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EA - Volume 61 - Issue 3

[<<< GO BACK ][ VOLUME 61 - ISSUE 3 ]

Title: The marketing of non-timber forest products in the western ghats region of Attappady, Kerala
Abstract :

The marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFP) are the main source of income to earn a livelihood for the indigenous communities residing to the fringe areas of the forest. The study analyzed the significance of different marketing agencies involved in the marketing of NTFP’s to the livelihood of the indigenous communities of Attappady. Primary data and secondary data were used for the study. Among the marketed 23 NTFP’s, nine products were exclusively marketed through the society and one product exclusively through the private shop, 10 products through society and private shops, one product marketed through the Eco Development Committee (EDC) and private shop and 2 products through all the 3 channels. Even though the procurement price given by the private shops and EDC for commercially important NTFP’s were higher than that of the Kurumba society, the indigenous people were more benefited by the marketing through the society. Because the EDC and private shops do not share their profit with the collectors, where as the society gives certain percentage of their profit back to the primary collectors in addition to the procurement price. But the financial constraints during the lean seasons are forcing the indigenous communities to sell their products to the private shops. If the society and EDC can start the value addition units of the NTFP’s with the involvement of indigenous communities, it ensures effective utilization of their free time and a better livelihood through enhancement of their income from NTFP’s.

Title: Trends in women employment in India during census 1981 to 2011
Abstract :

This paper analyses the trends and pattern of women’s employment in India using secondary data for the time period from Census 1981 to Census 2011. The study considers all states and union territories of India as population and seven states from high per capita income states and seven states from low per capita income states are selected as sample states for the study. Female work participation rate considering as proxy for women employment; growth rates, F-test and t-test are employed for data analysis. Our results show that percentage of female workers to total worker ratio has varied considerably across the states. Andhra Pradesh having better women employment situation among the high per capita income states, contradictory Delhi have worst situation about women employment. In low per capita income states, Nagaland having better women employment situation whereas Uttar Pradesh have poorest situation. There is significant increase in women work participation rate over a period of time in rural and urban segments of India. The growth of women work participation rate in rural higher than the urban segment and rural is confined to primary sectors while in urban is confined to service sectors in the sample states.

Title: Technical, economic and allocative efficiencies of rice farms in Nalgonda district of Telangana state
Abstract :

Increasing the efficiency in production assumes greater significance in attaining potential output at the farm level. An attempt has been made in this study to estimate the technical, economic and allocative efficiencies of rice farms using stochastic frontier approach. The influence of socio-economic factors on the technical efficiency was measured using regression analysis. The mean technical, economic and allocative efficiencies were found to be 92.44, 81.68 and 88.36 per cent respectively. The results revealed that 63 and 76 per cent of technical and economic inefficiencies respectively were largely within the control of individual farmers. Human labour was found to be the major determinant of rice productivity in the region. One per cent increase in the prices of human labour, machine labour and fertilizers was found to reduce the profits by 0.25, 0.46 and 0.18 per cent respectively at their mean levels. Education level of a farmer, experience in rice cultivation, membership in cooperative society and access to institutional credit were the most influential determinants of technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency values of greater than 90 per cent for majority (55.83%) of the rice farmers indicated that there was little scope for improving the efficiencies of these farmers with the existing technology as the farmers were already operating near the frontier. Hence new location-specific technologies should be developed and transferred to farmers. However, for farms operating at lower levels of efficiency, sufficient potential also exists for improving the productivity of rice by proper management and allocation of the existing resources and technology.

Title: An empirical analysis on resource use efficiency and constraints in adoption of precision farming in banana in Theni district, Tamil Nadu
Abstract :

Banana is the second most important fruit crop in India, and India ranks first in banana production in the world. Tamil Nadu leads in both area and production of banana in India. Precision farming technique is getting wide acceptance in banana cultivation owing to its higher yield and profitability. This paper attempts to study resource use efficiency of different farm inputs used in precision farming and conventional farming as well as constraints in adoption of precision farming in banana. It was found in the result that regression coefficients for human labour, tissue culture (TC) plants/suckers, manures and fertilizers, and plant protection chemicals in precision farming as well as in conventional farming were positive and significant. Thus, On the basis of above, it is concluded that input use could be increased in order to get maximum return in both the cases. Percentage increase in return was found to be comparatively higher in precision farming for percentage increase in human labour and plant protection chemicals. The results also revealed that the problems in power supply, lack of marketing facilities were major infrastructural constraints. The high cost of drip and fertigation system, high input cost and price instability were the major economic constraints. The lack of technical expertise and resource persons were the extension constraints in adoption of precision farming. Improper price policies and lack of support from agriculture department were the major administrative constraints. Policy measures are required to overcome these constraints.

