Journal of Agricultural Extension Management
The Journal of Agricultural Extension Management (JAEM) disseminates information relating to extension systems and practices, research on extension, efficient organization of technology transfer and other socio-economic issues concerning agriculture and allied areas. Papers on original research in the field of agricultural extension and allied sectors, covering new developments, concepts and their application in effective extension work are accepted for publication.
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)
The author owns the copyright of the article until the article is accepted for publication. After the communication of acceptance, the copyright of the article is owned by MANAGE and should not be reproduced elsewhere without the written permission of the editor and the authors of the article.
Changing Role of Agricultural Extension in India: From Technology Transfer to Digital, Market-Linked and Networked Advisory Systems
Agricultural extension in India is passing through a significant transition. For decades, extension was largely understood as a public mechanism for transferring technologies, improved practices, and research-based recommendations from laboratories and universities to farmers. That role remains foundational, but the environment in which farmers now take decisions has become far more complex. Agriculture is increasingly shaped by climate variability, market volatility, changing pest dynamics, rising input costs, diversification into high-value crops, quality and traceability requirements, and rapid growth of digital communication channels. At the same time, farmers no longer depend only on formal extension institutions for information. They now receive advice from mobile applications, social media platforms, agri-startups, FPOs, local influencers, input networks, and peer communities. Recent policy developments reflect this shift. Bharat-VISTAAR, launched in Phase I on 17 February 2026, has been positioned by the Government of India as an AI-based multilingual farmer advisory platform accessible through multiple channels, including phone, chatbot, web portal, and app, and integrating information on schemes, weather, market prices, crop advisory, and grievance support. Public extension systems are therefore being called upon to move beyond one-way dissemination of technology and become systems of decision support, risk communication, knowledge validation, and market readiness. This article argues that the future of agricultural extension lies in combining the credibility of field-based public institutions with the scale of digital systems, the immediacy of social media, and the participatory energy of peer-led agricultural communication. It also highlights the continuing importance of ATMA, BTM, and ATM structures, the urgent need for capacity building of extension workers, and the emerging challenge of fake, unverified, commercially motivated, and misleading digital media content in agriculture.
Climate change effect on gender roles and practical and strategic gender needs
Proper understanding of practical and strategic gender needs and gender roles would help to formulate appropriate extension interventions in addressing various issues including climate change implications. The study identified practical and strategic gender needs and changing gender roles in the selected households pursuing crop and dairy enterprises in the three villages, one each from Karnal, Yamunanagar and Sirsa districts of Haryana, adopted under the Technology Demonstration Component of the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project. Majority of female respondents (53.33 %) expressed the need for information related to access of inputs, followed by financial need felt by 41.11 per cent. Nearly all the women respondents (97.78 %) voiced their need for collective organization into women’s groups / SHGs. Addition of roles for females and males (80.56 %) and more time claim for females and males (94.44 %) was opined due to more involvement of women in agricultural activities such as sowing, transplanting, harvesting, threshing and the males for information and skill building on changing crop patterns, new varieties and seed management. The identified gender needs require specific interventions in each district as well as on aggregate basis for increasing resilience and decreasing gendered household vulnerability.
Gender Role, Crop and Dairy Enterprises, Practical and Strategic Gender Needs
Climate change, Gender role, Practical and strategic gender needs
Impact of Government Schemes (NFSM, RKVY, and MSP) on Cotton Farmers: Awareness, Utilization, and Effects on Productivity and Income
Government interventions play a critical role in shaping the production environment of cotton farmers in India. Schemes such as the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) aim to improve production efficiency, stabilize farmer income, and strengthen the overall agricultural value chain. This study examines the extent of awareness, level of utilization, and the measurable impact of these schemes on cotton farmers in a representative cotton-growing district in Telangana. Using a semi-empirical approach supported by simulated field-based data from 180 farmers, the study assesses the influence of these schemes on productivity, cost of cultivation, marketing choices, and income stability. Findings indicate that awareness levels vary significantly across schemes, with MSP being the most widely known, while NFSM and RKVY display gaps in both awareness and accessibility. The results show that farmers who engage meaningfully with these schemes-especially through NFSM demonstrations and RKVY-funded extension programs-experience measurable improvements in yield and gross income. However, challenges persist in scheme dissemination, credit linkages, bureaucratic delays, and market access. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening last-mile extension delivery, simplifying documentation, enhancing transparency in MSP procurement, and promoting digital platforms for scheme communication.
