Self-Help Group (SHG) program is a pragmatic approach to eradicate poverty. It is initiated as a selfemployment program in the jargon of poverty eradication measures as well as empowerment program in the country. Therefore, a study was undertaken to measure the attitude of SHG member towards self help
groups. A Scale was developed to measure the attitude. The scale consisting of 22 items was developed, for which Rulon’s formula coefficient of reliability was 0.744. The developed the scale was used to measure the attitudes of SHG and non SHG members towards self help groups promoted under Integrated Watershed
Management Programme (IWMP). Amreli District of Gujarat State was selected for the study. Different five talukas of Amreli district were randomly selected where SHGs were formed under IWMP. Two villages from each taluka were purposively selected where SHGs conducted their livelihood activities more than
four years under IWMP. Ninety SHG and ninety non SHG members were selected from the villages. Thus total sample size was 180. Frequencies, percentage, mean, Z test analysis were carried out and results revealed that the independent sample ‘Z’ test showed that there was highly significant difference in the
mean values of SHG members (66.89) and non SHG members (36.86) in case of attitude towards SHGs.

A study was conducted in rural areas of Tamil Nadu to ascertain the characteristics of households of marginal and landless livestock farmers. The investigation was carried out among the households of 100 marginal farmers and 100 landless livestock farmers owning livestock. Majority of the households were male headed in the age group of 40-50 yr belonged to most backward caste category, had nuclear family with the family size of 5-7 members. Further, majority of the respondents and their spouse were illiterate and their primary occupation was agriculture followed by livestock keeping. Most of the respondents had thatched roof type of dwelling with paid electricity supply. Organization memberships of the households were high in self-help groups as
compared to co-operatives and political parties. Income generation was the prime purpose of livestock keeping

The solar dryer consists of transparent glass window, tray, solar photovoltaic fans and solar panel. Thesolar radiation passes through the transparent glass window, located on the top of the cabinet. The cabinet is made of anti-corrosive material and of modular nature to meet the varying sizes and loading capacities of food products, ranging from 7 to 8 kg .The ambient air enters from the bottom of the cabinet and gets heated up with solar radiation incident from the top window. The heat energy is trapped in the cabinet and heats up the air. The hot air passed through the trays, carries the moisture from the product to the space below the glass. Then it is exhausted by Solar Photovoltaic Fans. The forced circulation of air in the cabinet is achieved through this solar fan. Assessment of the dryer showed a raised temperature of about 470c attainable in the drying chamber. The dryer temperature and drying rate was found to be higher than the natural open sun drying method. The dryer was able to reduce moisture content of tomato from initial moisture content of 93 per cent wet basis to 4 per cent in three days with effective drying time of 24hr and drying rate of 0.03833 kg/hr, whereas the traditional sun drying was able to reduce moisture content of tomato from initial moisture content of 93 per cent wet basis to 4 per cent in five days with drying time of 34hr and drying rate of 0.0272 kg/hr . The results showed a considerable advantage of solar dryer over the traditional open sun drying method in term of drying rate and less risk for spoilage

The textile technology has widened its purpose of safeguarding the agricultural products by offering various textile materials that find application in various areas like agriculture, horticulture, fishery, etc. Agro textiles are the textile materials used to protect, gather and store agro products. Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology has different farms where a variety of crops are grown for research, instructional and commercial purposes. These agricultural farms utilized a variety of agro textile materials to enhance the productivity of agro products. The major problem arose when the agro textile materials add up to the solid waste production after their intended use. Hence, the present study was an attempt to explore the application of used agro textile materials in household value added products using the approach of sustainability through reuse, reduce and recycling of used materials. The used textile materials were collected from various agricultural farms. Four value added products were developed by the used materials collected from the farms namely, hanging basket, lampshade, coaster and wind chime. The purpose of the study was to assess the consumer acceptability of the developed products
among the rural people. The products focused in awareness generation regarding the product development from waste materials through the aspects of sustainability and were greatly accepted by the people.

