The present paper highlights the adoption levels of farmers of maize production technologies in Karimnagar (Telangana). Total 90 farmers were selected for study. High extent of adoption of maize production technologies was observed among the Krishi Viggyan Kendra adopted farmers compared to the non adopted farmers.

Field trials were conducted at farmers’ ield (Bahircap, Balupur Barnapara and Pulbanda villages) of Ratua 1 block, Malda, West Bengal, India (25º13’1.51”N latitude and 87º55’29.02”E latitude) during rabi season of 2013-2014 to assess the infestation of pink stem borer and varietal performance of wheat under different tillage condition. Among the eleven varieties, DBW17 (0.75% and 1.06%), DBW39 (1% and 1.94%) and CBW 38 (1.75% and 0.94%) and K307 (2% and 1%) showed better tolerance against stem borer infestation in both conventional and zero tillage condition, respectively. The infestation was comparatively more at maturity under zero tillage condition.

Sunlower (Helianthus annuus L., 2n=34), one of the important oilseed crops of the world, is a rich source of edible oil and is considered good from cardiac health point of view. In this study, a total of 67 sunlower inbred lines comprising 55 restorer lines and 12 maintainer lines belonging to different geographical origins were evaluated for phenotypic divergence on the basis of eight agro morphological traits and oil content. Among the evaluated traits ,days taken to initiation of disk loret opening, days taken to complete anthesis, days taken to physiological maturity, head diameter, plant height, autogamy per cent, 1000 seed weight,seed yield per plant and oil content revealed signiicant variation in the material under study. The data pertaining to these traits was subjected to D2 analysis which allowed grouping of the genotypes into nine
cluster indicating genetic diversity in the material. The distribution patterns of the genotypes into different clusters indicated that grouping was not according to the source of genotypes. Cluster I has maximum number of genotypes (49). Inter cluster distance were higher than the intra cluster distances supporting the grouping of the genotypes. 1000 seed weight, plant height, initiation of lowering, autogamy per cent and oil content had greater contribution towards the observed genetic divergence. Selection of three CMS lines viz. 207A, 10A, 7-1A and ive restorer lines viz.P83R, P81R, PISF-1R, LTRR-341 and R-17 from different clusters based on inter cluster distance and cluster mean values for hybridization is suggested

The different brands of extruded products consumed as snacks were surveyed in the local market and were compared for their listed nutritional status along with textural and functional properties. The snacks were constituted mainly of wheat and maize as well as rice, potato, and grams, soy and pulses. The price of the snacks varied from Rs.147/- to Rs.2000/-kg. The average content of energy, carbohydrates, protein and fat for extruded snacks were 489.34kcal/100g, 22.73, 46.53 and 6.97 percent, respectively. The bulk density varied between 107.69 to 763.64 kg/m3.This information will help to guide the entrepreneurs for product development which is nutritious and made with cheaper source, according to the need and preference of the consumers

With 70 per cent of net sown area under paddy in kharif season and 84.6 percent of it under wheat crop in rabi season , the crop residue is generated in huge quantities. Out of this 95 per cent of paddy straw and 25 per cent of wheat straw is burnt each year. The hazardous practice has affected health, has been based on primary data collected from three agri-economic zones of the state to highlight the constraints pertaining to the issue. For the state as a whole, 67.47 per cent of the total sampled farmers reported not burning the residue of the crops. Lack of buyers, shortage of time for next crop, lack of assistance by the state government and lobour shortage emerged as the major reasons for the ongoing practice. Measures like utilizing it as animal feed, subsidy on machines like ‘Happy seeder’ generating lesser amount of straw during harvesting, use in cardboard factories, power generation, compost making, new crop varieties producing lesser residue as well as lower wages to carry on manual harvesting were suggested by the sampled farmers to deal with the issue. Creating awareness among farmers about ecoloss and signiicance of the problem itself at various fora along with strict implementation of the law prohibiting the burning of crop residue can be of further help in handing the major concern of the state.

