The present study was carried in Anekal taluk of Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka state during 2020-21 to know the extent of adoption of recommended cultivation practices by flower growers and to identify the marketing channels of flower growers. Sixty flower growers were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. Ex-post facto research design was employed for the present study. The results revealed that a majority of flower growers (51.67%) were having high overall adoption of recommended cultivation practices, while one-fourth (25.0%) and 23.33 per cent of the flower growers were having medium and low overall adoption of recommended rose cultivation practices, respectively. Further it was found out that Channel I (Producers à Commission AgentsàRetailers àConsumers) (Rank I) was most preferred marketing channel for marketing of rose cut flowers by the respondents followed by Channel II (ProducersàLocal TradersàRetailers àConsumers) (Rank II), Channel III (Producersà IFAB à Retailers à Consumers) (Rank III) and Channel IV (Producers à ExportersàRetailers àConsumers) (Rank IV) in the order of importance.

Key Words: Adoption, Consumers, Extension activities, Flower growers, Marketing channels

Tribal Sub Plan Scheme is being implemented by ICAR-KVK, Namakkal at Elangiyampatti, Kollihills since 2020. Here pepper is cultivated in an area of 80 ha. by 242 farmers. As pepper vines grow up to 4 -5 m height, manual harvesting which is only available method in Kollihills that requires a ladder and a skilled labour. Normally, single bamboo pole is used as a support to climb the shade trees of black pepper for harvesting. It is a very time-consuming activity with lot of difficulties and it is harmful to the vine. In order to avoid such situation in black pepper harvesting, KVK, Namakkal has introduced and supplied Aluminium ladder to the tribal farmers on cost sharing basis under TSP. Comparing the field efficacy of both the ladders, totally 4 pepper vines of 15 yr old or 6 vines of less than 10 yr old were harvested in a day by using bamboo pole when compared to aluminium ladder (6 – 8 vines respectively). In aluminium pole method, farmer could harvest 500 kg of green berries/ day and spend only Rs.22500/0.4 ha alone for harvesting, besides saved up to Rs.13500/ 0.4 ha as against Rs.36000/0.4 ha in bamboo pole method.

Key Words: Black pepper, Harvesting , ladders – Kollihill

In this study, the carps were cultured with Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) to access the feasibility, growth, survival and production of fishes in freshwater condition for two consequent years. Carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Ctenopharyngodon idella) were cultured along with seabass in experiment pond whereas only carps were reared in control pond. The result showed that the water and sediment quality were optimum in both the ponds as per fish growth and survival. The work revealed that average growth of carps in terms of length, weight, biomass and production was significantly high (P<0.01) in experiment pond during the subsequent years of the study. Satisfactory results and the positive impact of introducing seabass in carp polyculture may be attributed to seabass stocking after the carps have attained appropriate size. The  stocking of seabass seeds was done after getting the proper size of carps that help protect these carps from predation and chasing, availability of primary food components for consumption than the supplementary feed and consumption of weed fish by seabass minimized competition for food, oxygen and space for carps. Based on these findings, it was concluded that such practices would be a milestone for fish farming in freshwater

An experiment was conducted at SG college of agriculture and research station, IGKV, Jagdalpur to estimate correlation and path analysis among different characters of twenty eight sweet potato genotypes in randomized block design in 3 replication during Kharif 2020-21. Observed thirteen quantitative characters viz., vine internode length, length of tubers per plant, diameter of tubers, starch, dry matter of tubers, no. of tubers per plant, tubers weight per plant, harvest index and tubers yield (t/ha). Analysis of variance revealed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes was highly significant for all the characters. Correlation revealed that tubers yield (t/ha) showed high significant positive correlation with tubers weight per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic level (0.807 and 0.963) followed by number of tubers per plant, starch (%), diameter of tubers (cm), length of tubers (cm), harvest index (%), dry matter of tubers (%). Path co-efficient analysis revealed maximum direct contribution towards tubers weight per plant showed maximum positive direct effect on tubers yield (1.125t/ha) followed by diameter of tubers, vine length, number of tubers per plant, TSS of tubers percent and length of tubers per plant.

Pig rearing is an important enterprise for the Tribal people of Kohima district. It is reared for its meat and is closely associated with their culture and tradition. The practice is to keep one or two pigs as backyard farming in-order to convert kitchen waste, industrial waste and green fodder into protein for human consumption. Freshly harvested green leaves from garden, forest and fields are chopped using dao which result in postural discomfort over time. The present study introduces manually operated chaff cutter with 2 blades and 3 blades in the district to overcome such constraints. The findings show that chaff cutter with 3 blades had the superiority over the other in various parameters. It had the capacity to cut 27.38 kg/hr over the local dao (19.35 kg/hr) showing an increase in output by 41.49 percent, operating cost for producing one quintal reduced from 280.77 to 196.30 and time spend to produce the same quantity was reduced by 43.75%. It eliminated complete pain from upper back, legs, neck and fingers, while reduced the severity of pain from the lower back, lower arms, shoulders, and hands.

Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau is fast achieving the status of an invasive weed in the sandy loam soils of Onattukara, Kerala, India. There is high prospect for composting Limnocharis due to its nutrient recycling compared to the normal weed management through herbicides. The present study was undertaken with a view of recycling Limnocharis flava using various composting methods during November 2020 to January 2021 at Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala. The treatments were T1 – normal composting, T2 – vermi-composting, T3 – composting using KAU inoculum and T4 – composting using enriched Pleurotus florida. The design used was CRD and was replicated five times. The results revealed that all the composting methods tried had converted Limnocharis flava to quality compost. The highest recovery percentage was registered for vermi composting. The highest N, Ca and Fe contents were found to be in composts from Pleurotus florida (T4 ) but the highest BC ratio was recorded for vermi composting (T2 ). Hence, for commercial use, Limnocharis flava can be profitably converted to vermi-compost.

Stoles inspired from kalamkari motifs were prepared through digital printing technique on the basis of consumer preferences on silk fabric. Developed stole designs were evaluated by 90 respondents on the basis of design, colour combination, combination of motifs, printing quality, appearance of design and price acceptability. It was found that design 6(B) followed by design 10(A) obtained first and second ranks on the basis of uniqueness of the design, colour combination, printing quality and suitability of combination of motifs whereas stole
design 6(B) and design 11(B) obtained first and second rank on the basis of appearance of the design. Majority of the respondents rated the prepared stoles as very good. The largest percentage of the respondents consider the quoted price of stoles as adequate. The price of the stoles ranged between Rs. 1450/- and Rs. 1650/-.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra across the country is making relentless efforts to develop entrepreneurial and self employment skills among the rural youth. The ICAR KVK of Ariyalur District is imposing special emphasis in this line and conducted the six days practical training on climbing of coconut trees using climing device to 160 trainees with the financial assistance of coconut Development Board, Cochin during the year 2017 to 2020. The impact study conducted by the KVK, Ariyalur among the 100 ex-trainees showed that ninety
percent of the trainees using the climbing device for climbing of Coconut tree both on their own trees and as a profession to earn income. As this training involves more practical exposure and easiness of climbing device facilitated the trainees to become professional climbers. By these trainings eighty three person became tree climber and thereby a mandays of 24,500 per year created to the youth members. They could earn a sustained income of Rs.22,500/month and secured their livelihood. The correlation analysis of profile characters
versus extent of adoption by the respondents also showed that education (0.575**), farm size (0.457**), social participation (0.356**), risk bearing capacity (0.543**) and motivation orientation (0.648**) had highly significant positive impacts over extend of adoption of climbing device for coconut tree climbing.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banavasi conducted thirty front line demonstrations on direct-sown rice with seed drill at farmer’s fields of different villages in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh from 2017-18 to 2019-20. This DSR method showed an increase in average yield (6151 kg/ha) in comparison to TPP (5482 kg/ha). In the case of DSR, the growth parameters plant height (75.2cm), productive tillers/hill (20.7 no), plants/m2 (34.1 no), and panicle length (19.1cm) were significantly higher as compared to the TPR method. Comparative economics of DSP and TPP method of paddy cultivation revealed that there was a difference in cost of cultivation of nearly Rs.10,000 to 12,000/ha. The benefit-cost ratio of 2.65 was also much higher than the TPR (1.95). The lower net returns of Rs.61,669/ha and low benefit-cost ratio of 1.95 indicated the non-profitability of paddy cultivation under the TPR method in the Kurnool district. Labour shortage would become a major problem after a lockdown in the agriculture sector. Thus, it could be recommended that direct seeding through seed drill may be advantageous for increasing the productivity and profitability of rice.

