit development. The variations in the pungency level were found to be associated with changes in the expression level of the genes of the biosynthetic pathway.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SKILL TRAINING OF RURAL YOUTH (S.T.R.Y.) PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTED BY KVKs IN ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Das, Darpan Kumar; Borua, S.Economic uplift of a nation depends not only on agriculture but also on the active participation of youths in agriculture. It is imperative to train and develop the youths skillfully that may help transform agriculture into a lucrative entrepreneurial activity. So, introduction of effective skill training programmes in agriculture and allied sectors is of immense necessity for paving the way to a bright future of the youths. The study was conducted in five districts of Assam, viz., Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Udalguri, Baksa and Dima Hasao in the year 2019 with a view to study the effectiveness of Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) programme implemented by the KVKs of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Udalguri, Baksa and Karbi Anglong respectively. The study was carried out with a total of 120 respondents by using purposive sampling technique and by taking 80 per cent of the trainees trained under each of the selected KVKs. The data were collected by means of personal interview schedule and through personal observation for critical skills. Statistical tools employed to analyze the data included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, ‘t’test and chi-square test. The findings revealed that majority (49.17%) of the respondents belonged to the age group of 22 to 32 years, with majority (86.67%) being male and most of them (39.17%) had education up to higher secondary level. Majority (69.17%) of the respondents were marginal farmers and annual income for highest percentage of respondents (75%) ranged between Rs. 40,408.02 to Rs. 2,25,988.64. It was found that majority (62.50%, 60.83%, 46.67% and 65.83%) of the respondents had medium level of achievement motivation, learning motivation, motivation to transfer learning and self-efficacy respectively, and 44.17 per cent had high level of economic motivation. The study further revealed that majority (62.50%) of the trained youths had medium level of training effectiveness. A positive and significant relationship was found between effectiveness of trained youths and their education, annual income, operational land holding, achievement motivation, learning motivation, economic motivation, motivation to transfer learning and self-efficacy. Guidelines and methodologies for training under STRY were suggested to be better specified. The guidelines and methodologies for training perceived as important by trainees included demonstration of skills, field visits, methods used for theory and practical sessions, and effective session plan for training sessions/skill teaching. Problems/constraints faced by trainees during and after the training included lack of Government support and benefits, lack of proper study materials and inadequate hands-on training. Suggestions expressed by trainees for improvement of training were provision of loans by Government to practice the skills, incorporation of more number of practical sessions and provision of raw materials needed to practice the skills acquired. The findings revealed that although the STRY programme has been implemented successfully by the concerned KVKs in Assam, there is ample scope to improve the STRY programme in the subsequent phases for the benefit of the rural youths by considering the suggestions given by the trainees.ThesisItem Open Access FACTORS IMPINGING ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY THE PADDY GROWERS OF UPPER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Sharma, Patrika; Mishra, P.Rice forms the staple food crop of India and Assam is one of the ten most rice producing states in the country. One way to achieve more benefits and have low input cost in agriculture finds its way in sustainable agriculture that aims to reduce input costs into crop production. Integrated Pest Management is the approach to achieve sustainable agriculture as it integrates all the crop production practices mainly cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices for pest management rather than sole reliance on chemical pesticides. In order to reduce the use of hazardous chemical pesticides and to manage the insect/pest/disease attack as well as to increase the crop productivity, Govt of India, Ministry of agriculture, department of Agriculture and Co-operation launched a scheme Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management (IPM) approach in India in 1991-92. CIPMC, KVKs, District Agricultural Office from DoA, Assam has conducted enormous programmes on Integrated Pest Management for paddy crop throughout the state. However, dependence on synthetic pesticides has not been eliminated from the farmer’s field. Therefore, this study was conducted in Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam with a view to identify the factors impinging adoption of IPM practices by the paddy growers, their knowledge level in IPM practices, extent of adoption of IPM practices, effect of innovation characteristics of IPM in its adoption and to analyze obstacles faced by the paddy growers in adoption of IPM practices. A multi-stage