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EA - Volume 63 - Issue 1

[<<< GO BACK ][ VOLUME 63 - ISSUE 1 ]

Title: Contents
Abstract :

Contents

Title: Diagnostic Analysis of Technology Adoption and Factors Influencing Adoption Level of Tribal Farmers of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :
The agricultural technologies developed in the country have generated more income and employment to the cultivators. However, tribal dominated regions of Madhya Pradesh falling under such conditions of agricultural backwardness have not yet been able to benefit from the fruits of technological innovation fully or even partly. Keeping this in view a study on technology adoption and its determinants has been conducted in Santna districts of M.P. Using multistage stratified random sampling techniques total 120 tribal farmers were selected from 10 villages of two block such as majhgawan and shohawal RD block of Stana district of Madya Pradesh. The examination of technology adoption revealed that the area under study was characterized by preponderance of low level of technology adoption and smaller sized farms, the position of which in respect of adoption of new technology was quite disheartening. The increase in the level of adoption was accompanied by increase in the size of holding, use of family workers and maintenance of bullock pairs/ machinery. The increase in investment on fixed capital, particularly farm implements and machinery was associated with increase in the technology adoption. Wheat and Soyabean were the predominant crops of the area under study with the highest percentage of area under HYVs compared to other crops. The intensity of cropping, use of bullock labour and hired human labour were found to increase with the increase in the level of adoption. The scores of social determinant particularly literacy index exhibited positive influence on the level of technology adoption. Similarly, the scores of psychological determinants, viz., attitude towards HYVs, risk orientation and credit orientation were observed to increase with the increase in Further, it was observed that increase in the level of adoption was associated with increase in the level of income from the crops grown on sample farms.
Title: Rural Household Livelihoods, Non-farm Economy and Landless Workforce: Evidence from the Village Economy of Haryana, India
Abstract :

This paper examines household livelihoods patterns of the landless poor in a village of Haryana by applying sustainable livelihood approach rather than the reductionist approach of income-consumption paradigm. The attempt is made to investigate and analyse the contours of life of landless workers from the multiple perspectives: literacy rate among male and female in each household, education attainment, income-expenditure patterns, rural farm and non-farm occupational choice, housing conditions and the role of social and financial capital. It also explores the desperation and vulnerability among the working class in a village in the context of above indicators. The economic and social environment locates the landless workforce in the brutal and vicious circle of low literacy- unskilled and semi-skilled works- low income- poor living condition which is not pleasant to asset creation. Keeping these actualities in mind, the paper indicates towards the environment created by central planning system, various welfare schemes run by the state and central governments and specifically by economic reforms initiated in the last quarter of twentieth century. As a corollary, landless workforce is doomed to live in vulnerability and desperation.

Title: An Exploration of the Emergence of Coordinated Domestic Supply Chain for Exotic Vegetables in India: A Case Study of Baby corn
Abstract :

This study based upon primary data had been carried out to explore the domestic supply chain for baby corn as well as to examine the investment and sales pattern of baby corn of the market agents. The study indicated that the entry of corporate sector in the non-traditional agricultural sector has paved a way for a small segment of the market agents at each level along the commodity specific entire supply chain for an upward mobility. Production thereby of the sales of baby corn was relatively concentrated during the months of October and November. Its average monthly sales from the primary wholesalers were about 14% higher to the secondary wholesalers in Punjab when compared to West Bengal. Its average monthly sales to the organized sector compared to the traditional retail sector stood 7.51% higher in the primary wholesale market whereas 33.01% higher in the secondary wholesale market of Ludhiana city. However, traditional i.e. unorganized retail sector like the sales of seasonal fruits and vegetables also predominates in the sales of this exotic vegetable item. It seems that the sales of this exotic item from the organized retail sector might have been concentrated from particular stores/localities.

Title: Assessing Coping Costs of ‘Unreliable’ Public Tap-Water Supply in Residential Typologies of Gurugram (India)
Abstract :

This paper attempts to understand the households’ coping/monetary costs associated with ‘unreliable’ public tap-water supply (quality and quantity) in various residential typologies identified in Gurugram. The study is based on the primary survey done through the technique of purposive or non-random sampling of 270 households in residential areas of Gurugram from 2014 to 2016. The study found that the residents or the water consumers of the Haryana Urban Development Authority supplied piped-water in Gurugram, in light of intermittent and unreliable piped-water supply, are consistently in practice of devising multiple domestic household methods/sources to meet their day-to-day domestic water needs. The study indicates that the domestic arrangements of water procurement have appreciably higher monetary costs than what the water consumers would have been paying for making the official supplied water reliable in form of monthly water bills. The results of the study suggest certain policy solutions so as to make public tap-water supply reliable in Gurugram.

