India is the major producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. India grows over 75 different varieties of spices because of varied agro-climatic conditions and soil types. The acreage and production of spices have changed significantly between 2020-21 and 2023-24, with a general trend of increase in both. For instance, the estimated total production of spices in 2023-24 was around 1.18 crore metric tonnes, a substantial rise from earlier figures, and sowing area has also shown growth.

Spices have historically shaped global trade, with India as a major hub. Today, however, adulteration and unethical practices undermine consumer trust and highlight the need for pure, authentic products. This study examines consumer perceptions of the Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) Nandini brand and the potential acceptance of Nandini-branded spice powders in Karnataka. Data were collected from 129 respondents across districts using a structured bilingual questionnaire, with analysis based on descriptive statistics. Results show preferences influenced by age, gender, education, and income: middle-aged consumers favored traditional spice powders, while younger consumers leaned toward modern blends. A high proportion of respondents rated Nandini’s product quality positively (98.4%), with bulk monthly purchases (40.3%) reflecting shelf stability. Adulteration concerns (36.2%) further emphasized demand for safe products. Notably, 82.2 per cent expressed willingness to purchase Nandini spices, citing trust, authenticity, farmer empowerment, and affordability as key drivers. Sambar powder, chilli powder, and garam masala emerged as priority products, while growing interest in organic options reflected rising health and sustainability awareness. The findings suggest that KMF can leverage Nandini’s brand credibility, retail network, and cooperative identity to ensure a successful market entry, promoting both consumer trust and farmer welfare.

The research empirically estimates the resource use efficiency and resource-saving target ratio of farmers in the Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley Project (KCVP) and Non-Koramangala -Challaghatta Valley Project (NKCVP) area using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The study collected data from Kolar district in Karnataka, where 160 vegetable growers were selected using snowball sampling. Data were gathered through the utilization of pre-tested questionnaires and interview schedules. The study examined the efficiency of resource utilization among vegetable farmers, assessing both overall technical efficiency and pure technical efficiency through the application of a neoclassical non-parametric model called Data Envelopment Analysis. Furthermore, the study delved into resource overuse and estimated the resource-saving of various inputs used on the farm.

Fish GDP has considerable impact from mean temperature, precipitation and CO2 emission over a period of time. Here we use empirical findings from three South Asian countries namely Bangladesh, India and Thailand for period of 1991-2020 using an Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. There is a significant positive long-term relationship between CO2 and fish GDP for Bangladesh and India, while temperature and precipitation show a non-significant negative association. In Thailand, precipitation has

a significant positive impact on fish GDP, while temperature and CO2 also have positive effects but are not statistically significant. The error correction term is highly significant, indicating a strong short run adjustment towards long run equilibrium. The fitted models were reliable and stable confirmed using econometric analysis. The positive influence of CO2 emissions on fish GDP underscores the need for emissions reduction policies and sustainability efforts in India and Bangladesh. By leveraging insights from this model, these countries can develop both immediate and long-term strategies to sustain the health and productivity of the fisheries sector amidst environmental changes.

This study assesses the economic benefits of natural versus conventional sugarcane farming in Belagavi district of Karnataka for the time period of 2023-24. Amid India’s economic ambitions and the critical role in agriculture played during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural farming methods, particularly Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) advocated by Shri Subhash Palekar, are examined. The research, involving 120 sample farmers including 60 practicing natural farming and 60 conventional farming for the analysis total cost method was employed. The results reveal that in conventional farming yield was more sugarcane per hectare and provides higher gross returns, natural farming proves more cost-effective. Natural farming’s total cost of cultivation was ` 2,24,544.71 per hectare, when compared to conventional farming (` 2,55,587.89). This difference is largely due to lower variable costs and more efficient input use in natural farming. Although natural farming has lower yields but it fetches a higher price per tonne (` 3,300 versus ` 2,900), contributing to higher net returns of ` 2,07,633 compared to ` 1,81,532 from conventional methods. The cost of production per tonne is also higher in natural farming (` 1,715) compared to conventional farming (` 1,696), whereas, the overall returns per rupee of expenditure was better in natural farming (1.92) than the conventional farming (1.71). The findings highlights the natural

farming’s potential for economic sustainability and reduced dependence on costly inputs, despite its lower yields. The study suggests that, with increased awareness, government support and incentives natural farming practices could gain broader adoption in the study area. This not only benefit farmers economically but also promote long-term sustainability and resilience in agriculture.