Key Words: Direct seeded rice (DSR), Transplanted rice (TPR), Frontline demonstrations, Economics,
Labour shortage.

Input subsidies are given in the farming sector to encourage the farmers to use the resources judiciously for getting higher yield level of crops. The direct subsidy benefit is realized by the farmers in monetary terms by reduction in price of farm inputs, farm machinery etc. while indirect subsidies are mostly given especially for chemical fertilizers, electric power supply for running tube wells to irrigate crops. Keeping in view the importance of subsidies in agricultural sector, the present study was undertaken to work-out the quantum of input subsidies availed by Punjab farmers with major emphasis on paddy and wheat crops. The data were collected from a representative sample of 180 farmers from all farm categories
encompassing one district each selected randomly from three agro-climatic regions of Punjab. The results revealed that the quantum of direct subsidy facility provided by the government departments was mainly availed by medium, large farm category farmers showing disparity in their distribution. Crop-wise subsidy pattern showed that paddy cultivation availed Rs. 8486/-ha subsidy while it was Rs. 5763/-ha in case of wheat crop. The analysis revealed decline in net returns from paddy and wheat crops by about 13 and 11 per cent, respectively due to withdrawal of input subsidies. Fertilizer, power and diesel subsidies availed by large and medium farm category farmers were comparatively higher than being used by their counterparts. The crop-wise analysis revealed major subsidy chunk being used for raising paddy and wheat crops due to higher area under these crops. Major policy option brought out was to lay emphasis on rationalization of subsidies largely in favour of marginal and small farmers while giving with a rider to medium and large category farmers in order to decrease economic disparity in the agricultural sector.

A study was undertaken to analyze the economics of production and marketing of fine rice varietyPuja in the year 2017. One hundred twenty farmers from twelve villages were randomly selected and were categorized in three categories namely – marginal, small and large. It was found that total cost of cultivation was maximum Rs.72795/-ha for large farmers followed by small farmers Rs. 65458/ha whereas Rs. 62820/-ha by marginal farmers. Return over cost of cultivation was found maximum Rs.2205/- at marginal farm and rest were in loss. Maximum loss of Rs.13195/- was found over total cost in small farm followed by Rs.795/- in large farm due to lower market rate than cost of production.

In order to work out the effect of different crop establishment methods on rice yield and yield attributes, monetary gains, production efficiency, field and growth duration, fuel consumption, time required and cost comparisons for seed bed preparation and sowing, field experiments were conducted with farmers’ participatory research mode at Amrik Farm, Hajwana (Kaithal, Haryana, India) during 2012-2016 kharif seasons. Seven different crop establishment methods (DSR under vattar condition, DSR under dry condition, DSR under
ZT condition, DSR puddle drum sowing, DSR un puddle drum sowing, mechanical transplanting un- puddle and manual transplanting in puddle condition) were replicated thrice in RBD. Manually transplanted rice registered maximum grain yield (3654 kg/ha) which was statistically at par to DSR under vattar condition. Growth duration of manually transplanted rice in puddle condition was seven days longer than DSR under vattar condition. Time saving for seed bed preparation and sowing and fuel consumption reduction in DSR under vattar condition was 66.7% and 33.3% as compared to manual transplanting in puddle condition. Highest returns over variable cost (? 89019/ha) and B:C ratio(3.59) were achieved under DSR in vattar condition.

A field experiment was conducted at farmers’ fields in Khargone during 2018-19 and 2019-20 with a view to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda. Treatments comprised of T1 Farmers’ practice (RDF 600 g: 400 g : 300 g NPK /tree) and T2 (50% RDF+ 50 kg FYM + Azospirillum 100 g/ tree + PSB 100 g/ tree) replicated at ten farmers’ field. T2 recorded significantly higher plant height increment (0.74 m), canopy spread N-S (0.52 m), E-W (0.57 m), shoot diameter (4.24 mm), shoot length (22.65 cm), fruit length (7.43 cm), fruit diameter (7.64 cm), number of fruits/tree (426.84), fruit weight (222.32 g), yield/tree (94.73 kg) and yield/ha (260.65 q). The maximum net return of Rs 264347/- ha and benefit cost ratio of 3.63 were recorded with treatment T2. whereas, the minimum net return of Rs 205325/ ha and benefit cost ratio of 3.33 were recorded in T1
. 

The nutritional need of black pepper is unique for its proper spike setting, uniform berry formation, ripening etc. An experiment was conducted with the objective of studying the effect of integrated Nutrient management system on the yield of black pepper. The inorganic fertilizers viz., urea, Rajphos, muriate of potash was used as source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with five treatments replicated four times. Results revealed that application of 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (50:50:100 g NPK/Vine/year) + Azospirillium + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (25g each) + Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (50 g) has showed a superior performance on yield and yield attributing components.

A biological experiment was conducted at the cattle yard of NDRI on 12 crossbred calves (KF) for 26 wk to study the effect of rumen fluid (RF) inoculation on performance and feed intake. In the first month, half of the calves were fed control diet and the other half were given 8 ml of strained RF in addition to the control diet i.e., 4 ml in milk and 4 ml inoculated orally. Almost throughout the experimental trial, the weekly growth rates of both groups were found to be statistically similar. The overall body weight gain was higher in RL inoculated group G2 (543.70g/d) than Control group G1 (496.95g/d). Daily weight gain was also better when RF was inoculated, though these differences were statistically non-significant. It can be concluded that RF inoculation during the 1st month of life slightly improved growth performance of young calves up to 6 months.

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of hand and chemical blossom thinning on fruit set, colour development, shelf life and return bloom of Red Delicious apple fruit at the experimental farm, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments replicated three times with a single plot size in a randomised block design. Three methods of thinning viz., hand thinning, chemical thinning (NAA and Ethephon) and water thinning were tried at full bloom. Maximum fruit set (70%) was
recorded in control while minimum (34%) was recorded in combined spray of NAA 10 ppm and Ethephon 150 ppm. Maximum pronounced fruit colour (4.0) and return bloom score (8.0) was recorded with fruits obtained from trees treated with 150 ppm Ethephon. Maximum percentage of A grade fruits (83.75%) was recorded with 60per cent hand thinning and with Ethephon 150 ppm (80%) whereas minimum percentage of A grade apples were found with control (59%). Among treatments, Ethephon at 150 ppm and 60per cent hand thinning were most effective in improving fruit quality attributes. Hand thinning being time and labour consuming practice was not possible in commercial horticulture. However, Ethephon 150 ppm was the best alternative for hand thinning and as such can be advocated to the orchardists for getting quality fruit of apple.

A field experiment comprised of nine insecticides was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research farm during kharif 2018 to 2020. The seeds of groundnut variety RG 510 were sown in the field on the last week of June during kharif, 2018 to 2020 in the plots measuring 6.0 x 4.0 m2 keeping 0.45 and 0.10 m row to row and plant to plant distance, respectively. The recommended package of practices was followed to raise the crop. Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 6.5 ml per kg seed treatment was significantly superior over all other treatments with lowest plant mortality against termite and highest pod yield followed by fipronil 5 SC (7.33%) and imidacloprid 17.8 SL (9.00%). The maximum production was recorded in  imidacloprid 600 FS with 18.81 q/ha followed by fipronil (16.35q/ha) and imidacloprid 17.8 SL (16.0q/ha) whereas, clothianidin 50WDG, thiamethoxam 30 FS and thiamethoxam 25 WDG were found next best treatments.