Institutional Support,Agricultural Credit,Cotton Cultivation,Extension Services,Farmer Cooperatives,Government Schemes
Economic Performance of Farmer owned Agro -Tourism Enterprises in Karnataka, India
Indian agriculture is increasingly challenged by declining profitability due to rising input costs, climate variability and market fluctuations, necessitating diversification of farm-based income sources. Agro-tourism has emerged as an enterprise integrating agriculture with tourism to enhance livelihood security and economic sustainability of rural households. The present study analysed the impact of agro-tourism on the economic performance of farmer owners of Agro-Tourism Centers (ATCs) in Karnataka state. An ex-post facto research design was adopted in four districts Bangalore, Chikkamagaluru, Tumkur and Kodagu selected based on the concentration of agro-tourism centers. Primary data were collected from 40 ATC farmer owners through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Economic performance was assessed using indicators such as annual gross sales, product-related sales, farm economic condition and perceived changes in profit after adoption of agro-tourism. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The results showed that 82.50 per cent of respondents recorded annual gross sales above ₹2,50,000 and 75.00 per cent fell under medium to high economic performance category. A majority reported increased profits after adopting agro-tourism due to direct marketing of farm produce, value-added services and experiential activities. Correlation analysis indicated that economic motivation, decision-making ability, customer preference orientation, information-seeking behaviour, innovativeness, hospitality and risk orientation had significant positive association with economic performance. The study concludes that agro-tourism is a viable farm diversification strategy capable of stabilizing farm income and generating local employment opportunities, and that improved institutional support, training and market linkages can further enhance its adoption and contribution to rural development.
Agro-tourism, Economic performance, Farm diversification, Rural entrepreneurship, Farm income, Karnataka.
Factors influencing the information seeking behaviour of Postgraduate students of University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur
The present study was undertaken to examine the factors influencing information seeking behaviour of postgraduate students at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. The study followed an ex-post-facto and descriptive research design. Data were collected from postgraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Selected factors such as achievement motivation, scientific orientation, curiosity, level of understanding, intelligence, aptitude, general ethics, proximity of the university library and familiarity with the library were analysed using frequency, percentage and correlation. The findings revealed that postgraduate students possessed considerable levels of achievement motivation, scientific orientation, curiosity and a sound level of understanding. Most respondents also reported high levels of intelligence, aptitude and general ethics. With respect to institutional factors, a large proportion of students perceived the university library as easily accessible and reported familiarity with library facilities. The findings indicate that psychological, cognitive and institutional accessibility factors collectively create a favourable environment for effective information seeking among postgraduate students. The study highlights the need to strengthen academic motivation, cognitive skills and library orientation programmes to further enhance information seeking behaviour.
Assessment Of The Demographic Profile And Current Status Of Gender Mainstreaming In Agricultural Extension Services In Uttar Pradesh.
This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of gender mainstreaming strategies in agricultural extension services across four districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. Using a descriptive research design, the study surveyed 60 extension personnel across Hamirpur, Unnao, Amethi, and Agra districts. The research findings reveals significant gender disparities within extension services, with women comprising only 21.67 percent of the extension personnel and 93.33 percent of the organisations reporting merely 0-20.00 percent female field officers. Despite these imbalances, 70.00 percent of the extension personnel actively implement gender-inclusive strategies, including minimum participation quotas, collaboration with women’s groups, and schedule adapted to accommodate women’s needs. The study finds that 81.67 percent of the personnel consistently collected sex-disaggregated data, though implementation challenges persist, including insufficient fund, cultural constraints, and logistic barriers. Critical gender mainstreaming activities include gender sensitivity training, partnerships with Anganwadi workers, establishment of women’s Self-Help Groups, mobile-based advisory services, and technical workshops. The research study highlights the need for increased recruitment of female extension officers, enhanced monitoring systems, and dedicated funding for gender-focused programs to address persistent gaps in agricultural extension services. These findings contribute to understanding the current state of gender mainstreaming in agricultural extension and provide actionable recommendations for improving gender equality in agricultural development.
Landscaping the Status of Nutritional Literacy in Rural India
Nutrition has a significant impact on the growth and development of an individual. India is suffering from the double burden of malnutrition i.e., a significant part of its population is affected by both over-nutrition and under-nutrition. One effective measure of fighting malnutrition is to consume balanced, nutritious food loaded with essential nutrients and micro-nutrients. However, to consume healthy diet, the nutrition literacy comprising of nutritional knowledge, attitude and dietary practices to meet nutritional requirement is a pre-requisite. The present study provides a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional literacy landscape of rural India. It also highlights the role of nutritional literacy in driving nutri-sensitive agriculture. The study also throws light on the constraints faced by the rural people in attaining nutritional literacy and policy framework suggestions to overcome them.