sampling design was followed for selection of 280 respondents from 20 villages. Data were collected administering a structured schedule. Relevant statistical tools viz. frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, C.V., C.D., Karl Pearson product moment co-efficient of correlation, Multiple regression analysis, ANOVA test were used. The study revealed that majority of the respondents aged between 41- 53years (56.43%), studied upto High School (46.07%) and had membership of at least one organization (70.72%). Most of the farmers had family size of 5-7 members (62.50%), agricultural experience between 16-23 years (62.85%), and in between 4-9.6 years involved in pesticide application (60.71%). A majority of the respondents were semi medium land holders (50.71%) having 2 to 4 ha of land, had annual income of Rs. 95,720-2, 03,280 (58.57%) and 60.00 per cent used to spend Rs 100-390 for pesticides in a year. Attitude towards IPM practices was moderate for 49.28percent and majority of the respondents (63.92 %) had moderate level of economic motivation. 57.5 per cent had moderate level of scientific orientation and more than half (55.35%) of the respondents had moderate level of innovativeness. Majority (95.71%) of the respondents utilised information sources like progressive farmers, neighbours/local farmers and sometimes family members mostly, rather than utilising modern sources of information mobile phones and internets (32.5%). 40.00 per cent of the total respondents attend training regularly whereas field visit was attended occasionally by 69.64 per cent 53.57 per cent had never attended group discussion. The study further revealed that overall knowledge level of paddy growers in IPM practices is medium (52.85%) for most of the respondents. They had great extent of knowledge on the practice of ‘Proper summer ploughing, Trimming of bunds and Destruction of crop residues before transplanting of rice to minimize the insect pest & disease intensity’ (100.00%) followed by ‘Use bird perches for predatory birds against insect pests of rice’ (90.00%) whereas, majority of the respondents (76.78%) did not know about ‘spraying of Trichogramma in 6 different times at 10 days interval starting from 30-35 DAT’ followed by ‘application of Trichogramma as a biocontrol agent against rice stem borer and rice leaf folder’ (69.28%). Extent of adoption of IPM practices was medium (69.28%) and cultural practices were mostly adopted where as biological practices were least adopted. The correlation analysis showed that operational land holding (r = 0.1979**), annual income (r = 0.1979**), attitude towards IPM practices (r = 0.1979**), innovativeness (r = 0.4151**), extension participation (r = 0.2159**) and knowledge level (r = 0.8710**) had positive and significant correlation with extent of adoption of IPM practices. Data pertaining to multiple regression analysis between farmer’s characteristics and adoption of IPM practices showed that Operational land holding (b = 0.080*), Attitude towards IPM practices (b = 0.150*), Economic motivation (b = 0.089*), Scientific orientation (b = 0.029*), Innovativeness (b = 0.044**), Information source utilization (b = 0.373**), Extension participation (b = 0.759*) and Knowledge level (b = 1.652E-05**) of the respondents jointly contributes 59 percent towards variation in extent of adoption of IPM practices. The study also reveals that a huge majority (72.14%) of the respondents perceived IPM as a technology to a moderate level. 57.85 per cent considered it as profitable, 48.21 per cent of the respondents found IPM practices as highly compatible to the culture of the community, another highest percentage of respondent (37.85%) mentioned it as complex system, but 27.85 percent of the respondents found it simple. Further the study shows that 38.21 percent of the respondents felt trying IPM in their paddy may involve some risk as results are only sometimes visible in the field. Limited access to biological inputs, like pheromone traps, bio-pesticides, tricho-cards etc was ranked top among the obstacles faced in adoption of IPM practices as reported by 100.00percent of farmers followed by inability to control / restrict pest for a limited area and lack of collective action within farming community (98.92%) and Insufficient training ranks third as reported by 96.42 per cent of the respondents. Strategies such as strengthening Community Based Approach for collective pest control, developing farmers friendly educational method/appropriate extension approaches, Ensuring the availability of Biological control agents and IPM devices by KVKs, District Agriculture Offices and other non govt organization etc. can be taken up to promote IPM among paddy growers in a effective way.ThesisItem Open Access ROLE PERCEPTION AND ROLE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTION IN RELATION TO IMPLEMENTATION OF VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMES IN UPPER BRAHMAPUTRAVALLEY ZONE OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2014-07) Bordoloi, Sanjib Ranjan; Bhattacharrya, A.K.Overall development of country is the main objective of Indian government since its independence. Keeping this in view Panchayati Raj Institutions have been introduced under the 73rd Amendment Act of the Constitution of India. Accordingly in view of the historic Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, the Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 [1] was enacted and comes to effect