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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Participatory action research for renumerative rice production(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Parvathy, S; KAU; Ahamed, PAs with the Complex, Diverse and Risk- prone (CDR) rice systems of many Asian countries, the Kerala state of peninsular India suffers from the fast depleting paddies and the ' high cost- low remuneration syndrome'. Crucial rice technologies have been blamed by stakeholders for the insensitivity to micro farming situations A multidisciplinary stakeholder Participatory Action Research (PAR) of emancipatory type and collaborative mode was done for three years (2001-2004) on identification and prioritization of constraints to profitable rice production to explore the available cost-reducing and productivity increasing technological options. The project focussed on screening of technological modules through farmer participatory field assessment and arrived at locally adaptable and remunerative technology packages. The project also developed and standardised an extrapolatable stakeholder participatory assessment model and protocol. The programme had a blend of extension approaches, research designs and tools like "ex-post facto", benchmark appraisal through Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), exploratory, diagnostic, evaluative, field experiments and analytical studies. The PAR was done in two rice ecosystems (irrigated and rainfe:l) of the midland, laterite belt of Kerala state, India. Fourteen technology modules were fitted into the PAR, under .. , each of the three treatments, viz., farmers' practice, recommended packages of the formal research system and location specific I technology components" jointly decided by the research team extensionists and farmers. Each technology component was subjected to five types of analysis viz., agronomic, statistical, economic, farmers perceptions and reactions, post-trial follow up analysis of adoption in the succeeding cropping seasons. The participatory interventions significantly influenced the level of technical knowledge and extent of adoption of adaptable technology modules, typifying the cognitive impact of an emancipating action research. The short duration red rice varieties "Kanchana" (Ptb 50) and "Kairali" (Ptb 49) proved to be the best first crop and second crop varieties respectively, to replace the ruling cultivars. The technology modules recommended by the formal research system viz., seed treatment with fungicides for the first crop season and Pseudomonas fluorescence for the second crop season were adaptable technologies. The PAR came out with an efficient planting density and crop geometry package (line transplanting; 15 x 10 cm; 67 . , hills/m'; 2-3 seedlings/hill) to replace the conventional planting system. The existing formal recommendations including IPM and INM practices could enhance and combat weeds, pest and diseases thereby enhancing crop yield. Harvesting with self- propelled reaper and threshing with mechanised thresher were cost effective, drudgery alleviating and time saving. The net result of the action research was a set of adaptable technological package for remunerative rice production in the CDR rice production systems. Cognitive and behavioural impact on the participants; and the standard methodology and protocol for participatory technology validation for rice in particular, and for any farm enterprise in general, with extrapolative effect.ThesisItem Open Access Women empowerment through group action in the kudumbashree programme of kerala: a multidimensional analysis(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Priya Devi, R; KAU; Mothilal Nehru, SThe study was aimed to assess the extent of eradication of poverty and the dimensions of empowerment in the Kudumbashree programme of Kerala government for poverty alleviation. The determinants of performance of Self Help Groups organized in neighborhood basis and their functional and structural analysis including the tangible and intangible benefits and constraints were also studied. Suggestions to enhance the efficiency of the Self Help Groups(SHGs) in agriculture and other sectors organized under the Kudumbashree programme were made. A sample of 300 respondents was selected at random from three districts of three regions of the state namely Thiruvananthapuram from south Kerala, Ernakulam from central Kerala and Malappuram from north Kerala which were selected randomly. In each district, 25 SHGs comprising 20 non-agriculture and 5 agriculture oriented SHGs were selected. The structural and functional analysis of Kudumbashree was carried out by Mc Kinsey procedure of SWOT analysis. The implementing category of personnel namely top management, middle management and grass-root functionaries and the selected SHG members were the respondents for the study. The nature, extent and style of functioning of Kudumbashree were studied with the above respondents.Besides, all implementing personnel working in the above three districts were also selected. Interactions with state level management personnel were done to elicit information regarding the study and also for triangulating findings. A sub sample consisting of five poorly performing SHGs from agriculture and non-agriculture sectors making total of ten SHGs on the basis of perception of the implementing officials and the result of the study were selected for in depth sub sample analysis and their limitations were stated. In the study it was assumed that the dependent variables poverty eradication and women empowerment were interrelated with the performance level of the groups having an intervening effect .A measurement scale for PEI was developed to measure extent of poverty eradication which was one of the dependent variable as a specific objective of the study. Poverty