Mushroom farming is increasingly becoming attractive to marginal and small farmers because it is simple, low cost, labor intensive and eco friendly profession and can provide  mployment in both rural and semi urban areas. The study was conducted in four districts of Gujarat in order to assess the knowledge gained and technology adopted by the trainees and analyzes the factors influencing adoption of mushroom production technologies. The data were collected from 244 farmers through structured questionnaires and was analyzed by using the suitable statistical methods. It was observed that pre training knowledge score was not much satisfactory. However, the knowledge score gained by participants after training was more satisfactory in all aspects. Except farming experience, all the variables i.e., age, education, land holding, family income, farming experiences, achievement motivation, economic motivation and knowledge of mushroom production technology were positively and significantly correlated with adoption of mushroom production technology.

The cluster front line demonstrations on Green gram were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navgaon Alwar during Kharif 2018 and 2019 covering 20 ha each in two village of Alwar District during both the seasons. The improved technologies consisted of improved high yielding variety IPM 02-14, pre and post emergence herbicides, use of bio fertilizers as a seed treatment and plant protection measures for insect and pest management. The result revealed that the highest grain yield (792.5 kg/ha), average net return (Rs. 31795/ha), B:C ratio (2.84), average increase in yield (26.5 per cent)and net return increase (47.65 per cent) were obtained in demonstrated plot compared to farmer’s practice. The average technology gap of 407.5 kg/ha whereas the average extension gap of 166 kg/ha with average technology index 33.95 per cent were recorded. There is a need to further disseminate the improved technologies among the farmers with effective extension methods like training and demonstrations. The farmers’ should be encouraged to adopt the recommended package of practices for realizing higher benefit.

A study on effect of foliar application of micronutrients mixtures in banana (Musa spp.) for growth and yield characters was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramanathapuram at Tamil Nadu. There were four technology options viz., TO1: No application of micronutrients, TO2 foliar application of micronutrients (0.5 % ZnSO4 , 0.2 % FeSO4 , 0.2 % CuSO4
and 0.1 % borax @ 3rd, 5th and 7th months after planting (TNAU), TO3: foliar application (spraying) of 0.3 % Arka banana special @ 4 sprays at monthly interval starting from 5th month after planting (IIHR) and TO4: spraying (foliar application) of 2 % Banana Sakthi @ three sprays at monthly interval starting from 4th month after planting (NRCB). The local banana Muppattai used in this study. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five replications. The results revealed that among the technological options, TO3 recorded the highest values in all the growth and yield characters viz., plant height, pseudostem girth, number of leaves per plant, bunch weight, hand weight, number of fingers per bunch, number of hands per bunch, number of fingers per hand, finger length, finger girth, weight of finger and yield per ha. It was followed by TO4 whereas the TO1 recorded the lowest values in all the characters. Regarding cost economics, TO3 recorded the highest BC ratio of 3.31 with the net profit of Rs. 1,70,750/ha and it was followed by TO4 whereas TO1 registered the lowest B:C ratio (2.92) and net profit (Rs.1,35,200/ha). TO3 (foliar application of 0.3 % Arka banana special) registered 15.0 percent yield increase over the control. It was concluded that from the present study, foliar application of 0.3 % Arka banana special recorded the highest yield coupled with higher B:C ratio and net profit.

The experiment on 12 genotypes of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) was conducted to work out the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic divergence effects of their various attributes on spike yield. The analysis of variance revealed that mean squares due totreatments were highly significant for all characters. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters. Expected genetic advance expressed as per cent of mean ranged between 4.90 to 38.63per cent. The highest of genetic advance was recorded for number of cormels per plant (38.63%) and lowest for number of spikes per plant and number of spikes per hectare (4.90%).High genetic advance coupled with high heritability was recorded for the characters of number of cormels per plant, number of sprouts per corm, number of leaves per
plant, vase life (days), plant height (cm), days taken for complete sprouting, number of spikes per plant, length of spike (cm), number of spikes per ha (lac), duration of flowering (days) and corms yield per ha (q) provide greater scope for further improvement of these traits in advance generations. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient variations were highest for number of cormels per plant (26.95 and 22.48) and lowest for duration of flowering (days) (11.01 and 9.99). Heritability and genetic advance indicate that the additive nature of gene action and reliability of those characters for selection and emerged as ideal traits for improvement through selection.

A field experiment was carried out during rainy (kharif) season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of levels of phosphorus on production, productivity and profitability of pigeonpea under rainfed condition. Plant height (215.87 cm), branches per plant (17.06), pods length (5.41cm), pods/plant (188), grains/pod (4.33), 100 seed weight (11.37g), grain yield (12.20q/ha), stalk yield (45.6q/ha), harvest index (21.07%), net return (Rs70312.50) and benefit: cost ratio (3.51) were significantly higher at 60 kg P2O5 /ha. Result revealed
that P level 60kg/ha gave 58.44 , 31.18 and 4.27 per cent higher grain yield and 68.91, 35.93 and 3.70 per cent higher net return, respectively as compared to application of phosphorus levels 28 kg/ha, 40 kg /ha and 50 kg/ha. The trend of phosphorus levels to pigeonpea showed that higher dose of phosphorus gave maximum production and profitability as compared to lower dose of phosphorus application (Singh et al 2012).

Pomegrante (Punica granatum L.) is mainly grown in states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Changing climatic scenario and intensive cultivation practices led to outbreak of bacterial blight disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae in pomegranate leading to heavy losses ranging from 30-50 per cent depending on the pathogenic load in orchard and aberrant climatic conditions. Pomegranate orchards at Bagalkote district in Karnataka are severely affected by bacterial blight disease to the tune of 40 per cent. For the management of bacterial blight of Pomegranate, Integrated Disease Management (IDM) practices developed by UAS, Dharwad were demonstrated under Front
Line Demonstration (FLD) by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bagalkote at Kaladagi village during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. Method demonstration in farmers’ pomegranate orchard at Kaladagi village comprised of sanitation practices including removal of infected shoots, pasting of stem and branches with Bordeaux mixture @ 1% foliar spray of copperoxychloride @ 3g/l, streptocycline @ 0.5g/l, Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 5g/l against oily spot disease of pomegranate, which benefited growers. The incidence of bacterial blight in pomegranate and yield in IDM demonstrated and Farmers’ Practice fields during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18 were recorded. Percent Disease Incidence (PDI) in IDM demonstrated fields
was 26.35 with yield of 13.50 t/ha and BC ratio of 5.69. However, the disease incidence in farmers’ practice orchard was 38.95, with yield 9.75 t/ha and BC ratio 3.31. In IDM demonstrated orchards there was reduction of disease by 32.34 per cent and increase in the yield levels by 38.46 per cent.

The present study was carried out during 2020-21 in 18 villages of Thoubal and Bishnupur districts of Manipur to analyze the impact of Mission Organic Value Chain Development Scheme on crop yield and income of aromatic black rice growers. One hundred and eighty respondents were interviewed using a pre tested interview schedule. An increase of 5.21 and 5.24 per cent was observed in respect of grain yield and straw yield, respectively after registering of aromatic black rice growers to MOVCDS. There was a significant increase in the gross income (25.07%) and net income (41.47%) of aromatic black rice growers after joining the MOVCDS. In respect of production problems, scarcity of organic manure and inadequate financial assistance provided for off-farm inputs (biofertilizers, biopesticides and neem cake) were accorded first and second ranks by the aromatic black rice growers. With respect to the marketing problems, inaccessible to organic produce outlets was assigned first rank by the aromatic black rice growers, followed by lack of access to reliable market information, regulation and distribution channels (Rank II) was assigned the second rank by the aromatic black rice growers.

