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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 Management of Oestrous Cycle in Crossbred Cattle Using Prostaglandin(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1994) Ajit Kumar, G; KAU; Madhavan, EWith the object of studying the efficacy of administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha in the management of oestrous cycle and fertility of fixed time insemination in induced oestrus, 96 heifers and cows which were cycling, selected from Kerala Agricultural University Livestock Farms, were allotted to three different groups. Sixteen heifers and 16 cows in group I were given 25 mg PGF2 alpha (Lutalyse) intramuscularly when they had functional corpora lutea, while in group II, 16 heifers and 16 cows were administered two injections of PGF2 alpha 25 mg each 13 days apart. Sixteen heifers and 16 cows were treated as control (Group III). Twelve heifers (75%) and 16 cows (100%) in group I and all animals in group II responded to treatment. Mean time taken for induction of oestrus was 56.64 and 65.44 h respectively in heifers and cows. This difference was statistically significant. Parity of cows significantly influenced the time taken for induction of oestrus. Duration of oestrus was significantly different between heifers (21.86 h) and cows (31.13h) of the experimental group. Significant difference in the duration of oestrus was observed among cows between experimental and control groups. All experimental animals which responded to PGF2 alpha showed marginal increase in physical characters of the reproductive tract like vulval oedema, hyperaemia of vaginal mucosa, vulval discharge and tonicity of uterine horns. Majority of the experimental animals showed medium to high intensity of oestrus compared to natural oestrus. The first insemination and overall conception rates of heifers in group I, inseminated 72 h post-treatment, were 33.33 and 66.67 per cent respectively as against 33.33 and 50 per cent when inseminated 96 h post-treatment. Cows in groupI recorded 25 and 62.50 per cent and 37.50 and 62. 50per cent first insemination and overall conception rates respectively when inseminated 72 h and 96 h post-treatment. When heifers and cows in group II were inseminated 72h after the administration of the second dose of PGF2 alpha, 12.50 and 25 per cent conceived at first insemination with overall conception rate of 62.50 and 37.50 per cent respectively. The corresponding values in group II, when inseminated 96 h, were 25 and 12.5 per cent and 50 and 12.5 per cent respectively. Among control 6.25 per cent of heifers and 18.75 per cent of cows conceived at first insemination. The first insemination conception rate of heifers of experimental (25%) and control groups (6.25%) were significantly different. However, overall conception rate did not differ between the three groups. There was no influence of parity or season on the conception rate. Similarly the time taken for induction of oestrus, duratioh of oestrus, physical changes of the reproductive tract during oestrus and intensity of oestrus did not affect the conception rate. Heifers and cows required 1.88 and 1.93 inseminations respectively per conception when treated with PGF2 alpha as against 3.14 and 3.33 in the control group. Though, the present investigation revealed that PGF2 alpha can be used in the management of oestrous cycle in crossbred heifers and cows with fixed time insemination, the high cost of the drug and the conception rate obtained warrant further studies on fertility in relation to detected oestrus and fixed time insemination after the administration of PGF2 alpha.ThesisItem Open Access Food consumption pattern of rural house-holds below poverty line as influenced by food subsidies distributed through fair price shops(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 1994) Priya Gopinath R; KAU; Prema LA Study on the food consumption pattern of rural household below poverty line as influenced by the food subsides distributed through fair prices shops was taken up to evaluate the socio – economic and personal characteristic of the beneficiaries, daily food consumption pattern and contribution of food subsidies available through fair price shops on their daily diet. On the basis of their participation in public distribution system 120 households of 4 groups with 76 to 100 percent participation , 51 to 75 percent participation , 26 to 50 percent participation and less than 25 percent participation were selected for the study. All the house holds surveyed were more or less in similar socio economic back ground. Present of the monthly income in all the four groups was incurred for food especially for cereals. It was also found that percentage cereal expenditure was increasing from group 1 to group4. Among the house holds in the four groups more percentage of house holds were spending less than ten percent of their total food expenditure for purchasing food ration. A comparison among four groups revealed that percentage of ration expenditure against total food expenditure was low in group 1 and this was gradually increasing from 1 to group 4. All households in the four groups were found to include rice, sugar, coconut, milk, spices and condiments and oil every day. Rice , wheat, sugar and oil were purchased from fair price shops. Rice and oil distributed through this shops were not adequate for the households and hence open marker services were utilized. House holds under groups 1 were found using the ration cards regularly in every week and households