In the field of horticulture, the production of vegetables plays a significant role in the development of agriculture and the country’s economy. It not only generates more income and employment opportunities but also contributes to equitable distribution when the marketing aspect is managed effectively. This study aimed to investigate the correlation and seasonal patterns of arrivals and prices of specific vegetables in the regulated sub market yard Baijnath of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, from the year 2010-11 to 2022-23. The findings revealed that cauliflower had the highest rate of increase in monthly arrivals, while ladyfinger had the highest increase in monthly prices. Interestingly, the prices of vegetables moved inversely as well as directly to their arrivals, indicating a negative and positive correlation depending upon the off-season production of various vegetables in the state. The study also found that cucumber had the highest average monthly variability in arrivals, while ladyfinger had the highest variability in prices. Furthermore, it was observed that most vegetables had higher arrivals during the peak season and lower arrivals during the lean season.

The growth of horticultural crops surpassed agricultural growth in India during recent years. Gherkin is an important export market crops which is gaining attention during recent decades and has the potential for good returns. This study involves both primary and secondary data to explore the export potential of India and value- chain map of the gherkin industries in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The secondary data regarding export of two different gherkin products viz., HS-200110 (Cucumbers & Gherkins, Prepared/

Preserved by Vinegar/Acetic Acid) and HS-071140 (Cucumbers & Gherkins, Provisionally Preserved)  was collected for 30 years (1994-2023) and the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was analysed. The result revealed that the export of HS-071140 was positive in both periods with the overall CAGR of 15.48 percent. Likewise, the HS-200110 was positive in period I but negative in period II with the overall CAGR of 11.32 percent. The primary survey involves purposive selection of two blocks from Dindigul

viz., Vedasanthur and Dindigul blocks with 60 farmers in each block thus making total sample size of 120 farmers and four gherkin pickling cum export companies were also interviewed. The cost under conventional, drip and drip + mulch was ` 72962.30, ` 74914.60 and ` 77544.60 respectively whereas the net income was higher in drip + mulch with ` 152455 compared to conventional (` 42037.70) and drip alone (` 86085.40). The value chain analysis showed that two grades fetch higher prices viz., 160+ and

100+ where the net returns was higher in the export of former with ` 1,73,950/tonnes compared to the latter with ` 1,61,950. Gherkin is a profitable crop for farmers and the major constraint faced by them was fixed amount for each grade, hence laws should be strengthened so that the processors should not exploit the farmers.

This study examines the market chain structure and efficiency of fodder crop seed distribution in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, focusing on both formal and informal marketing systems. Based on primary and secondary data collected during 2022–2024, the research surveyed 600 farmers and 150 marketing chain actors across five purposively selected districts—Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Ballia— using a three-stage random sampling method. The study assessed productivity gaps, marketing costs, margins, and overall efficiency in the distribution of major fodder crop seeds, including jowar, bajra, maize, and berseem. Five marketing chains were identified: three formal (public and private sector-led) and two informal. Marketing Chain III (Distributors–Wholesalers–Retailers–Farmers), a formal private sector route, was the most dominant in formal seed distribution, while Chain V (Farmers’ grains–Village traders–Retailers–Farmers) played a significant role in the informal sector. Productivity analysis revealed

considerable yield gaps between formal and informal seed sources: jowar (35.75%), bajra (30.25%), berseem (23.18%), and maize (15.33%), indicating the higher potential of formal seed systems. Although informal Chain V offered lower seed prices to end users, it incurred higher marketing costs and margins, particularly at the retailer level, reducing its overall efficiency. Marketing efficiency, calculated using the Acharya-Agarwal formula, was consistently higher in formal Chain III across all crops. The findings suggest that while strengthening the formal sector is important, enhancing fodder seed distribution efficiency requires promoting local seed production among large farmers, supported by assured markets and fair pricing mechanisms.

State department of Agriculture in every state is running with objectives of technology transfer, providing training services, updating farmers with new technologies and giving solutions to problem of farmers. The present study regarding the personal profile of the Agricultural Extension Functionaries (AEFs) and assessing the organizational facilitation of AEFs for dissemination of information was carried out in three purposively selected Sub-Divisional Agricultural Offices namely Baramulla, Sopore and Rohama in district