Vegetables are very well grown in Karbi Anglong district due to its favourable climatic conditions. Out of all the major vegetables, garden pea is a popular crop out here. Due to the insufficient knowledge regarding the scientific management of the crop, farmers were not able to reap the maximum returns out of it. Under such circumstances, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Karbi Anglong conducted demonstration programmes during the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 on scientific cultivation of Garden pea. Results revealed that the technology demonstrated had obtained higher plant height (51.94 cm), number of branches per plant (16.3 no) and days to flowering (41.58 d) than the farmers’ practice which were 45.83 cm, 15.63 nos. and 52.17 days, respectively. In addition to that, the pod yield was higher in the demonstration plot (58.12 q/ha) than the farmers’ practice which ended up its yield up to 46.84 q/ ha only. Moreover, the gross return in case of the scientific technology showed encouraging results (Rs. 205415/ha in 2019-20 and Rs. 201425/ ha in 2020-21) during both years. Whereas, the practice followed by the farmers obtained a return of Rs. 144960/ha in 2019-20 and Rs. 136110/ha in 2020-21.

A total of 100 demonstrations on summer green gram variety IPM 2-3 were conducted by KVK, Jhabua during 2016-17 and 2017-18 across 10 tribal villages of Jhabua hills zone of Madhya Pradesh for exploring the production potential and economic benefits of improved practices. The results showed that farmers significantly increased the green gram productivity by switching over to improved variety (IPM 2-3) and adoption of improved production technology. The higher yield (823.5 kg/ha) of green gram was recorded under front line demonstration as compared to farmers’ practice (568.5 kg/ha). The increase in the demonstration yield over farmers’ practice was 45.23%. Simultaneously higher net returns (Rs. 29396/ha) and B:C ratio (2.59) were recorded in front line demonstrations as compared to farmers practices (net return of Rs. 16089 and B:C ratio of 1.95). The average extension
gap, technology gap and technology index were 255 kg/ha, 376.5 kg/ha and 31.37%, respectively.

In most part of the Uttar Pradesh including Jaunpur district false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is becoming a major disease of rice causing yield losses where rice is cultivated. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaunpur conducted on farm trial on the integrated approach for management of false smut in paddy on 10 farmers’ fields in two village viz. Alhadiya and Utreejpur of the district Jaunpur during kharif 2018 and 2019. Technological gap between improved management practices and farmers practices were studied based on survey and group discussion with farmers interactive group (FIG) of rice growers. The integrated approaches i.e., seed and soil treatment with Trichoderma (6g/kg seed and 2.5 kg/ ha), recommended dose of nitrogen (120kg/ha), weed management with Bispyribac-sodium10% EC @ 200ml/ha at 25 days after transplanting (DAT), removal of infected panicle carefully and spraying of fungicide Propiconazole 13.9 + Difenoconazole 13.9 % EC @ 500ml/ha at booting stage. On an average disease reduction was 75.41 per cent recorded with the use of integrated disease management approach. There was 34.29 per cent more yield in recommended practices plots than control and the highest net return and benefit to cost ratio was also obtained by application of recommended practices.

Farmers of Alwar district are not following improved practices on goat farming i.e. breeding, feeding, health, management, production etc. which resulted in poor production performance of the goats. The present study underlines the importance of training programmes on goat farming to the rural youth which will help to recognize knowledge gaps in different areas of goat farming. The impact of the training programme on knowledge gained by rural youth was assessed through pre and post knowledge tests with the help of structured schedule. Majority (58.09%) of the trainees belonged to middle age and had higher secondary level education. They had 5-10 members in the family and land holding was less than 2 ha. Pre and post test score showed highly significant gain in knowledge in all 5 training programmes. This study suggested follow up of trainees is also required for better adoption of goat farming technologies

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the highly cultivated crops in Assam due to its high profitability. Baksa district is situated at the Lower Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam, having cool and humid climatic condition and the average annual rainfall received is 2097.6 mm. The district has 115735 ha area of cultivated land where 10760 ha area is occupied under rabi pulses. Field Pea is one of the well grown crops in the rice fellow areas of the entire district. However, it is difficult to achieve maximum yields as the most of the farmers are not following scientific cultivation practices. Under such circumstances, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baksa has introduced a high yielding variety of field pea Aman through demonstration programmes during the year 2019-2020 and 2020-21at different locations in the district. The productivity and economic returns under improved technologies were calculated and compared with the prevailing farmers’ practice. Results revealed that Aman variety under improved practices recorded higher yield of 37.80 and 33.92 per cent during 2019-20 and 2020-21 and the recommended practice gave higher net returns of Rs 26500 and 28300 per ha with B:C ratio of 1.81:1and 1.82:1, respectively as compared to farmers’ practice.

The present study was carried out at the farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirsa in a sandy loam soil, low in organic carbon and nitrogen, medium in phosphorus with medium to high potash levels. Bt. cotton (var.Bioseed-6588) seed was sown in two soils with varying potassium (K) levels. The treatments comprised of T1- N175P60, T2 – N175P60 + Water Spray, T3 – N175P60+ 1% foliar spray of KNO3 , T4 – N175P60+ K30, T5 – N175P60+ K30+1% foliar spray of KNO3 , T6 – N175P60+K60 and T7 – N175P60+K60+ 1% foliar spray of KNO3 . The two foliar sprays were done at the time of early and peak boll development stages. Application of K increased the N content in the plant parts. P content in different plant parts decreased in all the treatments over treatment where only recommended dose of N and P applied. The relative K concentration in plant parts followed the order: leaves > bur > seed > stems. The mean N uptake in various plant parts in medium K fertility soil was lower as compared to the same in high K fertility soils. The mean P uptake was slightly higher in high K fertility soils as compared to the medium K fertility soils. The uptake showed a decreasing rate as the level of K increased.

Effective management of root mealybug in black pepper was evaluated with Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) and chemicals separately in pot experiment. Among the EPF, Lecanicillium lecanii and among the chemicals, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL and Chlorpyriphos 20 EC were found to be the most effective. These treatments alone and in combinations of chemical and EPF, along with farmers’ practice were tested in pot experiment, where the Imidacloprid was found superior in managing the root mealybug causing 65 per cent mortality. This effective treatment was evaluated at field level and found to be effective in reducing the mealybug population at two weeks after the first application itself.

Yellowing and spike shedding is one of the major limiting factors in production and productivity of Black Pepper in Kodagu District. A Technology assessment was carried out to evaluate the various technological options for management of yellowing and spike shedding in Devarapura village of Virajpet Taluk, Kodagu district in Karnataka. Four different technologies were assessed for a period of 3 yr from 2018-19 to 2020-21, in a randomized block design replicated five times, comprising of four treatments. The results revealed that, spraying of Black Pepper special (5g/l) during May and September + Spraying of Carbendazim (2g/l) of water during May + Drenching of Arka Microbial Consortium (20 g/l) at the
rate of 5 litre per plant during June and September + Soil application of Farm Yard Manure enriched with Pachonia chlamydosporia (1kg mixed with 100 kg FYM) during May and September was found to be better with less pooled spike drop (3.09%), reduced pooled yellowing (5.54%) and also resulted in early initiation of spikes as compared to other treatments. Hence, the above mentioned technological package has proved highly effective for getting pooled higher dry yield (8.56 q/ha) from Black Pepper.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) crop is badly affected by yellow vein mosaic disease (YVMD) which is the most important biotic stress leading to poor production. The disease was found devastating the crop raised by farmers of Kollam district. Hence, a farmer participatory on farm evaluation was conducted for identifying the best suitable resistant hybrid variety of okra for Kollam district in Kerala during 2017-18. The hybrids evaluated were Manjima (KAU), Arka Anamika (IIHR) and CO4 (TNAU) against local variety(check) in fields of 10 farmers during the first crop season. Manjima was significantly superior in recording higher seed germination percentage (98), yield (16.44 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.55). Yellow vein mosaic was absent in all plots where Manjima was cultivated , other two hybrids were on par and recorded 1.43% incidence of disease and the local variety recorded 28.4% disease incidence. Hence, Manjima was recommended as suitable yellow vein mosaic resistant, high yielding hybrid for wide spread adoption in Kollam district.

