Mobile phone based information and communication technologies help to reduce the risks and uncertainties, emerging challenges in agriculture and provides instant solutions, timely market information and improve livelihood and also helps to overcome information asymmetry existing among the group of farmers. In this context, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhar started timely and need based systematic bulk text message as Kisan Mobile Advisory (KMA) during the year 2011-12 to 2015-16 and registered 26500 mobile holder farmers for sending information in hindi language through short messages (SMS) twice a week on agriculture and allied ields. The study revealed that messages delivered in hindi language were highly understandable to majority of users (83.6%), the expectations of the respondents towards frequencies of messages delivered suggested daily to twice a week (72%) and majority of farmers (97.1%) conveyed the text message to other farmers in their social system. It was also observed that socio-economic profile of the farmers also play an important role in adoption and usefulness of technology dissemination. The analysis showed that majority of medium category farmers (70.67%) having higher level of education found the need based information most useful followed by large farmers (60.32%). The farming community engaged in enterprise such as agriculture + horticulture + dairy found usefulness of information (88.43) followed by agriculture + dairy and horticulture + dairy. In the same way the knowledge level of information of KMA registered farmers was higher than the non-registered. The overall high impact of of messages through KMA services was reported by 71.7 per cent farmers during the study.

A ield experiment was conducted at Tulsi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh during 2012-13 to 2015-16 to study the effect of organic and inorganic inputs on productivity of soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) based cropping systems. Two cropping systems viz., soybean-wheat and soybean chick pea along with three crop management practices viz., organic, inorganic and integrated were
evaluated in strip plot design with four replications. In kharif season, soybean seed yield in soybean wheat system (2718 kg/ha) was at par with soybean-chickpea (2662 kg/ha) cropping system. Amongst
the management practices, organic practice gave significantly higher soybean seed yield (2850 kg/ha) than inorganic (2592 kg/ha) and integrated (2629 kg/ha) practice of crop management. However in rabi season, wheat (4017 kg/ha) recorded significantly higher yield than chickpea (1065 kg/ha). Inorganic management (2829 kg/ha) recorded significantly highest yield followed by integrated (2698 kg/ha) and organic practice (2097 kg/ha) during season. Soybean equivalent yield (SEY) was significantly higher in soybean-wheat cropping system (2595 kg/ha) than soybean-chickpea (1304 kg/ha). Inorganic practice showed significantly higher SEY (2129 kg/ha) than other two management practices. System net returns  were higher in soybean-wheat system (Rs. 86964/-ha) and in inorganic practice (Rs. 97176/-ha) than in soybean-chickpea cropping system (Rs. 57872/-ha) and rest of the two management practices. Soybean wheat cropping system with inorganic practice recorded higher system productivity (5573 kg/ha).

The present investigation was conducted in Western Haryana. Two districts Bhiwani and Sirsa and two tehsils from each district and two villages from each tehsil were selected randomly. Twenty five buffalo keepers from each village were selected thus making a sample of 200 farmers. The study revealed that more than half (54.50 %) respondents got conceived their buffalo by artificial insemination and around 80.00 percent respondents got their animals inseminated at the later stage of heat. About 41 percent of respondents detect through bellowing. Most (84.00%) of the respondents used panchyat buffalo bull for service and about 62.50 percent buffalo keepers followed pregnancy diagnosis. Only 40.50 buffaloes were bred after 2 months of calving and 53.00 percent buffaloes calved at the age of 3.5 yr.

Pulses in India have long been considered as the poor man’s source of protein. India accounts for 33 per cent of the world’s area and 22 per cent of its pulses’ production. Bihar is one of the leading pulse growing states in India contributing about 6.5 per cent to the country’s pulses production. The study was conducted in the Tal area of Patna District where pulses were grown on around 12301 ha area under chickpea, 28266 ha lentil and 3363 ha under pea and production was 7872.5t of chickpea, 2011.2t of lentil and 3524.8t Pea in the year 2000-01. In the year 2009-10 area under pulses declined and it was 6994 ha under chickpea, 29270 ha under lentil and 1040 ha under pea and production was 680.5t of chickpea, 3044t of lentil and 156.5t of pea. Based on findings of the study, it is concluded that the area under chickpea has declined by 16.64 per cent. However, the area of almost all other pulses like lentil, pea and Lathyrus increased by 15.48 , 6.14 and 3.4 per cent, respectively. Present study revealed the fact that declining area under chickpea was due to various constraints like low yield, low market price, time factor, late maturity, high infestation by insect, pest and diseases and use of local seed. By overcoming these constraints area under chickpea could be increased significantly.

Rice being staple crop, cultivated in almost all over India. In order to provide probable solution about rice cultivation to all the stakeholders, the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad launched
Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP). The present study was undertaken with an objective to analyse the constraints experienced by agricultural scientists and extension personnel in rice knowledge  management and its delivery. The results showed that agricultural scientists and extension personnel faced technological, social, economical and psychological constraints more severely. Under the technological constraints, lack of updated information and technical and Infrastructure problems while using inform action and communication technologies (ICTs), poor maintenance of ICT tools were major constraints. In case of social constraints, restriction to promote organization information followed by less networking among factors, benefits given to particular group of people was found most severe and techno-phobia was found least affecting to respondents for utilizing information. In case of economic constraints, high cost of internet and cost of computer/smart phones were limiting the use of information provided by RKMP. These findings will help in restructuring and necessary modifications for reaching the unreach for information dissemination and making portal more effective for users to ensure timely and relevant information.

Women play a crucial role in rural economy and in India large percentage of micro enterprises in rural areas are run by them. Agro based enterprises such as vegetable production, dairy management and petty trading activities provide various livelihood opportunities for women in rural areas. Micro enterprises act as vehicles for creating jobs, raising household income and enhancing the purchasing power of the farm families but in order to run the micro enterprises successfully women need to possess different managerial abilities such as opportunity scanning, business planning, organizing, directing, controlling, marketing and evaluating. Hence, it becomes necessary to assess the managerial abilities of rural women for strengthening of micro enterprises. Therefore, an attitude scale was constructed for measuring the managerial abilities of the rural women in managing micro enterprises. A total number of 29 statements were selected to measure the managerial abilities of the rural women and Likert method of summated ratings was used for construction of the scale.

Burning of sugarcane trash inside the field in India is a common practice among the farmers due to lack of labour availability and less time available for sowing of the next crop. This is a hazardous practice which has affected soil health, air, human health etc. leading to massive as well as monetary losses. The present study has been based on primary data collected from the sugarcane growers to highlight the constraints pertaining to this issue. Lack of labour availability, high cost for disposing and lack of knowledge on in-situ composting emerged as the major reasons for the ongoing practice. The different measures like creating awareness on in-situ composting and mulching technique were suggested by the farmers to deal with the issue. In-situ composting and trash mulching in sugarcane ield can be a good alternate to mitigate these problems. Some of the measures to deal with the problem can be creating awareness among the farmers about eco loss and strict implementation of the law prohibiting the burning of crop residue, custom hiring of expensive machinery for chopping of straw, off farm utilization were suggested by farmers.