Title: Analysis of the Effects of Microfinance Banks Loans on the Livelihood of Small-Holder Farmers in Delta State, Nigeria
Abstract :

The paper assessed farmer’s perception of the effects of microfinance banks loans on their livelihood using both primary and secondary data. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in drawing a sample size of 750 respondent farmers and 15 microfinance banks. Data were analyzed using tables, frequencies, percentages, means, financial ratio and chi-square. The results show that microfinance banks have distributed different sizes of loans to farmers irrespective of their socio-economic characteristics and those farmers’ beneficiaries have been positively influenced by microfinance banks loans thereby improving their living standards. The repayment rate of 79% was relatively good. The major problem of loan administration includes high interest rate, collateral requirement, difficulty in accessing credit, distance, transportation cost and late granting of loans among others. For optimum benefit it is suggested that micro-finance banks should work with other integrated rural development agencies that are geared towards improving the wellbeing of the rural small-holder farmers.

Title: Magnitude of sexual debut and associated factors among high school girl students in Amhara region, North Western Ethiopia
Abstract :

The main purpose of the present study is to evaluate the magnitude and causes of early sexual debut among high school girl students in Gondar and Metema city administrations public schools in Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study carried out among high school girl students age between 15 to 19 years. A structured questionnaire used for collection of quantitative data from randomly selected 693 girl students. Data entered into SPSS version 16.0 for analysis purpose. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression used for quantify early sexual experience and associated factors. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were also calculated. All statistical tests performed with two-tailed tests significant at p  <0.05. Sexual experience among high school girls is 31.9%. Girls from the Gondar city (33.3%) had a greater number have sexual debut than girls from Meteme city (27.8 %). As far as birth place and sexual experience is concerned, urban born girls 1.8(OR=0.553, 95% CI: 0.937-1.011) times more likely have a sexual experience than rural born girls. Alcohol consumed girl students 3.64 (OR= 3.64, 95% CI: 1.596-8.311, P=0.002) times more likely to have a sexual experience than not alcohol consumed girls. Regarding chewing chat, girls who have a habit of chewing chat 2.99 (OR= 2.99, 95% CI: 1.375-6.516, P=0.006) is more likely to have a sexual experience as compared to non chat chewers. Girls who were pressured by Peer groups 2.348 (OR=2.348, 95% CI: 1.035–5.327) times more likely to have a sexual experience than others. The magnitude of sexual debut among late adolescent girl students in the study area is 31.9%. Drinking alcohols, chewing chat and peer pressure is the significant determinants of sexual debut among high school girls of Gondar and Metema towns.

Title: Ecological sustainability in Rabi Sorghum cultivation: An economic analysis in Bijapur district of Karnataka
Abstract :

Sorghum cultivation is said to be ecologically sustainable as comparatively lesser magnitude purchased inputs are used in its cultivation. The present study was taken up to analyze the economics and ecological sustainability associated with rabi sorghum cultivation in comparison with bengalgram crop in Bijapur district of Karnataka, The results indicated that the production cost incurred per quintal of output was comparatively higher in bengalgram (` 2427/quintal) compared to rabi sorghum (` 1834/quintal). With respect to net returns per acre was higher in case of bengalgram (` 1930) compared to rabi sorghum (` 1252). The results clearly indicated that the bengalgram was more profitable than the rabi sorghum. Inspite of this, rabi sorghum holds a prominent position in the cropping pattern of the district as it is the staple food item in the consumption basket of the population. Along with profitability, sustainability is another important dimension which needs to be considered. The ratios indicating sustainability status of rabi sorghum like cost of commercial pesticides and chemical fertilizers to total cost of cultivation was less in rabi sorghum (4.94) compared to that in bengal gram (17.97) indicating less dependency on external inputs. Ratio of ecologically non-destructive inputs cost to total cost of cultivation of rabi sorghum was higher (48.71) when compared to that in bengal gram (39.71) indicating more use of eco-friendly inputs in rabi sorghum cultivation. Similarly, the ratio of returns from fodder to total cost of cultivation was around 16 in rabi sorghum cultivation indicating sustainability in terms of fodder security to livestock.