The nutrition is a burning issue in India which leads to malnourished problem in girl children and paramount anemic patients can be seen in the rural area. There are several reasons like lack of knowledge, economic problem and lack of education with regard to balanced diet. The study was undertaken by the KVK, Ujjain in collaboration with the ICDS and allied departments. A total of six villages were selected from 6 blocks of Ujjain District. Only severe malnourished girl children were identified from these villages and thus 16 families could be identified. Vegetable seed kits were provided to these families along with the scientific layout of nutri-garden. The physical parameter age, height and weight were also calculated for enhancing the health status of the girl child in rural area. The impact of the KVK activities was assessed in terms of before and after intervention followed by the per cent change in malnutrition by calculating BMI

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal to study the effect of combination of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in aromatic rice variety Kalonunia production. The experiment consisted of three treatments comprising of farmers’ practice i.e., imbalanced use of fertilizers (30 kg N/ ha + 20 kg P2O5 /ha + 20 Kg K2O /ha), T1; 80% RDN (RDF50:25:25 Kg/ ha) through inorganic source + 20% N through organic Sources (FYM and mustard cake), T2: 60% RDN (RDF- 50:25:25 Kg/ha) through inorganic source + 40% N through organic sources (FYM and ustard cake).The results indicated that, application of 60% RDN through inorganic source + 40% N through organic sources gave maximum grain yield (2.48 t/ha) and straw yield (6.62 t/ha). and recorded significantly higher growth parameters and yield attributes whereas lowest observation was with famers’ practice

Mayurbhanj is a tribal population dominated district of Odisha constituting 58.7per cent of the tribal people and was declared as the fully scheduled district of the state. In villages of Mayurbhanj district, the major problems are poor health status, malnutrition causing growth retardation, reduced work output, social and retarded mental development and high morbidity and mortality rate among the population. In order to improve food and nutritional security of family members, KVK, Mayurbhanj-1 demonstrated FLD on Kitchen gardening
during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. It was found that the production of vegetables of respondents increased by 586.2 per cent resulting increase in consumption of vegetable by 48.81 per cent and subsequently vegetable purchasing decreased by 32.1%. It was also seen that apart from economic saving on vegetable consumption, kitchen gardening also provided them a livelihood support enterprise for fighting against malnutrition and poverty by providing them an additional income and empowerment to women. Likewise,
intake of energy, protein and iron increased significantly after introduction of kitchen garden (p?0.05).

Dairying has become an important source of income for millions of rural families and assumed most important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities particularly for marginal and women farmers. Perception to dairy enterprise is operationally defined as psychological awareness of women dairy farmers on the advantages and disadvantages of being dairy entrepreneurs. The study was conducted in Ramanagara district of Karnataka. Magadi taluk and Ramanagara taluk were purposely selected based on the
highest and the lowest number of women Dairy Cooperative Societies (WDCS) functioning, respectively. Women dairy co-operative societies were exclusively selected. Six women dairy co-operative societies were randomly selected from each taluk. Fifteen women members including office bearer’s i.e., president, vice president and secretary were selected from each WDCS, constituting a sample size of 180 for the study. It could be inferred that regarding communication characteristics a great majority (82.22%) had low organisational participation, belonged to medium (61.66%) level of extension participation and medium (52.22%) level of cosmopoliteness. Further, less than half (45.56%) of the members had a good overall perception about dairy enterprise. With respect to dimensions of perception, the majority of the women dairy farmers had a good (53.34%) economic perception, poor (40.56%) technological perception and good (53.33%) general perception.

An experiment was conducted to assess the suitability of different media on mycelial development of five different mushrooms in College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala. The medium used was potato dextrose agar (PDA), carrot dextrose agar (CDA), yeast malt agar (YMA), malt extract agar (MEA) and potato dextrose peptone agar (PDPA) and study was conducted using Pleurotus florida, Hypsizygous ulmerius, Calocybe indica, Agaricus bitorquis, Volvariella volvaceae. Amongst various media used PDPA was found best in enhancing the mycelial coverage of P. florida (9 cm on 6th day) followed by H. ulmerius (8.96 cm on 6th day) and V. volvaceae (8.93 cm on 6th day) in 9 cm petri plates. Peptone supplementation of the PDA media have a pronounced influence on accelerating the mycelia spread of these mushrooms. PDPA was found least effective in mycelial development of C. indica which showed its inhibitory effect. At par with PDPA, MEA was also found effective in development of mycelia of V. volvaceae (8.76 cm on 6th day). MEA turned out to be the best media for the growth of A. bitorquis (8.83 cm on 6th day). PDA media was most effective media for development of C. indica (8.63 cm on 6th day).

The western mandals of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh are prone to frequent drought marked by deficit and late onset of rainfall and also prolonged dry spells impacting productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). To build resilience into the system and to mitigate impact of drought on productivity, 40 demonstrations were conducted using drought tolerant groundnut variety Dharani under National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) by RASS – KVK, Chittoor during 2015-18. The results revealed that about 16per cent higher pod yield was recorded with Dharani variety (1796 kg/ha) compared to the Kadiri-6 (1551kg/ha). Dharani recorded higher number of pods per plant (17.5) and uniform maturity of pods than Kadiri-6 (14.8). The average net returns (Rs.34890/-ha) and BC ratio (1.76) were also higher in case of Dharani when compared to Kadiri-6 (Rs.25226/-ha and 1.57). Efforts are on by the KVK to scale out this success story to other blocks of the district with similar climatic vulnerability through participatory seed production by farmers and trying to forge converge with the seed chain of the district.

The present study was conducted during kharif 2017 in three villages of Nagapattinam district to assess the suitable variety of Groundnut. Five farmers’ field were randomly selected and sown three high yielding improved varieties of groundnut namely Kadiri 9, CO 6 and ICGV 91114 with five replications with one check variety already grown by the farmers. The study revealed that Kadiri 9 recorded higher pod yield (19.87 q/ha), higher number of pods/plant (21.12), lesser root rot incidence (4.30 %) and optimum plant population (33.02 plants / M2 ) as compared to CO 6 and ICGV 91114. Kadiri 9, CO 6, and ICGV 91114 recorded 35.15, 27.10 and 18.89 per cent higher yield than the check variety TMV 7, respectively. A reduction in root rot incidence, leaf minor, leaf spot, Spodoptera damage and optimum plant population was observed in all the three varieties as compared to check variety. Gross and net returns were Rs.1,19,220/- and Rs.73,990/- ha, respectively by cultivating Kadiri 9 as against Rs.77,280/- and Rs.37,824/-ha in the check variety. Hence, it was inferred that Kadiri 9 variety of ground nut proved better followed by CO 6 and ICGV 91114.

The present study covered four tehsils of Dungarpur district namely Dungarpur, Bicchiwada, Aspur and Sagwara and from each tehsil three villages and 15 poultry growers each from each village were selected for the study. Thus, a total of 180 backyard poultry growers were interviewed through a structured interview schedule to note down various feeding and breeding practices being followed by them. The Study revealed that in feeding practices (86.11%) used self-produced feed for poultry birds, 67.78 per cent respondents fed poultry bird twice a day, most of the respondents (86.11%) not used mineral mixture, 75.0 per cent were not using grits, 36.67 per cent used feeders of plastic and 32.78 per cent metallic
waterer. In breeding practices, 75.56 per cent respondents were using their own male for breeding purpose.