Expert support system has been recognized as a powerful tool to store human knowledge in computers for the purpose of making expert’s knowledge available to users. The present study was an attempt to design anexpert system on fertilizer calculation for 100 crops covered in the package of practices of Kerala. The software development activities were carried out in five stages. During the first stage the decision making situation was studied in depth. This was followed by developing the prototype design and defining of variablesas a second stage. The database was developed in the third stage. The software design was completed and validated in the fourth stage. The final validation of the tool with the end users was done at the final stage. The developed software was able to give general and soil test based fertilizer recommendation. The recommendations were given for a single plant/unit area as well as for the whole field. The fertilizers can also be selected according to the local availability. The final software was made available in the domain www.farmextensionmanager.com

An analytical hormone separation method and dot enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (dot-ELISA) for quantitation of hormone are described. For extraction of progesterone from milk chloroform methanol mixture was used. For Dot ELISA, conjugate was prepared by immunoglobulin isolated from whole serum by ammonium sulphate precipitation method and conjugated with Horse radish Peroxidase by modified gluteraldehyde procedure. For immobilization of progesterone to PVDF membrane a number of solvents were tried viz., Methanol, Methanol + Carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, Methanol + PBS, Ethanol and 70 per cent isopropanol. On observation following Dot ELISA procedure, 70 per cent isopropanol was selected as best. Dot ELISA of serially diluted progesterone was performed to get the best titre of conjugate selected for further studies. For standard colour of dot with different progesterone concentration, Dot ELISA with varying concentration of progesterone was performed. The new technique was thus developed for estimation of progesterone using PVDF membrane and 70 per cent isopropanol as solvent. The developed Dot ELISA was also used for estimation of progesterone and pregnancy diagnosis from cattle milk sample and technique was validated. This techniques may be useful for estimation of other steroid hormones.

Crop diversification is essential for an agricultural based economy like Punjab. With only 1.53 per cent of the total geographical area of the country, Punjab state produces about three per cent of rice, two per cent of wheat and one per cent of cotton of the world. During 2017-18, Punjab’s share in central pool was about 32.5 for rice and about 36 per cent for wheat. However, its contribution has been declining over years because of the increased contribution of rice to the Central Pool from other states. The area under rice has increased by six times in the state i.e., from 6.9 per cent (1970-71) to about 39 per cent of total cropped area in 2016-17. With increased irrigation facilities R-W monoculture has replaced others crops from Punjab’s cropping pattern. To meet increased irrigation requirement of paddy, the rising dependence on groundwater resources has led to widespread decline in water table, increased operation and maintenance cost, more power consumption, and deterioration of groundwater quality affecting the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. Also, fertiliser consumption has increased from 37.5 kg/ha (1970-71) to about 245 kg/ha in 2016- 17. The excess use of fertilizers above the recommended dose in wheat, paddy and cotton led to an additional expenditure of about Rs 250 crore. Assured purchase of wheat and rice at MSP by the public agencies along with lack of marketing infrastructure for other crops explains the concentration on wheat paddy monoculture. Area under paddy may be replaced either by raising the MSP or by raising the productivity of competing crops. Therefore, investment in Research and development, marketing infrastructure for alternate crops to paddy-wheat and strengthening of food processing and value addition industry is need of the hour

The present study entitled was carried at University Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combination and each treatment was replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of three planting geometry (S) viz., S1 (90 x 90 cm), S2 (90 x 60 cm) and S3 (90 x 45 cm) and three fertigation levels (F) viz., F1 (RDF@150:50:50 NPK kg/ha through soil application), F2 (100% RDF through fertigation) and F3 (80% RDF through fertigation). The pooled data reveal that,
for planting geometry, the treatment S3 (90 cm × 45 cm) and for fertigation levels F3 (80% RDF through fertigation) was found to be the best treatment in respect to maximum increased the growth parameters viz., plant height, stem diameter, plant spread and leaf area. Similarly, the same treatment was found best in respect of yield and yield contributing and quality parameters viz., fruit length, diameter of fruit, number of fruits per plant, average fresh weight of fruit per plant (g), green and dry fruits yield per plant (kg), yield (q/ha), ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and crude protein contents. Similarly, the quality parameters viz., ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and crude protein content were also found maximum in same treatment. The interaction effect between planting geometry and fertigation levels i.e., S3F3 (90 cm × 45 cm + 80% RDF through fertigation) was found superior for obtaining maximum growth, yield and better quality of chilli