Title: Production and Growth of Pulses in Telangana State: An Economic Analysis
Abstract :

Pulses are the most important for Indian diet and the principal source of protein for the poor people and the vegetarians. India is at the high among all the major pulse producing nations in the world. The present investigation is an attempt to examine the pattern of growth and instability in the cropped area, production and productivity of major pulse crops in Telangana state. The annual time series of data form the period 1980 to 2015 relating to the area, production and productivity of major pulse crops have been used to compute growth rates, standard deviation and coefficient of variation to realize the objectives. The results of the study reveal that there have been positive changes in the area of pulse crops. The annual average growth rate in the area was estimated to be 0.05%, 0.01%, -0.03% and 0.02% in Bengal gram, black gram, green gram and red gram respectively. The production growth rate in the same pulse crops was presented to be 0.83%, 0.20%, 0.13% and 0.17% as the average annual growth rate in the State. The productivity growth rate for these crops was further assessed to be 0.18%, 0.13%, 0.10% and 0.15%, respectively. The instability in the area was observed to be high in green gram followed by red gram and bengal gram and minimum in black gram. Similarly, instability in productivity was also found to be high in bengal gram and minimum in green gram. Further, variability in production was also observed to be maximum in bengal gram followed by the red gram, and green gram and minimum in black gram, respectively.

Title: Change in Land Use and Cropping Pattern in Assam: An Economic Analysis
Abstract :

The economy of Assam is predominantly agrarian in nature having 28.11 lakh hectares of net cultivated area. In the study, Location coefficient (L), Simpson Diversity Index and CGR were used as analytical tools. In the state, net area sown, total cropped area and area sown more than once had increased. On the other hand, significant negative growth was recorded for forest area, barren and unculturable land, permanent pastures and other grazing land, land under miscellaneous trees, groves and fellow land. Higher concentrations of forest area, area sown more than once and lands put to non-agricultural purposes were reported in the state. Rice is the major crop in Assam accounting 60.87 per cent of the total cropped area during 2015-16. North Bank Plain Zone, Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone and Hill Zone were reported to have higher crop diversification whereas, Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone, Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone and Barak Valley Zone showed lower crop diversification.

Title: Issues and Challenges of the Weekly Market Street Vendors in Telangana: A Special Reference to Hyderabad
Abstract :

In developing countries, the informal sector is playing a dominating role in providing employment and income security in rural as well as urban areas. In India, Informal sector is playing a significant role because 93 per cent of employment workforce is from informal sector and only 7 per cent of employment of workforce is from formal sector or organised sector. The Hawkers and street vendors, one of the important part of the urban informal sectors, accounted for two third of the city’s employment in India. The street vendors are not recognised and regulated by state, and therefore, they do not get any support from government to operate their activity. They face several problems like harassment and pressure by police department, municipality authorities, local leaders and market contractors or rent seekers. In this circumstance, the objectives of the study is to investigate the issues and challenges of weekly market street vendors in Hyderabad. The study is based on secondary as well as primary data. The primary data have been collected from three weekly markets in Hyderabad.

Title: Study on Marketing Cost and Margins of Cluster bean in Bikaner District of Rajasthan
Abstract :

The present study was conducted to analyze the marketing cost and margins of cluster bean. The study was conducted in Bikaner district, Rajasthan. It has been observed from the study that the marketing cost incurred by the producer, wholesaler, miller and retailer is varied extensively over the channels. It is also evident that channel-II comprising of Producer-Wholesaler-Retailer- Consumer is more efficient than the other two channels. The study concluded that subsidized transportation facilities during harvesting along with establishment of sound market intelligence system may be helpful for the cluster bean farmers to fetch remunerative prices for their crop.

Title: On Labour Migration in India: Trends, Causes and Impacts
Abstract :
The paper considers the issue of labour migration which is very significant for economic development of any nation. It presents in a nutshell the trends and patterns of migration in India, its causes and impacts as discussed in the literature so far. After doing a rigorous survey of the literature we observe that the issue is, in some sense, neglected and its importance is underestimated. Hence, the paper would serve as a useful guide to the future research on this area.
Title: Harnessing India’s Demographic Dividend through Skilling: Challenges and Way Forward
Abstract :
The ‘demographic dividend’ provides India with strong advantages for achieving high rates of growth powered by an enlarging working age population. This represents a huge opportunity for the country to increase productivity by investing in the skills of the working age population. A vast majority of who have limited access to education and training; are either inactive or engaged in low-skilled work in the informal economy. India’s demography therefore, presents a potential danger also; if the labour market is not made more inclusive through a balanced approach to human capital development, the consequences of demographic failure could be grave. To capitalize on the demographic bulge, the Government has undertaken a number of policy initiatives, programmatic and systemic interventions. Efforts are being made to equip youth with the skills required by today’s industries and address the demand & supply gaps, but this is turning out to be a daunting task. In this context, the present article analyses the current state of education, skills development and employment for Indian youth and discusses some major challenges India faces while implementing different initiatives and strategies for developing a robust skilling ecosystem. The article also highlights certain emerging issues which merit immediate policy
attention if skill development is to be a means for achieving inclusive development.
Title: Inter-Relationship of Major Sectors of Indian Economy: Co-Integration and Granger Causality Analysis
Abstract :