The main objective of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is to help the farmers in the command area in the ield of agriculture and allied sectors. 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 KVK, in which complete details of the farmer with address and contact number was maintained. Similarly, the purpose of visiting KVK was recorded date wise by the KVK scientist and at the end of each month, a summary was prepared and analysed. It was inferred that majority of the farmers enquired about management of wax moth and varroa mite which reveals that these are the most important pests of honey bees and their products and cause serious losses in commercial beekeeping. Out of total 71 farmers who visited the KVK with queries pertaining to the honey bees from January to December months, 43.7 per cent farmers (31 farmers) enquired about management of wax moth and 40.8 per cent farmers (29 farmers) enquired about management of varroa mite which conirms that these were the two most devastating pests of honey bees. The other problems faced by the farmers were colony collapse due to severe cold (4.2% farmers), management  of honey bees during different seasons (4.2 per cent farmers) and problem of robbing (2.8% farmers).

Amongst the several factors attributed for lower productivity of Arecanut, damage by root grubs is substantially important in Malnad belt of Uttar Kannada district. The root grubs cause damage to the arecanut tree by directly feeding on roots resulting in symptoms like yellowing of leaves, stem tapering at the crown region, reduced inter-node length, nut fall and ultimately leads to reduced vigour, yield and death of plant. To manage this insect, usually insecticides are recommended but farmers of this district are reluctant to use chemical pesticides due to the deleterious effects on soil health, fauna and lora. Indigenous technical knowledge followed by the farmers were documented in 15 villages of three taluks viz., Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur and based on scientiic validation, an on farm trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of aqueous extract of soap nut and neem oil 5 % mixture and entomopathodenic fungi, Metarrihizium anisopliae 2 X 10 8 conidia /g @ 20 g per palm tree against root grubs in arecanut during 2009- 12 at farmers’ ields. The results revealed that the recommended practice i.e. drenching with chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 10 ml/l of water ( 3-4l of solution per palm tree) recorded highest grub mortality of 86.83 per cent as against 64.88 per cent in aqueous extract of soap nut and neem oil 5 % mixture treated palms. Appearance of new healthy green frond and improvement in the growth of the palms are the visual indicators. Neem oil and soap nut extract was the best alternative to chemical insecticides, locally available and is ecofriendly.

An attempt was made to enhance the shelf life of paneer by microwave irradiation. Standard plate count coliform count; yeast and mold count; proteolytic count; acid producers count; staphylococcus count and sensory evaluation on a nine point Hedonic scale of each product i.e. treated and untreated products stored at ambient condition (30?C) and at refrigerated condition (5 – 7?C) was done at 0 , 2nd , 5th , 7th day and onward till they were acceptable based on organoleptic test and consumer acceptance. The shelf life of paneer was extended by 8d at room temperature and 15d at refrigeration temperature. Use of microwave radiation of indigenous milk products is suggested to enhance the shelf life of the product.

A ield experiment was conducted at NARP, Ganeshkhind, during 1992 to 2013 to study high density planting of mango variety Kesar. Accordingly plant density studies in mango was laid out in the year 1992 with spacing of 5 X 5 m, 5 X 10 m and 10 X 10 m, , in randomized block design at Ganeshkhind, Pune. The growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded for three years and pooled data (2010
-2012) was analyzed statistically. The results were signiicant and the yield and monetary returns were 125 per cent more over conventional spacing. The recommendation of planting of mango cv Kesar at
spacing of 5 X 5 m with light pruning (15 – 20 cm terminal shoot) after harvest of fruits every year is recommended for higher fruit yield and monetary returns in mango growing area of Maharashtra.

