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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Open Access
Study on the Perception and the Role Performance of the Convenors of Group Farming Committees of Rice Cultivation
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1993) Jayasree Menon, KAU; Rajan Karippai, S
The study on role perception and role performance of the convenors of Group Farming Committee was carried out using 150 respondents selected from Trichur and Palghat districts. The opinions of respondents towards the programme were collected by personally interviewing them Analysis of the data thus collected indicated that cosmopoliteness and training need were the most important independent variables positively influencing role perception. Training revceived by the convenors exerted a negative effect on the perception of their roles as convenors. Communication behaviour came first followed by knowledge and training need among the independent variables influencing role performance. In the case of role perception as well as role performance, constraints in implementing the programme exerted maximum indirect effect on other independent variables. It was also found that role perception was strongly correlated with role performance.
Open Access
Analysis of saelected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Jinadevan, R; KAU; Prakash, R
The present study under the title “An analysis of selected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala” was undertaken to understand the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption behaviour of farmers in relation to selected coconut development programmes. The analysis covered the response pattern of both beneficiary and non – beneficiary farmers to different variables. The constraints faced by both the group of farmers in the adoption of recommended practices and by the Agricultural officers in the implementation of the programmes were also analyzed. The study was conducted in Alappuzha district and covered the following development programmes : i) Scheme for expansion of area under coconut. ii) Scheme for providing assistance for developing irrigation facilities. iii) Integrated farming in coconut small holdings for productivity improvement. The sample consisted of 120 randomly selected beneficiary farmers, 40 each under each programme and 60 non beneficiary farmers and 50 agricultural officers. Data were collected using interview schedule and questionnaire and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that beneficiary farmers awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption of the recommended practices, though partial in some aspects, was significantly influenced by the coconut development programmes. Practice wise adoption by farmers revealed that use of hybrid varieties of seedlings for new planting was the least adopted practice. There was a tendency among the farmers to switch over to west cost tall and other varieties. Comparison of adoption behaviour of farmers under the three selected development programmes showed that the extent of adoption of recommended practices was higher in new planting area compared to other areas. It was also found that the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption was higher in the case of beneficiary farmers compared to non beneficiaries. The results of the constraint analysis revealed the need for more attention to timely supply of coconut seedings, adoption of the labour saving group management practice and training programme of coconut development Board for the unemployed youths in plant protection and palm climbing. The results pointed out the need for proper co-ordination and linkage between various agencies involved in implementing coconut development programmes, simplifying the procedure in availing assistance under the programmes, starting field level offices, by Coconut Development Board in the model of Rubber Board and for proper planning and improvement in the pattern of implementation of coconut development programmes for accomplishing the cherished goals.
Open Access
Communication behaviour of women,heading farm families in Neyyattinkara taluk
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Anitha Menon, K; KAU; Babu, B
A study on the Communication Behaviour of women heading farm families was carried out in five Krishibhavan areas under Neyyanttinkara taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. Fifty women engaged in paddy cultivation and fifty from coconut cultivation formed the total sample of hundred respondents. The study was aimed to measure Communication Behaviour including Inward Exposure and Outward Exposure and to compare between the women cultivating paddy and the women cultivating coconut with regard to the dependent and independent variables of the study. It was also aimed to find the characteristics of women which influence Communication Behaviour, the relationship and the direct and indirect effects of these characteristics on Communication Behaviour. The data were collected using pre- tested structured interview schedule. The study revealed that the farm women in paddy cultivation had a high level of Inward Exposure. Women cultivating paddy were equally distributed in the low and high level of Outward Exposure categories and low level of Inward and Outward Exposure was noticed in majority of women cultivating coconut. The farm women had a low level of Communication Behaviour. Irrespective of the difference in the crop cultivated, the women did not differ significantly with regard to Inward Exposure, Outward Exposure, Communication Behaviour, and other selected characteristics. The characteristic profile study revealed that the respondents were middle aged and had a medium level of education (ie., upto high school) with a marginal farm size below 0.4ha. The women cultivating paddy had high level of social participation, cosmopoliteness, management orientation, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in paddy and knowledge about improved agricultural practices in paddy. With regard to women cultivating coconut, a medium level of social participation, high level of cosmopoliteness, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in coconut and a low level of management orientation were noticed. The women in coconut cultivation were distributed equally in the low and high level of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in coconut. The correlation co-efficients revealed that the selected characteristics of women were significantly correlated with Communication Behaviour and the correlation was positive except with the variable ‘age’. Path analysis results revealed that the maximum positive direct effect on Communication Behaviour was exerted by ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ and ‘social participation’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively. The maximum positive indirect effect was exerted by ‘Adoption of improved agricultural practice’ and ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively.