The study has investigated country’s GDP integration across five major sectors of Indian economy, viz. agriculture, service, industry, manufacturing and mining and quarrying by adopting Johansen’s multivariate co-integration approach. The study has confirmed the presence of co-integration, implying the long-run GDP association among the Sectors. To get the additional evidence as to whether and in which direction GDP transmission is occurring between the sector pairs, Granger causality test has been used, which has confirmed agriculture and service has the bidirectional cause, service has unidirectional cause on manufacturing, industry has unidirectional cause on service and agriculture has unidirectional cause on manufacturing so this sector has the significant effect. The major implication of the study is for the designing of a network of GDP interaction among the major sectors of Indian economy and to know in which direction one sector is influencing another.

Title: Growth, Economic Instability and Popular Aspirations in South Asia: Some Leads for Public Policy
Abstract :

Global dynamics in the economic front have undergone several noteworthy changes in recent decades. At one hand, there is an increasing interest of the global finance capital in some prominent and emerging economies of South (emphasis ours). We see an increasing systemic resilience in these emerging economies towards shocks and economic fluctuations that have frequented the developed part of the globe more often than ever before. Many ascribe this resilience to an increasing recognition of the national governments of the Southern economies towards popular aspirations reflected in the manifestos of the ruling forces as well as formulation of pro-people policies than ever before. While this is something that needs attention, we also observe some contradictions of the growth process within the so called ‘emerging south’. While the income of the nations is on the rise, the regional imbalances also are growing. At the same time, the deficit in some key development indicators such as health and education are also widening. Such a scenario is more so true in the context of countries of the South Asian region. Some flagship programmes and policies in the most South Asian countries clearly reflect the popular aspirations and development needs in these countries. The political forces in these countries have also become proactive in raising issues of development more prominently in their election campaigns and political literature. The present paper attempts to explain some such contradictions in the context of South Asia and based on the analysis of country specific data on income, health, education and other indicators from the global database of world development indicators (WDI) and with the help of vector auto-regression (VAR) method of analysis, the paper seeks to establish some linkages in these variables in the changing global scenario.

Title: Marketing and Constraints Analysis of Pomegranate in Solapur District of Maharashtra
Abstract :

Increased production of agricultural commodities would be of no worth, if efficient marketing does not follow it. Marketing of agricultural products usually signifies their physical transfers as well as the commercial terms on which the transfers are made. The pomegranate produce in the study area was marketed through three different channels from producers to ultimate consumer’s viz., Channel- I: Farmer- Pre-harvest contractor -Commission agent cum wholesaler - Retailer –Consumer, Channel-II: Farmer- Distant Market wholesaler- Retailer –Consumer and Channel-III: Farmer – Exporter. Channel- I was the most popular channel of marketing in the study area, since in this channel the net price received by the producer was higher than other channels. Also due to the presence of harvest contractor in channel– I, time and transportation cost of the producer were saved and moreover advance payment by the pre-harvest contractor before taking the delivery of the produce was also the reason for the popularity of Channel-I. Garrett ranking technique has been used to analyze the marketing problems faced by the pomegranate farmers. Majority of the farmers opined that they did not get remunerative price for the produce and are also cheated by the middlemen, higher transportation costs when fruits are sold outside the local area, high commission charges, lack of market information and low price paid to farmers.

Title: Analysis of Prices and Arrivals of Apple Fruit in Narwal Market of Jammu
Abstract :

The present study was conducted with an intention to study the behavior of prices and arrivals of apple fruit in Narwal market of Jammu and also to estimate their trend. This study is based on the secondary data of one decade collected from Directorate of Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, Narwal, Jammu. Ten years monthly data i.e. from 2007-08 to 2016- 17 on prices and arrivals of apple have been utilized for modeling purpose. For analytical framework Linear Regression Equation were used to study the Trend of the time Series Data on prices and arrivals and seasonal indices were calculated to study the periodic movements in business activity which occur regularly every year and have their origin in the nature of the year itself. The results showed positive trend in both prices and arrivals of apple. Moreover the prices and arrivals are anticipated to increase at the rate of ` 220.06 per annum per quintal which is 15969.42 quintals of apple arrivals per year. The main season for arrivals of local as well as non-local apple from other regions and states in Narwal market was from August to January. Prices for apples were found lowest in the month of April (` 6707.00/qntls.) and contrary in the month of August with highest price rate (` 100892.50/qntls.). The seasonal indices of arrivals of apple in Narwal market were recorded maximum during the month of October (471.00) and minimum in the month of April (0.19). The seasonal index for prices being lowest in the month of April (0.19) and the highest in August (160.66).