Transforming Common Service Centers Into Village Knowledge Centers For Effective Delivery Of Agricultural Extension Services To Farmers
The policy paper explores the potential of transforming Common Service Centers (CSCs) into Village Knowledge Centers (VKCs) to address critical agricultural challenges faced by rural farmers in India. The CSCs, established under National E-Governance Plan (NeGP), currently serve as digital hubs providing government to-citizen (G2C) services, including financial transactions, e-governance, and limited agricultural services. However, with over 596,000 operational CSCs (4.67 lakhs at Gram Panchayats), there remains significant untapped potential to expand their role in rural agricultural empowerment. By transitioning CSCs into VKCs, these centers can deliver tailored agricultural extension services such as crop advisory, soil testing, pest management, and real-time market linkages, directly contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities. The study identifies several barriers that limit the effectiveness of CSCs in agricultural service delivery. These include a lack of specialized agricultural training for Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), insufficient infrastructure such as internet connectivity and digital tools, and low awareness among farmers about existing CSC services. Farmers report moderate satisfaction with services like government scheme applications but express dissatisfaction with agricultural advisories, citing them as untimely and inadequate. Additionally, financial constraints and limited access to real-time market and price information remain significant challenges for small and marginal farmers. To address these issues, the policy brief proposes a comprehensive roadmap for transforming CSCs into VKCs. Key recommendations include expanding agricultural services to cover agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries, strengthening VLE capacity through targeted training programs, efficient market linkages, upgrading infrastructure to support advanced tools like soil testing kits and IoT devices and leveraging digital platforms for precision agriculture. These measures aim to make VKCs a one-stop solution for farmers, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and The paper presented the VKC model, the key inputs will enhance the performance of VKCs for the benefit of farming community. The VKC model operates on a clear Theory of Change that links assumptions, inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes. It assumes that farmers are willing to adopt VKC services if they are accessible, relevant, and affordable, and that VLEs can be trained to deliver high-quality services. The paper also presents an implementation plan for short-term, medium-term and long-term for effective operationalisation of VKCs for effective delivery of agricultural services to farmers in rural India
Economics Of Sorghum Production, Consumption And Trade In Sudan (1990 - 2020)
This paper focuses on a set of high-potential of sorghum commodity in Sudan. Sorghum is considered as one of the most important calorie source in the Sudanese diet, future key source of sustainable farming systems and the national economy of Sudan. The paper analyzes sorghum by evaluating its production, consumption and trade trends for a 10-years period (term) for the last three decades (1990 to 2021), and indicates the projections for production, consumption and demand up to 2030. The paper depended mainly on secondary data collected from relevant sources such as the annual statistics of the Central Ministries of Agriculture and Forests for various years. The findings have illustrated that the production of sorghum shows a high annual growth rate during the first (1990s) and the third terms (2010s) in the rain-fed sector. It is clear that, total sorghum consumption in the Sudan rose at an average annual rate lower than the production rate for the whole period of the study. Sorghum is mainly grown for local consumption by small scale holders (60% of quantity produced) in main producing areas, particularly in traditional rain-fed farming, in semi-mechanized and in irrigated agriculture. The overall trend of the most exports during 1990 -2020 is fluctuated The period 2000s was the period of oil export from Sudan which was the major source of foreign currency to the government neglecting traditional agricultural exports and the impact was deterioration on agricultural export quantities.
Women’s land ownership still remains limited in Bihar, despite legal reforms to enhance gender equality in property rights. This study investigates barriers to land ownership for women farmers in Bihar’s Tirhut division, focusing on three districts: West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, and Sheohar. Using a mixed-methods approach, structured interviews and focus group discussions, captured quantitative and qualitative data from 120 farmers selected through a multi-stage sampling process. Findings reveal that only 7.5% of the surveyed women possess land titles, primarily obtained through inheritance. Barriers to ownership include financial constraints (63.1%), restrictive socio-cultural norms (18.0%), and limited awareness of land rights (18.9%). Correlation analysis indicates that ‘access to legal services’ (r=0.497) and ‘participation in community meetings’ (r=0.239) are significantly associated with land ownership, suggesting that legal support and community engagement are critical enablers. However, demographic factors like age, education, and income show no significant impact on ownership, underscoring the complex socio-legal landscape influencing women’s land rights. These results suggest empowering women through legal aid, enhanced community involvement, and targeted f inancial support could mitigate barriers, fostering greater land ownership and economic stability for women farmers in Bihar.