The Indian pompano, Trachinotus mookalee is considered as a promising species for mariculture in India. Indian pompano seed were obtained from Central Marine Fishery Research Institute, Vishakhapatnam. The seed were stocked in 1m ×1m × 2m diameter cages in closed bay at Suryalanka near Bapatla, Guntur. Fishes were stocked at 4 different stocking densities; T1 (4 No/m3); T2 (6 No/m3); T3 (8 No/m3) and T4(10 No/m3) for a duration of 92 days. Feeding of the fish was done twice per day, with each daily ration divided into two equal halves. Feed was applied at the rate of 10% of body weight. A feed ring (0.5 × 0.5m) was fixed at middle of each cage. Feed rings are enclosures that float at the water surface. They hold floating feeds and prevent the escape of feed out of cage and thus reduce wastage of feed. The mean body weight of fish at the time of stocking was T1 (10.1g + 0.69.); T2 (10.6g + 0.56); T3 (10.7g + 0.74) and T4 (10.2g + 2.62) whereas mean total length was T1 (7.6 cm+ 1.02); T2 (7.1cm+ 0.86); T3 (6.8cm + 0.88) and T4 (6.9cm + 1.45) The fish have grown from T1 (10.1g + 0.69.) T2 (10.6g + 0.56) T3 (10.7g + 0.74) T4 (10.2g + 2.62) to T1 (34.1g + 1.24.) T2 (26.91g + 1.54) T3 (25.15g + 1.22) T4 (22.76g + 1.14) weight and T1
(12.75cm+ 1.35) T2 (11.98cm+ 1.81) T3 (11.5cm + 1.44) T4 (11.26cm+ 1.73) length were observed. Cent per cent survival was reported in all stocking densities. Growth reduced with increasing stocking densities. The water quality parameters like temperature, D.O, pH, salinity, NH3, NO2, NO3, alkalinity and hardness were analysed at every fortnightly interval and were within the optimum range for culture of Indian pompano

Laboratory studies were conducted during kharif 2017 to know the physical compatibility of recommended insecticides (Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Profenophos 50 EC, Chlorpyriphos 20 EC, Flubendiamide 480 SC and Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC ) and fungicides (Hexaconazole 5 SC, Tricyclazole 75 WP, Carbendazim 50 WP and Propiconazole 25 EC) against rice insect pests and diseases with most commonly used foliar nutrient. All the 24 combinations tested showed physical compatibility with no foaming and sedimentation. The pH value of majority of the insecticide and fungicides combinations tested was neutral to moderately acidic but when mixed with foliar nutrient, the solution turned to be strongly acidic.

The study was to find out the root causes of drastically declining the area under groundnut crop in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh. Results revealed that most of the groundnut farmers were marginal and small who expressed their options ranked in the following manner. The rank I was less remunerative prices for the produce (93%) followed by high cost of cultivation (91.67%) ranked II, uncertainty weather conditions (rainfall)(90%) ranked III, labour scarcity at crucial operations (sowing, weeding & harvesting) (85%) ranked IV facing difficulty in controlling the damage caused by the wild boars in their field (83.33%) ranked V, high wages of labour (80%) ranked VI, damage caused by monkeys (75%) ranked VII, root
rot disease (73.33%) ranked VIII, low yields & high seed cost (70%) ranked IX, virus diseases (50%) ranked X, untimely availability of seed (38.33%) ranked XI, red hairy caterpillar damage (33.33%) ranked XII, insufficient groundnut water (25%) ranked XIII, and high weed problem (16.67%) ranked XIV. For the above reasons most the farmers were not able to grow groundnut crop in the district.

A field experiment was conducted at Student’s Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with 12 treatment combinations viz., two basmati cultivars (Pusa Basmati 1121 and Punjab Basmati 2) in main plots and combination of three N rates and two time of application in sub plots (40 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS, 40kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS, 60 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS, 60 kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS, 80 kg/ha at 0, 15, 50 DAS and 80 kg/ha at 0, 21, 65 DAS) with four replications. The findings of the study revealed that the nutrient uptake of rice in Pusa Basmati 1121 was found to be significantly higher than Punjab Basmati 2. It was observed that 60 kg N/ ha performed better over recommended 40 kg N/ ha when applied in 3 splits (0, 21 and 65 DAS). The soil status after harvest of the soil showed non-significant difference
in organic carbon, available P and K except N with varying nitrogen levels. Pusa Basmati 1121 was also better in quality than Punjab Basmati 2 as indicated by its higher hulled rice recovery, milled rice recovery, head rice recovery, grain L:B ratio, water absorption, elongation ratio and cooking co-efficient. The sensory evaluation parameters were significantly better in Pusa Basmati 1121 than Punjab Basmati 2.

The role of ICT in Agriculture is of paramount importance and facilitates transfer of agricultural information. Agriculture helps in empowering the rural people by providing better access to improved agricultural technologies, effective production strategies, markets, banking and financial services etc. This article explores the role of ICT in agricultural sector. The study was conducted on southern Rajasthan covering two districts i.e. Banswara and Dungarpur. The districts were selected on the basis of the availability of maximum facilities and
infrastructures to promote ICT use. The empirical data were collected personally from 160 farmers through a pre-tested structured interview schedule and analyzed using standard methodology. The study revealed direct role of ICT in providing latest technological information about agriculture and allied fields. Live shows to get the first hand agricultural information, agricultural news for quick solution of farmers’ problem, scientific package of practices of crops helped in timely decision making on matters related to agriculture and plant protection measures were the major roles of ICT as perceived by the farmers of Banswara and Dungarpur districts. The findings also indicated that there was no significant perceived difference in direct role of ICT tools in transfer of agricultural technology between the farmers of Banswara and Dungarpur districts.

A pot experiment was conducted at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner using cowpea crop to determine root biomass and phosphorus availability as influenced by soil salinity, phosphorus sources and biofertilizers in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) during kharif 2015. The experiment included soil salinity (three levels of EC i.e., 1.22, 4.0 and 6.0 dS/m), phosphorus sources (SSP, DAP and PROM), and biofertilizers (control, PSB and PSB + VAM) laid out in completely randomized design replicated thrice. The results showed that
soil salinity S1 (EC 1.22 dS/m) recorded highest root biomass (0.643 g/pot), phosphorus content in both roots (0.246 %) and soil (0.032%) over S4 and S6 . Results further revealed that phosphorus rich organic manure (P3 ) obtained significantly higher root biomass (0.636 g/pot), phosphorus content in both roots (0.240 %) and soil (0.033 %) over P1 and P2
. Seed inoculation with PSB + VAM (B2) gave significantly higher root biomass (0.684 g/pot), phosphorus content in both root (0.243%) and soil (0.032%) over B0 and B1 . Among
different combinations, application of phosphorus rich organic manure and biofertilizers (PSB+VAM) under normal water (EC 1.22 dS/m) proved better root biomass and phosphorus availability in the soil.

To find out the gap between existing and advisable working self-confidence to adopt dairy farming as a dependable occupation, it is necessary to have the tool to measure it. Thus, a scale to measure working self-confidence of youth to adopt dairy farming was developed using “Scale Product Method’ which is a combination of Thurston’s technique of Equal Appearing Interval Scale for an assortment of the statements and Likert’s method of summated rating for determining the response on the scale. A provisional list of 33 statements was prepared to keep in view the applicability of statements matched with the topic of study. The collected statements were edited as per the suggested standard. The score of each individual item on the scale was calculated by summing up the weightage of the individual items. The Median or Scale and Q values were found out by using Thurston and Chave inter-quartile range. Finally, 10 statements where median (scale) values greater than Q values were selected. However, when a few statements had the same scale values, statements with the lowest Q value were chosen by arranging the scale value in order. Reliability was tested with 20 farmers and its value was 0.88 and validity of the scale was examined. After measuring the working self-confidence to be a successful dairy farmer with the ten selected statements, it was concluded that majority (95.50 %) of the dairy farmers’ sons had a very high level of the overall operational or working self-confidence to be a successful dairy farmer.

Indigenous non- descript cattle play a key role in the ecosystem and livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Nattukuttai cattle, short stout indigenous cattle are being reared under zero input system in Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu. An exploratory study was carried out to bring forth the adoption behaviour and constraints faced by Nattukuttai cattle owners. Forty respondents were selected from each of the three districts and thus the total respondents accounted to be 120. The study revealed that majority of the farmers had the practice of housing cattle adjacent to their home (62.5 %) under open type and storing farm manure by heap method (100 %). A meager per cent of owners only fed concentrate feed (15 %) and green fodder (6.67%) to their cattle. The common diseases affecting Nattukuttai cattle were FMD, LSD and worm infestation. Around eighty-seven per cent of the farmers adopted natural service in breeding and few farmers were resorting to artificial insemination. Non availability of land to house the cattle adjacent to their homes and limited breed conservation measures were ranked as the major constraints by majority of farmers. Hence, selective breeding of cattle and capacity building on scientific dairy practices need to be initiated to conserve Nattukuttai breed of cattle in Tamil Nadu.