Title: Analysis of Marketing Efficiency of Wheat in Different Grade Regulated Markets in Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :

Marketers need to design creative solutions like e- marketing to overcome challenges typical of the rural environment such as physical distribution, channel management promotion and communication. The study has been undertaken to examine the facilities and services available and to analyse the marketing efficiency of wheat in different grade regulated markets of Madhya Pradesh. The present investigation is restricted to Sehore (A), MHOW (B), Kalapipal (C) and Katangi (D) grade regulated markets in Madhya Pradesh. The study reveals that A grade (Sehore) regulated market was found to facilitate more as compared to the other market but this particular market was found less price efficient than the other market. All the markets has poor market facilities with regards to post office, restaurant, fire extinguishers, bank, grading and analysing laboratory, extension unit, public address system, rest house for farmers, audio visual aid and garbage disposal system. Hence suggested that these facilities should be provided in each regulated markets with National e-agriculture market (e-markets) and bringing them all to one platform so that registered farmers will be able to sell their produce online in any of the markets where they can get the best price. The e-market also ensured that intermediaries (and money lenders) do not compel farmers to sell their produce at throw away prices and their produce should first be bought at the regulated market to be put for auction to sell, which will get them all a fair price, reduce the chances of middlemen by adding any extra cost or seeking double commission. This will also brought transparency in the system.

Title: Gender Based Comparative Analysis of Workers Participation in Agriculture in Rural Areas of Uttarakhand: A Study of Sahaspur Development Block
Abstract :

Amidst the huge migration of the males tough working and living working conditions, the females of the Hill Rural regions of Uttarakhand largely share the burden of the economy of these regions. Many studies depict that female participation is decreasing in the rural areas. Amidst the low declining work force participation of women in India, a few changing patterns can be observed. The first is a shift away from agriculture over the last decade 1999-2000 to 2011-12, and the second is the gain in education of regular employment even during the period 2004-2012, when the overall work force participation rates are declining. The study of the workers participation in Uttarakhand state as per 2011 census shows that female work participation rate is 26.7 percent, which has decreased from the year 2001 when it was 27.3 percent and the same is noticed in the rural areas of the state. The present study conducted in the rural region of Uttarakhand do not totally corroborate these facts and indicates that female work participation in agriculture which is largely carried out for meeting the subsistence level of household demand is still higher under various conditions. The comparison of male-female participation in pre and Post harvest agricultural activities reflect the fact that even after higher rate of participation of females in agriculture, males have larger role in key agriculture activities that require decision making (Ploughing, selection of seeds, and spraying of chemical fertilizers-Pre-harvest; Marketing- post harvest). The overall analysis of the male-female participation in pre and post harvest activities clearly shows that females have higher participation rate in agriculture than males. The study further highlights the factors which lead towards higher preference for female agriculture labour and hence deals with their higher participation rate in agriculture activities in these regions.

Title: Ease of Doing Business in India: A Vision of Make in India
Abstract :
India has always been viewed as an economic power house and now it is among the top five fastest improving economies in the world which clearly is the result of various reforms launched under the Make in India campaign. There has been a paradigm shift in the approach towards governance as the government has unveiled multitude of reforms aimed towards improving the business climate in India. In the recent Ease of Doing business ranking released by the Worldank India is at 100th spot which indicates that all the efforts made to make India a manufacturing hub is bearing fruits still there are few challenges which needs to be dealt in order to help India to continue its glorious run. The present paper tries to analyze the indicators of ease of doing business ranking and the major improvements done to make them of international level, it also tries to thrive on the key issues which dampens the trust of investors, various suggestions are offered which when implemented will be helpful in rebuilding the confidence of investors to invest in India and make it a preferred business destination. Overall, the study indicates that Make in India campaign will be able to achieve its objective of transforming India into a manufacturing hub.
Title: Supply-Demand Gap Analysis and Projection for Major Pulses in India
Abstract :

India is the global leader in terms of production, consumption and import of pulses. The pulses production has been stagnating over the years leading to widening gap between demand and supply. About 20 percent of the total pulses demand is met through imports. The present study is an attempt to analyze the production growth, supply-demand gap and projection of availability of major pulses viz., gram (Chickpea) and tur (Pigeon pea), in India. The highest growth rates in total pulses production was recorded between 1966-67 to 1975-76 period and from 2006-07 to 2015-16 exhibiting 2.05 per cent and 2.62 per cent increase. Gram (Chickpea) recorded the highest production growth between the period from1989-87 to 1995-96 and 2006-07 to 2015-16 and respective figure were 2.78 percent and 2.79 percent. Whereas, tur (Pigeonpea) showed accelerated growth rate of 2.72 per cent in area, 4.30 per cent growth in production during 1976-77 to 1985-86 period. The study found that there is a big gap in supply and demand of major pulses in India, suggesting a shortage of pulse for domestic consumption to the tune of 114.50 lakh tonnes of Gram (Chickpea) and 365.60 lakh tonnes of Tur (Pigeon pea) during 2030.