The present study aimed at the formulation of organoleptic accepted bitter brinjal pickle. Commonly used preservatives vinegar, acetic acid, salt and oil were added at different ratios to study the shelf life for a period of one year and also changes in colour, flavor, texture and appearance of fungus. The results showed that bitter brinjal pickle stored successfully for 45 d at ambient temperature (26 ± 4? C) without any significant change in the quality attribute after incorporation of vinegar as a common preservative. The result showed that preservation of bitter brinjal with vinegar was the best method for extending the shelf life and to retard microbial load

Silicon nutrition is gaining importance in agriculture owing to its positive effects in rice production. A field experiment was carried out at the farmer’s field in Kerala during Kharif, 2016 to evaluate different silicon sources on nutrient uptake by rice and available nutrient status of soil after the harvest. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications. Different silicon sources viz., potassium silicate, fine silica, rock dust, rice husk ash were involved in the treatments and fertilizer application was done according to the recommended dose of fertilizers as per Package of Practice of Kerala Agricultural University. Silicon nutrition have shown significant influence on the total nutrient uptake by the crop and available soil nutrient status of soil after the harvest. Among the treatments, the Treatment T6 i.e., fine silica @ 50 kg/ha + rice husk ash @ 250 kg/ha, has shown the better results with respect to nutrient uptake {N (189.74 kg/ha); P (17.19 kg/ha); K (127.38 kg/ha) and Si (345.14 kg/ha)} by the crop and available nutrient status of the soil {N (377.73 kg/ha); P (36.37 kg/ha); K (206.25 kg/ha) and Si (83.61 kg/ha)} after the harvest.

The study was carried out during Kharif and rabi season of2016-17 and 2017-18 at different locations. Existing farmers’ practices were treated as control for comparison with recommended practices. All the demonstrations have been carried out with an objective to demonstrate how double cropping can be adopted such as rice followed by toria which can be adjusted in a cropping system considering the early harvesting of the first crop rice so that toria seeds can be sown on recommended date as per package of practice. The improved technologies consisting use of medium duration rice variety TTB 404, Toria variety TS 36 and TS 38, balanced fertilizer application and other cultural practices. Rice and toria cropping system gave the average rice equivalent yield of33.15q/ha compared to 24.69q/ha obtained at farmer’s practice. The average percentage increase of rice-toria system in two years recorded 34.3percentover farmer’s practice. The cropping system with improved varieties recorded higher average gross return (Rs 92,064/-), net return (Rs.45,535/-)with higher benefit cost ratio(1.99)as compared to farmer’s practices

The present investigation was conducted to know the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on productivity and economics of rabi onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivar PRO 6. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twelve treatments with three replications viz., T1: Control, T2: 100% Recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizers (RDNF), T3: 75% RDNF + 25% N Farm yard manure (FYM), T4: 75% RDNF + 25% N Vermicompost (VC), T5: 75% RDNF + 25% N Poultry manure (PM), T6: 50% RDNF + 50% N (FYM), T7: 50% RDNF + 50% N (VC), T8: 50% RDNF + 50% N (PM), T9: 50% RDNF + 25% N (FYM) + 25% N (VC), T10: 50% RDNF + 25% N (FYM) + 25% N (PM), T11: 50% RDNF + 25% N (VC) + 25% N (PM), T12: 25% RDNF + 25% N (FYM) + 25% N (VC) + 25% N (PM). The results revealed that among different treatments, T2 (RDNF) recorded maximum plant height (64.60 cm), number of leaves (10.47), bulb diameter (7.26cm), fresh weight of bulb (73.13g), dry weight of bulb (9.29g), dry weight of leaves (1.19g) per plant and bulb yield (421.23q/ ha) in terms of growth and yield attributes whereas lowest observation were recorded with treatment T1 (control). Treatment T2 also recorded highest net return (Rs 2,44,286/ha) and B:C ratio (1.63).