Baramulla of Jammu & Kashmir. Among the Sub-Divisional Extension functionaries, all Subject Matter Specialists (SMS’s), Agricultural Extension Officers (AEO’s), Agricultural Assistants Inputs (AAI’s), Junior Agricultural Extension Officers (JAEO’s) and Agricultural Extension Assistants (AEA’s) were taken for collecting the primary data with the help of a well-structured interview schedule. The study indicated that majority (51.80 %) of the Agricultural Extension Functionaries (AEFs) belonged to the age group of 36 to 43 years, 74.82 per cent of the AEFs were Agricultural Extension Assistants (AEAs), 83.45 per cent of the AEFs were male, 57.55 per cent of the AEFs were Post graduates, 100 per cent of the AEFs were married, 68.35 per cent of the AEFs belonged to joint family type, 51.8 per cent of the AEFs belonged to medium family size (6-10 members), 41.73 per cent of the AEFs belonged to rural family background, 48.92 per cent of the AEFs preferred public transport, 79.86 per cent of the AEFs belonged to job experience category of 2-13 years and 74.82 per cent of the AEFs belonged to income category of ` 35400 - ` 112400. Under overall organizational facilitation, majority (56.84 %) of the Agricultural Extension Functionaries (AEFs) were having medium level of organizational facilitation.

The automotive sector is ever-evolving and under pressure, and because of globalization, administrative pressure to improve human resource efficiency has intensified. Employee turnover intentions are prejudiced by numerous factors. The key elements that influence employee turnover intention include trust, work-life balance, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and managerial support. The

purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of organizational commitment on turnover intensions among the employees of automobile sector. Total 774 employees were selected for the data collection from vehicle assembly, engine assembly of paint shop of Bajaj Auto Limited SIDCUL, Pantnagar. The results revealed that there is a significant and negative relationship between turnover intention and affective commitment (β = -0.947), turnover intention and continuance commitment (β = -0.589) and turnover intention and normative commitment (β = -0.512). It can be concluded that employees who were having higher organizational commitment and job satisfaction in automobile sector are less likely to depart their job and it can decrease the turnover intension in automobile industry.

The present study is an attempt to analyse the growth, composition, comparative advantage and competitiveness of Indian trade in dairy products during 2001-2022. Despite the largest milk producer as well as export growth, the share of quantity exported to total milk production has remained less than 0.05% indicating the heavy domestic consumption of Indian population on dairy products. Similarly, it has also remained a minor player in international market and its share of total national exports has also remained less than 1%. USA is main buying market for India’s dairy exports. During the entire time period, the country experienced no comparative advantage in export of dairy products. However, India’s exports of dairy products have been competitive during the period except 2010. In this context, the study suggested to put major emphasis on export of high-value dairy products, value addition of low value dairy products and increasing the milk yield of milch animals.

This study evaluates India’s dairy export potential and performance in Asian markets from 2000 to 2022 using HS 4/6-digit level data sourced from UNCOMTRADE. The analysis highlights India’s export portfolio has evolved with a stable core of ‘Regular Products’ complemented by emerging ‘New Products’, indicating diversification. Traditional markets in South Asia and the Gulf remain critical,

but performance in Central and Eastern Asia underscores the need for a targeted and sustained trade strategy. Export elasticity estimated from a double-log econometric model reveal Butteroil (HS-040590), Unprocessed Cheese (HS-040690), and Casein (HS-350110) as high-potential products due to significant and positive import elasticity. However, price competitiveness is critical for Butter (HS-040510) and Casein (HS-350110), as these products exhibited negative and significant relative price elasticity in several

destinations. Notably, markets with the highest export potential for India include Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To reduce dependence on existing markets and avoid over-reliance on a few key countries, India may prioritize diversification and address challenges in Central and Eastern Asia, leveraging untapped opportunities to enhance its export footprint.

The study examined the economics and production determinants of coir yarn within Kerala’s co-operative sector, focusing on the cost-efficiency of different spinning technologies and the influence of labour and energy inputs. Primary data were collected from 60 co-operative societies in Alappuzha and Kollam, Kerala’s leading yarn-producing districts. Production was assessed for two yarn types – Vaikom coir yarn and Mangadan coir yarn, across varying technologies: Automatic Spinning Machines (ASM), electronic

ratts, motorized traditional ratts, and traditional ratts. Cost and return analyses, along with multiple linear regression, revealed that ASM was the most cost-efficient method for both yarn types, yielding higher Benefit–Cost ratios and net returns. Regression results showed female labour and electricity consumption as significant production drivers, underscoring the gendered nature of the workforce and

the importance of mechanization. The findings suggest that targeted policy measures—particularly those promoting mechanization, supporting female workers, and addressing capital constraints—can enhance the productivity and sustainability of Kerala’s coir co-operatives.