The field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 to study the efficacy of seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS for the control of sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata (Rondani) against the recommended practice i.e., spraying of malathion @ 625 ml/ha. Treated seed samples with the test insecticide were obtained from the Forage and Millets Section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU, Ludhiana. The seed was treated with 10 ml Slayer 30 FS (thiamethoxam) per kg seed. Seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 10 ml/kg seed was found better than spraying of malathion @ 625 ml/ha and control for the management of shoot fly in sorghum but seed treatment with thiamethoxam was not effective for the management of maize borer in sorghum. Significant higher fodder yield was obtained (600 q/ha) in the treatment T1 followed by T2 (562.5 q/ha) in the district Amritsar. Similarly, 580 and 550 q/ha fodder yield were obtained in the treatment T1 and T2, respectively in the district Tarn Taran. No phytotoxicity symptoms of the insecticide either by spraying or as seed treatment were observed in any of the treatment in any of the district.

Jute is a very important fibre crop in reference to India as it has a number of benefits but due to its harsh nature, rough texture and undesirable feel can not be ventured into primary applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to treat jute in a manner which not only makes it soft and supple but also is non-toxic towards nature. Realizing the importance of development of an eco-friendly treatment, three softeners i.e., Abrosil RUC, Abrosoft Redico and Abrosoft NI were applied on the jute fabric in 18 different combination ratios with 4 per cent concentration at 40º C for 30 minutes with 1:8 material to liquor ratio at 5-6 pH through exhaust method. These treated samples were got assessed by a committee over the parameters of hand feel and appearance. The combination 100 per cent Abrosil RUC (aminosilicone softener) depicted highest weighted mean scores 4.6 (hand feel) and 4.8 (appearance) was considered to be the best and most suitable for softening of jute fabric. Aminosilicone softener acted on the jute substrate and provided a supple feel and bright texture by masking the surface irregularities of jute substrate. Softening by employing softener instead of chemicals is a novel approach and it is not only ecofriendly but also fabric friendly.

Skill development training on mushroom cultivation was organized to unemployed youth, farmers and farm women by ICAR KVK, Mandya with the objective of providing employment and micro entrepreneurship. The present study revealed that the trainees differed in their socio-economic status based on age, education, occupation, and landholding. Out of 283 trained participants, 46 established mushroom production units. Irrespective of the components considered to test the knowledge level regarding mushroom production technologies of the trainees varied from 2.12 to 34.62 per cent in pretraining where as in post training recorded 42.04 to 85.87 per cent. However, change in knowledge level varied between 26.14 to 74.91per cent. An economic analysis of five units revealed that the average income of Rs.35,335/- earned by selling 3.87q per crop. Proper training and guidance to the farmers is essential and would help the interested growers to sustain and earn their livelihood.

Women entrepreneurs can play a powerful role in confidence building and creating awareness in other women to promote self-reliance. On the other hand, women entrepreneurs have to face more problems than men entrepreneurs. They have to devote more time to the family and maintain a balance between their family responsibility and business. Other obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs include being accepted as a woman in business, lack of role model, lack of professional interaction, difficulties in gaining the confidence of their clients and suppliers, lack of adequate training and lack of related experience. The primary objective of this study was to examine the problems faced by women entrepreneurs. The present study was carried in district Hardoi. One block Bawan was selected in this study area. From this selected block, three villages namely Tatyora, Rukmanapur and Mujahidpur were selected and 50 respondents were selected purposively from each village. Thus, total 150 respondents were selected for the study. The data were analyzed and tabulated according to statistically. It was found that the economic constraints viz; lack of family income restrict the women not for doing any extra/other enterprises was ranked I with mean score value of 2.78 and social constraints viz., negative social attitude about women role outside the home was ranked-II with mean score value of 2.64.

A detailed soil fertility status of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), farm was investigated during 2019 to prepare fertility map and fertilizer recommendations for different crops. Total 37 numbers of geo-referenced (GPS based) composite surface soil samples (0-15cm) were collected from 4 soil unit of KVK farm located at Bharari, Jhansi. Soils were analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon, available phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients i.e., B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn. The soil reaction was found slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in nature while EC was found to be in safe range for crop production. About 11 per cent of samples were very low, low (54 %) and medium (35 % )in category of soil organic carbon. The mean available soil P, K and S was found to be 20, 267 kg/ ha and 21ppm, respectively. Soil micronutrient content such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B were found to be sufficient. The maps indicate the fertility status of KVK farm based on which fertilizer recommendation for crops are made leading to economy of fertilizer and balanced applications and serve as the decision making tool for successful raising of field crops in Bundelkhand region.

The study was conducted to assess the efficacy of bypass fat supplementation for alleviating energy deficit in high yielding crossbred cows during the early lactation period. Twelve crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Local) cows in early stage of their second and third lactation (10-15 d of calving) with more than 10 l of daily milk production were dewormed and randomly assigned in two groups (Average milk production, 10.15 l and fat percentage 3.3%). The first group of cows (T1) was kept as control and was not supplemented with any energy supplements. The second group of cows (T2) was supplemented with commercial bypass fat at the rate of 10 g/ l of milk produced per day during the initial 90 d of lactation. The final average milk yield of the bypass supplemented cows was 12.32 ± 0.49 which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than unsupplemented cows in control group (11.03 ± 0.26). Also, the average milk fat during the study period differed significantly (P<0.05) in the bypass supplemented group over the control group. Besides this, supplementation of bypass fat during early lactation ensured good return over feed cost to the farmers.

The present study was undertaken in two zones of Kerala viz., Kannur from North Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram from South Kerala. A sample of 90 Agricultural Officers were randomly selected and information was gathered and analyzed. A well-structured interview schedule was used for data collection from the respondents. Training need analysis was conducted in two dimensions namely agricultural practices and extension. The results revealed that majority of the Agricultural Officers belonged to medium training need group. It was observed that job satisfaction, scientific orientation and facilities at training center were having positive and significant relationship with the training need of Agricultural Officers in agricultural practices and extensionat 0.01 level of probability. Job experience and mass media contact having negative but significant relationship with training need of Agricultural Officers in agricultural practices and extension at 0.01 level of probability.

Mushrooms are the edible fruit/fruiting bodies of the edible fungi having high nutritive and pharmaceutical values with delicacy. Oyster mushroom cultivation plays an important role to eliminate malnutrition, reduce poverty, additional income generation and generate employment opportunity for farm women in rural area. Mushroom is also efficient means for changing of agricultural waste into valuable protein source. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lunglei district conducted vocational training programmes on oyster mushroom cultivation.
The study has shown that exposure to the training programme and method demonstration increased the skill and knowledge of rural farm women with regard to techniques of mushroom cultivation. A structured interview schedule was finalized and survey was done in 120 randomly selected rural farm women from two villages- Hnahthial and South Vanlaiphai to assess the social acceptability. The results reflected that the mushroom cultivation training has generated a remarkable attitude among the trained rural farm women
and also increased the socio-economic level of beneficiaries who take on as a primary source of livelihood activity. It was also observed that economic viability of oyster mushroom production as mushroom yield varied from 140-150 kg per cycle from 100 blocks/cycle/unit with gross income ranged from Rs. 40000/-  Rs. 45000/- having net profit of Rs. 30000/– Rs. 32500/- within two months in twice to thrice harvest.