In Punjab about 35 lakh ha area is put under wheat cultivation during Rabi season. This crop gives about Rs 61908/- net income/ha. In order to increase the farmer’s income as well as profitability, cultivation of gobhi sarson was advocated to 40 honey bee keepers replacing wheat crop. The study was carried out at 40 honey bee keepers farm replacing about 16 ha area. It was found that the average yield of gobhi  sarson/ha was 20 q/ha and sold at the rate of Rs. 3700/q which gave a gross income of Rs 74000/ha. Similarly, honey produced from 10 bee hives by individual farmer was worth Rs 51952/- whereas from one hectare wheat, gross income of Rs. 82500/- was obtained. Hence, it was evident that integration of gobhi sarson with bee keeping proved to be more economical than the cultivation of sole wheat crop. Therefore, farmers must replace some area from wheat crop and put under gobhi sarson alongwith keeping of atleast 10 bee hives. This combination will definitely help the farmer in increasing the farm income.

The experiment was laid out at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala farm with five treatments in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments include: T1: application of SSP@ 125kg/ha, T2: application of gypsum@ 125kg/ha, T3: application of SSP@ 125 kg/ha + gypsum@ 125kg/ ha, T4: application of DAP@ 45kg/ha + gypsum@ 125kg/ha and T5: Farmer’s practice (DAP application@ 45kg/ha). The yield data of groundnut revealed that maximum pod yield was obtained with application of SSP@ 125 kg/ha and gypsum@ 125kg/ha followed by SSP@ 125kg/ha alone or DAP@ 45kg/ha + gypsum@ 125kg/ha, which were statistically at par with each other. Similar results were observed with number of pods/ plant. It could be inferred that application of both SSP and gypsum was must to get optimum yield of groundnut.

A preliminary survey was conducted in the district and to gather information on problems faced by farmers in the cultivation of onion crop. The results revealed that farmers were facing problem of low productivity of onion. It was found that soils of district are deicit in zinc and due to this, the productivity of the crop was not up to the mark. To overcome this problem, an On Farm Trial (OFT) was conducted by KVK at 10 farmer’s field during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc sulphate on bulb yield of onion in addition to recommended doses of NPK. Foliar application of zinc sulphate @0.5 per cent at 45 and 60d after transplanting was given along with NPK@100:50:50 kg/ha, respectively. For raising of the crop,  recommended package of practices were followed. The data of the trial revealed that foliar application of zinc sulphate along with recommended dose of NPK (T1) gave maximum yield of onion (275 q/ha) along with the maximum B: C ratio (2.63:1) compared to the recommended practice (T2) which gave 231.25 q/ha yield along with B:C ratio of 2.19:1 and Farmers’ practice (T3) where yield of 187.5 q/ha was recorded along with B:C ratio of 2.16:1 pooled over the two years. Foliar application of zinc sulphate in addition to recommended doses of NPK can be effective practice to deal with low productivity of the crop due to zinc deficiency.

The potato is one of the most important food crops after rice, wheat and maize. More than one billion people consume potatoes worldwide and it is the part of the diet of half a billion people in developing countries. In terms of area, India ranks third in the world after China and Russia and second in production after China. A field experiment on potato was conducted during rabi season for three consecutive years with an objective to prevent the indiscriminate use of fertilizers by the potato growers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and 3 replications. The results showed that the potato crop applied 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) i.e. 150kg N, 60kg P2O5 and 120kg K2O recorded a yield of 15.33 t/ha which was at par with that of 150 per cent of RDF (13.74 t/ha). Therefore, the recommended dose of fertilizers was found to be beneficial for improving yield, quality and storage of potato tubers.

The study was conducted under On Farm Testing (OFT) at the farmer’s field of adopted village Lachchhakheri of District Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) in kharif season of 2014, 2015 and 2016 to assess the effect of weed management treatments on yield of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.) and its weeds. The weed management treatment Oxyluorfen @ 150 g ai/ha as pre emergence gave 46.31 percent higher bulb yield as compared to farmer’s  practice. Further, application of Oxyluorfen @ 150 g ai/ha as pre emergence treatment gave significantly higher plant height, net return and B:C ratio as compared to all other treatments tested and significantly reduced the weed count and weed dry matter recorded at 75 DAS as compared to all other treatments tested.

Potato is one of the basic vegetable of mass consumption in world and become 4th important staple food crop after rice, wheat and maize. Potato is one of the important crops for tribal farmers of Surguja
district but farmers use uncertified seed of potato for cultivation resulting in lower yields. An on farm trial was conducted during rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at five farmers’ field. The trial was laid
out with three treatments i.e., T1-Farmers’ practice (uncertified potato seed) and T2-Recommonded practice (certified seed of potato- Kufri khayati) and T3-Recommonded practice (certified seed of
potato- Kufri pukhraj). Yield attributes, yield, gross return and B:C ratio were recorded and found that significantly higher yields were obtained under T3 during both the years as compared to farmers’ practice.

A ield experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of bio-fertilizers and plant growth regulators (PGR’s) on mungbean under custard apple based agri-horti system in a complete randomized block design with different treatment combinations viz., Harit Vardan (bio-fertilizer), Bioplantomin (liquid bio-manure), Biovita (organic product), Farm Bahar (polymorphic growth hormones) and Plantgro (multi-micronutrients) which were replicated thrice. These treatments were applied in different doses and method of application was either through soil treatment or foliar spray. The biometric observations on growth attributes were recorded at an interval of 15 d i.e.15th , 30th and 45th days after sowing and at maturity. Use of Bioplantomin (liquid bio-manure) at 3.5 l/ha as foliar spray resulted in highest plant height (55.0 cm), number of branches/ plant (4.32), number of trifoliate leaf/plant (9.4) and total dry matter accumulation/plant (11.66g). Protein content (25.70%) as compared to control.

The field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of irrigation, fertigation and plastic mulching in bitter gourd variety Preethi in randomised block design with factorial combination of treatments having 18 treatments and 3 replications. Effect of three levels of irrigation (60%, 80% and100% ET) applied through drip, two levels of mulching (no mulch and mulching with silver- black plastic mulch) and three levels of fertiliser (75%, 100% and 125% of NPK dose 210: 74: 225 kg/ ha) applied as fertigation using water soluble fertilisers were studied. The results indicated that the highest irrigation and fertigation levels (100%Ep and 125%NPK dose) along with plastic mulching significantly enhanced the length of main vine, number of primary branches, dry matter content of leaves and vine, fruit dry mater content, harvest index and N,P,K and iron content of fruits. However, higher doses of irrigation, fertigation and mulching lead to decrease in the ascorbic acid content of fruits. Plastic mulching resulted in early opening of male and female lowers on lower nodes and facilitated 8.64 days early harvest. While increasing the fertigation dose, from 75 to 100 per cent, increased dry matter content of fruits by 37.29 per cent, further increase from 100 to 125 per cent resulted in an increase of only 6.26 per cent. Drip fertigation using water soluble fertilisers along with silver-black plastic mulching can be effectively used for attaining higher production and early harvest in bitter gourd variety Preethi in Kerala.