from 5th May, 1994 and it has expected that the new Panchayayti Raj System will be fruitful if executed in the true sense of the term. Activity mapping were prepared and notified vide notification No- PDA 336/2001/pt-III/32 dated 25th June 2007 for devolution of function, functionaries and funds to Zilla Parishad , Anchalik Panchayats and gaon Panchayat. At present there are about 25991 elected representatives at all the levels of the Panchayat fifty per cent of which are women. These member represents more than 266.55 lakhs rural population, 2223 Gaon Panchayats, 188Nos. Anchalik Panchayats and 20Nos. Zilla parishad. The new Panchayats cover about 24247 villages i.e. 87% of rural population. It was realized that the all round development is possible only through the development of agriculture. Elected members of Panchayati Raj at various levels are the direct carrier of knowledge of agricultural development programmes. The study aims to obtain the answers of how best the members of PRI’s able to perceive the designated roles? What may be the effect of socio-personal and socio psychological attributes of the respondents on performance? What is the level of performance as ratted by the members and as per ratting of the beneficiaries? What are the problems faced by the members of PRI’s in performing their roles? What are the opinions of beneficiaries about role performance of PRI members? The study was conducted during 2012-14 in Upper Brahamaputra Valley zone of Assam. Out of the five district Golaghat, Sibsagar and Jorhat district were selected following purposive cum random sampling method. From each District 1 President of Zilla Parishad Constituency, 3nos. of member of Zilla Parishad Constituency, 3nos of President of Anchalik Panchayat, 9nos. President of Gaon Panchayat (G.P), 9nos. of Member of Anchalik Panchayat, 27nos. of Unit members and 27nos. of beneficiaries were selected for the study and making a total sample size of 237 for three districts. The important findings of the study were; 52.56 per cent of PRI members and 50.62 per cent of beneficiaries were of middle age group. 57.69 per cent of PRI members and 39.51 per cent of beneficiaries were graduate. 44.23 per cent of PRI members and 45.68 per cent of beneficiaries were OBC/MOBC caste. 42.30 per cent of PRI members possessed medium level social participation and 58.97 per cent PRI members were office bearer in various social organizations and 64.74 per cent PRI members shows regular participation in various social organizations. 63.46 per cent PRI members from nuclear family. 42.30 per cent of PRI members possessed medium level leadership behaviour and more than half (>60%) of them possessed medium level in 7 dimensions of leadership behaviour. 72.44 per cent PRI members possessed medium level extension participation. 60.25 per cent of the respondents were medium level cosmopolite ness. 46.79 per cent of the respondents have medium level decision making ability. 60.25 per cent of the respondents have medium personality level. 56.41 per cent of the PRI members have medium level role perception. 77.77 per cent of the members of Zilla Parishad have high level role perception. Each of the presidents of Zilla Parishad have high level role perception 44.45 per cent of the members of Anchalik Panchayat have medium level role perception. 77.77 per cent of the presidents of Anchalik Panchayat have high level role perception. 62.96 per cent of the presidents of Gaon Panchayat have medium level role perception. 71.60 per cent of the unit members of Gaon Panchayat have medium level role perception. 54.49 per cent of the PRI members possessed medium level role performance. 66.67 per cent of the members of Zilla Parishad medium level role performance. 66.67 per cent of the presidents of Zilla Parishad possessed medium level role performance. 40.74 per cent of the members of Anchalik Panchayat have medium level role. performance. Per cent 77.77 percent of the presidents of Anchalik Panchayat have high level role performance. 59.26 per cent of the presidents of Gaon Panchayat have medium level role performance. 56.79 per cent of the of unit members Gaon Panchayat have medium level role performance. 44.44 per cent beneficiaries perceived low level role performance of members of Panchayatiraj Institutions. co-relation analysis: Out of 10 selected independent variables Caste (-0.832**), family type (-0.971**), cosmopoliteness (-0.779**), of members of zilla parishad exhibited negative and significant relationship with role perception. Leadership behaviour (0.752*), extension participation (0.874**), decision making ability (0.993**) cosmopoliteness (0.834**) and personality level (0.852**) of members of zilla parishad exhibited positive and significant relationship with role perception. Caste (-0.777**), family type (-0.927**), of members of zilla parishad exhibited negative and significant relationship with role performance. Leadership behaviour (0.796**), extension participation (0.866**), decision making ability (0.990**) and personality level (0.861**) of members of zilla parishad exhibited positive and significant relationship with role performance. Age (0.753*), leadership behaviour (0.894**), extension participation (0.930**), decision making ability (0.958**) and cosmo politeness (0.666*) and personality level (0.958**) of presidents of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role perception. Family type (-0.485**) of presidents