in group 4 were not in the habit of purchasing ration regularly. The beneficiaries had favourable views about the quantity and quality of food subsidies supplied through this system. Food consumption pattern of all households in 4 groups in revealed that the food consumption of households were better in group 1 than the house holds in other 3 groups. But the diets of all the four groups were below the recommended daily allowances. Nutritional status of different age groups was ascertained in the 20households selected (10 each from group 1 and group 4). It was found that clinical scores based on various deficiency diseases was higher for family members belonging to group 2. Teethcarries and spongy bleeding of gums were common among the children of the two groups of the house holds. Haemoglobin level was below average in adult females and adolescent females in both the groups. The present study gives an indication that public distribution system has positively influenced the regular beneficiaries and prolonged implementation of the programme is one of the methods to achieve sufficient health profile for the population in below poverty line of the country.ThesisItem Open Access Consumer packaging of selected vegetables(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1994) Sunil Kumar, G; KAU; Raju, V KThe present study on “Consumer packaging of selected vegetables” was conducted in the Department of Processing Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during June 1992 to October 1993. The study on standardization of precooling treatments to improve the postharvest life of the vegetables viz., amaranth, brinjal, chilli, cowpea, okra and tomato revealed that precooling the vegetables immediately after harvest reduced the physiological loss in weight (PLW) and enhanced the marketability both under ambient and refrigerated storage environments. The effect of precooling treatments was more pronounced when precooling was immediately followed by refrigerated storage. Among precooling treatments, contact icing and cold water treatments were found superior to tap water treatment in most of the cases. The study on precooling and packaging treatments on amaranth, brinjal, chilli, cowpea, okra and tomato revealed that precooling followed by immediate packaging of the vegetables in 100 or 200 gauge polyethylene or polypropylene bags reduced the PLW considerably. Moreover, packaged vegetables had better consumer acceptability and has remained marketable for longer periods both under ambient and refrigerated storage conditions. In most of the cases, contact icing and cold water treatments gave better results among precooling treatments. With respect to packaging, under ambient temperature storage, 100 or 200 gauge polyethylene or polypropylene bags with 0.5 per cent ventilation was found to be ideal except in okra where unventilated polybags was the best. In refrigerated storage for brinjal, chilli and tomato, polybags with 0.5 per cent ventilation was found to be ideal. For amaranth, cowpea and okra polybags without ventilation was found to be more efficient. Refrigerated storage enhanced the shelf life of packaged vegetables 3-4 times as compared to packaged vegetables kept under ambient temperature storage. The storage study on precooled portioned vegetables viz., ashgourd, elephant foot yam, oriental pickling melon, pumpkin and snakegourd packaged in polymeric films revealed that portion packaged vegetables had lower PLW and remained marketable for longer periods both under ambient and refrigerated storage environments. Wilting, shrinkage, shriveling, discolouration and microbial rotting were the common types of spoilage in packaged vegetables. Cost- wise, among precooling treatments, tap water treatment was the cheapest followed by cold water and contact icing. Among polybags polypropylene was cheaper compared to polyethylene.ThesisItem Open Access Standrdisation of spacing for tissue culture banana cv. nendran (AAB group)(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Anil, B K; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C SThe investigation on “Standardisation of spacing for tissue culture banana cv. Nendran (AAB group)” was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during, 1992-’93 inorder to study the effect of different spacings on growth, yield and fruit quality of Nendran banana. The results obtained are presented below: In the early stages of growth, the vegetative characters were not influenced by the spacings tried. However, during later periods, the plant height, girth, number of leaves per plant, total and functional leaf area, interval of leaf production, LAI and LAD increased with decrease in spacing. The time taken for bunch emergence, maturity and duration of crop increased with decrease in spacing. The number of suckers per plant decreased with decrease in spacing, while total number of suckers per hectare increased with decrease in spacing. The biomass and drymatter production per plant, bunch yield and fruit size were higher in wider spacing, while on per hectare basis it was the reverse. Drymatter content, TSS, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars and sugar/acid ratio of fruits increased with increase in spacing, while acidity and ascorbic acid content decreased. The time taken for ripening of fruits decreased with increase in spacing, while shelf life remained unaffected. The benefit/cost ratio was most favourable in 1.75 x 1.75 m spacing. Incidence of pests and diseases were severe in closer spacings above 1.75 x 1.75 