An Analysis Of Products And Services Delivered By Agri-Input Dealers Trained Under DAESI
Agricultural input dealers, also known as agri-input dealers, play a critical role in the agricultural ecosystem as vital intermediaries between agricultural technology providers and farmers. This research paper aims to explore the product and services being offered by the DAESI trained agri-input dealers. By exploring the products and services offered by them to the farmers, this paper aims to understand the current trend of products and services to provide a comprehensive analysis of these offerings. Ex-post facto research design was used for the present study. Based on Census method, all the 20 states where DAESI is being implemented were selected. Selection of respondents was done using Simple Random Sampling method. The data was collected physically during July-December 2022. Only fully filled responses were selected for analysis of data which brought rendered the final sample size to be 166.The results revealed that majority (94.58%) of the respondents were male, the average age of the respondents was 37.26 years, about(42.78%) possessed a Graduation degree, more than half of the respondents (56.63%) had business as their prime occupation, maximum number of the respondents (75.90%) sold fertilizers, 69.88 per cent of them dealt in pesticides/insecticides while 65.66 per cent of the respondents offered seeds as agri-inputs to the farmers. About 65.06 per cent of the respondents have established Extension Corners in their shops after going through DAESI diploma course. The services they provided consultancy/advisory services (42.78%), market-support (32.53%), soil-testing (27.11%) and water-testing (12.05%).
Impact Of Climate Resilient Technologies In Nandyal District Of Andhra Pradesh
Climate change refers to a significant and lasting alteration in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. In developing countries, crop yield declines are expected in several important crops, with South Asian nations projected to be particularly hard hit. Climate-smart agricultural technologies proved to be the best adaptation strategies followed by farmers for achieving sustainable crop yields. A study on Impact of climate resilient technologies (CRTs) and factors associated in adoption of the technologies was conducted in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. The results of the study indicated that conservation furrows helped in increasing the yield of setaria by 28% (1,418 kg/ha) and castor by 32% (1,332 kg/ha) and in cotton it was 51% higher and in red gram it was 44% higher (1,024 kg/ha). With micro irrigation yield was enhanced by 35% in sweet orange (27 t/ha), tomato 32% (64 t/ha) and in brinjal, it was 41 % higher than control. In the intercropping system of setaria with red gram in 5:1 ratio 28% more yields was recorded. In case of groundnut and red gram intercropping in 7:1 ration the yield recorded was 30% more than the control. Drought tolerant varieties of castor, Bengal gram and groundnut recorded enhanced yield by 25%, (1,330 kg/ha), 23% (1,513 kg/ha) and 50% (1,020 kg/ha) respectively along with additional net returns. Short duration varieties of setaria, groundnut and green gram yielded 32%, 58% and 9% more, respectively, than traditional varieties. Certain characteristics viz., mass media exposure, capacity building programmes attendance, extension contact, perception on climate change and perception on climate resilient technologies had a significant correlation with the adoption of CRTs among the farmersClimate resilient technologies (CRTs),
Agriculture sector is critical to the growth and development of India as majority rely on agriculture. With the changing landscape of agriculture and the way it is shifting from subsistence to commercial farming, the role of private extension service providers is assuming greater significance. This trend is alluring the private individuals to engage into Agripreneurship activities. Even many involved in farming are showing interest to shift to Agripreneurship by diversifying their activities and income sources. Becoming the seller of agri-inputs and information to the farmers in varying scale is a new agribusiness opportunity for many in different regions of the country. The Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) is a scheme of Agriculture Ministry of Government of India to train and enable the candidates aspiring to become agripreneurs to embracing agri-input business. However, venturing into such untraversed road without enablers is likely to cause disruptions to the livelihood of small agripreneurs. Such ventures are also likely to encounter several constraints for which necessary policy facilitation may be put in place. The present study identifies such enablers and constraints encountered by the candidates completing the DAESI program based on the data collected from 600 respondents in 10 different states of India. The study also suggests policy recommendations to give impetus to aspiring agripreneurs to take up Agripreneurship activities and support farming community in India.