Open Access
Adoption of improved agricultural practices by pepper growers of Idukki district
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Gangadharan, K K; KAU; Padmanabhan, V B
The study on the adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper was conducted in Idukki district of Kerala with the following objectives: 1) To study the extent of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper by pepper growers. 2) To study the extent of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper by pepper growers. 3) To study the attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. 4) To study the extent of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. 5) To study the relationship between the extent of awareness, knowledge, attitude and adoption with the socio- psychological and economic characters of pepper growers; 6) To identify the constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper and to suggest solutions to overcome the constraints. A total of 200 pepper growers were selected from 10 krishi bhavans for the study, using stratified two- stage sampling procedure. Data were collected by using a structured interview schedule during the months of June and July 1992. The important findings of the study were the following. A majority of pepper growers in the study area had medium level of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables, namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with awareness. But age was found negatively and significantly correlated with awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Majority of pepper growers had medium level of knowledge about the improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables, namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with knowledge of improved agricultural practices in pepper, whereas age was found negatively and significantly correlated with knowledge. In the case of attitude of pepper growers, majority of pepper growers had a medium level of attitude towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Age was found negatively and significantly correlated with attitude. A majority of pepper growers in the study area had medium level of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Age was found negatively and significantly correlated with adoption. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that education was the most important variable in prediction of the extent of awareness, followed by scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation. The seven variables jointly explained 65 per cent of variation in extent of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Education alone contributed 41 per cent of variation in prediction. In the case of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper, education was found as the most important variable in prediction, which alone contributed 50 per cent of variation in the extent of knowledge. The independent variables, namely, education, contact with extension agency, innovativeness, social participation, scientific orientation, risk orientation, information source used and market orientation had jointly explained about 74 per cent of variation in the extent of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper. Scientific orientation was found as the most important variable in prediction of attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. The variables, namely, scientific orientation, market orientation, educational status, risk orientation, innovativeness, social participation and age had jointly explained 67 per cent variation in the attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Scientific orientation alone contributed 41 per cent of variation in prediction. Education was found as the most important variable in the prediction of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. This variable alone contributed 42 per cent of variation in prediction. Fifty nine per cent of variation was explained by the seven variables, namely, education, contact with extension agency, social participation, information source used, innovativeness, scientific orientation and market orientation. The pepper growers perceived the following as the major constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices in the descending order of magnitude, extensive prevalence of pests and diseases, high cost of production inputs, lack of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper, traditional systems of cultivation, inadequate extension support, lack of sufficient good quality planting materials, inadequate research support, long duration of rainless period, fluctuating prices of black pepper, non-availability of literature on improved agricultural practices, non-availability of input materials and small and marginal size of holdings. The following were the solutions suggested to overcome important constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices by pepper growers: Develop low cost technologies for the control of pests and diseases. Develop disease and drought tolerant varieties. Production and distribution of good quality planting materials. Adequate training to farmers about improved agricultural practices. Implementation of soil and moisture conservation measures. Proper marketing network coupled with remunerative price of black pepper. Supply of newer high yielding varieties to farmers.