A ield experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2013-14 to ind out dose of sulphur and vermicompost to obtain better growth, yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.). Sixteen treatment
combinations of 4 levels of sulphur (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg S/ha) and 4 levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 t/ha) were tested. Application of 50 kg sulphur and 4.0t vermicompost / ha individually recorded
signiicantly higher plant height, number of leaves per plant, neck thickness of bulb, polar diameter of bulb, equatorial diameter of bulb, number of cloves per bulb, fresh weight of 20 cloves, fresh weight
of bulb, dry weight of bulb, bulb yield, TSS, volatile oil content and sulphur content of bulb. This combination signiicantly increased the bulb yield by 25.7 and 20.69 per cent over their respective control.

Value addition in agriculture predominantly offers a means to increase, rejuvenate, and stabilize farm  income. The aim of the study was to know the effect of KVK training programmes on knowledge and
adoption by rural women of value addition technology. The present study was carried out at KVK, Kollam, 150 beneiciary and non beneiciary rural women were selected for the study. The present investigation was based on the experimental design of social research considering beneiciary as experimental group and non-beneiciaries as a control group. The data revealed that majority of trained women had high level of knowledge with respect to making vegetable cutlet, chicken cutlet, grape wine, lemon pickle and ish pickle than the untrained participants. It was concluded that there is signiicant role of KVK in promotion of improved production practices of value added products and ensuring their adoption.

A survey was conducted on different wheat varieties and method of sowing adopted by the farmers in the district and its effect on wheat yield obtained. The results revealed area under wheat variety HD 2967  was reduced by 23 per cent and increased by 20 per cent under HD 3086. Regarding age and education of the farmers, fertilizer application decreased with the increase of literacy level of the farmers, while yield levels remained static. Data regarding different methods of sowing followed by the farmers revealed that area under wheat sown with seed cum fertilizer drill reduced during 2015-16 and increased under zero till seed drill, broadcasting, use of rotavator and happy seeder as compared to the year 2014-15.

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons on Pusa Basmati 1121 to evaluate the eficacy and economy of granular insecticide against stem borer. The eficacy of 5 insecticides, viz., regent 0.3G (ipronil) @ 15 kg/ha, ferterra 0.4 GR (chlorantraniliprole) @ 10kg/ha, padan 4G (cartap hydrochloride) @25kg/ha, foratox 10G (phorate)@ 12.5kg/ha, dursban 10 G (chlorpyriphos) @10kg/ha besides insecticidal check dursban 10 G (chlorpyriphos) @10kg/ha and untreated control was evaluated against Yellow Stem Borer. The stem borer infestation, i.e. white ears varied between 5.54 to 8.20 per cent over the kharif seasons. The results on stem borer infestation and yield indicated that all the granular insecticidal treatments were signiicantly superior to untreated control but these insecticides differed from each other with respect to their cost. Regent 0.3G (ipronil) @ 15 kg/ha followed by the ferterra 0.4 GR (chlorantraniliprole) @ 10kg/ha and padan 4G (cartap hydrochloride) @25kg/ha with 5.88, 6.48 and 6.68 average YSB infestation; and 19.87, 18.25 and 17.125q/ha average grain yields, respectively, were effective against YSB on basmati rice and increasing its yield but regent 0.3G had its additional advantage over ferterra 0.4GR and padan 4G as far as its cost of application in the ield was concerned.The average cost of application of regent 0.3G, ferterra 0.4G and padan 4G comes out to be Rs. 1163/-ha, Rs. 1975/-ha and Rs. 2000/-ha i.e. one has to spend this much amount of money to get rid of the pest from an area of one hectare and hence, regent must be recommended to farmers keeping in view its eficacy.

The domestic requirement of the oilseed had been manifold as of a modern living standard which has been fulilled through the imports that leads to imbalance the Indian economy. To fulill the domestic demand and to boost the production and productivity, front line demonstrations (FLDs) on sunlower were conducted at farmer’s ield in 2 KVKs of Punjab and 1 KVK of Haryana during spring season 2015-2016. In KVKs at Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Yamunanagar, 20, 20 and 10 FLDs were conducted on an area of 8.00, 8.00 and 4.00 ha respectively. The technologies i.e. improved variety; IPM, seed treatment and head rot management were followed to demonstrate the FLDs. Thus, 9.82 and 15.53 per cent higher yield was recorded over the local check in Punjab and Haryana. From demonstrations it was concluded that the vegetable oil production could be boosted by encouraging the farmers through recommended technologies which were followed in the FLDs.