Factors Influencing Participation Of Producers In Farmers’ Market – An Analysis Of Siddipet Rythu Bazaar (Telangana)
Developing local food system by providing market access to farmers close to the production area has the potential to overcome various challenges faced by farmers in effective marketing of their produce mainly smallholder cultivating perishables. The Government has recognised the potential of local element in agriculture as suggested by the introduction of various reforms including farmers’ market. The concept has been experimented in various states with different names like Rythu Bazaars in Telangana. The concept has so many dimensions to be analysed to understand its effective implementation. However, an attempt has been made in the present paper to understand the factors influencing the participation of producers in farmers’ market by taking a case of Siddipet Rythu Bazaar. The analysis is based on the results of Probit Regression Model run on the primary information collected from 200 sample farmers. The analysis reveals that variables like gender, family size, production of vegetable and availability of transport facility have significant and positive influence on the participation of farmers in Rythu Bazaar. However, factors like market orientation and age had significant but negative influence suggesting that youth with better market orientation tends to explore market opportunities outside such models. Rythu Bazaars have the potential to serve as an effective market access tools for smallholders mainly cultivating perishables and acquiring certain characteristics in terms of family size and presence of women to contribute. Though, youth are observed to be inclined to participate in models other than Rythu Bazaars.
Farmers’ MarkeFactors Influencing Participation
Assessing The Competency Level Of Graduate Students:
This study assesses competency levels among graduate students in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry disciplines in various states of India from a gender perspective. A total of 402 student respondents participated, with 215 responders through a Google forms survey and 187 from training programs organized by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. Competency was evaluated across four key constructs: cognitive, interpersonal, self-leadership, and digital, using a 13-group competency framework. Results indicated that while students demonstrated strengths in areas like self-leadership and interpersonal skills, significant gaps were found in digital competencies and certain cognitive skills. Gender-based analysis using the Mann-Whitney Test revealed that male students outperformed female students in critical thinking, mental flexibility, entrepreneurship, goal achievement, and digital skills. However, no significant gender differences were observed in planning, communication, teamwork, or self-awareness. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge these competency gaps and enhance employability among graduates in the agricultural sector
Impact of Agro Advisory Services of District Agro meteorological Units (DAMU) of Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s in Southern Karnataka
Weather variability and climate change increasingly threaten agricultural production in rain-fed regions of India. To address weather-related risks, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, established District Agro-Meteorological Units (DAMUs) at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for dissemination of location-specific weather forecasts and agro-advisories. The present study evaluated the impact of DAMU agro-advisory services in Southern Karnataka. The study was conducted in Tumkur, Ramanagara, Mandya and Chamarajanagara districts, where DAMUs have been functioning since 2019–20. An ex-post facto and exploratory research design was employed, and 120 farmers (30 from each district) receiving DAMU advisories were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that the four DAMUs together reached 95,441 farmers through digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and the Meghdoot application. Most respondents were middle-aged, small and marginal farmers with moderate to higher educational levels. Awareness about climate change was high (86.67 %), and KVK–DAMU units were the principal source of agrometeorological information for 96.67 per cent of the respondents. Adoption of DAMU advisories was very high (98.33 %), and a similar proportion perceived the advisories as useful. The advisories significantly influenced major farm operations, particularly harvesting, spraying and irrigation scheduling. Economic benefits due to advisory adoption ranged from Rs. 5,000 to above Rs. 20,000 per season. The study highlights the effectiveness of DAMU-based agro-advisory services in improving farm-level decision-making, reducing weather-related risks and enhancing farm income in Southern Karnataka.
Agro-advisory services, DAMU, agrometeorology, climate change, farmer adoption, Karnataka
Producers’ and Consumers’ Perspectives on Constraints and Suggestions in Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Organizations of Bengaluru District
The study was conducted to assess the constraints faced and suggestions offered by producers and consumers associated with HOPCOMS and Raithara Santhe in Bengaluru Rural and Urban districts of Karnataka. A total of 120 respondents were selected, comprising 60 producers (30 from HOPCOMS and 30 from Raithara Santhe) and 60 consumers (30 each from both markets). Data were collected through a pre-tested structured schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage and mean ranking. HOPCOMS producers faced major constraints such as limited procurement capacity, rejection of produce due to stringent grading standards and delayed payments. Raithara Santhe producers reported congestion in the market yard, inability to sell large quantities, and non-allotment of desired stalls as key issues. Among consumers, the major constraints in HOPCOMS included lack of door delivery and credit card facilities, reduction in number of retail outlets, and improper store ambience. Raithara Santhe consumers faced price variability across stalls, lack of shelter and insufficient parking areas. Producers suggested larger procurement, timely payment and cold storage facilities for HOPCOMS. Raithara Santhe producers recommended shifting market locations to other places and improving infrastructure. Consumers emphasized increasing retail outlets in HOPCOMS and ensuring uniform pricing in Raithara Santhe. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen infrastructure, enhance procurement systems, improve consumer services and modernize market operations.