Ticks infestation is commonly observed in livestock of tropical and subtropical countries. Tick infestation affect the performance and health of animals by spreading tick borne diseases like Babesiosis, Anaplosmosis, Theileriosis etc. Therefore, to control ticks various acaricides are used as spray, injection, topical application  and tank dips. Topical application is effortless and economical for farmers to pour on top back line of the animal from poll to tail. In this regard animal health cum vaccination camps were organized in three villages. Heavily tick infested bullocks were screened and selected. Fifteen tick infested bullocks (Killari or Deoni) from each village were observed for number of ticks per square inch at heavily infested areas of the animal such as neck region, below tail and groin region. Flumethrin 1 per cent (50 ml/animal) was used for topical application from poll to tail on back of the animal. The observations were made after 30 days of application. Results revealed that the mean tick number significantly reduced from 14.44 to 1.31 per square inch respectively, before and after topical application. It can be concluded that, topical application of lumethrin is effortless and economically feasible to control ticks. Hence, lumethrin 1 per cent can be used effectively to control tick population in Killari or Deoni bullocks for a period of twenty to thirty days.

An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of Rathindra KrishiVigyan Kendra, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum during the summer season 2014-15, to study the different nutrient management practices with special emphasis on effect of phosphorus on growth, productivity, soil fertility and economics of summer black gram. The treatments were T1= Control (No source of nutrient), T2= Vermicompost (V.C) @ 2.5 t/ha, T3= V.C + Biofertiliser (B.F) (Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria ), T4= V.C + BF+ Sea weed extract (10%), T5= DAP @100 kg/ha, T6= DAP +BF , T7= DAP + BF + Sea weed extract (10%), T8=Urea (20kg/ha)+SSP (40 kg/ha), T9= Urea+SSP +BF, T10= Urea+SSP +BF +Sea weed extract (10%). The experiment was conducted in randomised block design with 3 replications. The soil was acidic ( pH- 6.18) in reaction, sandy loam in texture with low organic carbon, availablephosphorus and medium in potassium content. The maximum increase in growth attributes was found with the application of T10 i.e.Urea+SSP+Biofertiliser+Sea weed extract treatment followed by T4 and T7.The signiicantly higher grain yield (9.45 q/ha) and yield attributes were obtained under treatment of T10 than those of other treatments. The maximum net return (Rs. 24,050/-ha) and BC ratio (1:2.04) was obtained from the treatment T10.

A ield experiment was conducted during kharif, 2016 at the farmer’s ield in Kerala, to evaluate the effect of various sources of silicon on soil pH, OC, EC and soil texture. Experiment was laid out in randomised block design replicated thrice with seven treatments using Uma as the test variety. The treatments comprised of silicon sources viz., ine silica, rock dust, rice husk ash and potassium silicate, along with the recommended dose of fertilizers as per Kerala Agricultural University. Among the treatments, recommended dose of NPK kg/ ha+ine silica@50 kg/ha+ rice husk ash@ 250 kg/ha, had shown better results with respect to soil pH and OC.

An experiment was conducted during rainy season to evaluate the effect of sowing time and plant spacing on the seed production of okra. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications having four sowing times viz., 2nd week of June, 4th week of June, 2nd week of July and 4th week of July as main plot treatment and four spacing viz., 45 x 20 cm, 45 x 30 cm, 60 x 20 cm and 60 x 30 cm, were taken as subplot treatments. Thus, making a total of sixteen treatment combinations and parameters observed were plant height (cm) days to 50 per cent lowering, fruit set (%), number of fruit/plant, seed yield/ha, test weight (g), seed germination (%), and seed vigour Index 1. Thus, it was found that values for test weight, seed germination, seedling length and vigour index were more in 2nd week of June sown crop as compared to other sowing dates.

Field experiments were conducted at the farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh during rabi season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 in randomize block design with mustard variety NDR-8501 with six treatments. The treatments consisted of commercial grade of sulphur fertilizer viz. sulphur 90% DP @ 25kg/ha at sowing time as basal (S1), Sulphur 80% WP @ 5kg/ha at 45 DAS with urea topdressing/broadcasting (S2), Sulphur 80% WP 1.50kg/ha as foliar sprayed at 75 DAS (S3), sulphur 90% DP @ 25 kg/ha + sulphur 80% WP @ 5 kg/ha applied with urea broadcasting at 45DAS (S4), sulphur basal 90% DP + sulphur 80% WP @ 1.25 kg/ ha foliar sprayed at 75 DAS (S5), no use of sulpher (Farmer practice) as (S6). The application of sulphur had significant influence on yield attributes, grain yield, sulphur uptake and oil percent in mustard. The maximum average value of plant height (158.75cm), seed per siliqua 13.45, test weight (4.863 gm), grain yield (21.86 q/ha) and oil content (33.73%) were recorded with dual application basal along with 80% WP @ 1.25kg/ ha foliar sprayed at 75%DAS closely followed by application of sulfur basal + 80%WP @ 5kg/ha applied with urea broadcasting at 45DAS and minimum value was recorded under treatment (S6) farmer practices. Therefore, application of sulfur 90% WP @ 25kg/ha +sulfur 80WP @1.25kg/ha foliar sprayed at 75% DAS
were recommended for improving yield, yield attributes, oil percent and sulphur uptake of Indian mustard.

The empowerment of women is crucial for the development of the country. Women empowerment is a process in which women challenge the existing norms and culture, to effectively promote their well
being. The Indian Constitution grants equality to women in all aspects. In this regard, the year 2001 was celebrated as the year of women empowerment. The concept of self help groups (SHGs) introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development has taken its roots in nook and corner of the rural, semi-urban and urban areas, which help improve the living standards. The present paper examines the socio-economic empowerment of the rural women through the SHGs. The study was conducted in two districts i.e. Ganjam and Malkangiri of Odisha. Primary data were collected through structured interview schedule from 192 members of 48 SHGs. The study proved that there were not much of developments of the group members. Very poor responses were observed towards developments on various aspects of technological, economical, income generating activities and marketing. Significant developments were also not observed on socio-cultural aspects. It was suggested that the organisations promoting SHGs have to organize the rural women, make them technically sound and increase their risk bearing ability enabling them to undertake income generating activities on commercial basis and empowered them with regular income.