Title: Economics of milk production and cost elasticity analysis in Sirsa district of Haryana
Abstract :

Haryana was purposively chosen for the study, in which Sirsa district which falls in the western zone was selected. A predetermined sample of 140 milk producers of the dairy co-operative societies was drawn randomly from all eight societies and was post stratified into three categories on the basis of total SAU’s in each household. To estimate cost and returns of milk production budgeting technique was used and it was concluded from the analysis that rearing of crossbred was most profitable one as compared to buffalo and local cows. The return per litre was found highest for crossbred cows since the productivity was more as compared to buffalo and local cows. By analysis of cost elasticity it was found that cost and yield had negative relation, since economies of scale was found and increase in yield leads to decrease in cost. It was found that in case of medium farmers the decrease in cost was the highest.

Title: Costs, returns and profitability of soybean cultivation in India: Trends and prospects
Abstract :

Soybean has emerged as a leading oilseed crop in India which accounts for 55.6 per cent of area under kharif oilseeds and 38 per cent of area under total oilseeds during TE 2012-13, 42.5 per cent of total oilseeds production, and contributing to 28.6 percent of the total vegetable oils production in the country. Input use, cost, returns and profitability of soybean cultivation for major soybean growing states was analysed by using CACP data. The results revealed that farmers use higher than recommended seed rate and lower than advised fertilizers and manures, impacting the yield realisation by the farmers. The operational cost of soybean cultivation has increased gradually indicates that soybean cultivation is turning capital intensive. Growth in real cost of cultivation of soybean outpaced the growth in real returns from soybean in all major states. The decrease in price realised was faster than the real cost of production, indicating declining profitability of soybean cultivation, though started improving recently. The inverse relationship in cost of production and productivity of soybean was observed in major growing states. As the productivity of crop is the major factor in reducing the relative cost of production government should focus on the non-price incentives to increase the productivity and also to reduce the cost of cultivation, apart from price incentives.

Title: Technological adoption and constraint analysis of mushroom entrepreneurship in Karnataka
Abstract :

Mushroom cultivation is a remunerative agribusiness. However, consumption of mushrooms to ameliorate nutrition deficiency is often underemphasized in India. Mushroom entrepreneurship being technologically intensive agribusiness, its success in a country like India is contingent upon the technological and institutional support available to it. Present study was carried out to assess component wise technology adoption and constraint analysis of enterprises in order to suggest precise policy interventions for bringing the mushroom industry to health and vibrancy. The research was conducted among the mushroom entrepreneurs in Karnataka State. The constraint analysis reveals that, non-availability of spawn, lack of technical information and exploitation by consultants are major constraints. The increasing labour wages calls for adoption of mechanization in various activities of mushroom cultivation. The higher cost on electricity has rendered the cultivation of button mushroom less profitable in the State. For mushroom cultivation to pick up the pace, there is need for capacity building of KVK staff about improved low cost cultivation technology for disseminating the same among the farmers and supply of quality spawn by State departments.

Title: Econometric analysis of wholesale coffee prices and exports from India
Abstract :

Coffee is referred as Brown Gold as it accounts major share in Indian exchequer. In recent years, increase in the domestic coffee consumption attributed to expansion of domestic markets and growing young population. To study the trends in wholesale prices of coffee, the monthly price data of Arabica plantation ‘A’ and Robusta cherry ‘AB’ of Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad markets were collected from Coffee Board of India, Bengaluru. These data were subjected to Linear trend, Co-integration and Granger Causality tests. The Markov chain model was fitted to study the structural changes in export. The results indicated that, the wholesale prices of Arabica plantation ‘A’ and Robusta cherry ‘AB’ in selected markets increased during the study period but the extent vary from market to market. The co-integration test indicated that, the wholesale prices at Bengaluru market for Arabica plantation ‘A’ and Robusta cherry ‘AB’ influence heavily on both Chennai and Hyderabad markets. Italy and Germany emerged as most loyal/stable importer of Arabica plantation ‘A’ whereas Italy and Spain for Robusta cherry ‘AB’ coffee.