The study was conducted in five villages namely Sainji, Sakanayana, Dhulet, Dhor and Simkhet of block Pabou, in Pauri Garhwal district. Twenty farm women from each village were randomly selected and socio- economic profile was recorded. Nutritional education regarding four selected topics was imparted. Scores for pre test knowledge and after imparting education, scores for gain in knowledge and retention of knowledge were recorded. Maximum gain (65.5%) and retention (51%) was observed for the message related to importance of nutrition garden followed by message on nutrition for children. For all the formulated messages, post test scores after one week and one month was higher. Significant increase in gain and retention of knowledge was recorded. Findings indicated
that nutritional education intervention was helpful in gaining knowledge in the selected topics

Berseem is an important rabi fodder crop for dairy animals as it helps to maintain the availability of green fodder from month of October to April in addition to its easy digestibility and high nutrient content. The field was laid out in split plot design with fifteen treatments and three replications. Five dates of sowing i.e., D1:5 November, D2:15 November, D3:25 November, D4:5 December and D5: 15 December comprised main plots, whereas sub plot treatment consisted of three last cutting dates C1:5 April, C2: 15 April and C3: 25 April. The later sown crop (15th December) gave the highest seed yield (4.69 q/ha),
which was statistically similar to 5th December sowing (D4). In case of last cutting date, treatment C1 recorded the highest seed yield of 5.08 q/ha which was followed by C2 (4.28 q/ha) and C3 (3.83q/ha).

Experiments were conducted to determine the optimum plant spacing for different varieties of blackgram during Rabi 2015-16 season. The experiments comprised of three varieties viz. VBN (Bg) 4, VBN (Bg) 6 and MDU 1 and five different crop spacing viz., 15 cm × 10 cm, 15 cm × 15 cm, 20 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 15 cm and 30 cm × 10 cm and laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (FRBD) with three replications. Varieties showed significant difference for plant height, total number of pods per plant, seed weight per plant, seed yield, haulm yield and harvest index while different crop spacing showed significant difference for plant height, seed yield, haulm yield and harvest index. Pooled analysis exhibited a significant variation among three varieties. VBN (Bg) 6 revealed the highest seed yield of 741 kg/ ha while the lowest seed yield of 590 kg/ha in MDU1. Interaction also produced significant effect on seed yield. The crop spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm showed highest seed yield 714 kg/ha when compared with other crop spacing treatments. Low potential varieties and improper crop spacing are serious causes low productivity in pulses. The interaction of variety VBN (Bg) 6 and 20 cm x 10 cm crop spacing exhibited significantly higher seed yield and harvest index than other treatments. Optimum plant spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm enhanced seed yield by 20.3 percent and harvest index by 29.4 percent compared with recommended crop spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The higher harvest index varieties showed wider adaptability and higher stable yield over environments and therefore can be recommended for cultivation by the farmers

A field experiment was conducted at farmers’ fields in Khargone during kharif 2016 and 2017 with view to assess the effect of plastic mulch on growth, yield and economics of chilli. Two treatments were T1 Farmers practice (without mulch) and T2 (30 micron silver on black plastic mulch) replicated at five farmers field. Thirty two days old seedlings of chilli hybrid Sonal were transplanted on raised beds at a spacing of 1.20 m between row to row and 0.40 m plant to plant spacing. The Treatment T2 (Silver on black plastic mulch) recorded significantly maximum plant height (104.56 cm),number of structural branches/plant (9.93), fruit length (16.48 cm), fruit girth (1.29 cm), green chilli weight (8.19g), number of fruits/plant (212.80), dry chilli weight/plant (267.50g) and dry chilli yield (53.50q/ ha). The maximum net return per hectare (Rs 2,87,856/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.71) were recorded under treatment T2. However the minimum net return and benefit cost ratio were recorded in control (T1).

Due to migration of work force from agriculture it became inevitable to adopt farm mechanization to ensure food supply to growing population. Mechanization leads to crop residue burning in open field for rapid clearing of field and sowing of new crop. Crop residue burning in open field became one of the most sever environmental and social problem form sustainable agriculture production and human survival. Conversion of crop residue into biochar and its use in agriculture is a healthy option for its mitigation. Present study was focused to assess the effect of biochar on sustainability of ricewheat productivity in Rohtas district of Bihar. The results showed that the no significant change was observed in system productivity but soil health was improved significantly. Advancing in sowing time of Rabi crops and reduced weed density ensures the better future of biochar use in agriculture.