Foot rot disease of Basmati rice is known for causing huge economic losses in all the basmati producing areas every year. The present study was carried out at Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur during kharif 2012-13 and 2013-14 to investigate the role of growing environment on disease development, extent of loss caused by the disease and effective management of the disease. Data analysis revealed that early transplanting of basmati rice (10thJune) resulted in maximum disease incidence (24.2%) while, the lowest disease (3.6%) was recorded under late transplanting (10thJuly). The higher air temperature associated with early planting contributed significantly in symptom development. The correlation coefficient between foot rot incidence and maximum air temperature was found to be significantly positive (0.85; p<0.01). The soil temperature also showed highly positive correlation at 5 cm (0.62) and 20 cm (0.60) depth. The rainfall during transplanting to tillering was negatively associated (-0.71; p<0.05) with bakane development and thus causing in high infection during early transplanting. Similarly, age of nursery also expressed significant effect on disease incidence and highest disease (19.7%) was registered while seedlings of 50 daysage were used for transplanting. The yield loss varied from 3.8 to 47.2per cent depending on the infection level. The set of experiment with different control methods as treatments showed that seed treatment with Bavistin 50  WP @ 0.2% + seedling dip treatment in Bavistin 50 WP @ 0.2% + uprooting the infected seedlings in the nursery was most effective and can control the disease (92.2%) in the field. Thus, foot rot disease of basmati rice can be controlled by altering growing environment accordingly and through management manipulation and judicious use of chemical control.

Agriculture has been established as one of the drudgery prone occupation of unorganized sector due to lack of access to improved agricultural technologies. Weeding is a main drudgery prone activity mostly performed by farm women and to resolve this problem Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalikiri conducted front line demonstrations on use of three tyne wheel hoe to prove the efficacy of improved weeder in reducing drudgery among women engaged in weeding activity in tomato. Twenty farm women were selected randomly for the study. The main focus was to change the attitude, skill and knowledge towards recommended practices in the work. The women traditionally carried out weeding operation by using tools like hand hoe in squatting and bending position which decrease the work efficiency as time progresses. In the recommended weeding practice i.e. with three tyne wheel hoe, the same amount of work could be done in almost half of the time and work efficiency was increased by 93.8 per cent than normal weeding. Farm women adopted the improved technique as it increased the efficiency to work, reduced the drudgery and helped in avoiding bending or squatting posture. It lessened the exertion and fatigue to make the farm women comfortable.

The present study was undertaken during 2015-16 to assess the soil fertility status under sugar cane – wheat farming system in different blocks of Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh. Six blocks namely Milak, Chamrauva, Bilaspur, Shahabad, Saidnagar and Swar were selected. The soil sample was taken from 0-15 cm depth with the help of augur and physical & chemical properties of the soil were analyzed. It was observe that 93.30 per cent samples were normal (6.5-8.5), 2.49 per cent were alkaline (pH > 8.5) and 4.20 per cent were acidic (pH <6.5). The organic carbon content in the soil of the district revealed that 35.38 per cent samples were less than 0.5, 51.07 per cent samples were ranged between 0.5 to 0.75 per cent and 13.15 per cent samples were more than 0.75 per cent. The nitrogen content in soil indicated that soils were low in nitrogen. 82.48 per cent samples were less than 280 kg /ha, 17.52 per cent samples were ranged between 280 to 560 kg/ha and no sample was found more than 560 kg/ha. In case of available phosphorus 6.8 per cent samples were less than 10 kg/ha, 74.38 per cent samples ranged between 10 to 24.6 kg/ ha and 19.43 per cent samples were more than 24.6 kg/ ha. Regarding potassium content, 97.55 per cent samples ranged between 108 to 280 kg/ ha, only 2.10 per cent samples were found more than 280 kg/ha and 0.35 per cent samples were found less than 108 kg/ha.

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2016-17 at the Department of Plantation, Spices,  Medicinal and Aromatic Crops,College of Horticulture, Mandsaur to study the effect of different sources of nitrogen and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of Isabgol. The experiment was laid out inrandomized block design (RBD) with three replicationsand ten treatments comprised of graded levels of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), vermi-compost, FYM and bio-fertilizers (Azotobactor + PSB). The results indicated that the growth and yield of isabgol crop can be increased by treatment T2(50% RDN through urea and 50% RDN through vermi-compost (40 kg N/ha) + bio-fertilizers as Azotobactor + PSB 3 kg/ha each).

The study was conducted for evaluation of different sowing methods of soybean in Bhatapara and Simga blocks of district Balodabazar-Bhataparaat farmers’ field. The experiment was conducted by
involving three treatments namely (i) lat-bed method by broadcasting (ii) Broad bed furrow (BBF) seed drill and (iii) Inclined plate planter. Soybean was more water stress crop and at the time of germination sudden rainfall affects the crop. The results indicated per cent change in yield of lat-bed method by broadcasting versus BBF seed drill and inclined plate planter was 43.07 and 34.31, respectively. The average yield of 13.70, 19.60 and 18.40 q/ha, benefit cost ratio of 1.79, 3.13 and 2.99. Due to drainage of excessive rain water from the fields and stronger plant anchorage on the beds broad bed furrow method gave best result. Similarly, 40 to 50 per cent saving in irrigation water was recorded with bed furrow method of soybean in comparison with flood irrigation in controlled plots. Plant height, number of pods per plant, seed yield weight per plant, seed index, seed yield, straw yield and harvest index (%) found higher in bed furrow method as compared to lat bed and inclined planter methods.

A field experiment was conducted at KrishiVigyan Kendra, Aurangabad and at farmers’ field during rainy seasons of 2014 and 2015, to evaluate drought tolerant rice varieties under various methods of crop establishment under rainfed drought-prone condition of Bihar. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 methods of establishment i.e. direct seeded rice (DSR), unpuddled transplanted rice (UPTR) and transplanted rice (TPR) with three varieties viz., Sahbhagiedhan, SushkeSamrat and Abhishek in a total of nine replications including four at KVK, Aurangabad and ive at farmers’ field during both the years. The direct seeding of rice (DSR) produced significantly higher plant height, number of tillers/m2, panicles/ m2, grains/panicle, illed grains/panicle and 1000-grain weight as compared to TPR and UPTR. Direct seed produced 7.8 and 13.94 per cent more yield in 2014 and 4.64 and 8.52 per cent more in 2015 over unpuddled and puddled transplanted rice, respectively. Net return and benefit-cost ratio were also significantly higher in direct seeded rice than puddled and unpuddled transplanting of rice. Amongst the varieties of rice, SushkSamrat
produced significantly higher yield attributes viz., tillers/m2, panicles/m2, grains/panicle, illed grains/ panicle and 1000-grain weight, and subsequently produced grain yield higher by 10.29 and 9.94 per cent in 2014 and by 4.48 and 7.80 per cent in 2015 over Sahbhagiedhan and Abhishek. The net return and beneitcost ratio were also recorded significantly higher with SushkSamrat than Sahbhagiedhan and Abhishek.