Title: Econometric modeling for optimal hedging in commodity futures: An empirical study of soybean trading
Abstract :

The optimal hedge ratio (OHR) is basically based on the coefficient of the regression between the change in the spot prices and the change in price of the hedging instrument. The traditional constant hedge ratio based on the ordinary least square (OLS) technique has been avoided by the researchers being an inappropriate; it ignores the heteroscedasticity which often exists in price series. In other words, the hedge ratios will certainly vary over time as the conditional distribution between cash and futures prices changes. It has been recognized that time varying coefficient (TVC) model outperforms the static coefficient (SC). As an illustration, the future and spot price of Soybean have been considered for the contracts maturing in December, 2011; June, 2012; December, 2013; April, 2013. The hedge ratio has been estimated for all the contracts by using OLS method, GARCH-BEKK, GARCH-VECH and Kalman filter methodology.

Title: The changing scenario of technical efficiency in West Bengal agriculture: A district-wise analysis
Abstract :

The present paper attempts to estimate average Technical Efficiency (TE) of major crops produced in districts of West Bengal. The TE measures are compared at three points of time―viz. 1990-91, 2000-01 and 2009-10. The methodology is to find an optimum solution to the Linear programming problem of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Most of the districts of the state are found to be efficient in agricultural production. The situation has gradually improved in 2009-10 compared to 2000-01. However, the improvement in TE for most of the districts has not been uniform at selected points of time. While the district of South 24-parganas recorded a continuous increase in average TE, Jalpaiguri lagged far behind in terms of efficiency improvement compared to other districts. Average production can be augmented in Jalpaiguri by almost 50% through efficient use of inputs.

Title: Impact of ASEAN-India free trade agreement on Indian dairy trade: A simulation analysis
Abstract :

The study attempts a quantitative assessment of the impact of recently signed ASEAN-India FTA (AIFTA) for dairy commodities in India. ASEAN is strategically a potential market in dairy for India and our country already stands as net exporter of dairy products in this region. Partial equilibrium model (SMART model) has been used to simulate the likely impact of dairy exports to and imports from ASEAN countries under the proposed tariff reduction schedule of the AIFTA. The SMART model simulations suggest that AIFTA has generated an additional scope for India to increase its dairy exports to ASEAN countries. On the other hand, tariff elimination from India’s side creates little scope for ASEAN nations to expand their shares. The threat of cheap imports competing with the domestic products in the Indian markets is therefore not alarming. However necessary adjustment assistance may be provided to the dairy product manufacturers to counter the competition in the relevant product lines.

Title: How socially sustainable are the rice farms in mountains? Evidence from Senapati district of Manipur
Abstract :

Sustainable agriculture is regarded as the successful management of resources for agriculture to satisfy the changing human needs while maintaining or enhancing the quality of environment and conserving natural resources. The present study was conducted to examine the social sustainability of rice farming at farm level. A random sample of 80 rice farmers of Senapati (hill) district of Manipur were surveyed and social sustainability index were constructed following the Human Development Index (HDI). Most of the farmers (26%) were educated up to primary level and operational land holding was small (1.08 ha) in the study area. The farms under moderately sustainable category may be improved by providing training to the farmers pertaining to rice cultivation and affiliating them to Self-help Groups (SHGs), co-operative societies. Joint decisions on domestic decisions are common and the farmers had 12 years of experience in rice farming but none of the sample farmers got training in rice cultivation. About 53.33 per cent of the farms were in sustainable category, followed by moderately sustainable category (46.67%) in the study area. The study recommends that efforts for improving social sustainability and training pertaining rice cultivation should be initiated for the farmers and application of organic nutrients, diversified cropping system and conservative tillage practices should be promoted in the study area to augment social sustainability.