m. Soil nutrient depletion was tolerable upto 1.75 x 1.75 m spacing, while uptake and partitioning of major nutrients by individual plants decreased with decrease in spacing. Fruits showed the highest nitrogen and phosphorus content followed by leaf, leaf sheath, corn and pseudostem. Potassium content was the highest in leaf followed by fruits, corm, leaf sheath and pseudostem. In general spacing 1.75 x 1.75 m did not significantly affect the plant growth, yield and quality of fruits. However, the experiment has to be repeated to arrive at conclusive results.ThesisItem Open Access Biomass production and root distribution pattern of selected fast growing multi-purpose tree species(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 1994) Jamaludheen, V; KAU; Mohankumar, BA randomized block design experiment involving nine fast growing multi – purpose trees (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth., Casuarina equisetifolia J.R. & G Forst., Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) de wit. Var. K 8, Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk., Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Neilson and Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.) Initiated during June, 1985 was used for the present investigations. The objectives of the study included quantifying the biomass production potential of nine selected fast growing multi-purpose tree species grown under short rotation intensive cultural systems; characterising the root distribution pattern of these trees and also elucidating the extent of nutrient loss through harvest, besides characterising litter dynamics. Acacia and paraserianthes recorded the highest growth rates in terms of height, radial growth and biomass yield. Biomass production decreased in the order: Acacia > Paraserianthes > Casuarina > A. heterophullus > Emblica Pterocarpus > A. hisrsutus > Ailanthus > Leucaena. The most important component of total biomass undoubtedly, was the bole while foliage contributed least to biomass yield. Nevertheless foliage, in general registered the highest N, and K contents. Among the species, Leucaena had the highest N concentration followed by Paraserianthes and Pterocarpus. For P and K concentrations, Pterocarpus and A. hirsutus registered the highest concentration. A one – to – one correspondence between nutrient accumulation and biomass yield was however, lacking because of wide variations in elemental concentrations among species and also among tissue types. Bole fractions, in general, did not account for more than 50 % of total nutrient export from site. Altering the rate of nutrient removal in products is one of the most important design criteria in planning for sustainable plantion. N-fixing tree plots generally had a higher soil N status. Casuarina, Emblica and Pterocarpus plots were having higher P levels. Acacia, Paraserianthes and A. hisrsutus plots registered markedly higher K level. The amount of litterfall was maximum for Acacia and the minimum for Pterocarpus. Litterfall also followed a unimodal distribution pattern with a distinct peak during the November – January period and the period of lean fall was during May-August. Litter dynamics accounted for bulk of the nutrient inputs into the system. The retranslocation of mineral nutrients from senescing leaves to younger leaves and /or other tissues prior to abscission was obvious. Leucaena, Paraserianthes, Pterocarpus, Acacia, Alinathus and Emblica formed examples of high (> 1.5%) detrital N content. Generally the wet period (June – August) was characterised by increased concentration of N in litter. Litter P did not follow a consistent pattern with respect to seasons. However, a characteristic decline in litter K concentration was noticed during the rainy season. Mass disappearance of litter samples followed a negative expontential relationship. Leucaena litter, having the highest initial N content, decomposed compeletely in the shortest period (9 months). Root system studies suggest that A. hetrophyllus, Emblica and Paraserianthes are perhaps unsuitable for intensive mixing and close planting in agroforestry as they possess shallow and highly spreading root system. Ailanthus is perhaps a better candidate species for the above purpose as it possess relatively lower lateral root spread and at the same time having a deep tap root system. Root activity paatern of Artocarpus hisrsutus revealed that more than 75% of fine roots responsible for water nutrient absorption is concentrated in the 75 cm radius around the base of the tree. Recovery of 32P declined as depth of application increased. The combination of lowest lateral distance (75 cm) and depth (30 cm) accounted for more than 30% root activity.ThesisItem Open Access Quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil in relation to varietal variation and mineral nutrition(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Geetha Kumari, V S; KAU; Ranjendran, PCoconut is a perennial oil seed crop with a large number of cultivars having widely varying growth and yield characteristics. It is both an agricultural and industrial crop with immense economic importance. A variety of edible oils are available in the market today with wide variations in quality parameters and nutritional characteristics. Although product quality is influenced by many factors associated with production, harvesting, curing and processing; quality is influenced to a greater extent by the genetic parameters and chemical composition. Assessment of quality parameters and fixing standards for the