During last few years Mushroom enterprise is emerging as a major off farm livelihood option for farm families of Odisha. For promotion of mushroom as an enterprise, in the state of odisha, a number of
agencies, research organizations, development departments and private entities have been identified to play crucial role. In the present investigation the level of dependency and usefulness of different
organizations and agencies in promotion of mushroom enterprise was studied with a sample size of 300 mushroom growers. This study revealed that, in supply of inputs, farmer promoters secured rank-I
followed by private spawn producers and middle men. In supply of technology, the respondents have given maximum value to Horticulture department followed by farmer promoters, KVKs and CTMRT. The dependency of respondents in supply of finances was found to be maximum with co-operative Society followed by Gramin Bank and Nationalized Bank. In overall usefulness the study revealed that farmer promoters had put extra efforts in promotion of the enterprise focusing both on spread and intensity.

There exist various milk marketing channels in the Punjab state which provide a conflicting set of preferences to the dairy farmers. Present study unravels the importance of various factors affecting the
choice of milk marketing channels by small and medium dairy farmers in the state using Garrett’s Ranking Technique. The results revealed that the higher prices for milk to be most important factor followed by doorstep collection in case of both small and medium dairy farmers. The study also provides a glimpse over the comparative profitability of the milk marketing channels. Among the various milk marketing channels,Channel-II (Producer-Co-operative milk plant-Consumer) was most profitable and efficient. The study emphasized that the government must follow a suitable integrated policy for the growth and expansion of dairy business by providing infrastructural facility for strengthening marketing  of milk in the state.

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont) de Bary is one of the most dreaded diseases of potato worldwide and cause significant losses in production. It affects both potato foliage in the field and tubers in storage. A number of management techniques for late blight have been developed and used throughout the world. Effective control of this disease requires an integrated disease management approach. Fungicides alone can’t control late blight effectively, but should be used as a tool in an integrated management. In present studies, weather forecast based targeted application of fungicides with recommended cultural practices (use of healthy seed, seed treatment, proper spacing and hilling etc.) were used for effective management of the disease. Preventive fungicide applications were given, by identifying conducive period for disease development using local weather forecast. Effective management of disease i.e. 92.17 and 90.93 per cent during 2014 and 2015, respectively was achieved in demonstration trials by following prophylactic spray of mancozeb, sprays of cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64%, just after disease appearance, followed by need based sprays of mancozeb and cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64% at 10 days interval. contrary to this , in control i.e. farmers’ practice, disease incidence of 95.83 and 96.94 per cent was recorded during 2014 and 2015, respectively, as farmers sprayed fungicides indiscriminately, only after disease appearance.

On farm testing of two different technologies released from UAS, Bangalore and KAU, Thrissur were demonstrated at farmer’s ield keeping the farmer’s practice as the check plot. The technology
recommended by UAS, Bangalore includes application of RDF (N:P:K 125:75:63 kg/ha), FYM: 25t/ha, Neem cake @375kg/ha, seed treatment (soaking seeds in 0.2% Bavistin) and Spraying of Imidacloprid 17.8SL@ 0.5ml/lit for control of sucking pests resulted highest yield of 9.25 t/ha with B:C ratio of 2.13 as compared to the technology released from KAU, Thrissur includes application of RDF (N:P:K 110:35:70 kg/ha), FYM application@ 12 t/ha, Spray of Dimethoate 30EC@ 1.75ml/lt for control of sucking pests.

The present paper highlights the availability, awareness and usage of information and communication technology (ICT) among students of Agricultural Universities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The results revealed that most of the students had the access to ICT tools like projector, computer, University website and mobile, but the tools like e-portfolio, teleconference, video conference and digital student report card system were not available to most of the students in agricultural colleges. Student’s awareness of ICT tools is same as that of availability. Most of the agricultural students were using mobile daily, but occasionally used the computer and projector. Majority of the students had improved their capabilities in concept understanding, academic performance, employment opportunities and higher education opportunities.

Paddy is the subsistence crop and grown as a major cereal in about 65 per cent of the total cultivable area in Angul district. For capacity building of the farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted 16 training
programmes, 8 demonstrations including 78 beneficiaries, entrepreneurs meet, field days, exhibitions, mushroom Melas etc over last 5 years covering technical financial and marketing aspects of mushroom cultivation. In the year 2016-17 the mushroom production increased gradually and reached to 1288 MT and proved as a promising enterprise for the district. Initially, 12 units were established having the adoption rate of 10 per cent in 2011 and later on increased to 72 units with adoption rate of 52 per cent. The objective of the study was to analyze cost benefit of mushroom production and to evaluate socioeconomic constraints faced by farmers in adoption of the technology. It was found that the perishable nature of commodity (60%) and non-availability of quality spawn (55.8%) were the main problems for entrepreneurship in mushroom farming and it could be successful only if cold storage and packaging facility in paddy straw mushroom were given due importance. Hence, it can be concluded that mushroom cultivation is one of the most potential income generation activity with the remarkable diversity.

A study was conducted in the district by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, to study the extent of knowledge and adoption of eleven selected scientific cultivation practices of mushroom being followed by the farm
women. To measure the extent of knowledge and adoption, 50 trained farm women were selected for the  study. The results revealed that majority of the respondents were found to have high level of knowledge in mushroom cultivation activities i.e. 56 per cent followed by medium knowledge ( 28 %) and low knowledge (16 %). The overall mean per cent score for knowledge and adoption were found to be 83.5 and 76.8 per cent, respectively. The mushroom growing is such an enterprise in which requirement of land is not a big issue so even landless farmers can augment their income through mushroom cultivation.

A field experiment on evaluation and selection of pickle type mango was conducted at NARP, Ganeshkhind, Pune, during 2001- 2013 to study the performance of pickle mango selections under plain zone conditions. Ten different selections were collected from different localities in plain zone of Western Maharashtra. These were evaluated for their growth characteristics, fruit yield and pickle qualities. The pooled analysis of the year 2011, 2012 and 2013 was worked out and observed that there was significant differences for all the  characters under study except fruit diameter and TSS before ripe. The variety Phule Abhiruchi (GK-PM-5) recorded maximum trunk girth (88.6 cm), number of fruits / tree (186.43), average fruit weight (242.6g) , yield/ tree (45.5 kg) and acidity (3.2 %). This variety was evaluated for organoleptic parameters like  firmness, flavor and texture, recorded overall highest score of 8.0 out of 10.0. Hence, the mango pickle variety Phule Abhiruchi (GK-PM-5) was recommended for pickling purpose in plain zone of Maharashtra.

The diverse agro-ecological situations ranging from sub-tropical in the lower valleys to alpine at very high elevations present an extremely congenial environment for horticulture diversification. The marketing behavior of a farmer is influenced by numerous factors. The study was conducted purposively during 2016-2017 in Gangtok and Pakyong blocks of East district of Sikkim comprising of 10 vegetable growing villages to assess the marketing behaviour of vegetable growers. The data were collected with the help of pre-tested semi structured interview schedule, prepared on the basis of objectives of investigation and variables personally.The statistical tools of mean and percentage were used for analyzing the data. It was found that about 18 per cent respondents acquired market information from neighbours/ relatives and 43 per cent respondents had medium level of marketing knowledge about vegetables. The lack of proper local market yard facilities was the major
problem (95%) while 100 percent respondent suggested the establishment of wholesale market within the state.