Title: Cost and return analysis of different treatments of mulching and herbicide application on Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) cv. Shan-e-Punjab
Abstract :

The trees of peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab were treated with different orchard floor management practices (mulching and herbicidal treatment) in the month of February 2014. In all, there were 14 treatments including mulches viz., black polythene, paddy straw, saw dust, white polythene and herbicides viz., atrazine 50 WP (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 Kg a.i. per hectare), oxyflurofen 23.5 EC (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 l a.i. per ha) and pendimethalin 30 EC (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 l a.i. per ha) and control which were replicated thrice. The total cost of cultivation per hectare was found to be highest (` 207480.00) in treatments T1 and T2 i.e. black polythene mulch and white polythene mulch, respectively whereas, it was found to be lowest of ` 185240.00 in the treatment (T14) i.e. control. Among all the treatments, the benefit: cost ratio was found highest with black polythene mulch (1:1.89) followed by atrazine 2.0 kg a.i/ha (1:1.86) and lowest in control (1:1.55). Thus, for improving growth, yield and fruit quality of peach cv Shan-e-Punjab, black polythene mulch and atrazine 2.0 kg a.i/ha are found to be most suitable and economically feasible under the Jammu sub- tropics.

Title: Effect of different establishment methods and sowing schedules on growth and yield of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) and their after-effects on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum) in rice wheat cropping system
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted at Jammu during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 to evaluate the effect of two establishment methods (conventional sowing and zero tillage) in wheat (Triticum aestivum ) and four establishment methods (conventional transplanting of 25 days seedling, dry seeding @ 40 Kg/ha, wet seeding after puddling @ 40 kg/ha and SRI methods) and 4 sowing schedules (15th May, 25th May, 5th June and 15th June) in rice (Oryza sativa) under rice-wheat cropping system. Rice establishment methods and sowing schedules had significant impact on growth, yield attributes and yield of rice. Both the direct seeded methods of rice, being at par, recorded significantly higher mean grain yield and other growth parameters of rice as compared to conventional transplanting or SRI method. Similarly, 15th June rice sowing schedule resulted in marked increased in all the growth parameters, yield attributes and grain yield of rice as compared with other sowing schedules. However, both the establishment methods of wheat failed to cause any significant effect on growth and yield of succeeding wheat crop. Establishment methods of wheat and rice as well as sowing schedules of hybrid rice did not cause marked effect on soil physico-chemical parameters as well as available nutrient (N, P and K) content after completion of rice-wheat cycle. However, bulk density of soil at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths was observed considerably higher with zero tilled wheat, while the minimum in system of rice intensification (SRI) method. Higher net returns and benefit cost ratio were recorded when wheat was established through zero tillage and rice through wet seeded sown on 15th of June in rice-wheat cropping system.

Title: Efficacy of Rhizobium inoculation on graded N levels and net return from cluster bean seed production under hot arid regions
Abstract :

Effectiveness of seed inoculation with Rhizobium on cluster bean grain yield was assessed in field experiments under graded doses of nitrogen application viz., 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg N/ha. The data revealed that inoculation significantly increased the cluster bean seed grain yield at all levels of nitrogen application including control. Application of 60 kg N/ha along with Rhizobium inoculation maximized cluster bean seed yield (13.28 q/ha) which was 152.47% higher and significantly better than the yield obtained at same level of N application without Rhizobium inoculation. However, it was statistically at par with 60 kg N application and 45 kg N/ha + Rhizobium (12.26 q/ha). Higher value yield, nitrogen use efficiency and apparent nutrient recovery were optimized under seed inoculation with Rhizobium as compared to non inoculated seeds. The results depicts the beneficial effects of Rhizobium inoculation on cluster bean grain yield resulting in saving of 13.37 to 21.73 kg/ha nitrogen and an enhanced seed yield ranging from 2.34 to 8.05 q/ha along with nitrogen application compared to control.