Title: Exploring Agri Business Potential in Tripura through Fruits and Vegetable Production
Abstract :

The agro climatic condition of Tripura offers immense potential for production of number of tropical and sub tropical fruits and vegetables. Major horticulture produce comprises fruits (48.6%) and vegetables (48.3%) (2013-14). Fruit and vegetable are important component of the food items of the state. The production of fruits and vegetables provide gainful employment for small farmers and agricultural labour throughout the year. Foreign exchange can be earned by exporting the raw and processed form of fruits and vegetables. The production of both fruits and vegetables are increasing significantly at a growth of 3.86 and 13.36 per cent over the last decades. In this study an attempt was made to estimate the marketable surplus of fruits and vegetables for exploring the agri business potentiality. The secondary data on production of fruits and vegetable in the state over the decade (2001-2014) were collected from Economic Review of Tripura. Compound growth rate and regression analysis was done to achieve the objective. The supply of fruits and vegetables was estimated considering the future production using regression method of forecasting. Similarly, demand for fruits and vegetables were estimated considering the recommended amount of fruits (100gm) and vegetable (150gm) per person per day in the state. An amount of 10 per cent was assumed as post harvest loss. The results showed that there is significant marketable surplus of both fruits and vegetables in the coming four years (upto 2021) showing the possibility of value addition to this surplus amount through establishing processing units in the state that would help to boost farmers’ income and employment. However, government initiatives along with growers and processors interest needs to be developed for exploring the vast potentiality of this sector in the state.

Title: Patterns of Informality in the Ship Breaking Industry of Bangladesh
Abstract :

The relationship between economic growth and formalization of industrial sectors has not been unidimensional as several studies have brought different aspects of it from diverse contexts. This paper tries to evaluate the persistence of informality in the ship breaking industry of Bangladesh by setting it against the proclaimed formality of the sector. In addition, the paper also seeks to support the argument that informal patterns of employment can persist, if not grow, within a formal system. Both qualitative and quantitative data have been collected by questionnaire survey and key informant interviews. Analysis of the findings reveal a strong presence of informality within labor market dynamics of ship breaking industry in Bangladesh while several administrative aspects of the industry remain formalized. Study findings support the notion that growth as well as institutional development cannot necessarily transform informal conditions of labor market in developing country context.

Title: Cluster Analysis of Wine Market Segmentation – A Consumer Based Study in the Mid-Atlantic USA
Abstract :

The U.S. wine market has been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. The number of wineries has increased from 2688 in 1999 to 8862 in 2016. About 7% of all those wineries are located in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, competition has been rising as the market is growing. Many foreign wine companies from Europe, South America, and Oceania, are either selling or planning to sell their products to the fast-growing U.S. wine market. It is important to promote local wine industry in the U.S. In this connection, this study has attempted to predict the segment of Mid-Atlantic wine market - based on purchasing behavior, attitudes, and social demographic attributes. A Cluster Analysis used to segment the Mid-Atlantic wine market into four clusters namely Class 1 Detractors, Class 2 Enthusiasts, Class 3 Neutral and Class 4 Advocators. Class 1. Detractors are the cluster that is the most unlikely to buy local wine. Neatly, 67.4% of Detractors indicated that they had never obtained local wine before. 2. Enthusiasts and Class 4 Advocators are the target market of Mid-Atlantic local wineries and hence we should pay more attention to these two market segments. 74.5% of Class 2 indicated that they had bought wine from the Mid-Atlantic wine region. About 60% of Class 4 Advocators stated that they had purchased local wine before. The characteristics of Class 4 are very similar to Class 2. The chance of Class 3 Neutral to buy local wine is 50/50. They drink and buy wine more frequently than consumers in other clusters. Typically, we do not recommend Mid-Atlantic wineries to target this market segment, unless they want to expand their market beyond Class 2 and Class 4. The assessment of perception of consumers will help the producers, wholesalers, and retailers to target ultimate consumers and specific market segments.