India’s growth and development is largely dependent on its farm income being a farm based economy. The change in climate specifically deviation in temperature, rainfall pattern (change in number of rainy days, change in on set of monsoon, deviation in amount of rainfall, erratic raining etc.) have a significant impact on the farm production and farm economy. The present study was conducted in Ghoragachha village under Saguna gram panchayet, Nadia, West Bengal. The number of respondents were 60 and were selected randomly.The data were collected trough pilot survey, structured interview and focused group interview.The statistical tools used for data analysis were correlation coefficient, step down regression,path analysis and factor analysis. It has been observed that the variables like size of holding(X4), homestead land(X5), livestock(X10), farm family income(X6)were the most significant variables. The impact of monsoon on farmers’ income and farm economy are mostly dependent on these aspects.

The present study evaluates the participatory training programmes conducted on organic farming methods for the agricultural extension professional of Medak district, Telangana. The extension workers cutting across 46 mandals of the district covering State Agricultural Department and voluntary organisations working at the grassroot level were purposively sampled and the knowledge levels were studied before and after these participatory trainings by a structured questionnaire. Based on the findings, the middle aged extension professional i.e age group of 31-45 yr were mostly playing a key role in disseminating the agricultural information at the grassroot level of the district and still there is a need of frequent up gradation of their knowledge. This study had shown that extension professionals with hierarchically superior designation found to be dealing extension matters in a better way and were promoting extension methods better, than any other professional.

The major concern of Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System (FIRBS) is to enhance the productivity and save the irrigation water. In this system of planting chickpea crop is sown in paired rows on ridges or beds. The height of the beds is maintained at about 20 to 25 cm with a width of about 40 to 50 cm for the chickpea sowing. The field experiments were conducted at different villages of Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh viz. Narana, Nanadharakhedi and chidawad during the year 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the performance of chickpea under different land configurations. The trials involved three seed bed configurations i.e. lat sowing (T1), raised bed with pair row of crop at 20 cm spacing on one bed and 40 cm furrow width (T2) and raised bed with pair row of crop at 30 cm spacing on one bed with 50 cm furrow width (T3) with 10 replications. It was found that treatment T3 recorded 25.5 and 8.89 per cent more nodulation as compared to treatment T1 and T2, respectively. Number of pods/plant were also maximum with raised bed planting of treatment T3 (106.5) which was significantly higher than lat bed T1 ( 23%) and T2 (14%). Grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were also significantly influenced by the different sowing methods and it were found maximum (19.35, 30.45 and 49.80 q/ha respectively) by sowing of chick pea in raised bed with pair row of crop at 30 cm spacing on one bed with 50 cm furrow width (T3). Hence, it was concluded that treatment T3 (raised bed with pair row of crop at 30 cm spacing on one bed with 50 cm furrow width) was economically feasible as compared to other methods of sowing of chick pea.

The present study was conducted in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The front line demonstrations on cumin crop conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Danta, Barmer during the last three years (2013-14 to 2015- 16). The results showed 31.90 to 62.19 per cent yield increase in FLDs over farmers practice during 2013-14 to 2015-2016. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 2.67 q/ha, 2.50 q/ha and 29.41 per cent, respectively. Therefore, front line demonstration programme was an effective tool for increasing the productivity of cumin and changing knowledge, attitude and skill of farmers. This created greater awareness and motivated the other farmers to adopt improved practices of Cumin.

A field experiment was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture,University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore to quantify the soil moisture status and its effect on crop yield under varied rainfall situation in the region. The loss of soil moisture during critical period of crop growth (tillering, lowering and grain illing stages) result in the drastic reduction of yield. It could be prevented by adopting newly designed improved sweep bent tyne hoe through effective weed control and efficient intercultural operation. The present study clearly indicated that the power operated improved sweep type inter-cultural hoe confirms the superiority in conservation of soil moisture condition (13.87 to 15.07, 10.37 to 12.14 and 8.10 to 9.29 % during tillering, lowering and grain filling stage respectively) followed by bullock drawn bent tyne hoe (7.22 to 14.09 %) and blade harrow (7.70 to 13.55 %) irrespective of the critical stages of the crop growth period. The study revealed that the fresh weed biomass using improved sweep hoe was more (3.14t/ha) as compared to bullock drawn bent tyne hoe (1.88t/ha) and blade harrow (1.56t/ha). It was also observed that the weed efficiency of newly developed sweep hoe was high (78.99 to 86.38 %) compared to bent tyne hoe (76.68 to 79.99 %) and blade harrow (75.15 to 77.11 %).

The study was conducted in village Rupana of Sirsa district where about 120 ha land is salt affected. In kharif season, the ield remained fallow due to hazardous effect of salts. Even in Rabi season, the traditional wheat varieties could not withstand owing to higher salt accumulation in root zone. In the Rabi 2013- 14, KVK demonstrated a salt tolerant wheat variety for salt affected area of the village. Initially seed of variety was demonstrated to 15 farmers in the year 2013-14. This variety registered an average yield of  32.4 q/ha as compared to PBW-343 (10.2 q/ha). In the next year 2014-15, a new salt tolerant variety No. 2 (KRL-213) was also introduced in the village which proved to be more effective than salt tolerant variety no 1. In all, both salt tolerant varieties were superior and economically viable as compared to PBW-343.

The Brown Turkey cultivar was introduced in 2013 for cultivation in Punjab, India. Study was undertaken to know about the effect of change in cultivation area on physico-chemical attributes. The fruit being a soft skinned, highly perishable needs packaging interventions to extend its shelf life to be consumed in its fresh state. Brown Turkey ig had an average weight of 25.97g, fruit length 38.31mm, thickness 31.87mm, breadth 36.18mm and geometric mean diameter 35.31mm. The fruit of Brown Turkey is spherical in shape with high antioxidant activity and a good source of macro and trace minerals.

The present study was conducted to know the preference and purpose of using Social Network Sites (SNS) by adolescents.Social networking has become part of the daily life experiences for an increasing
number of people. The study was conducted in Hyderabad and Secunderabad twin cities using ex-post facto research design. The sample consisted of 200 adolescents of aged between 18-20 years who were studying professional and non-professional degree courses. The results showed that Facebook was ranked I and it is the most popular and widely used social network site followed by YouTube and Twitter. Another finding of the study showed the difference between the Professional and Non-Professional students in their purpose of usage i.e. professional students used the social network sites for chatting, fun, to get information and for flirting others whereas Non –Professionals used for making friends, playing games and reading blogs. This study was helpful to understand why and how Social networking sites are being used by the adolescents.Social Network sites can be used to create awareness on social evils and to generate the knowledge.