Title: Economic analysis of commercial processing of fermented fish product (Matka shidal) and its marketing in North-East region of India
Abstract :

Shidal is a traditional fermented value added fish product highly demanded by the people of NE region. This study aimed to highlight commercial processing methods, cost and margin in processing of Matka shidal and constraints faced by the processors of Sidal. This study was conducted by collecting information of 28 processors of Tripura and 8 processors of Manipur through focussed Group Discussion (FGD). Commercial shidal processing includes procurement of dry fish, sorting and grading, curing of Matka, filling, sealing and marking of Matka, storage of for fermentation and trading of Shidal. The cost-benefit analysis of shidal indicated net return of ` 77065.31/t and ` 52593.8/t in case of puthi shidal in Manipur and Tripura, respectively. Whereas, the net return in Baspati in Tripura was ` 59616.17/t. The percentage shares of producer in consumer’s rupee were ranged between 55-64%. The small scale processing units of fermented value added fish product shidal in Tripura and Manipur have greater potential and employment opportunities which can be exploited through development of better financial, technical and input support system.

Title: Structural performance of fish market and socio-economic status of market functionaries of Naveen Machhali Mandi Mahanva of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

The fish marketing is crucial for achieving the target efficient production system and consumer satisfaction. Further an ideal market situation also requires to satisfy all group of players who are involved in flow of the goods and services from the producers to consumer. Keeping this in view this study carried out with specific objective to analyse market behavior for fish wholesale fish market Naveen Machhali Mandi Mahanva of Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh and also the socio-economic status of fish marketers. A random sampling technique was used to select 90 market functionaries for personal interview and primary data collection. The primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The result of this study showed and suggests that fish trade is carried out only by men. The family size of the majority respondents was found to large (>7 members) and their education level was low. Three marketing channels were identify in study area and marketing channel III was found to be have highest Marketing efficiency (59.17%). Whereas marketing channel I had lowest marketing efficiency. The markets infrastructure facility observed to be poor in terms of fish handling, icing, packaging, and cold storage and transportation facilities. The study also identified the constraints being faced by the fish farmers.

Title: Effect of inputs integration on yield, uptake and economics of Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)
Abstract :

Kodo millet provides staple food with cheap protein, minerals and vitamins to poor, marginal, tribal and backward people of Madhya Pradesh. This crop is responsive to the adverse climatic and poor soil conditions. The present investigation was carried out to improve kodo yield through different inputs and their integration to reduce the input cost. Due to very poor soil nature, a single source of any input was not found encouraging. Inorganic fertilizers (T2-100% NPK) gave promise grain yield (1435 kg/ha) over control (620 kg/ha) but it is realized that they are beyond the purchasing power of these resource poor farmers. Azotobacter + PSB (T4) was better in grain yield (695 kg/ha) as compared to Azospirillum +PSB (T7-665 kg/ha). While FYM alone (T12) gave grain yield 815 kg/ha. Integration of all the inputs 50% NP +100% K+ Azotobacter + PSB+ FYM proved best and increased the kodo yield (T10-1585 kg/ha) significantly. All treated plots had higher indices of profitability than control. The profitability was maximum 1.90 under T10 (50%NP +100% K+ Azotobacter + PSB+ FYM).

Title: Institutional innovations in technology transfer- Mobile agro advisory services and its impact in adopting improved cultivation practices
Abstract :

The rising spread of mobile phone shows it’s potential as a source of information for providing farmers the timely and right information which enable him to respond to different types of risk, market incentives and competition more efficiently. The hypothesis of this study is that providing information about improved cultivation practices through mobile phones may accelerate the process of adoption of new technologies by the farmers. In order to provide agro advisory services through mobile phones, fifty five farmers from two villages under the project “Cyber Extension Model for Agricultural Development: An Action Research” i.e. Sidhauli and Kasmanda blocks of Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh was selected purposively. In selecting the sample for this research, mobile phone ownership was kept in mind. To strengthen the information base of the farmers, Short Message Service (SMS) regarding improved cultivation practices of wheat and mustard crops were sent to the farmers. This study shows that majority of the farmers agreed that mobile phone is the best instrument to get timely information (87.0%); to increase the access of information (87.0%); to overcome physical barriers (82.0%). Although, mobile phones play an important role in accessing the information about improved cultivation practices, the farm resources such as inputs, labour, machinery, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, energy, storage facilities, irrigation and affordability by the farmers may become a serious constraint in adopting any particular technology. This study also reveals that permanency of the information and overcoming the illiteracy by SMS and voice calls respectively is equally preferred by the farmers. Both technologies has to be used depending upon the nature of information and literacy level of the farmers.