An endeavor was made during 2014-16 to evaluate and identify superior and most promising commercial variety in respect of important morphological and economic trait amongst 18 exotic cultivars of gerbera under naturally ventilated Poly house in Western Odisha. Variations in different growth parameters were prominent. Among vegetative parameters, ‘Dreamer’ recorded least mean value in terms of plant height, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, length and breadth of leaf, plant spread, number of lobes per leaf, fresh weight, vase life and yield per sq. m among quality parameters. Higher leaf area was found in ‘Shimmer’ follower by ‘Paradiso’ while ‘Dune’ has intermediate plant height and plant spread. ‘Power Play’ exhibited more number of leaves per plant with higher petiole length and more number of suckers per clump. With  respect to lower and quality characters, the cultivar ‘Diablo’ found superior with respect to plant height, disc diameter and neck thickness and higher fresh weight. Minimum number of ray lorets per lower with thicker petals were recorded in ‘Colt’, while ‘Artist’ have recorded highest number of ray lorets with lesser petal thickness. ‘Prime rose’ had maximum lower diameter with minimum disc diameter and maximum length of ray loret. ‘Universal’ and ‘Pink Power’ recorded longest and shortest stalk length respectively. ‘Amulet’ had maximum stalk diameter and longer vase life (19.5 days).The cultivar ‘Jaffer’ recorded highest number of lowers per sq.m. Followed by ‘Yucador’ and ‘Blind Date’. ‘Shimmer’ took lesser days from lower bud formation to lowering however ‘Alex’ and ‘Colt’ recorded maximum shelf life.

Supply chain management evolves and expands with the spread of the enterprise and quantum of production. In case of mushroom production, even though spawn is the major critical input, there are
certain other inputs like chemicals, polythene, spraying and cutting equipments which are external in nature. In order to know the types of supply chain operating in management of inputs in the study area and factors responsible for supply chain operating in management of inputs for mushroom enterprise focused group discussions were organized at six different locations in the study area. Along with quality and price, factors like timeliness in supply and ease in availability deines the eficiency of the agencies. Ease and timeliness in availability, price and quality of inputs vary with the source and mode of its low from producer to the farmer was studied. The study revealed that the Centre of Tropical Mushroom Research and Training (CTMRT) secured 1st position followed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Farmers, Promoters, Farmers association, Private spawn producer, Middleman/ business man and Horticulture department.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum Linn.) is most important pulse crop in Karnataka state. The productivity of chickpea is low because of non adoption of available technologies by the farmers. Hence, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalaburagi conducted 149 demonstrations at farmers’ ield during the last 6 years showing improved production technology. The results revealed variation in the yield obtained probably due to variation in agro-climatic parameters under rainfed condition. The highest yield of FLDs plots of chick pea achieved by adopting improved production technology was 12.87q/ha compared to farmers’ practice (10.06 q/ha). Adoption of improved production technology increased yield by 27.80 per cent  over farmers’ practices. The average technological gap, extension gap and technological index were calculated as 7.13 q/ha, 2.81 q/ ha and 35.65 per cent, respectively. The economical parameters indicated that net proit of Rs. 33,213/- ha was recorded under FLDs plot over farmer practices Rs 24,095/-ha.