Open Access
Development and application of a scale to measure the efficiency of adult education centres
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Padmanabhan, V B; KAU; Thampi, A M
This study on the development and application of a scale to measure the efficiency of Adult Education Centres (AECs) was designed to develop and standardize a scale to measure the efficiency of AECs, to evaluate the selected AECs by using the scale developed and to suggest a model for the efficient functioning of AECs. The study was conducted in the Rural Functional Literacy Programme (RFLP) centres of the Rural Development Blocks of Ollukkara and Kodakara in Thrissur district during 1989. A three stage sampling design was adopted for the study. Instructors and learners of the AECs were the two types of respondents included in the study. Efficiency of AEC (dependent variable) and selected 41 factors (independent variables) were the variables for the study. The data were collected from the instructors by using questionnaires and from the learners by using interview schedules. The collected data were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques including percentage analysis, simple, linear correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, step-wise regression analysis and path coefficient analysis. The salient findings oDepartment of Agricultural Extension College of Agriculturef the study are as follows : 1. Thirty seven independent variables out of the 41 were found to have significant positive relationship with the efficiency of AEC. Job commitment of instructor had the highest value of correlation coefficient. 2. The selected 24 independent variables taken together accounted for 98.35 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. The nine variables which were found to exert significant influence on the efficiency of AEC when taken together accounted for 96.27 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. 3. The best prediction equation was with eight variables which accounted for 93.97 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. These variables were instructor-learner communication, information processing behaviour of instructor, job commitment of instructor, job satisfaction of instructor, human resources, supply of inputs, monitoring and empathy of learner. 4. Job commitment of instructor alone explained 89.03 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. 5. Job commitment of instructor had the largest direct effect on the efficiency of AEC and its three components, namely, achievements of learners in literacy, awareness and functionality. The high positive correlations of all the other factors with the efficiency of AEC and its components were due to their positive inter-relationship with job commitment of instructor. 6. The scale developed to measure the efficiency of AECs was found to have high validity (content, criterion – related and concurrent) and reliability (test-rest and split-half). 7. The distribution of scores obtained on evaluating the selected AECs by using the scale was found to be normal. 8. A model was suggested for the efficient functioning of AECs based on the results of this study.
Open Access
Managerial efficiency of cassava farmers
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1991) Asnantharaman, M; KAU; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed at analyzing the managerial efficiency of cassava farmers. It was conducted in four districts namely, Thiruvananthapuram (low productivity), and Pathanamthitta (high productivity) in Kerala State and Kanyakumari (low productivity) and Selem (high productivity) in Tamil Nadu state. The first three districts were considered as non- industrial district and Selem district was considered as industrial district also. A total of 240 cassava farmers were selected, 60 from each district following stratified random sampling. The managerial efficiency was measured with the help of a scale consisting of 30 items developed for the study. The data on the managerial efficiency of farmers and on the fifteen socio- psychological and situational factors of the farmers were collected using an interview schedule. The components of managerial efficiency identified empirically were ‘planning’, ‘labour management’, ‘information management’, ‘financial management’ ‘production management (variety)’, ‘production management (practices)’ and ‘marketing management’. The managerial efficiency of cassava farmers as the whole was somewhat better as little more than half of the farmers had high managerial efficiency. While the farmers exhibited high efficiency in the managerial components namely, ‘planning’, ‘labour management’, ‘financial management’ and marketing management’, they were not efficient in the components of ‘Information management’, ‘production management (variety)’ and ‘production management (practices)’. The farmers of industrial district were found to have significantly higher efficiency in the overall managerial efficiency as well as in the managerial components viz., ‘planning’, ‘information management’, ‘financial management’, ‘production management (variety)’, and ‘production management (practices)’ when compared to farmers of non- industrial district. The component- wise performance of farmers on the whole was in the order of ‘labour management’, ‘marketing management’, ‘planning’, ‘financial management’, ‘production management (practices)’, ‘information management’, and ‘production management (variety)’. While farmers of industrial district relatively performed well in ‘production management (variety)’, ‘production management (practices)’ and ‘planning’ when compared to other components, non-industrial district farmers performance was good at ‘labour management’, ‘marketing management’ and ‘financial management’. The managerial components namely, ‘planning’, ‘information management’ and ‘financial management’ were found to be relatively more important than other components with regard to their contribution towards the profit from cassava cultivation. The socio-psychological and situational factors namely, closeness with agricultural support system, market perception, achievement motivation, economic motivation, attitude towards scientific management in crop enterprise, knowledge on scientific management in crop enterprise, cultivated holding, cassava area and irrigation potential were found to be significantly contributing to the managerial efficiency. The major managerial constraints faced by the farmers were lack of awareness, knowledge, conviction, timely information and planting materials; limited resources, uncertainty and shortage of labourers.