eradication index was the yardstick or standard to measure how far the Kudumbashree has alleviated the incidence of poverty among the members .The index consisted of eight constitutive factors and the cumulative expression of the scores in relation to the factors is the poverty eradication index of the respondent. The data was gathered by using the pre tested interview schedule / questionnaire developed for the study. Statistical tools used in the study were quartile deviation, mean, ANOVA and correlation analysis. Poverty eradication index score and empowerment score were given in quartile range to show the extent of poverty eradication and empowerment attained by the Kudumbashree programme. Categorisation was done in low, medium, high and over. As recorded in the study, regarding health care majority of the respondents were dependent on primary health care centre and the constraints felt were lack of supply of medicines, doctors not being available for ensuring timely medical care and the primary health centre located far away from the home. Nature of savings of respondents were with majority having group savings while post office savings, insurance and chitties were also reported.Borrowing pattern regarding the source of borrowing by the respondents showed only reliable institutional sources were used to avail loans by the majority.For purpose of borrowing repayment of debt was recorded as the highest felt need requiring borrowings followed by shelter renovation activities and health care need. Regarding the confidence of repayment majority reported they were confident of repayment while borrowing the amount. But 270 of them had experienced instances of inability to repay on time. 276 respondents of them had felt mental stress due to non repayment of borrowed amount on time. Access to safe drinking water and the source for drinking water as recorded in the study had half of the respondents having access to safe drinking water in their house premises itself. Regarding the vulnerability status of the respondents it was seen that majority of them had faced a situation were they have been unemployed for a month or more. They took loan or lent out assets in the situation. Regarding alcoholism 120 of respondents agreed that the earning male member of the family was alcoholic. Control over earnings had majority satisfied with the expenditure pattern of the family. Regarding entrepreneurial culture 60 of respondents had a temporary job while 99 had permanent job. 75 had reported to go to job daily while 60 had job availability sometimes only. All respondents had reported that they think the work undertaken by them was respectable in society. According to perception of respondents, repayment of loan and not possessing own home were the major factors of poverty while risk factors were damaged house or having no own house. The next constraint was recorded for having no or only one regular employed person in the family. Poverty eradication index ranged from a minimum of 19.51 in all three districts to a maximum of 60.53 in Thiruvananthapuram and 65.76 in both Ernakulam and Malappuram .The mean index was 41.26 in Thiruvananthapuram, 43.92 in Ernakulam and 41.07 in Malappuram. Thus a wide variation in the extent of poverty eradication was shown .The activities will have to be strengthened further to ensure appreciable alleviation of poverty. Empowerment index recorded a minimum of 29.70 in all three districts to a maximum of 86.07 in Thiruvananthapuram and 77.68 in both Ernakulam and Malappuram .The mean index was 55.10 in Thiruvananthapuram, 53.03 in Ernakulam and 51.36 in Malappuram. Regarding relationship between poverty eradication index and empowerment index, all three districts showed significant relationship in this study.Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test showed significant results for empowerment index. Inferences from categorization of groups in the districts based on group performance index were that medium level of group performance was shown by majority of groups. In depth sub sample analysis had the following limitations identified. For the group doing rice farming, the owners are reluctant to lease out every season and processing units and storage facilities were absent. The members of the computer units had to meet extra expenses of electricity bill and the rent for the building from the income. Delay in payment of works undertaken for public purposes was reported. Marketing is a difficult task for coconut oil and for pappad making units.Drudgery, improper risk management, improper auditing and absence of diversification of crops were also reported. Design of the action program was done with formulation of plan for vegetable cultivation with College of Agriculture,Vellayani as source to get timely information, inputs and technical support.Execution of action program was done and impact assessed by proper monitoring of the process, identifying technological constraints with its solutions. SWOT analysis of Kudumbasree program showed that the localised social upliftment measures by community based organization, enhanced participation through meetings at home and the facilitation of women to enter public life was the major strengths. Productive usage of loan amount through canalised allotment of resources and holistic identification of poor not based on income/consumption but based on risk factors of poverty were the major strengths of the programme. The weaknesses of the programme recorded were leadership being influenced by political interference leading to corruption in work culture and intra group conflicts have been reported to limit the success of certain enterprises especially incase of consumptive usage of credit in absence of proper supervision. Lacks of enthusiasm among young members, cases of late approval of projects or absence of skill development for increasing