The study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during 2011-12 to study the effect on application of different micronutrient formulations on growth, yield and quality
of banana cultivar poovan. The four different formulation T1: No application of micronutrients, T2: Foliar Application of FeSo4 0.20%, ZnSo4 0.5%, CuSo4 0.2% and borax 0.1% at 3, 5, 7 months after planting, T3: Soil Application of NRCB banana Sakthi at the rate 10g per plant on 3MAP. T4: Application Arka banana special @ 250 ml of 0.5%, solution to the soil followed by foliar application of 0.5%, on 5,6,7,8 months after planting in ive farmers ield at Kammankadu village of Pudukkottai district during June, 2011. The results revealed that the highest pseudostem height of 2.48m, pseudostem girth of 76 cm, number of leaves per plant (18 nos.), leaf area index(4.72), inger weight (123g) bunch weight (20.10kg) and TSS (16.6o Brix) were recorded with application of Arka banana special micronutrients followed by foliar application micronutrients and soil application. The Arka banana special application through soil application 250 ml solution (%) on 45days after planting, followed by foliar application 0.5% on 5,6,7 and at shooting on hands recorded signiicantly highest yield (45.23 t/ha) over other two micronutrient application.

The present study was carried out during the year 2012-13 in Surguja district of Northern Hilly zone of Chattisgarh. Finding of the study were that before FLD, majority of respondents belonged to low level of knowledge regarding plant protection schedule, time or schedule of use of insecticide/pesticide for storage pests (74.3), whereas, after FLD, maximum number of respondents were having medium level of knowledge about seed treatment, time of schedule of fungicide and other chemicals for diseases control and use of insecticide/ pesticide for storage pest (51.4%). In case of adoption level, before FLD maximum number of respondents belonged to low level of adoption about seed treatment and time or schedule of use of insecticide/ pesticide for storage pests (77.1%). While after FLD, maximum numbers of respondents were having medium level of adoption were about use of insecticide/ pesticide for storage pests (54.3 %). Regarding use of certiied seed of potato before FLD, majority of respondents belonged to low level of knowledge about source of availability of certiied seed of potato (82.9%). However, after FLD maximum respondents belonged to medium level of knowledge were about time of sowing (62.9%). Level of adoption regarding use of certiied seed of potato before FLD majority of respondents belonged to low level of adoption were seed rate (85.7%), while adoption level after FLD maximum respondents belonged to high level of adoption were time of sowing (60.0%). In case of problems faced by respondents regarding use of certiied seed maximum respondents having problems of more demand of local red variety of potato by consumer and cost of seed potato (100.0%) both followed by non availability of certiied seed of potato in market and lack of facility of cold storage (94.3%) both.

Pesticides are an important aspect of agricultural practice in both developed and developing countries. This paper focuses on the farmers knowledge of pesticides and patterns of safety measures followed. The study revealed that majority of farmers have poor knowledge of pesticide safety labels and wear no proper protective clothing during spraying. This indicates the need for promoting greater awareness among farmers about pesticides through health education programs and need for promotion of use of protective clothing and equipment suitable for the tropical climate

To enhance income and employment of small and marginal farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kankerintroduced multi-enterprises model. Six different models were developed at Kulgaon and Aturgaon villages on the small and marginal farmer’s ields on their need basis. Out of the different farming system models, rice + vegetable + maize + ish + duck + backyard poultry + goat was found more remunerative. The net return from this model was Rs 1.13 lakh from 1.5 ha land holding. Also found suitable from the point of employment generation per unit utilization of recourses. It provided about 826 mandays throughout the year.

The present study was focused on impact of softening treatment on performance properties of Deccani woollen blanket procured from Medleri village. Optimization process for softening was carried out by varying the concentration of softeners, pH and temperature of bath, and treatment time. Tensile strength and GSM of the treated sample was considered as a factor for optimization process. Deccani woollen blanket was treated as per the optimized process and performance properties i.e., bending length, crease recovery, drapability. The result revealed that there was an improvement in performance properties of the softener treated sample. The decrease in bending length, increase in drapability and crease recovery was observed for the Deccani wool samples treated with softeners. Among the three different softeners, silicon softener treated Deccani wool blanket sample attained better performance properties