of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited negative and significant relationship with role performance. Age (0.753**), leadership behavior (0.894**), extension participation (0.930**), decision making ability (0.958**), cosmopoliteness (0.666*) and personality level (0.958**) of Presidents of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role performance. Age (0.436*), leadership behavior (0.411*), extension participation (0.503**) and personality level (0.615**) of Presidents of Gaon Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role perception. Age (0.535**), leadership behaviour (0.480**), extension participation (0.538**). Decision making ability (0.409*) and personality level (0.537**) of Presidents of Gaon Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role performance. Leadership behaviour (0.527**), extension participation (0.407*), decision making ability (0.362*) of Members of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role perception. Caste (-0.406*), family type (-0.535**) of member of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited negative and significant relationship with role perception. Leadership behaviour (0.466*), decision making ability (0.396*) of member of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited positive and significant relationship with role performance. Family type (-0.485**) members of Anchalik Panchayat exhibited negative and significant relationship with role performance. Age (0.359**), leadership behaviour (0.320**), extension participation (0.230*) of unit members exhibited positive and significant relationship with role perception. Family type (-0.330**), of unit members exhibited negative and significant relationship with role perception. Family type (-0.325**) of unit members exhibited negative and significant relationship with role performance. Age (0.372**), leadership behavior (0.419*), extension participation (0.351*), of unit members exhibited positive and significant relationship with role performance. Multiple regression analysis Multiple regression analysis was also done and it was seen that the regression coefficients of extension participation (b = 4.562**), personality level (b = 0.991**) were found to be significant with role perception of president of gaon panchayat (R2 = 0.593). Regression coefficients of leadership behaviour (b= 2.133**), extension participation (b = 2.349**), personality level (b = 2.637**) were found to be significant with role performance of president of gaon panchayat (R2 = 0.528). The regression coefficients of caste (b= 4.747**), cosmo politeness (b=1.598**) were found to be significant with of role perception of unit members of gaon panchayat (R2=0.196). Regression coefficients of caste (b=4.489**), cosmo politeness (b=2.531**) were found to be significant with of role perception of unit members of gaon panchayat (R2=0.183).Also the regression coefficients of education (b= -6.724**), family type (b= -20.646**), leadership behaviour (5.559**) and personality level (b = 4.168**) were found to be significant with role perception of members of anchalik panchayat (R2 = 0.770). The regression coefficients of education (b = -26.981**), family type (b = -17.622**), leadership behaviour (6.441**) and and decision making ability (b=5.725**) were found to be significant. Therefore, these parameters can be termed as good predictors of role perception and role performance of members of PRI’s. The major problems faced by the members of PRI’s are i) Insufficient fund and delaying in sanction of fund. ii) Preferential distribution of funds iii) Control over the Panchayats by superior authorities, bureaucrats, and ruling political party. iv) Lack of proper circulation and information of the different schemes of the government to the Panchayati Raj Instituions. v) Lack of training exposure and training need assessment vi) Lack of communication between members of PRI’s and agriculture department. vii) Irregular and insufficient supply of inputs. Peoples opinion on role performance of PRIs members i) Majority of members of PRI’s are unaware of agricultural schemes. ii) Lack of clear modalities in panchayat for implementation of agricultural schemes. iii) Lack of inter institutional harmony amongst the departments involve with agricultural development. iv) Lack of co-ordination between gaon panchayat, anchalik panchayat and zilla parishad. v) Majority of members of PRI’s are only interested to satisfy their higher level political leaders than the voters. vi) The beneficiaries are selected for different schemes from amongst the close relatives of the elected members and from the party men of the ruling party. vii) The Panchayats have lost its self-governmental character. Besides, it has became implementing agency of the government schemes. viii) Elected panchayat body not accountable to the voters in real sense of the terms. ix) Conscious voters are not interested in activities of Panchayati Raj Institutions. x) Lack of training infrastructure at village levelThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON UTILIZATION OF MICROFINANCE PROVIDED BY ASSAM GRAMIN VIKASH BANK TOWARDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT OF SELF-HELP-GROUP BENEFICIARIES IN UPPER BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY ZONE (UBVZ) OF ASSAM.