Women constitute a significant proportion of the work force in diverse industrial activities and due to lack of strict adherence to work environment standards and legislation are subjected to various work hazards. The existing work practices, conditions of work and incompatible man-machine design exert varying work stresses on the operator stated Singleton way back in 1966. Till now, this problem has never been resolved. The study was conducted to analyse working environment of the handloom weavers in Manipur. A total of 42 participants (14 from each weaving on the three different looms namely Loin loom, Throw
shuttle loom and Fly shuttle loom ) were selected from Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur. A checklist was used to evaluate the work environment. The analysis brought to light the elements of vector found not satisfactory in the weaving sheds for the set four indices namely General Conditions (GWC), Work Station (WD), Working Posture (WP) and Hand Tools (HT) and need attention for all types of looms users, the plight of the loin loom users, further stands out attracting attention for necessary action

The present research work was carried out to assess the practices followed by guava growers of Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan. For the study, a sample size of small (n=54) and big guava growers (n=66) from six different villages were selected using simple random sampling technique. Assessment of knowledge
regarding different agronomic practices comprised of usage of improved varieties, vegetative propagation method, planting practices, type of irrigation system used, usage of manure and fertilizers and plant protection measures etc. was made. The knowledge gap was categorized into three different classes as highest, medium and low based on mean percent score (MPS). The results showed that highest level of knowledge gap found in case of vegetative propagation (41.75 %), irrigation system (35.83 %) and plant protection measures (34.62 %). Further recorded that the medium level of knowledge gap in package of practices like improved varieties (30.83 %), harvesting and marketing(30.65 %) and cultural practices (22.35 %) while lowest level of knowledge gaps was found in practices like planting practices (4.05 %) and manure a fertilizers (13.02 %) among the total majority of guava growers regarding improved guava cultivation practices. The results further elucidated that there was a significant difference found between small and big guava growers with respect to agronomic practice followed to improve guava production technology. Thus, it can be concluded that the big guava growers had more knowledge about major practices of guava cultivation than small guava growers.

The existing farming systems have been studied for their profitability and extent of diversification in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The study is based on the primary data collected from 160 farmers. The diversification index was computed to capture the extent of diversification in the district. The
lowest value of diversification index implied that extent of diversification was highest and vice versa. In cereals based farming system (FS-I), lowest diversification was observed with a value of 0.77. The higher diversification was noted in livestock based (FS-III) and fruits based (FS-IV) farming systems
having values 0.55 and 0.58, respectively. The fragmentation of land holdings, lack of cold storage facilities, monkeys, stray animals and wild animals menace were found as major problems in the study area and the scope for agro-processing unit, diversification towards cash crops, developing commercial
livestock unit, herbal, aromatic and medicinal plants were major opportunities reported in the study area.

Assessment of factors responsible for contributing anxiety among the working class women is paramount to prevent health issues. The present pilot study was carried out to estimate the relationship between lifestyle associated factors among adult working women of Punjab. The study was carried out from April, 2019
to July, 2019 and included 130 participants randomly selected from two different districts of Punjab state (Ludhiana and SBS Nagar). Anxiety associated life style factors of working women having the age between 21-55 yr were analyzed by self report and incorporated percentage of body mass index, daily exercise, food habits, sleeping habits, and metabolic disorders etc. Correlation between different anxiety causing variables were also calculated. The results showed that only 29 per cent of working women were indulged in daily exercise, eating meals (74.80%), taking regular sleep of 6-8hr (87.78%), drinking water at regular interval (76.33%), feel free in discussing with family members (53.43%), with both relatives and friends (50.38%), colleagues (13.74%) and rest 5.34 per cent with relatives etc. Only 23.66 per cent women had normal BMI and 41.22 per cent were pre-obese due to sedentary life style. There was positive co-relation between age with exercise, sleep with exercise, diet with sleep and satisfaction of life with sleep. The study concluded that healthy diet with regular exercise and taking sound sleep of 6-8 hr reduces the incidence of anxiety