The women’s contribution to the farming sector in respect of participation and decision making has largely been ignored. Though women performed more than four-fifth of agricultural work, their decision were accepted only less than one-third of the case. The present study was conducted in Sahibganj district of Jharkhand. There are 9 block namely Rajmahal, Barharwa, Sahibganj, Taljhari, Borio, Barhet, Mandro, Udhwa and Pathna. Twenty five women from each block were selected, thus making a total sample of 225. To study the extent of decision by rural women in their family, structured interview schedule was administrated in the year 2017 on 225 farm women, who have attended at least 3 training programme at KVK. It was found that the farm women participated in decision making process in each and every farm activities and the elder  in the family mainly took decisions. This is not surprising because the joint family system is still prevalent where women have no role to play in decision making. In case of selection of seeds, quality of seeds, type of pesticide, time of harvesting, vaccination, calving of animals, AI, foods of animals, maintenance of tractor/pump set, drudgery reducing implements, fertilizer in fruit plants, distance between two plants and selection of fruit plants, all decision were taken by elder person of the family. In all these cases women’s decision was almost negligible. Further, more than 50 per cent of decision in the area of home science were taken by the women such as preservation of fruits and vegetables (84.44%) and food to be cooked(88.44%). The data about income of the family (44.44%) and saving in the family (40.00%) showed that  although women earned and saved the money by working in the field but their decisions were still centered to the kitchen only. It was also concluded that in financial matter, the involvement of women was less.

The present study was conducted on 100 farm women to examine the impact of training programme on knowledge level of farm women about soybean processing technologies. The respondents were trained at KVK Uttarkashi in different aspect of home Science technologies. Pre and post training knowledge score were calculated and analysed the data with the help of paired’t’ test and correlation studies. Significance differences were found among pre and post training mean score of all the aspect of the training. The study revealed that majority of respondents (72 %) had medium level of knowledge while 20 per cent of the respondents obtained higher level of knowledge and 8 per cent had low level of knowledge score related to different aspects of precision farming technologies. The attributes viz. education (r=0.2307), annual income (r=0.1807) and social participation (r= 0.1968) had positive and highly significant correlation with knowledge of respondents,  however, age and marital status were found negatively correlated with the knowledge of respondents.

In present study, three early maturing clones CoPb 08211, CoPb 08212, CoS 08233 and two standards viz., CoJ 64 and CoPant 84211 were evaluated in three crop cycles (I and II Plant crop and ratoon
crop) at seven locations in North West Zone during 2012-14. Data on CCS (t/ha), cane yield (t/ha) and sucrose (%) were subjected to stability analysis using AMMI model and simultaneous selection of
high yielding and stable clones was done by estimated index value based ranking. Based on index of simultaneous selection of high CCS (t/ha) and stable clones, it was found that the standard CoJ 64 and
clones CoPb 08212 and CoS 08233 were at irst, second and third rank, respectively. Considering top two high CCS (t/ha) and stable clones, CoPb 08212 and CoS 08233 were superior, but inferior to the
standard CoJ 64. Results based on stability value and rank based on estimated value for high cane yield (t/ha) revealed that entries CoPb 08212 (80.39 t/ha) and CoS 08233 (76.02 t/ha) were at irst and second rank, respectively and better than both the standards CoJ 64 and CoPant 84211. Simultaneous selection based on high sucrose (%) and stability revealed that the clones CoPb 08212 (18.10%), CoPb 08211and CoS 08233 were at irst, second and third rank, respectively. All these clones were better than both the standards used. From the above analysis, it may be concluded that the entries CoPb 08212 and CoS 08233 were stable clones with high yield and sucrose (%) in early maturity group of North West Zone.

The study was conducted in the East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh to determine Socio-economic characteristics of fisher folk and to explore the constraints for adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in marine capture fisheries. The data were collected through personal interview technique from 120 fishermen, who were actively engaged in marine fishing. The results revealed that the occupation of majority fisher folk was exclusively fishing. They spent 10-15 hr in fishing on each fishing day, undertook fishing for more than 20-25d in a month and with an average of 8-10m in a year. A majority of the respondents harvested more than 300kg of ish on a fishing day and sailing 20-60 Nm from the shore, operated their gears in the depth of 80-120 m and their vessels had more than five tones of ish holding capacity. For a majority of the fisher folk, the annual income was more than  Rs.1.5 lakh, annual expenditure more than rupees one lakh and thus, the annual saving in the range of Rs. 15,000-45,000/- annum. Most of the respondents have operated mechanized fishing vessels and gears such as gillnet, hook and line and trawl net for fishing. The major constraints reported by the respondents were financial support for the purchase of high cost ICT instruments (97.50%), the language problem in understanding the application of ICT gadgets (91.67%) and lack of knowledge on operation of ICT tools.

The present investigation was undertaken to extract juices from pomegranate fruit, standardize the process for preparation of ready to serve beverage and to study the changes in quality during storage. The stored beverage was evaluated periodically at an interval of one month for chemical and sensory properties. The juice cum pulp extracted by four different methods showed that maximum recovery was obtained from TM3 (Screw type juice extractor) in respect of pomegranate Cv. Bhagwa (48.35 %) and Cv. Ganesh( 49.93%). Extracted juice cum pulp was clarified by using four clarification methods and TC4 (Pectinase enzyme 2 % and incubation at 30 ºC for 4 hr and centrifugation at 10000 rpm for 15 minutes) was found best for recovery of clear juice. Pomegranate clarified juice recovery was observed in Cv. Bhagwa (91.97 %) and Cv. Ganesh (91.78% on w/w basis).

Cashew nut recovery remains major concern in the cashew nut production. The hand operated portable cashew nut sheller was developed on the principle of shearing. The comparative performance was tested for hand operated cashew nut sheller, hand and foot operated sheller and manual shelling, the test results showed that hand operated sheller can shell 2.32 kg cashew/ hr with the whole kernel recovery of 86.26 per cent. The per cent whole kernel recovery for new sheller was 86.26, while that for foot pedal operated sheller was 80.1 and hand shelling was 71.0.

The present study was conducted in five villages of district Kapurthala by selecting 20 farm women from each village. Thus, a total of 100 farm women were interviewed to know the consumption pattern and preference for different brands of detergent powder used, factors influencing the brand choice, how the rural consumers get information regarding various brands and per capita consumption of detergent powder. It was observed that 32 per cent of the respondents preferred Tide and 13 per cent unbranded detergents. Farm women between the age group 21-30 yr had a preference for Surf Excel while those in the age group of 41-50 yr and 51-60 yr liked Wheel and Tide, respectively. Majority of the respondents (51.0%) got information regarding brand of detergent from television advertisements followed by newspaper and radio.Per capita consumption of detergent per month was found to be 500g irrespective of the detergent brand.

The present study was conducted to ind out the correlation between time spent in various activities and cognitive abilities of school going and non school going children in migrant labour families. A sample of 120 mother-child dyads including children between 6-8 yr of age and mothers working as domestic servants, were purposively selected from each chosen locality through snowball technique. Children were approached to assess their cognitive abilities. Results revealed that school children’s extended involvement in play activities enhanced their quantitative and motor skills but declined their verbal, memory and general cognitive ability. Long involvement of non school going children in play significantly increased their verbal, motor, quantitative, memory and general cognitive ability. Children’s of migrant families spent more time in play activities which enhance their motor abilities but declined perceptual ability.