Title: Economics of Sugar Production of Cooperative Sugar factories in North Eastern Karnataka
Abstract :
Economics of sugar production was measured by considering the three cooperative sugar factories using different parameters like costs and returns from sugar production, sugar sales and revenue, by-products sales and revenue in Bidar district of North-Eastern Karnataka (NEK) region. Thus, the calculated sugar sales, revenue accrued and price of sugar revealed that, the average total sugar sales under both open and levy quota was 3722 metric tonnes, while average revenue of sugar sales under levy quota was ` 163 lakh, but the average price of sugar was ` 2275 per quintal over the study period. In order to reduce the losses in the factory, an effort towards the integration and coordination of various sections of the factory must be converged so that the factories can run on a profit basis.
Title: Analysis of Modernized Value Chain of Walnut in Jammu & Kashmir
Abstract :

This study intends to investigate the modernized supply chain of walnut in Jammu & Kashmir. The study reported that modernized supply chain involves huge investment and that the value addition of walnut in their processing units are exclusively earmarked for export markets. It was observed that setting up of a processing unit for value addition of walnut is a capital intensive activity. Moreover, in modernized channels, processors were found to pay better to the functionaries from whom they purchase walnut. Results revealed that the marketing efficiency was more in channel where they purchase directly from farmers and also their net price is more in this channel. Based upon the findings, the study emphasized upon linking walnut production with marketing through value addition. In addition, this paper concluded with few pragmatic policy options for the promotion of exports, reduction of losses and sustainable growth of this fruit in Jammu & Kashmir.

Title: Non-economic Indirect Benefits of Road on Rural Households in West Bengal
Abstract :
It is a well known fact that majority of poor people in the world live in rural areas where the level of public infrastructure especially roads is low. Provision of good road network is essential for the development of any country. Inadequate roads and poor road access results in high transportation cost, limits the uses of local markets, limits the purchase of consumer goods and opportunities for non-farm employments, reduces opportunities for new business and entrepreneurship, hinders social mobility and interaction, political participation, reduces access to credit, high quality inputs and constraints access to other social infrastructures such as education, health facilities etc. which are important for socio-economic development of the rural mass. In this view, an attempt has been made in this study to consider the benefits of rural roads apart from income and employment pattern of the households of West Bengal. It has been found that rural infrastructure like roads and railways significantly affect the socioeconomic aspects of rural people. The study also reveals that high road density and population density positively influences the educational level; proximity of main road and rail station improves the standard of living by increasing the access to health, education, market facilities, social mobility, affecting land holding pattern, political participation and other indirect benefits apart from change in income, employment, consumption pattern. When the above parameters are considered separately, group mean statistical analysis shows a statistically significant result for the group of rural households living in the vicinity of roads and rail stations with relatively better connectivity.
Title: Disbursement of Credit by KSFC to Agro and Non-Agro Industries in Karnataka: A critical economic analysis
Abstract :

KSFC is providing financial assistance to the priority sector with maximum emphasis on food processing industries. The purposive sampling technique was adopted in designing sampling frame for the study. The Hyderabad -Karnataka region was purposively selected, which is industrially a backward region of the state. The secondary data were collected from KSFC branch offices of selected districts and states as a whole for a period of 14 years from 2000-01 to 2014-15. Compound growth rate analysis indicated that growth in number of units sanctioned and loan amount disbursed for agro-industries were 0.16 and 13.08 per cent per annum and were significant in H-K region. Similar trend of growth was observed in disbursement of loan to non-agro industries. The share of agro based industries in the total number of units sanctioned and credit disbursed by KSFC in H-K region was 35.39 and 44.96 per cents respectively. However, share of ABI’s was very low with 16.39 and 12.91 per cents for number of units sanctioned and credit disbursed at the state level during the study period. The total number of micro, small and medium enterprises(MSME) of the sanctioned agro based industries indicated that H-K region accounted 33.78 and 12.31 per cents of total ABI’s and non-ABI units sanction by KSFC in the state.

Title: Effect of Heat Treatment on Wear Rate of Different Agricultural Grade Steels and Associated Cost Economics
Abstract :
An investigation was conducted to study the effect of heat treatment processes on agricultural grade steels to enhance their life and associated cost economics. Three different types of agricultural grade steels (mild steel (MS), medium carbon steel (MCS) and medium carbon low alloy steel (MCLAS)) underwent heat-treatment processes. MS was carburized (950 °C for 720 min), MCS and MCLAS were austenised at 900 and 850 °C for 120 min. These steels were oil quenched and tempered at 200, 300 and 400 °C. The steel specimens were evaluated in laboratory condition using dry sand abrasion tester before and after heat-treatment. Effect of heat-treatments on abrasive wear, hardness and associated cost economics were studied. The results exhibit that under heat untreated conditions, wear rate of MCS and MCLAS were 13.10% and 32.33% less than that of MS. Whereas, under heat treated specimens wear rate reduced by 18.83%, 36.94% and 48.13% in MS, MCS and MCLAS, respectively. The hardness of all steels after heat treatment was found to increase more than two fold. Enhancement in the life of the selected steels were found to be 64.83% higher in case of MCLAS followed by 45.15% in case of MCS over MS. Maximum increase was seen in cost of ` 70/kg and ` 45 /kg in MCLAS and MCS at 200 °C tempering temperatures, respectively.
Title: Critical Analysis on Role of Women in Sericulture Industry
Abstract :