A participatory experiment was conducted to assess the effect of foliar application of urea and Agromin on apple. Agromin is a commercial formulation of micronutrients containing mineral elements comprising of optimum proportion of zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum and magnesium. The experiment
was conducted at three different sites at altitudes between 1800 to 2200 m above mean sea level. Thirteen to fifteen years old, uniform trees of cultivar Royal Delicious were applied with treatments viz. Urea @ 0.5% (T1), Agromin @ 0.25% (T2), Urea @ 0.5% + Agromin @ 0.25% (T3), Urea @ 1.0% (T4) and Urea @ 1.0% + Agromin @ 0.25% (T5). Urea and Agromin sprays were done between tight to pink cluster stage of growth. These treatments were compared to control plants which were applied the recommended doses of Nitrogen. Results showed that vegetative growth was significantly influenced by the application of urea and agromin. Application of Urea @1.0% + Agromin 0.5% (T5) resulted in highest plant height (29.17 cm), girth (1.10mm), shoot extension growth (45.25cm) and tree spread (14.23 cm) which was at par with treatment T4. Maximum fruit length (6.71cm), diameter (5.57cm), fruit weight (88.41g) and total yield per plant were recorded in the treatment T5 (Urea @1.0% + Agromin 0.5%) followed by the treatments T3(Urea @0.5% + Agromin @ 0.25%) and T1 (Urea 0.5 %). The highest
benefit: cost ratio (2.80) was obtained in the treatment T5 (Urea 1.0 % + Agromin 0.25 %). The lowest B:C ratio (2.45) was observed in Control due to the lowest number of large and medium grade fruits

India has been bestowed with substantial water resources. Ground water, which is the source of more than 85 percent of rural domestic water requirements of the country, is depleting fast in many areas due to its large-scale withdrawal. Present study was conducted in a watershed to identify the ground water recharge zones and suitable structures using Remote Sensing coupled with Geographical Information System and Analytical Hierarchy Process. The parameters such as Geology, Geomorphology, Soil type, Land use, Lineament, Elevation, Slope and Ground water table depth were selected that are closely linked to surface and ground water availability. A base map of watershed was prepared by digitizing the boundary in bhuvan. The satellite images DEM 30 m, LISSIII 25 m and field inputs were used to derive different thematic maps. Multi criteria decision making was applied to all the parameters in thematic maps by assigning ranks from 1 to 5 scale and reclassified depending on its influence on the storage and movement of groundwater. The pair wise comparison for 6 layers were given based on the comparison between the layers and their relative importance towards groundwater prospects and a 6×6 matrix was formed. Based on the comparison matrix the reclassified maps were multiplied with normalized weights and added up in raster calculator to get the final suitability map. From the analysis it was found that 5.70 Percent area is highly suitable for recharge and 60.58 Percent of area was moderately suitable and 33.71 Percent was less suitable for recharge.

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting methods and mulching on the growth and yield of spring maize (Zea mays L)on sandy loam soil, low in organic carbon and available N and high in available P and K. The experiment was carried out in split plot design with twelve treatment combinations having three planting methods viz., single row on bed (SR), double row on bed (DR) and paired row on bed (PR) in main plots and four live mulch treatments in sub plots including control, moong, mash and cowpea replicated four times. The results indicated that different planting methods and mulching had a significant effect on the growth and yield components of spring maize. The planting of maize with double row on bed gave significantly higher plant height, periodic leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob, straw yield and harvest index. Test weight was not influenced significantly. Grain yield (kg/ha) were also significantly more in double row on bed over paired row on bed but single row on bed was at par with it .Among the mulch plots mulching with cowpea recorded the highest growth and yield components. Test weight was not influenced ignificantly. Grain yield (kg/ha) was recorded maximum in cowpea mulch plots followed by moong, mash and least was in control plot.

The main objective of the investigation was to study the information seeking behaviourof opinion leaders along with their socio-economic and personal characteristics identified among the farm women in hill regions of Uttarakhand state. The study was carried out in two hill district, Bageshwar from Kumaon
division and Tehri Garhwal from Garhwal division. The investigation was confined to total 298 respondents, 177 farm women from village Badiyakot of Bageshwar district and 121 farm women from village Sabli Talli of Tehri Garhwal district selected purposively. Data were collected through semi-structured interview
schedule. The findings revealed that majority of the opinion leaders belonged to middle age category, married, educated up to primary school and belonged to upper caste. Agriculture was found to be the primary occupation of all the opinion leaders. About more than half of the opinion leaders i.e., 54.17 per cent were noted to be engaged in animal husbandry followed by 20.83 per cent engaged in poultry farming as secondary occupation. Majority of the opinion leaders had medium years of farming experience. The study alsorevealed that majority of the respondents had medium socio-economic status andinformation seeking behavior. However,localite sources of information were more frequently utilized by opinion leaders as compared to cosmopolite sources, mass media sources and extension education methods