Aquaculture in the hilly regime of eastern part of Himalayas could not make much headway due to lack of awareness, perspective, technical skills and low risk-taking capacity of the farmers. Simple attention to basic requirements in fish farming may spell a big difference in raising the production level by many folds, for which easier technologies are readily available. For proper land utilization, aquaculture was supported with free of cost critical inputs from various agencies for economic well being of the community. An attempt was, thus made here to evaluate the effect of awareness generation, skill dissemination and sustained level of follow up action over extended period, in transforming the aquaculture scenario of Chug village, Dirang Block of West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Study revealed that 500 farmers developed skill from fisheries training programmes, on-farm trials and Frontline Demonstrations; more than 1000 farmers gained knowledge from kisan gosthies and exhibitions; 1000 ish farmers were distributed ish seeds and other critical inputs. 30 ish pond holders of Chug village adopted the technology on scientiic lines with recommended dietary protein level for raising the ish production from a negligible quantity to a level of 0.4-0.6 kg/m2 unit area

The study was conducted at Cattle Breeding Farm, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur. A record of 64 crossbred calves died during 2000-2015 was used for the study. The period-wise distribution of calf mortality showed that highest mortality rate was recorded in period P1 and the lowest in period P2. Agewise distribution revealed that calf mortality was highest in 0 to 1 month age group in both sexes and lowest was in 1 to 3 months of age group. Sex-wise it was 19.05 per cent for male calves and 11.00 per cent in female calves. Season-wise distribution showed that the highest calf mortality (40.30%) was found in calves borne during the winter season. The overall mortality rate due to parity of dam was 39.34, 16.67, 33.33 and 31.94 per cent, respectively for irst, second, third and fourth calving. The highest mortality in crossbred calves was recorded due to gastroenteritis followed by pneumonia.

Papaya has gained commercial importance over the years because of its varied uses, mainly for table purpose. One of the reasons for low production in papaya is inadequate nourishment. As the export of papaya from India is rapidly increasing, there is a pressing need to enhance its productivity and improve the fruit quality. The present experiment was undertaken to study the response of major plant nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality of papaya and also to find out the optimum dose of NPK for commercial cultivation of papaya under Kerala conditions. The trial was conducted in confounded factorial randomized block design. Different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (200, 250 and 300) gram per plant per year were tried in six equal splits. Results revealed that application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at the rate of 250:250:500g per plant per year in six equal splits, at two months interval was economically viable and improved the growth, yield and quality of papaya.

The present study was conducted in the tehsil Nyoma of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir state during the year 2015 to know the obstacles faced by farmers practicing organic farming. The findings showed that major obstacles faced by the farmers were, unavailability of organic farming literature, inadequate availability of inputs like vermicompost, biofertilizers and organic manures, non availability of skilled labourer, lack of market information and market access, lack of minimum support price for the organic products, lack of skill about improved methods of compost making, inadequate knowledge of field functionaries about organic farming, non availability of recommended package of practice and laborious process involved in application of organic practices, lack of proper training about organic farming, dificulties in getting the organic manures compared to the chemical fertilizers, scarcity of FYM and other organic manures. The average FYM available was 5.2q which was maximum in Nidder village and the average minimum FYM available was 2.8q for Nyoma village. On the other hand, average FYM required for Nidder village was 8.1q and 5.0q for Nyoma. The average chemical fertilizer used was 36q. A maximum average chemical fertilizer used was in Nyoma village (42.25q) and minimum used in Nidder village(30.79q). Maximum pesticides used were in Mudh village followed by Henle and negligible in rest of the villages.