The present study assesses the socio-economic impact of Bhergaon Agro Organic Producer Company Ltd., an FPO based in Udalguri district, Assam, on its member shareholders. A sample of 700 member farmers was randomly selected from the total 1,000 shareholders during the year 2022-23. Data were collected through a pre-structured schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, binary logistic regression and Garrett’s ranking technique. Results showed significant increases in income (`97,254.33/ha to ` 275,566.87/ha), productivity (75.23 q/ha to 125.42 q/ha), employment days (125.37 to 176.19) and savings (` 23,855.78 to ` 56,528.91) after joining the FPO. Logistic regression revealed that education, family size, marketing support, capacity building and access to credit through KCC had positive effects on income, while age, gender, farm size and use of hired labour or machinery showed negative or insignificant influence. Major constraints included lack of knowledge on pest and disease management, poor extension support, low produce prices and the involvement of market intermediaries. The study concludes that FPOs can play a transformative role in enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through collective action, though targeted interventions are needed to address knowledge, technical, economic and social barriers.

Sorghum is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. Due to importance of the crop, the study examined its trends in area, production and productivity in Ajmer, Pali, Nagaur, Tonk districts as well as Rajasthan state. Study was based on secondary data collected from Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Pant Krishi Bhawan, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipurfora period of 20 years i.e., from 2001-02 to 2020-21. In case of area and production of Ajmer, Pali, Nagaur, Tonk districts and Rajasthan state, loglinear

model was best fitted and for productivity, linear model for Ajmer, Pali districts and quadratic model for Nagaur district and exponential model was best fitted for Tonk district and Rajasthan state. Results revealed that growth rate in area was significantly positive at 0.5874, 0.2739 per cent, respectively for Ajmer and Nagaur districts and negative i.e., 1.0064, 1.3724 per cent for Pali and Tonk districts, respectively. For Rajasthan state as a whole, it was significantly negative at 0.3524 per cent. Results were significant at 1per cent level of significance. Furthermore, the results showed that growth rate in production was significantly positive i.e., 4.874, 1.3784, 2.6865, 5.1454 and 3.3641 per cent per annum for Ajmer, Pali, Nagaur, Tonk and Rajasthan state as whole, respectively. The productivity growth rate was also significantly positive i.e., 4.6181, 2.906, 2.9153, 5.9387 and 4.1207 per cent per annum for Ajmer, Pali, Nagaur, Tonk and Rajasthan state as whole, respectively. Decomposition analysis of sorghum production

in Rajasthan (2001–02 to 2020–21) revealed that area effect was the dominant contributor across districts, while, productivity and interaction effects varied significantly over time and space. In Ajmer, productivity was the key driver during Period-I (14.47% p.a.), while area effect (250.96%) dominated in Period-II. In Pali, productivity led growth in Period-II (97.88%), whereas the area effect (250.67%) explained most of the overall increase. Tonk and Nagaur districts showed negative productivity effects across periods, with area effects contributing over 95% and 179%, respectively, in total production increases. At the state level, despite negative productivity (7.37%) and interaction (11.41%) effects over the overall period, the area effect (118.77%) was the principal source of growth in sorghum production. 

This study surveyed the economic viability of Oyster mushroom cultivation as a sustainable employment solution. Nagaland, due to its favorable climatic conditions, availability of raw materials, and labour is ideal for mass scale mushroom production. The main objective of this paper is to assess the foretaste of Oyster mushroom cultivation to narrow down the current unemployment status of the state which stands at 13.4%. Oyster mushroom cultivators were selected from Chumoukedima and Dimapur districts of the state, representing small, medium and large farmers classified by the number of cylinders. BCR of 1.83 (small farm), 1.43 (medium farm), and 1.23 (large farm) are highlighted, with the smaller farms recording a higher BCR, which is attributed to lower production and better resource efficiency. Employment generation analysis showed that Oyster mushroom cultivation creates significant job opportunities for

skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Cultivation generates employment across the production cycle from substrate preparation and spawning to harvesting and marketing. The findings indicate that Oyster mushroom cultivation is a profitable business with employment generation ability, offering a viable path for economic development and unemployment reduction in Nagaland.

The present investigation assesses the livelihood security of the respondents who are mainly involved in practicing the Integrated Farming System (IFS) in various regions of Nadia District in West Bengal. The methodology used the ex-post facto research design. A seven-dimensional Livelihood security index was developed. The different dimensions identified were economic security, food security, social security, health security, educational security, infrastructural security and institutional security. Data were gathered from 80 farmers across eight villages in the district. Results showed that a low level of livelihood security index (LSI- 0.295) revealed that the occupation agriculture solely is not able to secure the livelihood of the farmers. This implied that intensification and diversification of farming enterprises played an important role in narrowing down the gaps between the socio-economic groups and remove the regional disparities in the livelihood security levels of farmers.