Training strategy is a vision, direction, action, planning for training and development in an organization that requires implementation to achieve success. The study assessed the training strategies preferred by the horticulture extension personnel for attending trainings in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 200 horticulture extension personnel (Horticulture development oficers and horticultural technicians) were sampled for obtaining training by proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data were analysed by using frequency and percentage. The inding of the study revealed that more than one half (63%) horticulture development officers and 53 per cent horticulture technicians preferred 3-5 days training programme. Majority (60%) Horticulture development oficers (HDOs) preferred SKUAST- JChatha and about one half (45%) horticulture technicians preferred their respective district head office/ KVKs as venue for attending training programme. Both horticulture development officers and horticulture technicians preferred to attend training programme in the month of October – December. Trainers for training from outside state were preferred by more than one half (53%) horticulture development officers where trainers out of their parent organisation but within the state were preferred by 3/4th of the horticulture technicians for obtaining trainings, respectively. Method as well as result demonstration techniques were perceived as very effective training methods. Major constraint expressed by horticulture development officers was shortage of staff, where pay anomalies, excess work load and lack of promotional avenues were major constraint expressed by the horticulture technicians in performing their job.

Effective communication from different sources and channels are the essence of extension which provides agricultural information and knowledge to the farmers. Keeping in mind the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the transfer of agricultural technologies, a study on the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by the Farmers of Hilly Areas was conducted in Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir. Out of 12 Blocks, 4 blocks namely Reasi, Arnas, Pouni and Painthal were selected randomly. Twenty villages were selected randomly from these blocks and a total of 120 farmers were selected randomly from these 20 selected villages. An index was developed for studying the use of ICTs by the respondents. It was found that the majority of farmers were having television and mobile phones and most of them were using the television for the entertainment purpose. Extension personnel’s were considered as the most credible source of information followed by radio, television, newspaper and computer.

A study was conducted to know about the use, pattern of pesticide application, reasons for using non recommended pesticides at higher doses and the suggestions to tackle this issue. It was found that the average consumption of pesticides in Punjab agriculture was 0.53 kg/ha in1974-75 which increased to 0.94 kg/ha of gross cropped area in1994-95. It might have occurred due to severe pest attack on cotton crop in the state during that period but it declined to 0.73 kg/ha in the year 2010-11. Thereafter, no increase in pesticide consumption in the state was noticed up to the year 2015-16 rather it remained stagnant. Among the various crops, the per cent area being treated by pesticides was calculated to be high in cotton (98.4%) followed by sugarcane (96.3%), paddy (93.6%) and wheat (91.7%) while per cent area was calculated to be lowest in case of maize crop (71.1%). The expenditure on pesticides usage was more or less same in three zones of Punjab during rabi season but was different in kharif season with maximum in zone II (Rs. 5728/-ha) followed by zone III (Rs. 5163/-ha) and zone I (Rs.4000/-ha). Thirty four per cent of the total sampled farmers were found to be using the recommended doses of pesticides. Amongst the various reasons cited by the farmers for using higher doses of pesticides, spurious quality of pesticides has emerged as the main reason, 100 per cent of the farmers were of the view that pesticide usage should decline in the state because of the ill effects of pesticides on the human and animal health. Fifty per cent of the total sampled farmers suggested that quality of the pesticides must be ensured for effective control of pests/diseases while 26 per cent were in favour of developing new formulations of better quality than existing ones.

KrishiVigyan Kendra, Burhanpur conducted 60 demonstrations on soybean during 2010 to 2014 in four adopted villages. The critical inputs were identified in existing production technology through farmers meeting and group discussions with the farmers. Average higher yield (2009.6 kg/ha) was obtained in demo plot over local check (1698.6 kg/ha) and an additional yield of 18.33 per cent was obtained in the demonstration plot. Average yield gap and technology index were found 290 kg/haand 12.62 per cent, respectively.Averages of gross and net returns of demonstration were 25.60 and 37.53 per cent higher than the farmers’ practice, respectively.It was found that the percentage of damaged plant was lower in demonstration compared to farmers’ practice. The seed treatment with  hiamethoxam 70 WS @ 3g/kgfollowed by spraying of thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 100 g/ha at the lowering and pod initiation stage inhibited stemly attack consequently lesser premature shedding of pods as compared to farmers’ practice. Results suggested economic viability and agronomic feasibility of the FLD technology for soybean cultivation.

Organic farming performs major role in scented rice production. The experiment was conducted at Sehradabri farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, district Dhamtari of Chhattisgarh State. The treatments wereT1 (1)control without use of organic manure or biofertilizer only use FYM and T2 (2) along with FYM 5t/ha+ vermicompost as recommended rate i.e.5t/ha, T3 (3) along with FYM 5t/ha+ vermicompost as recommended rate i.e.5t/ha and PSB culture + Azospirrillum@ of 3. 5kg/ha each .Results showed that the application of vermicompost along with FYM ,PSB and Azospirrillum culture increased no. of tillers , panicle length ,weight of 1000 grain and increased the grain yield in scented rice cultivation. Similar trends were reported in gross and net returns, showing better opportunities of organic agriculture in scented rice.

First crop/ pre-kharif/ spring rice (February, March – June, July) is dying down in Manipur due to many factors such as non-availability of suitable variety, susceptibility to lodging and sprouting because of rain during harvest, meager irrigated area, submergence of shallow lake areas due to Loktak Hydel Power Project, etc. and improper land preparation due to lack of time. A study was conducted during 2014 to 2016 at twelve farmers’ field under reined SRI method (without ploughing, fertilizer or manure). After the harvest of ish in the month of February, rice nursery was raised and after the harvest of rice, fishes raised from the previous years in a separate nursery pond was stocked in the ratio of grass carp (500 no.),silver carp (500 no.), rohu (1000 no.), mrigal (1000 no.) and common carp (1000 no.). This practice has  enabled the farmers to earn an average annual gross income of Rs. 348850/ha giving a B: C ratio of 2.56.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of growth regulator, time and method of grafting on the success of graft union and root formation in Flame Seedless grapevines grafted on Dog Ridge rootstock. The grafting operations were performed at different dates i.e. first week of February, Third week of February, first week of August and first week of September. The basal portion of the rootstock cuttings were dipped in IBA at the rate of 2000 ppm for promoting rooting. Following this treatment the cuttings were grafted (tongue and wedge grafting) and were maintained as per experiments and success of graft union was observed. The data revealed that grafts made during third week of February gave the maximum graft take compared to other months, i.e. early February, August and September. Among the two methods of grafting, the maximum graft
take was obtained with tongue grafting. Thus, tongue grafting performed on grape vines during the third week of February exhibited higher success in terms of sprouting percentage and other vegetative growth parameters.