The present investigation entitled “Performance of different coriander varieties for seed yield” was carried out during rabi season of the year 2013 at the College of Horticulture, Akola. The study consisted of eight coriander varieties using randomized block design and each treatment was replicated thrice. The varieties viz., Hissar Sugandh, Pant Haritima, Sadhana, Swati, CO 4, Hissar Anand, CO 2 and Rajendra Swathi were studied under investigation. The results revealed that variety Pant Haritima was found superior in seed yield (13.33 q/ha) but required more number of days for seed harvesting (131d). The yield contributing parameters like days required for seed harvesting, plant height; leaf area (73.9), number of umbels (20.5), number of umbellate (5.7), number of seed (30.4) and test weight (12.23 g) were observed with maximum numerical values in variety Pant Haritima, than rest of the varieties under study. Amongst the eight coriander varieties , Pant Haritima performed better in almost all the characters.Hence, this variety can be included in further breeding programme for improving the seed yield.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is the most important crop globally. Attempts were made to improve productivity and to increase area under vegetable pea by adoption of high yielding varieties (HYVs). In order to compare performance of conventional vegetable pea varieties with HVY, 34 front line demonstrations (FLD’s) were laid out at farmers’ field to show the worth of new variety over local check. Likewise, to facilitate the farmers through FLD’s about potential of new improved production practices of vegetable pea for the adoption, knowledge enhancement and satisfaction were undertaken. The demonstrations resulted in enhancement in productivity. The yield was found to be increased from 98 (q/ha) in local check to 175 (q/ ha) under FLDs. Similarly, the benefit: cost ratio was improved to 3.77 as compared to 2.11 in local check. Lack of market and support price (83.43) was observed to be major constraints in late sown pea cultivation.

The present study was conducted to assess the pesticide application behavior of farmers with respect to rice- onion production system in Sheikhpura district of Bihar. A total of 200 farmers were selected as respondents through three stage sampling procedure. The selected respondents were interviewed personally using pre-tested well structured interview schedule. Results of the study showed that almost all the farmers were dependent on chemical pesticides for the management of pests. The respondent farmers were using a variety of pesticide formulations. The most frequently used were insecticides followed by fungicides, weedicide, acaricide and bactericide. The data revealed that majority of farmers had low to medium knowledge on various aspects of pesticide use. A majority of the farmers were dependent mostly on input dealers, neighbourer and fellow farmers for their need of technical information.

Data on 142 Chhotanagpuri lambs (62 males and 80 females) belonging to Deoghar district of Jharkhand were used for the present investigation. The mean body length, height at withers, chest girth, paunch girth, ear length and tail length were estimated to be 28.06 ± 0.36, 24.84 ± 0.38, 27.61 ± 0.41, 26.37 ± 0.42, 7.28 ± 0.16 and 7.97 ± 16 cm respectively for male lambs. The corresponding values for female lambs were 27.77 ± 0.34, 24.72 ± 0.29, 25.95 ± 0.38, 25.08 ± 0.38, 7.15 ± 0.15 and 7.96 ± 0.12 cm respectively. The mean of above body bio-metric at the age of 3-months were recorded as 39.48 ± 0.59, 38.61 ± 0.76, 42.72 ± 0.64, 43.91 ± 0.74, 10.83 ± 0.36 and 11.82 ± 0.39 cm for male lambs and 38.60 ± 0.53, 38.46 ± 0.61, 40.41 ± 0.63, 42.15 ± 0.72, 9.71 ± 0.34 and 10.63 ± 0.28 cm respectively for female lambs. The mean body weight of male lambs at birth, 1-month, 2-months and 3-months were estimated to be 1.82 ± 0.05, 3.49 ± 0.10, 5.36 ± 0.23 and 7.62 ± 0.34 kg, respectively. The corresponding values for females lambs were 1.71 ± 0.04, 3.11 ± 0.12, 5.01 ± 0.21 and 6.72 ± 0.32 kg, respectively