the market competency were noticed. The opportunities of Kudumbasree program were establishment of social, security network for destitute rehabilitation and to increase the level of participation of members. The preparation of micro plan using the risk indices and problem identification mechanism were also opportunity. Small enterprises can be used for diversification and modernisation of rural economy and skill up gradation of general poor population. The threats include absence of quality control for ensuring market competency, dissipating enthusiasm and lack of proper tie up with line departments .Lack of autonomy in policy formulation lead to micro plan being not given due consideration. Charge officers are not provided technical up gradation for supporting the enterprises and the products lacked local market demand. Tangible and intangible benefits identified in the study were extension of decentralization process to further grass root levels, enhanced female control over earnings, diversification and modernisation of rural economy, sustainable maintenance of Kerala model of development, dependable and trust worthy social network generated, and the reduction in social discrimination and social evils. At the level of implementation of Kudumbasree program benefits were enhanced production lending in the groups than consumption lending, non economic risk indices in identification of the beneficiaries, the multifaceted frame work to alleviate root causes of poverty , reduction in under employment and educated unemployment followed by the provision of separate administration over centrally sponsored programs . The benefits at beneficiary level included constituting a working group for poverty reduction and the habit of savings first and credit later aiding to self dependence. The existence of a group fund gave members experience in money management and trust in people ensure repayment. Also enhanced food security by undertaking rice farming, participatory need based decision making and the ability of NHGs to act as a forum to share concern were other benefits. The major constraints in planning level were panchayaths not creatively participating in project design and micro enterprise planning followed by lack of symbolic policy formulation from part of State Government. Regarding the implementation level the major constraint was recorded as no remuneration paid for the activities undertaken by ADS and CDS Secretaries is followed by the enterprises not being matched with market demands or incompatible to daily routine of members. Mixing up the poor and non- poor in groups was a sure path to failure. Also some beneficiaries sell the productive assets for immediate financial benefit which limits timely repayment. Suggestions on the basis of the study were that rejuvenation and intensification of the Kudumbashree need appraisals and campaigns to limit exploitation in a target oriented manner. Policy formulations from State Government for investment in social capital have to be given more priority; sales promotion must be undertaken widely assisted with innovative enterprise planning and implementation. Technical support for finance management and common supply of raw materials like Bamboos at reasonable cost should be ensured. The stationery supply for canteens can also be organised in common basis by using the wide network generated. The link agents between NHGs and CDS should be ensured proper payment. Sustainability measures including marketing outlets and reduction in drudgery, the schedule for loan recovery specific to enterprise according to the pattern of returns and prevention of sale of assets purchased must be ensured. Proper representation of general problems by consolidation and prioritisation of such ideas to micro plans should be undertaken. More profitable enterprises involving more members by sharing of experiences must be done. Incentives for timely repayment, proper guidance and conflict management cell should be ensured. Suggestions to improve functioning of agriculture oriented groups is to develop a regulated system to pass on specification of the orders to units, timely supply of quality inputs like raw materials through proper channels should be undertaken. Documentation of activities can organize the activities in a scientific manner. Interested members should be motivated by trainings. Small scale units of diverse products with market demand like medicinal plants, vermicomposting and mushroom culture should be organized widely. Proper grading, hygiene and attractive packing to ensure market competency should be done within the local infrastructure available.ThesisItem Open Access Effectiveness of instructor controlled interactive video (ICIV) in dissemination if farm technology(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Radhakrishnan, D; KAU; Ranjan Karippai, SThe study was aimed at bringing out the effectiveness of Instructor Controlled Interactive Video (ICIV) in popularising agricultural technologies among the farming community. The impact of the different treatments of ICIV with different video formats was also experimented. The study was conducted among 150 vegetable growers from Nadathara grama panchayath of Thrissur district. The respondents were farm women cultivating vegetables. IPM in vegetables was chosen as the message to be disseminated. The dependent variables of the study were knowledge gain and symbolic adoption of IPM practices in vegetables. The set of 11 independent variables chosen covered the psychological and situational factors of the respondents. The distribution of. respondents based on knowledge gain and symbolic adoption showed that majority of respondents were in high category after participating in ICIV. Out of 11 independent variables studied six variables were correlated significantly with knowledge gain. Five variables showed non significant