Agritourism For Rural Development: An Analysis of Farmers’ Training Needs
Agritourism has emerged as a promising strategy for income supplementation among marginal and smallholder farmers, particularly in geographically constrained rural areas. This study investigates the socio-economic profile and training needs of farmers involved in agritourism ventures. A total of 200 respondents were surveyed and findings indicated that the majority of participants were middle-aged male farmers with limited formal education and marginal landholdings. Training needs identified across seven core domains using Weighted Mean Score (WMS) analysis were guest management, financial management, administration, marketing, procurement, linkages/networking, and allied farm and non-farm activities. Guest management and financial skills emerged as top priorities, with training in Medicare (WMS = 1.910), accounting (WMS = 1.925), and digital marketing (WMS = 1.810) being highly sought. Additional preferences were expressed for training in sericulture (WMS = 2.270), beekeeping (WMS = 2.265), vegetable (WMS = 2.220) and fruit cultivation (WMS = 2.115). Farmers also showed interest for hands-on, one-week training programs conducted at ATCs. Findings offer policy-relevant insights for designing location-specific training infrastructure and efficient training modules to enhance agritourism’s contribution to rural development and farmer income stability.
Prospect of profitability and socio-technological status of banana production in Rajshahi region in Bangladesh
This study seeks to evaluate the socio-technological conditions of banana growers and to document the technologies adopted in banana production in Puthia and Charghat Upazila in Rajshahi. For primary data collection, a survey was conducted among 53 banana producers. To fulfill the study's aims, descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis were applied as analytical tools. The study reveals that both education and total input cost affect on total income; Total input has a strong positive correlation with total input cost (r=0.719), while the correlation with education is weak (r=0.178). A significant majority of farmers cultivate the Anupom variety (18.86%) and face issues with the banana fruit and scarring beetle (60.38%), alongside major problems like high fertilizer prices (86.79%). Most farmers primarily use irrigation (75.47%) for soil management, yet a large percentage are unaware of digital ICT tools (79.25%) and few use improved technology. Governmental support is virtually non-existent, with only 1.87% of respondents receiving assistance, and the Fisher–Freeman–Halton Exact Test found no statistical link between training and profitability (p=1.00). Consequently, the most desired support from the government is a reduction in prices (75.47%), followed by the availability of seedlings, weather-resistant varieties, and financial aid. The study's outcomes lead to the following recommended policies and actions are useful for improving banana production and achieving the SDG’s goal, including making HYV suckers more accessible, improving extension services and transportation, promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and integrated pest management and Strengthening extension support and promoting ICT-based training could enhance productivity and sustainability.
socio-technological, profitability, production, recommendations
Promotion of nutritional, economic and livelihood security through small-scale Giriraja backyard poultry farming
The paper analyzed small-scale Giriraja variety backyard poultry farming by 120 farmers in Mysore and Mandya districts of India’s Karnataka state by considering economic, nutritional and livelihood securities. Data collected from 120 farmers on livelihood security with respect to income generation and increased dietary intake through backyard poultry farming. The majority of respondents were selling Giriraja backyard birds at 10-15 weeks age with an average body weight of 2.035 kg. Mean selling price of live birds and eggs was Rs. 58.4/kg and Rs. 3.29/egg, respectively. The respondents on average produced and sold 662 and 652 birds and 2108 and 2006 eggs, respectively. The average income earned was Rs.1385/month with a wide income range of Rs.220 to 6500/month. The average cost-benefit ratio of Giriraja poultry farming was 5.45. They were using the income for daily household expenses, increasing flock size, and children's education. Regarding nutritional benefits, each respondent’s family was consuming 16.08 kg of chicken and 117 eggs per year. Considering the average family size of 4 members, each household's consumption amounts to 4.02 kg of chicken and 29 eggs per year. Overall, backyard poultry farming helped the respondents as a tool in income generation and nutritional security, besides empowering them economically.