In iron toxic laterite soil of Kerala, the major soil related constraints affecting rice production are acidity and toxicity of metals like iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn). In Kollam district approximately 60 per cent of area under rice is coming under iron toxic iron laterite soil. The presence of high concentration of these metals in soil hinders the absorption of other nutrients leading to poor nutrient use eficiency. A suitable nutrient management system which reduces the toxic level of these metals prevalent in low pH soil, will certainly improve the yield of rice. The trial consisted of three technology options viz., farmers practice i.e., unscientiic use of high analysis fertilizers (TO1), recommended practice i.e., 5 t/ha OM + 90:45:45 kg N:P:K/ha +600 kg lime/ha (TO2) and alternate practice i.e., 90:45:120 kg N:P:K/ha +OM 5 t/ha + 150 kg lime/ha+100 kg silica/ha (TO3). The study revealed that compared to the technology TO1 and TO2, the technology option TO3 (OM 5 t/ha+ 90:45:120 kg N:P:K/ha + 150 kg lime+100 kg silica) gave signiicantly higher grain and straw yield i.e., 6.61 t/ha (17.62%) increase in grain and 9.29 t/ha (20.65%) increase in straw over recommended practice (TO2). Beneit cost ratio was also highest for this treatment (2.26). The lowest incidence of pests was recorded in silica applied plots. This shows that in addition to yield enhancement, this technology has an additional benefit i.e., reduction of pest incidence. Hence the outcomes of this farmer participatory experiment emphasized the importance of the special nutrient package for yield increase in rice under iron toxic laterite soils. The feedback of the farmers who visited the trial plots was positive and they recorded that silica application has increased the growth and number of productive tillers. They also observed that silica application reduced the incidence of pests.

In recent years, SHGs have become significant institutions for rural development. It is now being increasingly realized that instead of targeting the individual in the process of development, it would be more useful to adopt the approach of group development. The group approach makes available the collective wisdom and combined resources for any task. With this background, a critical study of the evaluation of the profile characteristics of the SHGs and Non SHG members was carried out. The diagnostic study was confined to 10 villages from which 90 SHGs and 90 Non SHG respondents were selected for the study. The result revealed that the independent sample ‘Z’ test showed that there was significant difference in the mean values of SHG members and Non SHG members in case of education, family size, social participation, landholding, annual income, material possession, source of information, extension participation, achievement motivation, market orientation, risk orientation, innovativeness and attitude towards SHGs whereas, there was no significant difference in the mean values with respect to age, family type and marital status.

Rubber is an important plantation crop cultivated in Kerala. The state holds a dominant position both in area and production. It is the main source of income for majority of farmers. Any volatility in the price of rubber put them in a miserable situation. Recent years witnessed unprecedented volatility in rubber price. Declining trend in the prices of rubber has pushed natural rubber production the lowest in the country. The study revealed that prices were so low so that the rubber cultivators cannot even pay workers wages and the recent unprecedented volatility in prices declined rubber production leads to the falling standard of living of the rubber farmers in Kerala.

An experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2014 and 2015 to ind out the effect of integrated nutrient management on crop growth, yield attributes, yield and quality of summer mungbean. Increasing the fertility level significantly increased the growth, yield attributes, yield, protein content and nutrient uptake by mungbean. Application of RDF+VC 5 t/ha registered maximum growth attributes, number of nodules, nodules dry weight, yield attributes and produced 8.42 and 5.1 per cent higher seed yield (1060.6 kg/ha) over RDF (978.1kg/ha), and RDF+VC 2.5 t/ha (1009.6 kg/ha), respectively. Fertility level RDF+VC5 t/ha similarly registered highest protein content (22.3%), protein yield (238.4 kg/ha) and nutrient uptake (85.65:9.47:75.33::N:P:Kkg/ha). Mungbean produced maximum response with biofertilizer + Mo 1.0 +Co 1.0 kg/ha in respect to growth, yield attributes, nodule number, nodule weight and 41.2 per cent higher grain yield over control (841.3kg/ha). Protein content (24.21%), protein yield (287.8kg/ha) and nutrient uptake (100.47:11.34:87.62::N:P:K kg/ha) were also recorded maximum with biofertilizer + Mo 1.0 + Co 1.0 kg/ha.