Women constitute more than fifty per cent of the world’s population, one third of the labour force, and perform nearly two thirds of all working hours. Women are also mostly engaged in the unorganized sector (Mehta and Sethi, 1977). This is more in the case of agriculture and allied activities. Sericulture is one of the important potential labour intensive agro- based rural industry in the world. No wonder women are playing a very important role in the sericulture industry. Their qualities like maternal instincts and loving care of those under their charge prove to be very helpful in the successful breeding of silk worms. The sericulture industry has opened up phenomenal employment avenues and has helped women to become important players in the decision-making process—whether in the household or in the community at large. The active involvement of women is very essential for the success of any community development initiative. This has been proved on many occasions all over the world—more so in the developing countries. This paper analyzed that impact of women workers’ dominance in sericulture sector upon the process of inclusive development in the rural household sectors of West Bengal. Women has patience, perseverance, caring attitude and adaptability to new technologies have made her activities more dominant in sericulture and silk production. The present study reveals that Women are engaged with about 60% (about 57% in 1st year and about 64% from 2nd year onwards) work in various sector in Sericulture i.e. from Mulberry cultivation to Silk weaving etc. and women are doing their works successfully in every sector.

Title: Economic Analysis of Pecan Nut Production: An Application of Input Oriented DEA Model
Abstract :

The economics of pecan nut production in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir state was assessed using input oriented DEA model. The NPV and profitability index were positive and the internal rate of return (IRR) was 14 per cent, which shows that investing in pecan nut orchard will be a profitable venture until the market interest rate remains below 14 per cent. The results of input oriented model revealed that growers were efficient in terms of pecan nut production at the given level of inputs, with mean overall technical efficiency of 0.922, mean pure technical efficiency of 0.961 and mean scale efficiency of 0.959. The mean allocative and cost efficiencies were 0.718 and 0.665, respectively. The level of input use in pecan nut was extremely low and if inputs are increased, the output would increase more than the use of inputs. The average allocative and cost efficiency of pecan nut growers was less than the average technical efficiency, which shows that pecan nut growers were relatively more technical than cost efficient.

Title: Economics of Cabbage Cultivation and Post-harvest Losses in Phek District of Nagaland
Abstract :

The study was undertaken during 2015-16 on cabbage cultivation in Chizami block, Phek district in Nagaland to identify the economics of production of cabbage and to estimate post harvest losses. With the region being high in altitude, with remote access, and tribal farmers engaged in organic farming, it was crucial to scientifically study the cabbage farming enterprises. Two stage sampling technique was employed to sample farmers from three villages and information were gathered by using a structured interview schedule. From the study it was found that the average yield was 154.27 quintal per hectare, and the total cost per hectare was ` 75,615.58. The cost component, cost A for marginal and small farmers was ` 51,087.41 and ` 55,312.42 per hectare respectively and ` 58,365.95 per hectare for medium farmers. Post harvest loss at farmer’s field was 17.14 per cent for medium farmers and the losses for small and marginal farmers were lower at 14.20 and 11.94 per cent respectively. The ratio of return per rupee invested (RPR) ranged from 1.75 in medium to 1.96 with marginal farmers. In case of post-harvest loss of cabbage, a purposive sampling of 10 retailers and 5 wholesalers revealed the loss percentage at 25.37 per cent at retail level and 15.86 per cent at wholesalers point. Major constraints faced by farmers were lack of knowledge about plant protection measures, storage facilities and limited working capital. Traders of cabbage and other vegetables in the block reported lack of cold storage facilities, transportation facility and improper handling of produce as the major constraints.

Title: Facet of Food Security under NREGA in Sikkim
Abstract :

NREGA became operational from February 2006 in Sikkim. An effort has been made in this paper to identify the factors determining the participation of people in NREGA scheme and to see whether NREGA has been successful in ensuring better food security to the beneficiaries. It has been found that there is considerable amount of variation across the households in the consumption of food and non-food items between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households under NREGA. The average household consumption expenditure is lower than household income both for beneficiary and non-beneficiary households. There are however variations in income and consumption across the households and the extent of variation being greater for non-beneficiary households. There is relatively greater inequality in the income earned in case of non-beneficiary households, which is indicative of the fact that non-beneficiaries have derived income from occupations diversified in nature. The level of education and sex are positively related to NREGA participation.

Title: Production and Productivity of Pulses in India: Role of Combined Quality Inputs Usage
Abstract :

Pulses are the predominant and cheaper source of protein to the majority of people in India especially who are poor and unable to access high priced animal protein. Though our country is the largest producer and importer of pulses, the economy has failed to meet the rising domestic demand recently. Price of pulses has increased enormously in recent years and it has become beyond the reach of the poor. In this context interest grows to explore the supply side of pulses in India after economic reforms. An attempt has been made in this paper to examine the changing pattern of production and yield of pulses across Indian states. Contributions of different states to the production of different types of pulses are examined. Eventually factors affecting pulse production in India and their relative roles are examined. Composite quality Input Index (CII), net availability of under-ground water, and proportion of indebted farmers are some of the factors that significantly affect per hectare pulse production in India.