Mushroom cultivation can directly improve livelihoods through economic, nutritional and medicinal contributions. A complete list of 200 respondents was randomly selected who have undergone capacity building programmes through training and demonstration on mushroom production technologies at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ariyalur district from 2014-15 to 2018-19. The study has been contemplated and carried out with an aim to ascertain the impact of capacity building programmes on knowledge level before and after conduct of trainings, adoption level during different years and constraints being faced by the mushroom growers. The highest change in perception level of 77.85 and 76.2 per cent was observed in respect of technologies related to nutritive and medicinal value of mushroom and harvesting and storage of mushroom respectively. There was the study increase in adoption of mushroom cultivation practice from 2014-15 to 2017-18 and the average adoption was 36.91 percent. Among the constraints faced by the mushroom growers, lack of finance and credit support ranks first (89.0 %) and it was followed by non availability of spawn in time (80.0 %). Appropriate actions to overcome these constraints to bring mushroom as an income generating and self employment ventures are suggested

The present study was carried out at organized dairy farms at Jehanabad. A total of 144 cows were selected. The general and breeding history of animals, presented for gynecological checkup were recorded with respect to age of animal, number of calving, day past from last calving, nature of estrus cycle, number of insemination done without conception were noted. Animals observed to be in estrus for the first or second time were considered as normal or fresh animal. For third time or more after insemination were taken as repeat breeding animals. The highest incidence of repeat breeding (23.52%) was recorded during the month of February and the lowest (11.90%) during the month of June. The highest incidence of repeat breeding was observed during monsoon (23.80%) and lowest during summer (13.63%) season .The overall incidence of repeat breeding out of total number of 483 cases examined was 16.82 percent. The highest incidence of (42.85%) was observed in heifers which calved first time.

The present study on management practices for control of nematode disease complex was conducted by ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thirupathisaram in Kharif season during 2018-19 at 10 farmers fields in Thovalai block of Kanyakumari district on an area of 4 ha comprising 0.4ha each. Integrated management practices were bulb treatment @ 20 g/kg of bulb each with Paecilomyces lilacinus + Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens , followed by soil application with P lilacinus + T viride + P fluorescens @ 5 kg/ha enriched with FYM (1t) on 30th day after planting followed by foliar application of P lilacinus + T viride + P fluorescens at 30 d intervals @ 5g/ l on 60, 90 and 120th day after planting was demonstrated in farmers field for the management of nematode disease complex. The results revealed 55.8 percent reduction in root knot nematode incidence and 75 per cent reduction in wilt incidence in tuberose in demo fields compared to farmers practice. 20.97 per cent increase in the yield was recorded in demonstration plots and the quality of flowers was better in demonstration plots

Panama disease is caused by the soil borne hyphomycete, Fusarium oxysporum Schlect. The aim of the study was to identify suitable management practices from the beginning stage of the crop. Fungicide carbendazim was first treatment. Biocontrol agents were used as second treatment regularly at a monthly interval. As per the observation, disease incidence was less in bioagents used plots (100sq.m) . It was found that the disease incidence of 12.5 per cent and recorded yield by 42.75 t/ha with a net return of Rs.4,05,000 and 19kg/bunch was recorded in fungicide treated plots. In Bioagents used as a integrated approach disease incidence of 60.5 per cent and yield of 35.50 t/ha. and net return of Rs.2,99,500, 15 kg/ bunch. The conclusion was that, application of bioagents, integrated with cultural and mechanical practices like cutting and burning of diseased leaf to avoid aerial spread, sucker treatment to avoid nematode problem, selection of healthy suckers for planting will manage the disease and also less expensive

The present study was conducted during 2009-10 in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka state. Mundgod taluk of the district where the Tibetans resided were purposively selected with 135 rehabilitants as the sample size. Data were collected to analyze the association of the profile characteristics on livelihood
activities of Tibetan rehabilitants. The results revealed that education, family size, annual income, risk orientation, economic motivation and social participation were found to be significantly associated with livelihood activities. Major problems expressed by the Tibetan rehabilitants in livelihood
activities were lack of labour force (63.70%), uncertainty of rainfall and lack of irrigation facilities (62.96%), lack of veterinary facilities in the settlement (29.63%) and lack of remunerative price for farm produce and high price fluctuation. Majority of the Tibetan rehabilitants (59.25%) suggested
for creating water facilities by sinking open wells, tube wells or by constructing small tanks. A considerable percent of 44.45 suggested training on skill development in the enterprises, followed by 29.62 and 25.92 percent suggested better milk price for the producer and veterinary hospital facilities.