Title: Improvement in productivities and profitability in high density orchard of mango (Mangifera indica L) cv. Amrapali through integrated nutrient
Abstract :

A field investigation was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on productivity and profitability in high density orchard of mango (Mangifera indica L) cv. Amrapali through integrated nutrient at Horticulture Complex, Maharajpur, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) during 2012-13 and 2013-14. A total of twenty four treatment combinations of inorganic and organic sources on nutrient were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of study revealed that higher level of nutrient either in the form of chemical fertilizer or organic sources enhanced the plant growth. Application 520: 160: 450 NPK g plant-1 alongwith vermicompost (25 kg) + Oil cake (2.5 kg) + Azotobacter + VAM + TV + PSB (100g each) registered maximum crown height (78.3cm), crown length (197.4cm), crown width E-W (248.4cm), crown width N-S ( 251.7cm), shoot length (16.1cm), number of panicle (40.0) and length of panicle (39.7cm). Whereas, higher fruit set pea stage (24.7), fruit retention (17.8%), number of fruit plant-1 (75.5), gross return (` 4.14 plant-1) with B: C ratio (1.94) was noted when plant nourished with 100% RDF of chemical fertilizer (415: 130: 360 NPK g plant-1) incombination with organic sources of nutrient viz. vermicompost (25 kg) + Oil cake (2.5 kg) + Azotobacter + VAM + TV + PSB (100g each).

Title: Farm level technical efficiency for pulse production in India
Abstract :

Pulses are complementary to cereals both in production as well as in consumption. During the production process, pulses help in improving sustainability by (i) fixing the atmospheric nitrogen into the soil (ii) consuming less water and (iii) controlling diseases and pests. On consumption front, pulses reduce malnutrition and improve human health being a rich and most viable source of protein for vegetarians and poor people. Realizing the importance of pulses, the government of India announces various schemes and programs from time to time to promote the cultivation of pulses in the country. However, pulse production in India has not achieved the targeted level. The paper analyses the production trend of pulses over the last decade and identifies the gap between the targets and achievements. Plot level data from cost of cultivation scheme across major pulses growing states has been used to estimate technical efficiencies of the pulses using data envelopment analysis. The paper also highlights the yield gap of the pulses across major pulse growing states and suggests suitable measures for improving farm level profitability and sustainability by increasing technical efficiency. The study postulated the hypothesis that technical efficiency of the pulses is low and the yield potential of the pulses are not fully harnessed. The results revealed that increase of technical efficiency by 1% will reduce the yield gap by 9 kg per ha and increase total pulse production of the country by 225 thousand tons.

Title: Agricultural marketing system in Uttarakhand: Structure and functioning
Abstract :

Uttarakhand state has 26 principal market yards, 31 sub-market yards and 27 weekly markets for marketing of agricultural produce which are regulated effectively in 11 districts of the state. However, majority of the districts of this state is located in hilly region, but the principal markets are largely located in the plain regions. Although, the entire hill region is covered under the provision of Agricultural Produce Market Act, 1964; despite this, the major hill markets are still non-functioning. However, Haldwani market which is the best market in terms of marketing welfare has the highest number of functionaries and covers about 20% of total functionaries, As far as the farmer’s perception about the prevailing marketing system and practices is concerned, majority of the farmers from Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar and Almora district were satisfied with the boarding/lodging, weighment, grading, cleanliness and, information sharing, who largely sell their produce to Haldwani market or the grain Mandies in Rudrapur, Jaspur, Sitarganj etc. But these farmers have also expressed their dissatisfaction on the account of cold storage facilities and the exploitative practices of traders and management of the markets especially during the rainy season in the agricultural markets of Uttarakhand. It may be inferred that the hilly regions of the state require special attention on the marketing interventions and infrastructure due to difficult terrains and limited bargaining and handling capacity of the growers resulting from lower size of holding and lack of resources.