Title: Labour Energy Requirements for Farm and Non-farm Activities in Hills: A case study of paddy growers of Manipur
Abstract :

The objective of the study was to work out the change in total human labour energy requirement on farm and non-farm activities during climate change. Primary data was collected from 60 randomly selected paddy growers of Senapati district of Manipur. Thirty-nine years (1975-2013) state level daily gridded rainfall (0.25Ëš×0.25Ëš) and temperature (1Ëš×1Ëš) data were obtained from India Meteorological Department (IMD). The study revealed that after 1994, Manipur experienced eight years of deficit monsoon rainfall. The labour requirements increased for weeding and transplanting operations during drought period. The additional burden during the drought period was comparatively more on female member of the households. The energy requirement to produce one kg of paddy was significantly higher under drought condition. The increased burden for fuel wood collection was on both male and female during droughts. The male shared the burden of fodder collection whereas, female shared the burden of fetching the drinking water. Therefore, research on developing of farm implements should be prioritized; supply of irrigation and safe drinking water should be addressed urgently by the State Government.

Title: Socio-personal and Economic Analysis of Apiculture Enterprise in Hadauoti Region of Rajasthan
Abstract :

This study was undertaken with the objective to study the socio-personal profile of the successful bee-keepers and the economic analysis of stationary and migratory apiculture in the Hadauti region of Rajasthan. The average size of migratory apiary units was found to be 192 hives and in case of stationary apiary units on an average there were 78 hives. The analysis of the socio-personal characteristics of the respondents revealed that the majority of the successful bee-keepers were in young age group, farming as major occupation along with bee keeping, high level of extension contact and maximum bee keepers were from other backward category background. The results depicted that the majority of bee keepers were from farming background and they took beekeeping as subsidairy occupation. However, unemployed youth were engaged with migratory apiculture and they adopt bee keeping as their main occupation. The five year average of honey production from migratory apiary units was 40.97 kg/ hive, where as it was only 28.33 kg/ hive for stationary apiary units. The cost-benefit of both migratory and stationary apiary units was found to be 2.61 and 4.00 in the year 2014-15 respectively. Overall, five year average, cost benefit ratio was workout 2.34 for stationary and 3.36 for migratory bee keeping entreprise during the year 2011-2015. It was evident from the results that the net return of bee keepers increased with the increase in the number of colonies.

Title: Population Ageing in India and West Bengal among Scheduled Castes (SC) Population
Abstract :
The present study deals with the phenomenon of population ageing among SC population in India and West Bengal. Remarkable shrinkages of population pyramids on SC population for India and West Bengal over 2001–2011 indicates a decline in fertility leading to an increase in the proportion of elderly population. More per cent of elderly females are living in West Bengal than those in India. Per cent of working elderly among SC population is lesser than that among ST population in India and West Bengal. Per cent of working elders among SC population in West Bengal is very low compared to that in India. Per cent of currently married elderly among SC population is higher than that among ST population in both India and West Bengal. Prevalence of disabilities of elderly among SC population is almost similar to elderly among ST population both in India and West Bengal. Literacy rate of elderly among SC population in West Bengal is better than that in India. Literacy rate among elderly females of SC population is very low compared to that of elderly males. Elderly persons among SC population are in a better position compared to ST population both in India and West Bengal.
Title: Chickpea Production through Diverse Technologies in Khargone District of Madhya Pradesh: An economic appraisal
Abstract :

A study was conducted in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2016-17. A three stage random sampling technique was used for drawing the primary data from 60 farmers. On the basis of input use pattern, farmers were divided into three categories i.e. chickpea cultivation with use of improved chickpea production technology (progressive farmers), as per their own decision in adoption production technology (general farmers) and with least adoption of improved technology (poor technological farmers). Cost concept, simple ranking and adoption index was used for the study. It resulted that the high adoption practice yield on an average 13.74 q/ha followed by moderate 12.15 q/ha and least adoption 11.00 q/ha. High yield gap found in progressive farm and least adoption farm about 24.91 % and least in progressive and moderate adoption is 13.10. Highest adoption found in case of family labour followed by bullock power, machinery and least in case of irrigation in all farm adoption level. Highest expenditure on farm is seen in case of high level adoption farm followed by moderate and low. Highest B.C. ratio is found in case of high level adoption farm followed by moderate and low i.e. 1.21, 1.19 and 1.17. Major problems in the study area is incidence of disease, pest, erratic rain fall, lack of input, lack of knowledge, crop failure etc. It is concluded that the chickpea productivity can be increased through the judicious use of improved inputs and practices. It was revealed that as chickpea require higher initial investment and to reduce the risk; an attractive crop insurance scheme needs to be implemented.