nutritional aspects are to be considered with top priority for the development of new varieties/cultivars along with the yield attributes. Considering the afore mentioned facts in view, it was felt essential to study the effect of varietal variation and mineral nutrition on the oil content, quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil. Nuts collected from different varieties/cultivars from RARS, Pilicode, Instructional farm, Vellayani and palms of an ongoing fertilizer trial of the CRS, Balaramapuram, were subjected to chemical analysis to study the above aspects. The results of the analysis were summarised and appropriate conclusions drawn. The effect of varietal variation on the oil content and quality parameters like acid value, saponification value and iodine value were found to be significant. Minor quality parameters like Reichert – Meissel and Polenske value also showed considerable differences among the varieties. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected varieties also had shown considerable variation. The effect of mineral nutrition on the oil quality and fatty acid composition of coconut oil were found to be insignificant. The oil content was not influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus while potassium had a significant but negative effect on oil content. The influence of N, P and K fertilizers on the quality parameters like acid value, saponification value and iodine value was not significant in general. Minor quality parameters like Reichert – Meissel and Polenske value showed variation due to fertilizer treatments. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected treatments. The fatty acid composition of oil from selected treatments were also influenced by mineral nutrition. From the results of the study it can be concluded that quality parameters of coconut are much influenced by varietal differences than by mineral nutrition. Thus it is evident from the study that the genetic variability has got a greater role to play in modifying quantity parameters and chemical composition of the most important tropical adible oil namely coconut oil. Selection and breeding should be directed towards tailoring new varieties with higher oil content, quality indices and fatty acid composition.ThesisItem Open Access Input management in dairy co-operatives of Ollukkara Block(Department of Co- operative Management, College of Co- operation, Banking and Management,Vellanikkara, 1994) George Thomas, KAU; Mani, K PThe study entitles input Management in Dairy Co-operatives of Ollukkara Block was undertaken to examine the input management of dairy co operatives, identify the farmers preference for input services, and identify the problems as also constraints in input management by dairy co operatives. Three Anand pattern dairy co operatives, falling respectively in the classes of well performing societies satisfactorily performing societies and poorly performing societies, were selected from Ollukkara block of Thrissur district. Thirty farmers each were drawn at random from these societies for gathering primary data. While the primary data were collected in 1993, the secondary data pertain to a nine year period from 1984. Simple averages, percentages, tabular method, priority index, satisfaction index and direct reporting comprised the methodology. The supply of concentrate cattle feed was the major input service in the sample societies. Despite this, about 80 per cent of the estimated demand for feed was met by the private sector. The societies too depended more on the private sector for procuring feed, thanks to the inadequate production and irregular supply of feed by the co operative union. The farmers were less satisfied over this input service because of reasons like un preferred brands supplied, quality deterioration, stock out situations, inconvenient time schedule for feed supply, non availability of feed in small lots etc. But as regards price, and mode of payment, they were satisfied. Private traders outdid the societies on preferred brand, brand choice, continuous supply of feed, supply in small quantities and at convenient time. Only 56 per cent of the farmers were aware of the provision of veterinary service, and 31 per cent alone availed of the service. Mismatch between need and time of service, procedural complexities, irregularity of doctors, difficulty in bringing animals to societies etc. deterred farmers from using thi service. Supply of fodder seeds too did not yield much response from farmers because of scarcity of land, poor crop, higher crop etc., besides the abundance of natural fodder. The input management is to be made efficient by improving upon the various services in the interest of the farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Screening Of Fungal Pathogens For Biocontrol Of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes (MART.)Solms)(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Santhy Kammath S; Naseema AA survey was conducted in and around Trivandrum district viz., in veli, Ambalathara and Akulam to obtain the fungal pathogens of water hyacinth for its biocontrol. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penzig) Penzig and Sacc Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedjin, Fusarium equiseti (Corda) sacc., Fusarium semitectum Berk and Rav, Fusarium solani (Mart) sacc., R. solani Kuhn and sterile fungus were found infecting the plants. The seasonal occurrence of the fungi isolated was studied and it was found that Fusarium spp. were present throughout the period of study. C. gloeosporioides and R. solani were present in the rainy season only. The pathogenicity of all the above fungi to the water hyacinth plants was established by artificial inoculation. Host range studies revealed that R. solani had a wide host range, which included amaranthus, cowpea, rice Monochoria vaginalis and panicum repens. The host range of C. gloeosporioides included chilli, Commelina benghalensis, Hydrocotyl asiatica and Ludwigia parviflora Fusarium spp. were found to infect Monochoria vaginalis only. Among the fungal pathogens isolated from water hyacinth, F. semitectum caused highest intensity of infection of 51.10 per cent followed by F. equiseti and F. solani (48.88 per cent) C. gloeosporioides and R. solani caused 44.44 and 45.76 per cent intensity of infection respectively. Curvularia lunata caused the lowest intensity of infection of 20 per cent. An experiment was conducted to fix the concentration of inoculam required for effective destruction of water hyacinth. The spore concentration of 10 9 spores/ml was the most effective one in the case of F. equiseti, F. semitectum and F. solani For C. gloeosporioides spore concentration of 2 x 109 sporce/ml was the most effective one. Different carrier materials were tried for mass multiplication and storage of the promising fungal pathogens of water hyacinth. The different carrier materials tested were coir pith, paddy straw, peat moss, rice bran and wheat bran. Wheat bran was found to be the most suitable media for F. equiseti, F. semitectum and F. solani. In wheat bran, the spore count and viability of the spores of these fungi were maximum. For C. gloeosporioides, in rice bran maximum spore count was obtained whereas, in the case of viability of the spores, rice bran and wheat bran were on par. In peat moss none of the fungi grew. In the field tests conducted to try different methods of application of the fungi viz., C. gloeosporioides, F. equiseti, F. semitectum and F. solani, applying bilts of inoculum of the fungi and spraying of the inoculum of the fungi were found to be the best methods. Whereas, dusting of the inoculum produced very poor symptoms. The field performance of the fungi in different carrier materials showed that rice bran and wheat bran inoculum caused good symptom development on water hyacinth plants whereas, coir pith inoculum caused poor symptom development. All the three Fusarium spp. viz., F. equiseti, F. semitectum and F. solani were found to produce toxin. Which could cause similar symptoms on the water hyacinth leaves as those produced by inoculating the culture bits.ThesisItem Open Access Economics of Production and Marketing of Ginger in Kerala with Special Reference to Idukki District(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Jayesh, K S; Radhakrishnan, VThe present study on production and marketing of ginger was undertaken in Idukki district during the year 1992-93. The major objectives of the study were to examine the past trends in production, estimation of cost of cultivation, cost of production, resource use efficiency, marketing cost and margin and to identify the marketing channels. The study also examines the major constraints in production and marketing of ginger. The study is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data is collected from a sample of farmers. Multistage random sampling was adopted for the selection of farmers. Ginger production in the state during the period 1962-63 to 1990-91 showed a rising trend, with productivity contributing significantly to rise in production. In Idukki district also increase in trend in production is recorded during 1978-79 to 1991-92 period. Contarary to what has happened in state area played a major role with productivity playing a complementary role. Average cost of cultivation per hectare of ginger based on cost A, cost B and cost C were Rs.20088.10, Rs.20088.10 and Rs.28888.10 respectively. The average yield of ginger was 13785.08 kg per hectare. The gross value of output at prevailing price rate was Rs.68925.40. Cost of production per tonne of ginger based on cost A, cost B and cost C were Rs.1467.30, Rs.1467.30 and Rs.2119.60 respectively. Input-output ratio based on cost A, cost B and cost C were Rs.3.43, Rs.3.43 and Rs.2.39 respectively. Bulkline cost per tonne of ginger was Rs.2500. Farm business income was Rs.48837.30 and net income was Rs.40037.30. Cobb-Doughlas production function fitted with returns (rupees) as dependant variable and area, expenditure on inputs like seed, chemical fertilizers, manures, plant protection chemicals and human labourer as independent variables revealed that additional expenditure on seed, chemical fertilizers, manures and plant protection chemicals could increase the output. The input human labour was found to be in excess use. The most important marketing channel identified for both green and dry ginger was producer – village merchant – commission agent – wholesaler – retailer/secondary wholesaler – consumer. In the case of dry ginger producer sale price formed 62 per cent of the retail price. The corresponding share in the green ginger trade was 37 per cent. The combined net margin of the intermediaries were 19.6 per cent of the consumer rupee in dry ginger trade while it was 23.3 per cent in green ginger. The major problems facing the ginger growers are instability in prices and loss due to softrot disease. The study suggest the formation of co-operative societies to arrest price fluctuations. The study also recommend to educate farmers in modern techniques of cultivation.