Various agricultural processes like pre-sowing, weeding, picking and post-picking require extensive farm work. For farm workers engaged, these tasks are not only time consuming but also drudgery inducing over years. This directs for interventions in terms of improved technologies to relieve women from high energy demands, time spent and associated drudgery. An access to affordable technology reduces drudgery, saves time and increases work efficiency of farm workers. Adoption of such technologies radically changes their lives. Therefore, study was conducted to develop user friendly pick bag for Pearl Millet Ear Head Collection which would reduce the drudgery and increase farmers’ efficiency. The study was carried out in the fields at CCSHAU farm, Arya Nagar and Bherian village of Haryana state with the objective to assess suitability for pearl millet ear head collection during pearl millet harvesting season on various parameters. Developed pick bag for Pearl millet ear head collection was found suitable. It was assessed as a good initiative towards reduction of drudgery and increasing work efficiency of the worker, hence recommended over the existing practice (conventional bag) of Pearl Millet Ear Head Collection.

The objective of the study was to extend the shelf life of Palmyra palm tender endosperms through canning  as there is a constant demand in domestic and international markets. Palmyra palm Tender Fruit Endosperm (PTFE) is a delicacy, highly perishable and seasonal. Canning the tender fruit endosperms of Palmyra palm at 121.1ºC at 15 psi, extended the shelf life period up to 6 months. Canning is one such promising technology that will fetch income to farmers who rely on seasonal earnings and obviously improve their food security. Various physico-chemical parameters such as, viscosity, colour properties, textural properties, moisture content and water activity and sensory studies, microbial analysis were determined throughout the storage period and found all comparable with freshly harvested endosperms. Overall acceptability score in sensory analysis was7.9±0.788 which was a good score in comparison with fresh ones. Microbiological quality was analyzed at different time intervals for commercial sterility. Total viable counts were 0.45±0.02 on 0thd, 0.51±0.02 on 60thd, 0.48±0.02 on 120thd and 0.47±0.02 on 180thd. Clostridium spp, Staphylococcus, Salmonella and coli forms were absent throughout the study period and therefore fit for consumption.

The present study was carried out at farmers’ field of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya to test the effect of integrated nutrient management with vermi-compost for yield improvement of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) and its effect on soil nutrient status. The experiment was conducted by using 3 treatments: T1: Vermicompost @ 1.0 t/ha + 50% RDF (RDF: N: P2O5
: K2O::120: 80: 60 kg/ha), T2: Vermicompost@2.0 t /ha + Lime @ 500kg/ha + 2% urea spray at branching & pod initiation stage, T3: Farmers’ practice (imbalance fertilizer with N: P2O5 : K2O:: 40:25:15 kg/ha) with 5 replications following randomized block design during 2016 and 2017. From the results it was revealed that Vermicompost @ 1.0 t/ha +
50% RDF showed significant increase in fruit yield i.e., 132 q/ ha and B.C ratio of 2.98 followed by Vermicompost@ 2.0 t /ha + Lime @ 500kg/ha + 2% urea spray at branching and pod initiation stage (108q/ha yield, B.C ratio 2.25) and farmers’ practice (86 q/ha yield, B.C ratio 2.10). Moreover, improved soil nutrient status was achieved in T1 followed by T2 and T3. There was an increase of 123.16 % in organic carbon, 123.76 % nitrogen, 131 % available phosphorus and 169.07 % potassium recorded in the soil after the harvest of the crop as compared to initial stage of soil before the implementation of Treatment 1.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of growth retardant Chlormequat chloride (CCC) on morphological characters of grape cultivar Punjab MACS Purple. The foliar application of Chlormequat chloride (250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) was done at five leaf stage while the control vines were sprayed with water only. Observations on vegetative growth were recorded at different growth stages. Maximum dose of Chlormequat chloride was found to be most effective in reducing cane length and internodal length while the same dose resulted in maximum cane diameter. There was reduction in leaf area as well as size while the effect on time of anthesis and trunk girth was less significant. It has been reported that yield and bunch weight was maximum with the application of 1000 ppm Chlormequat chloride followed by 700 ppm Chlormequat chloride.

A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of TANUVAS MASTIGUARD (Teat protect spray with TANUCHEK SCC kit) in dairy cattle during 2018-19 and 2020-21. Animals in mid lactation were screened with somatic cell count (SCC) test kit and animals having SCC of more than 2.0 lakh were selected for the study. One group of 10 animals was kept as control and the other group of 10 animals were sprayed with teat protect for 6 wk. The observations recorded at weekly intervals and economics and BCR were also studied. At the end of 6th week, reduction in SCC of milk was recorded in animals of treatment group (1.5 lakh cells /ml) whereas the SCC remains same in control group (2.7 lakh cells/ml). The net returns from treatment group increased owing to increase in milk production and reduction in cost incurred towards treatment. Hence, use of MASTIGUARD was found to be effective in prevention and treatment of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of TANUVAS MASTIGUARD (Teat protect spray with TANUCHEK SCC kit) in dairy cattle during 2018-19 and 2020-21. Animals in mid lactation were screened with somatic cell count (SCC) test kit and animals having SCC of more than 2.0 lakh were selected for the study. One group of 10 animals was kept as control and the other group of 10 animals were sprayed with teat protect for 6 wk. The observations recorded at weekly intervals and economics and BCR were also studied. At the end of 6th week, reduction in SCC of milk was recorded in animals of treatment group (1.5 lakh cells /ml) whereas the SCC remains same in control group (2.7 lakh cells/ml). The net returns from treatment group increased owing to increase in milk production and reduction in cost incurred towards treatment. Hence, use of MASTIGUARD was found to be effective in prevention and treatment of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Tomato is cultivated in an area of 3177 ha in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. The major villages cultivating tomato are Panamarathupatti, Kammalapatti, Thumbalpatti, Mallur and Nalikkalpatti. Most of the farmers are cultivating private tomato hybrids with lesser productivity and more yield loss (up to 30 %) due to diseases like leaf curl, early and late blight and bacterial wilt. Hence, it was proposed to conduct an on farm trial to assess the per se performance of tomato hybrids with high yield and multiple disease resistance like TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO4 and Arka Vishesh. A field experiment was conducted at five different locations of Panamarathupatti block of Salem district during Kharif 2019 using hybrids IIHR hybrid Arka Vishesh and TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO 4 with Sivam hybrid as control. TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO 4 recorded an average yield of 95 t/ha and Arka Vishesh around 87 t/ha. The private hybrid Sivam recorded a yield of only 62 t/ha. TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO 4 recorded more average number of fruits per cluster (5.5) and higher fruit yield per plant (2.5 kg) as compared to Arka Vishesh with average number of fruits per cluster (4.5) and higher fruit yield per plant (2.25 kg). The seed cost of the private variety grown by the farmer was higher and the hybrids such as TNAU CO4 and IIHR hybrid Arka Vishesh performed better with regard to higher cost benefit ratio (BCR for TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO 4 is 1:3.81 and for Arka
Vishesh 1:3.41).The market preference for TNAU Tomato Hybrid CO 4 was comparatively higher due to the large sized fruits with more acidity (0.7%) which enhances the consumer preference in the market.

Development of bio-intensive module was carried out at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Virinjipuram for a period of two years during 2017-19 in kharif and rabi against viral and phytoplasma diseases of brinjal. The module thus developed was tested in two locations viz., ARS farm, Virinjipuram and at farmers’ field to assess the performance of Bio-intensive Integrated Disease Management (BIDM) module against the mosaic, little leaf disease and whitefly during Kharif 2020. The results revealed that the BIDM was found superior in minimising the mosaic incidence in both locations tested and recorded 5.16 and 6.12 per cent also with lowest little leaf incidence. The lowest whitefly population was also recorded in bio-intensive module adopted plots when compared to farmers’ practice at all stages of crop growth. At 30 days after transplanting (DAT), the whitefly population of 4.45 and 3.77 number per plant was recorded at ARS, Virinjipuram and at farmers’ field. With respect to fruit yield, an adoption of bio-intensive module registered a significantly higher yield both at ARS farm (34.02 t/ha) and at farmers’ field (30.36 t/ha) coupled with higher benefit cost ratio of 5.84 and 5.18 where as in farmers’ practice the lowest fruit yield of 31.71 t/ha with BC ratio of 5.57 at ARS farm and 25.68 t/ha of fruit yield with CB ratio of 1:4.43 in farmers’ field were recorded.