Open Access
Job efficiency of panchayat level agricultural officers of department of agriculture in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Mothilal Nehru, S; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed to examine the job efficiency of Agricultural Officers of State Department of Agriculture. The study was conducted in three Agro climatic zones of Kerala State covering six districts, two each from the zones. The selected districts were Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur. From each district, one agricultural sub – division was randomly selected. Finally 154 Agricultural Officers were selected for the main study and analysis and interpretation were carried out with the responses obtained from 115 respondents. The job efficiency was measured with the help of a scale developed for the study and rated by the Assistant Directors of the selected Agricultural Officers. BARS technique was used to develop the job efficiency scale. A pilot study was conducted to screen independent variables and finally ten personal and situational related variables were selected. Data were collected through structured interview schedule and mailed questionnaire. The job dimension identified empirically were ‘planning’, ‘coordination’, ‘human relation’, office management’, ‘professional competency’ and ‘farmer development’. In general, more than half of the Agricultural officers had high job efficiency. Similarly, in the case of job dimensions majority of them fall under the category of high group except ‘office management’ dimension. There was no significant difference between overall job efficiency of the Agricultural officers among the three zones. At the same time, there was significant difference among the Agricultural Officers of the zone in the job dimensions namely, ‘coordination’, ‘office management’ and ‘professional competency’. The personal and situational related variables namely, attitude towards profession, self confidence, intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, job involvement, technical competency, communication behaviour, organizational climate, guidance and supervision and facilities and resources put together contributed significantly to the efficiency of Agricultural Officers and explained 77 per cent of the variation in job efficiency. The best sub - set of variables for predicting the variation in job efficiency were communication behaviour, technical competency and self confidence. The ‘communication behaviour’ and ‘technical competency’ were the two variables influencing all the job efficiency dimensions to a substantial extent. Next to these two variables, ‘self confidence’ was found to be influencing all the dimensions except ‘human relation,. The variables like ‘organisational climate’, attitude towards profession’, ‘intrinsic motivation’ were also found to be important in this respect. The major constraints perceived by the Agricultural Officers were ‘more number of programmes’, ‘lack of sufficient knowledge about programmes of sister departments’, ‘lack of sufficient knowledge on personnel management’, ‘inadequate office facilities’, ‘lack of skill oriented trainings on viable technology’ and ‘administrative delay in disbursing subsidies and other benefits to farmers’.
Open Access
Vocational higher secondary education in agriculture in Kerala - a multimidensional analysis
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Kumari Sushama, N P; KAU; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed at analysing the various dimensions of vocational Higher Secondary Education in Agriculture (VHSEA) in Kerala and to suggest a model for strengthening the same. The study was undertaken in nine VHSEA schools spread over eight districts in Kerala, where the scheme was first introduced in 1983-84 and where VHSEA courses are still being offered. There were 300 student-respondents for the study, viz. 150 respondents who have passed VHSEA from these nine schools during 1986-87, 1987-88 & 1988-89 and 50 each of VHSEA students undergoing PP,F & V and NM & OG courses in these schools at the time of the investigation, selected using probability proportion to size-random sampling. Besides, all the available teachers of VHSEA numbering 36 and 60 randomly selected experts from the State Department of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University and the Directorate of VHSE also formed the other categories of respondents for the study. The dependent variables were the student-respondents’ knowledge about the subject matter of the VHSEA Courses, attitude towards VHSEA programme, attitude towards scientific agriculture and evaluate perception of VHSE courses in agriculture. These variables were quantified using standardized measurement devices developed for the study. Ten independent variables were selected and quantified with the help of available procedures. Vocational interest areas, vertical mobility and employment status and factors affecting vertical mobility and employment status were also collected from the student-respondents. Data on the evaluative perception of VHSE courses in agriculture, evaluation of VHSEA syllabi and factors affecting vertical mobility and employability were gathered from the teachers of VHSEA and the experts. Constraints in and suggestions for improvement of VHSEA were also collected from the students and teachers of VHSEA. Pre-tested and structured interview schedules/questionnaires were used for data collection. The study revealed that