(AAU, Jorhat, 2015) Sharma, Sangeeta; Bhattacharyya, A. K.Women are the vital component in society. The position and status of women in any society is an index of its civilization and progress. Empowerment of women helps in creating situation in which they can think about their own destiny and through which they can participate as equal partners in various development activities. Micro Finance refers to a collection of banking practices built around providing small loans and accepting tiny deposits. Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) amalgamated in 2006 has performing SHG Bank Linkage Programmes disbursing microfinance. Keeping this in view this study was conducted with the following objectives: 1. To study the effectiveness of group in utilizing microfinance. 2. To study the socio-personal characteristics of respondents availing microfinance. 3. To find out the socio economic status and level of empowerment of women beneficiaries availing microfinance by AGVB. 4. To study relationship between utilization of fund and profile characteristic of beneficiaries. 5. To identify the problems perceived by respondents in availing and utilizing microfinance provided by AGVB. The study was conducted in Golaghat, Jorhat and Sivasagar districts of Assam. For the districts, data were collected with the help of selected Branches of Assam GraminVikas Bank. Total respondents of the study were 240. Assam Gramin Vikash Bank was established in 2005 summing up regional rural banks and one nationalised bank UBI. This bank has branches all over the state excluding KarbiAnglong and DimaHasao. For uplifting the socio-economic status of rural population, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank-the pioneer Regional Rural Bank of the state puts its sincere and concerted efforts towards sustainable economic development of rural Assam through holistic approach have resulted in many eye catching revolutionary impacts. The study was conducted with the help of six branches of the Bank spread in three selected districts of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone. The important findings of the study were: Above fifty six percent (56.25%) of the respondents were of Young age. Above thirty one percent (31.67%) of the respondents were educated upto Higher Secondary level. Above sixty nine percent (69.16%) of the respondents were belonging to nuclear family. Above sixty two percent (62.50%) of the respondents had small sized family. Above forty two percent (42.50%) of respondents were from Scheduled Caste/Tribe. Above seventy three percent (73.33%) of respondents were married, 19.17% respondents were unmarried. Above fifty percent (50.83%) of respondents were having membership in one organization. Above eighty six percent (86.67%) of respondents preferred Bank as their saving source. Above forty eight percent (48.75%) respondents repaid more than 90% of microfinance they borrowed. Majority of respondents (74.16%) had medium level of perceived economic motivation. Above fifty six percent (56.67%) of respondents had high level of perceived innovation proneness. Majority of the respondents (66.25%) had medium level of perceived risk bearing ability. Majority of the respondents (75%) had medium level of Achievement Motivation. Above sixty seven percent (67.91%) of respondents had medium level of perceived self confidence. Majority of respondents had medium level of perceived group effectiveness of their group. Majority of the respondents (74.58%) of respondents had medium level of women empowerment. Goatery ranked first (freq.120) in adopting activities for utilizing microfinance by the bank. Conflict among members was perceived as a major problem faced by the respondents. Respondents perceived that the Bank showed little Monopolistic power. Age, education, family type, family size, marital status and management of microfinance of respondents were found having no relationship with perceived group effectiveness of the respondents. The study revealed that respondents from SC/ST caste and OBC/MOBC caste had a positive significant relationship (Sig. 050) with perceived Group effectiveness. Positive significant relationship was found between perceived group effectiveness of respondents of all the districts with economic motivation (.173**), innovation proneness (.143*), and achievement motivation (.173**). Itwas found that the group effectiveness had no relationship with risk bearing ability(.123NS) andself confidence(.009NS) Respondents’ age, education, caste, saving pattern and repayment of microfinance had positive significant relationship with level of women empowerment. Family type, family size, marital status, organizational membership of the respondents had no relationship with level of women empowerment. It was found that there was apositive significant relationship between perceived level of women empowerment of respondents of all the districts with economic motivation (.228*), innovation proneness (.296**), risk bearing ability (.823**), self confidence (.527**) and achievement motivation (.485**) The study revealed that perceived group effectiveness of the respondents had a positive relationship with perceived level of women empowerment (Sig. 0.000).ThesisItem Open Access Study On The Technology Adoption And Productivity In Rainfed Farming Systems In Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone Of Assam(Assam Agricultural University; Jorhat, 2000) Das, Pabitra Kumar; Sarmah, R. C.ThesisItem Open Access Impact Evaluation Of Demonstration Programmes In Agriculture Under Ariasp, Assam(Assam Agricultural University; Jorhat, 2002) Barman, Mrinal; Talukdar, R. K.