Pashusakhi Model: A Structural and Functional Perspective of Community Animal Health Workers in North-Eastern Part of Uttar Pradesh
The Pashusakhi model is a women-led community-based animal healthcare intervention to provide grass root veterinary service delivery in rural India. The present study conducted in 2025 analysed the structural and functional mechanisms of the Pashusakhi model in the Chitaura block of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh. Analysis of primary data from 20 randomly selected Pashusakhis revealed that they predominantly belong to young to middle-aged women from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, with adequate educational levels and field experience. The structural mechanism of the model was characterized by a community-driven selection process, free skill-based training, provision of standardized Pashusakhi kits, an incentive-based financial structure transitioning to a fee-for-service system, and continuous institutional backstopping through regular reporting and technical supervision. Functionally, Pashusakhis primarily delivered preventive and primary animal healthcare services, including vaccination, deworming, first aid, castration, and livestock management advice, with a strong focus on small ruminants, particularly goats. The study concludes that the Pashusakhi model functions as a complementary mechanism to the public veterinary system and underscores the importance of sustained institutional support for its longterm effectiveness and scalability.
Pashusakhi, Veterinary Services, CAHWs, NRLM, Women empowerment
Use of Mobile Phone and its Apps in Extension Services
Information and Communication Technology (JCT) and its application have shown great prospects in remodeling extension services in both developed and developing countries. The present era is an era of science and technology and those related to these fields are showing a tremendous increase in their value and functionality. Linking extension services to emerging technologies should be focused upon for better results and efficient services, due to the fact that a majority of the people are now connected to one another through mobile phones. These devices and their apps can be used for better linkages and to provide farmers with latest information instead of creating new devices for extension activities
A study on differential Adoption and Constraints of Dairy Farmers about Scientific Dairy Farming Practices in Amritsar district of Punjab
In the present study, practices adopted and constraints perceived in scientific dairy farming by KVK trained dairy farmers were compared with non-trained dairy farmers. Hundred trained and hundred non-trained dairy farmers were selected by random sampling technique from the villages of Amritsar district of Punjab. The data were collected through personal interview with the help of a structured interview schedule. The trained farmers were found to have better adoption than non-trained farmers. The respondents faced more constraints in breeding, feeding and health care. Some of the major constraints mentioned by the respondents were poor conception rate, lack of knowledge of common contagious diseases, their causes and control measures and non availability of mineral mixture in the study area. The present investigation concluded that the training programme on scientific dairy farming had a positive impact on adoption of technologies by dairy farmers despite many constraints
Corporate Social Responsibility for Agricultural Development - A way forward
A huge investment is required to address the current challenges of agriculture. These challenges provide space for a pluralistic eco-system to involve various players. The Corporate sector is one of the important players in the current policy initiative to leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for agricultural development. However, a very small amount of CSR fund has been spent in the agricultural sector by the companies though there is huge potential for investment in the sector. Agriculture is yet to attract the attention of India s CSR. Countries that had relatively high Agriculture growth, saw substantial reduction in poverty. Hence, if the Corporates allocate more fund under CSR in agriculture, many challenges of the farm sector can be addressed. Corporates who have invested in Agriculture as part of CSR activities have seen a significant improvement in terms of adoption of improved agriculture practices, conservation of natural resources, reduction in external inputs and cost of cultivation, etc., in their project areas. The emphasis of CSR in the Agriculture sector needs to be in the areas of environmental sustainability, natural resource management, innovation and technology led development, social development, entrepreneurship development, livestock development, market development, farm advisory services, etc. In order to promote CSR activities in Agriculture, it is suggested to have a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), steering committee having broad based representation of various stakeholders, proper monitoring system at various levels, etc.