majority of the student – respondents hailed from rural areas with agricultural background, they had secured low marks in SSLC/VHSEA and their family educational status and economic status were poor. Majority of them had high level of aspiration, and a sizeable number did not have financial support for starting self employment ventures. Majority of the student-respondents had only medium level of knowledge and favourable attitude towards VHSEA programme and scientific agriculture. Majority of the respondents had rated the VHSE courses in agriculture as ‘moderate’ the independent variable significantly influencing the dependent variables in general were marks obtained in SSLC, caste, family economic status, family educational status, level of aspiration (past, present and future) and finance for self employment. Commercial flower production and general agriculture were the most preferred vocational interest areas. Half of the VHSEA certificate holders were studying in degree classes and more than one fourth of them were not continuing their studies. Majority of the VHSEA certificate holders were unemployed. Over six per cent of them were working as Lab assistants and only two respondents were engaged in self employment avenues. Interest in higher education, job opportunities due to higher qualification and attitude towards higher education were the most important factors influencing their vertical mobility while awareness about the avenues for self employment, skill training for doing self employment and interest in taking up self employment were the most important factors influencing their employability. The teachers and experts in general rated the VHSEA as moderate. Low standard of pupils, lack of library facilities, lack of building facilities and lack of facilities for doing practicals were the most important constraints. Permanent teachers should be employed, scholarships and grants should be provided, provision for higher education, job opportunities to the pass outs and public should be made aware of the relevance of the VHSEA were the important suggestions for improvement of VHSEA. Based on the results of the study, a model to strengthen VHSEA in Kerala is suggested.
Open Access
Factors influencing the development of agriculture among the 'kanikkar' tribe of Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Jaleel, M M; KAU; Bhaskaran, S
The study on the factors influencing the development of agiculture among the 'Kanikkar' tribe of Kerala was carried out with the following objectives: To study the characteristic profile of the tribal people. To identify the agricultural development indicators in tribal areas. To assess the extent of agricultural development in tribal areas. To find out the association between the agricultural development indicators and the selected socio-economic characteristics of 'Kanikkars'. To identify the factors influencing agricultural development in tribal areas. To identify the constraints affecting agricultural development in tribal areas. Kanikkars form the dominant tribe of South Kerala. A sample of 100 Kani-farmers was selected from the five Panchayats of Nedumangad Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram District using purposive, proportional and random allocation techniques. Personal interviews were conducted with the help of a well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The data so collected were analysed with the help of suitable statistical techniques. The extent of agricultural development was assessed using the three agricultural development indicators selected for the purpose of the study/ which were the dependent variables namely knowledge about improved cultivation practices/ attitude towards farming/ and adoption of modern techniques of cultivation. The independent variables selected and utilised for the purpose of the study were age/education/ farming experience/ organisation participation/ risk orientation/ credit orientation/ cosmopoliteness/ extension participation/ extension contact/ mass media participation and land possession. The salient findings of the study are as follows: Nearly half of the respondents (49%) were young. Majority of them had high levels of education/ risk orientation/ credit orientation/ cosmopliteness and mass media participation/ while most of them had low lev^s of farming experience/ organisation participation, extension participat ion/ extension contact and land possession. Though majority of the Kanikkars hod o better knowledge on the scientific cultivation practices and a favourable attitude towards farming, the adoption level of modern techniques of cultivation was low. Of the 11 variables studied, land possession was found to have a non-significant correlation with the three dependent variables. Credit orientation was found to have a significant correlation only with attitude. Of the variables which were having a significant correlation with the three dependent variables, age and farming experience were negatively correlated. The crucial variables through which indirect effects were channelled were: education, risk orientation and extension participation with regard to knowledge about improved cultivation practices, education, cosmopoliteness and mass media participation with respect to attitude towards farming and age, farming experience and extension contact with reference to adoption of modern techniques of cultivation.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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