relationship. Multiple regression analysis showed that 62 per cent variation in knowledge gain was contributed by the independent variables. Correlation analysis of independent variables with symbolic adoption showed that five independent variables had a positively significant relationship with symbolic adoption. One variable was negatively significant with symbolic adoption. Remaining five varied showed non significant relationship. Multiple regression analysis concluded that 59.2 per cent variation in symbolic adoption was brought about by related independent variables as a whole. The significant 'F' value indicated that all the treatments were effective in terms of knowledge gain and symbolic adoption. Students 't' test was carried out to compare the treatments. ICIV with 'Feature' mode of video presentation and ICIV with 'Skill demonstration' mode of video presentation were the most effective modes in maximising knowledge gain and symbolic adoption.ThesisItem Open Access Techno- socio- economic assessment of farmers practices in the cultivation of cowpea in Thiruvanathapuram district(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Manjjusha, A R; KAU; Shilaja, SThe study aimed at assessing the socio-economic and technical aspects of the farmers' prac- tices in the cultivation of cowpea as perceived by the researchers, extension personnel and the farmers. The study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala State. On the basis of dis- cussion with experts, researchers, extension personnel and people's representatives in the district, Kalliyoor panchayat was selected as the locale of the study which is the prominent vegetable cultivat- ing area in the district. Two sets of respondents were selected for the study. Forty practising farmers cultivating cow pea was included as the respondents of the first category. Fifty extension officials and agricultural scientists working with sufficient experience in extension or research related to the culti- vation of cowpea was selected as the second category of respondents. The dependent variables of the study were knowledge of farmers about the recommended practices and extent of adoption of farmers' practices. These dependent variables were quantified us- ing measurement devices developed for the study. Fifteen independent variables were selected for the study which included age, education, main occupation, farming experience, annual income, area under cowpea, exposure to information sources, irrigation index, social participation, extension orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness, cosmopoliteness, credit orientation, risk orientation, participation in PTD and perception about PTD. All these independent variables were quantified with the help of available measurement procedures. For assessing scientifically the socio-economic and technical aspects of the farmers' practices identi- fied, matrix ranking was adopted. The data were collected using both non-participant observation technique and a pre-tested structured interview schedule prepared for the purpose. Different statistical tools like mean, percentage analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and step- ) wise regression analysis were used to analyse the data. I'" The study revealed 57 farmers' practices in the cultivation of cowpea. The practices 'applica- tion of neemcake, groundnut cake and bonemeal twenty days after sowing', 'spraying neemoil ernul- sion against American Serpentine Leaf Miner' and 'ploughing the land after adding lime' registered the highest techno-socio-economic indices. The practices 'drying of pods for four to six days', 'application of neem cake, groundnut cake and bonemeal twenty days after sowing' and 'basal application of cattle -;- manure or poultry manure' were considered by the farmers as most efficient. But researchers and extension personnel considered the practices 'basal application of cattle manure or poultry manure', 'drying of pods for four to six days' and 'application of poultry manure ten days after sowing' as most efficient. About 48 per cent of farmers belonged to the low knowledge category and 40 per cent possessed high knowledge about the selected recommended practices. 'Sowing after first week of June is the most suitable time', 'ploughing the land thoroughly two to three times to remove weeds and stubbles' and 'hoeing at the time of application of second dose of nitrogen' were the most known practices to cent per- cent of the farmers selected for the study purpose. About 53 per cent of the farmers belonged to the low adoption category and 38 per cent of the farmers were in the high category with respect to adoption of efficient farmers' practices. 'Drying of pods for four to six days' was the practice adopted by majority of the farmers in this area. Twelve practices out of eighteen were adopted by more than 50 per cent of the farmers. With regard to relationship of knowledge with selected independent variables, variables viz., education, annual income, exposure to information sources, so- cial participation, extension orientation, cosmopoliteness and risk orientation were found to have sig- nificant and positve relationship with knowledge of recommended practices. Extent of adopion of efficient farmers' practices was related positively and significantly with five independent variables viz., education, exposure to information sources, social participation, extension orientation and knowl- edge about recommended practices. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that about 71 per cent of the variation in knowledge and 61.77 per cent of the variation in extent of adoption were explained by the selected independent variables. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that of the 71 per cent of the variation in knowledge, 47 per cent was contributed by exposure to information sources alone, about 6.0 per cent by the variable age and remaining by all the other independent variables. Incidence of pests and diseases, labout scarcity and uneven production were the major production constraints experienced by majority of the respondents and high labour charges, high cost of material inputs and price fluctuation of the produce were the major economic constraints.ThesisItem Open Access Rationalisation of indigenous technical knowledge on pest management in the farm production systems of Palakkad District(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Swapna, T R; KAU; Ahamed, PThe study on "Rationalisation of Indigenous Technical Knowledge on pest m.anagement in the farm production systems of Palakkad district" was conducted with the over-riding objective of compiling. and cataloguing the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) including contemporary farmers' innovations in pest management in the major production systems, and analysing the evaluative perception and rationality of ITK items. The respondents of the study comprised of 150 farmers, 84 extensionists (including agricultural and veterinary departments) and 60 scientists, from agricultural and veterinary faculties. The study was conducted as a phased programme. The analysis of data elicited through Key Informant Workshops (KIW's) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) sessions were subjected to various statistical analyses. The results of the study confirmed that farmers have rich knowledge on pest management developed by their ancestors and peers. The results established that the farmers did not perceive all the traditional practices as good or sound. They defended their opinions based on multi- faceted technology evaluation attributes and field realities. The ITK's screened through KIW's when subjected to the researchers and extensionists showed high difference of opinion, though some sort of similarity was also observed, when the ITK attributes were considered separately. On combined effect of perceived effect and scientific rationality of ITK items, similarity of opinion was observed in high potential and low potential ITK's as perceived by researchers and extensionists. The ITK's screened through Key Informant Workshops, when subjected to the researchers and extensionists, received differential perceptions in many cases and agreement on others. Besides these, there existed high correlation and significant relationship between the perceived effect and scientific rationality of each ITK as perceived by researchers and extensionists. Hence it could be concluded that majority of the ITK items with high perceived effect were perceived to have high scientific rationality also, though a few showed no relation at all. This indicated that perceived effect of an ITK is highly influenced by its scientific rationality and vice versa. While analysing the combined response of researchers and extensionists on the perceived effect and scientific rationality of ITK items, separately, majority of the items seemed to be non significant. This shows that both researchers and extensionists differed greatly in the perception of an ITK on its perceived utility. It could be further narrowed down that the attitude and viewpoints of researchers were different from the extensionists. The critical examination of the data analysed proved that there existed some sort of agreement in response pattern given by the farmers, researchers and extensionists. There were some ITK's which showed similarity in the response of high ranking and low ranking ones as given by all the three-respondents. At the same time a few ITK's clearly discriminated the perception of researchers and extensionists. This means that there were a few ITK's that discriminated the researchers and extensionists widely and a few others which exhibited agreement. Results of the study indicated the need for indepth assessment and validation of ITK's at laboratory and field levels through multidisciplinary approach, other than mere documentation and romanticization of all traditional knowledge without reasoning. While doing so, all the dimensions related to each specific technology must be worked out.ThesisItem Open Access Micro credit and technology utilisation in vegetable production by self help groups in Thiruvananthapuram district(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Priya Devi, S; KAU; Bhaskaran, CKerala is depending upon other states for meeting its vegetable requirements though the soil types and climate are suitable for large scale and commercial cultivation. To meet the resource crunch among farmers a supplementing rural credit system to the existing ones is needed. This research study was an enquiry into the reported increase in area of vegetable cultivation and financial viability due to micro credit provision among beneficiaries of Self Help Groups of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (YFPCK), Thiruvananthapuram project area. The respondents were 30 experts and 120 beneficiaries from twelve SHGs of five Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured interview schedule and questionnaire prepared for the purpose. Micro credit utilisation and technology adoption levels in vegetable production by Self Help Groups were analysed. Also micro credit need and gap were ascertained and constraints and suggestions listed down. Based on group dynamics indicators it was inferred that the SHGs were functioning at medium level. Further inadequacies and future prospects are needed to be managed effectively. The SHGs had> 70 per cent attendance level in meetings, one meeting was arranged per month and had homogenous membership. The loan amount availed was between Rs.40,000 to Rs.80,000 with uniform interest rate. Group savings of Rs.SOO to Rs.ISOO was reported. Usually < 8 books of account are kept which are maintained by a