Assessing Adoption of Gross Margin Analysis Technique by Farmer Business School Lead Farmers in Mzuzu and Karonga Agriculture Development Divisions of Malawi
Gross margin analysis technique is among the tools that farmers are taught in farmer business schools to enable them to plan/or profitable enterprises. This study was aimed at assessing the adoption of this technique being promoted among lead farmers. It was observed that 60 per cent of the respondents did not prepare gross margins, indicating low adoption of this technique. Among the users of gross margin technique, this was used in selection of profitable enterprises only. Most of the respondents (60%) had an average knowledge on gross margin technique. Most respondents (82%) however indicated that it is easy to do gross margin analysis. Moreover, farmers complained that they do not sell their products at calculated sale prices. Use of gross margin technique was found to be associated with availability of farm records, extension follow up visits on gross margin analysis and farmers' knowledge on gross margin analysis
Development of a Knowledge Test to Assess Knowledge Level about Improved Dairy Farming Practices among Users and Non-users of e-Agriservice in Maharashtra
Effectiveness of JCT-enabled e-Agriservice - aAQUA (Almost All Questions Answered) with special reference to dairy farming, was assessed in Maharashtra. Ex-post-facto research design was followed. This paper presents the procedure to develop a knowledge index for users and non-users to assess impact in terms of knowledge gain about Improved Dairy Farming Practices (IDFPs) by availing the e-Agriservice. The study was conducted in randomly selected four districts of Maharashtra. A total of 3 7 items or questions were framed on breeding, feed-fodder, health care and management aspects of the IDFPs. It was found that the items with difficulty index between 0.25-0. 75, discrimination index above 20 and point bi-serial correlation significant at 5 per cent level of significance was selected for the knowledge test. Thus, a total of29 items from 37 items were retained in the knowledge test. The study would be useful for researchers and academicians to develop and use the knowledge test in other areas to measure knowledge level of dairy farmers
Improved Dairy Farming Practices (IDFPs)
Training Evaluation of Field Veterinarians
This paper presents the evaluation .findings on effectiveness of gynecological training programmes organized for field veterinarians in Andhra Pradesh. The key evaluation questions were on training methodology, relevance of course content, knowledge and skill improvement, utility of the topics and overall effectiveness of the programmes. The .findings indicated a high relevance of the contents with overall increase of 29. 03 per cent knowledge and skill gain by the participants. The .findings also suggested that field veterinarians' competencies have been improved using a combination of theoretical, practical and field exposure sessions in an organized way. It is recommended to standardize the curriculum and scale-up training programmes to all field veterinarians as open education resources to update their competencies
Motivational factors and constraints of dairy farmers trained by Krishi Vigyan Kendra
The study was conducted in Shivamogga district of Karnataka state to analyse the motivational factors, constraints and to enlist suggestions of farmers trained on dairy management practices by KVK, Shivamogga. In all 120 trained farmers from 12 villages constituted the sample for the study. The findings revealed that the factors viz., to increase income from dairy by learning new practices (76.66%}, to have contact with the extension agency (55.00%), to get self-employment by attending training programmes (44.16%) motivated the respondents to attend the training. The trained farmers expressed that constraints such as, financial problems (71.67%), shortage of green fodder during summer season (59.17%), low price for the milk (44.17%) and inadequate veterinary services (39.17%) are adversely effecting the dairy enterprise. Majority of KVK trained farmers sought more number of extension activities to be organized based on the needs of the farmers (75%), followed by, remunerative price for milk (72.50%)
Role of Plant Diagnostic Laboratory for identification and management of Insect-pests of Paddy in Kapurthala District
Paddy is grown under different agro-climatic conditions and the crop is damaged by more than 100 species of insect pests and infested by varied diseases. These insect pests cause enormous grain yield losses, which may vary from 20 to 50 per cent if not managed in time. During the last 3 years i.e. from 2013 to 2015, a record of all the visiting farmers was maintained in the plant health diagnostic laboratory at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in which complete details of the farmer with address and contact number was maintained. It was noticed that majority of the farmers (80.5%) visited during the month of April and only 19. 5 per cent visited in the month of May as sowing of paddy nursery starts from the first week of May every year. The crop was also found to be prone to micro nutrient deficiency and showed deficiency symptoms in iron and zinc. It was inferred that before the sowing and harvesting of the crop, the farmers queries were maximum due to the fact that majority of insect pest attack takes place near maturity of the crop which results in huge loss, if not taken seriously. As Krishi Vigyan Kendra imparts short duration training to farmers from time to time, it can be concluded that KVK staff should provide training relating to the above mentioned technological problems in a particular month.
Inclusive Strategy for Small and Marginal Farmers in Tapioca Production, Processing and Marketing
This study was conducted to explore the post-harvest value addition opportunities for tapioca, identify the constraints faced by small and marginal farmers in processing and to suggest a strategy. Primary data from 60 tapioca farmers of Elamadu Grama Panchayath of Kollam district, Kerala were collected through interview schedule. Expert opinion was collected from the Scientists of Kerala Agricultural University (KA U), KVK, and CTCRI etc. to screen the appropriate technology for tapioca value addition. The data obtained were analysed using percentage analysis, SWOC and COWS analysis. It was found that a number of farmers were involved in tapioca cultivation and could produce marketable surplus, but were not engaged in any post-harvest value addition activities. Indeed, farmers have expressed their willingness to start value addition jointly as a group. The technocrats opined that tapioca snacks and chips are better options for value addition at farm level. The study highlighted the need for an exclusive organisation for tapioca cultivation, marketing and processing. Initiating farmer driven producer organisations and consumer linked value chain would be a promising strategy for livelihood of small and marginal farmers of tapioca.