group member. Members of group had trainings conducted based on their felt needs facilitated by field officers. XS Majority of the beneficiaries were in the 'high' category in respect or all vital profile characteristics like experience, innovativeness, social participation. training and increase in income after joining group activity. This is Cl positive effect of group formation. Also regarding technology adoption rate group characteristics were significantly related and individual characters were not significant. The credit need and credit gap was Rs.238 per cent of land. Regarding market behaviour, field centres were preferred to market the produce, bicycle or autorickshaws were mostly used for transport of produce. It was seen that 67 per cent of respondents got their money as ready cash at the time of sales and 80 per cent were satisfied with marketing support provided. Export potential must be more facilitated. Total cost of cultivation for one cent of panthal crop was reported as RS.S38 per cent. The credit utilisation was complete. All the respondents had repaid completely the loan amount and hence repayment was complete. Constraints faced in rmcro credit servicmg were absence of subsidy, indebtedness of beneficiaries and formal book keeping difficulties. The short term nature, allotment season and meeting time were reported as less relevant constraints. Constraints faced in timely repayment of micro credit were high labour cost, market glut leading to low cost of produce and wilful defaulters. Political influence was not rated as major constraint. Interest rates were low and overdues were not expected to be written off by beneficiaries. Perception of experts was high about regular field visits by experts, experience sharing and compulsion by group pressure in repayment and utilisation of loan amount. Also monitoring and recording of adopted technologies which were not perceived as risky was enabled by micro credit. Perception of beneficiaries about micro credit was high with respect to benefit of more renewal chances, easy repayment installments, absence of collateral security, reduction in cost of borrowing and ensuring participatory approach. Also reduction in time spent, making farming profitable, experts visiting fields, convenient interest levels and satisfactory amount supplied was enabled by micro credit. Suggestions of beneficiaries and experts for improving micro credit supply relates to role of banks, government support and sustained group action. In the case of defaulters, bank intervention must be more easily and strict to avoid possible revenue recovery and smooth group functioning. Regarding improvement in repayment and sustained group action, more incentives must be provided. Government support in the form of subsidy, insurance and reduction in lease amount are needed.ThesisItem Open Access Entrepreurial behaviour of coconut oil-based unit owners(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellayani, 2007) Gurubalan, M; KAU; Seema, BThe study entitled “ Entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units owners” was undertaken with an objective to analyse the entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units, their profile characteristics and economic dimensions of enterprise. It was also aimed to identify the constraints as perceived by the entrepreneur so as to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the enterprise. The study was conducted in Pallichal, Pulimath, Parasala block Panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 25 copra units and 10 coconut oil mills from each Panchayat were selected at random thus making a total of 105 respondents. The data collected were statistically analyzed using arithmetic mean, percentage and simple correlation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents from both categories had medium to high level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Relationship of the profile characteristics with entrepreneurial behaviour showed that in the case of copra unit owners, variables namely education, annual income, mass media exposure, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation and knowledge about value added products were positively and significantly correlated. In case of coconut oil mill owners, education, mass media exposure, level of aspiration, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation, self reliance and knowledge about value added products had positively significant correlation with the entrepreneurial behaviour. Economic analysis of enterprises showed that profitability and sound economic position in both the categories of respondents. Shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, high labour charges, and lack of infrastructure facilities were considered to be major hindrances encountered by copra unit owners. Whereas in coconut oil mill owners, shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, competition from low priced oils and lack of organized marketing were perceived as major constraints. Current information on prices coupled with ware housing facilities. Market literacy programme, vertical integration of coconut oil based units and initiation of new processing technologies were the major suggestions for the development of coconut oil based industry.ThesisItem Open Access Forecasting technical manpower needs in agriculture in Kerala(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Suja, S L; KAU; Sherief, A KThe study entitled "Forecasting technical manpower needs in agriculture in Kerala" was undertaken to forecast the technical manpower demand and supply in agriculture for a decade in Kerala. It was also aimed to study the characteristics of the existing employment pattern of technical manpower. Its aim also included to identify the constraints faced by the technical manpower in getting gainful employment in agriculture. The study was conducted in identified organizations in Kerala state. A sample of 150 agriculture graduates who were working in different sectors of agricultural development in the state were selected for studying the characteristics of existing employment pattern in the state. The study developed after having discussion with the officials and subject matter specialists. Well structured and pre-tested interview schedule was used for data collection. For forecasting the technical manpower demand in the next decade, data regarding the employment pattern during the last five years and at present were collected from the government sector, industrial and corporate sector, research and academic sector, banking sector, non- governmental organizations and others. Then the trend of variation in the employment pattern was analysed. Based on this trend future technical manpower requirement in different sectors was worked out by regression analysis, For technical manpower supply forecasting agricultural students enrolled in Kerala Agricultural University from 1995 - 2002 were collected. In this study based on the data it \\';\'S assumed that 25 per cent of the students were coming from outside Kerala. The study revealed that most of the respondents were working in identified organizations whose functional area IS' research and development. Most of the respondents were postgraduates and they receive monthly salary for the service or work rendered by them in the identified organizations. The study revealed that in the government sector there will be a decrease in the demand for the technical manpower in the next decade even though number of vacancies will rise due to retirement of the employees. The factors affecting future technical manpower demand in the identified organizations were emerging technological development, impact of GATT and WTO agreement and government policies related to agriculture, industry and economy, competition between different enterprises in the agricultural field, opening new areas of employment, higher salary expectation of employees and improved mechanisms for rural credit. As per the study the estimated annual outturn of agricultural graduates from 2004 to 2010 will be 177. As per the study the technical manpower demand - supply gap analysis revealed that the present level of potential unemployment in the state is about 53.33 per ce~t. The cumulative potential unemployment is 313. Among the constraints listed out, narrow focus on unemployment mismatching of education with jobs, delay in updating the curriculum and lack of adequate practical exposure in starting and running enterprises were considered to be the major constraints felt by the agricultural graduates in getting gainful employment in agriculture.ThesisItem Open Access Rationalisation of idigenous technical knowledge on production management in the farm production systems of Palakkad district(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2003) Rajesh, P; KAU; Kaleel, F M HIndigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) was recognized as a possible key to low external input sustainable agriculture that contributes both to sustainable agricultural production for the farmers, as well as a source of knowledge that can add on to the existing science based knowledge of the researchers. Identifying, documenting and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into agricultural extension organizations were essential to achieve sustainable agricultural development. Keeping in VIew the objectives of the study and the perusal of available literature shows that most of the attributes included in the study were expost facto in nature and in expost facto studies the chance for manipulation by the researcher is very less. The study was conducted in Palakkad district. A multi stage sampling procedure was followed for selection of samples for the study. Out of the 13 developmental blocks five were selected based on the criteria of highest agricultural predominance and presence of at least three production systems out of five envisaged in the study namely rice based, homestead based mixed farming system, plantation including spices, seasonal crops and annual crops. One of the blocks was selected to represent one agro eco zone. Four panchayats were selected within each block based on the same criteria of highest agricultural predominance and presence of at least three production systems out of five. Thus 20 panchayats were included for the study. The objectives of the study necessitated the involvement of three types of respondents viz.,farmers, extension personnel and scientists. These three groups were referred as Farmers Sub System (FSS), Extension Sub System (ESS) and Research Sub System (RSS) respectively. There were 34 ITK practices in coconut, which were agreed as good practices by FSS and ESS and supported by RSS with rationalization. These practices were documented. In ginger six ITK practices were documented after evaluation by FSS and ESS and rationalization by scientists. In pepper five ITK practices were documented after evaluation by farmers and extension personnel and rationalization by scientists. Similar work can be done in other districts of Kerala so that a comprehensive ITK package can be developed. It was a must because almost all ITKs were location specific. Those ITKs, which were rated as good by the FSS, ESS and RSS, can be blended with modern technology and can be fed back to the farmers. The ITKs, which were not rationalized by the scientists but considered as good by the farmers, can be selected for further study. The correct dosage and other details like time of application and method of application can be developed for each ITK so that it will become more specific. Those ITKs, which were fool proof, can be included in the package of practices for the corresponding production systems.