The present study was carried out to assess the job performance of the Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) working in 8 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State. Forty Eight SMSs working in the KVKs were interviewed with a structural interview schedule developed purposively. Total 10 independent variables were selected to measure the relationship between the selected characteristics of the SMSs and their job performance. The findings revealed that larger proportion (89.58%) of the SMSs were under good performance category, while none of the respondents found with poor and below average job performance. Correlational study indicated that among the selected attributes of the SMSs, sources of information, job commitment, job involvement, achievement motivation and organizational climate were found to be positive and highly significant (P< 0.01) relation whereas, the infrastructure facilities had established positive and significant (P< 0.05) relationship with the job performance of SMSs.

Chickpea is the most important pulse crop in the state occupying 10.82 lakh ha with production of 4.79 lakh tones and average productivity 443 kg/ha.. Therefore, a study was undertaken to assess the knowledge level of farmers regarding chickpea production technology in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. A total of 120 farmers were selected as respondents and a knowledge index consisting of 10 dimensions was prepared to measure the knowledge level of farmers. The study revealed that the farmers had poor knowledge about soil treatment, high yielding varieties and bio-fertilizer, while majority of them had knowledge about critical stage of irrigation. The majority of the respondents had awareness regarding recommended doses of manures and fertilizer, biofertilizer,
seed rate, improved varieties, spacing and method of sowing. The socio-economic, communication and psychological factors had significant positive relationship with knowledge level of farmers except age, land holding, and farm mechanization. Cosmopoliteness, attitude towards chickpea production technology, scientific orientation, extension participation, economic motivation, mass media exposure and information source utilization were the important factors which had direct and indirect effect on knowledge of farmers

Knowledge about innovation may be an important factor affecting the adoption behaviour of farmers. The farmers who have more knowledge about newly developed technology also have more level of adoption of technology compared to those who have low knowledge. Therefore, present study was conducted to assess the
knowledge level of the farmers on the improved production technology of onion in Sikar District of Rajasthan. The Sikar district consists of 9 blocks, out of which two panchayat samities namely Laxmangarh and Dhod were selected on the basis of large area coverage under onion crops. From each selected blocks, three villages were selected and 15 farmers were selected from each selected village randomly, thus making a total sample of 90 farmers. The selected respondents were interviewed personally with the help of a well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The result reveals that the maximum of the respondents (65.56%) had medium level of overall knowledge, followed by 20.0 per cent of them had low level of knowledge and only 14.14 per cent of them had high level of overall knowledge about onion production technology. 70.74 per cent respondents had good knowledge about field preparation and hence this practice was ranked first. The second highest per cent of respondents 61.48 per cent were having knowledge about transplanting of nursery in main field which was given second rank. Only 25.0 per cent respondents had knowledge about selection of suitable variety which was ranked last because most of the respondents had minimum knowledge about this practice.

An investigation was carried on the availability of different types of fish hooks and liningmethods in the Brahmaputra valley with an objective to study the respective dimensions, seasonal variation, abundance, catch, cost, the variability of gears with the targeted fish species and their mode of operation. The identified fish hooks and lineused by the fishers of Assam can be classified into 10 different types under 2 major categories based on the principle of capture, design, and operational methods. Many of these gears were selective and the hook materials have a significant influence on the gear performance. The fish catch is composed of small fishes viz., C. punctatus, Puntius spp., Anabas testudineus, Eutropiichthys vacha; mid-sized fishes viz.,Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Channa maruliusand bigger sized fishes viz., Wallago attu,Rita rita, Bagarius bagarius, Chitala chitalaand Notopterus notopterus. The fishes are caught on their commercial importance in terms of food, ornamental and sports perspectives. Most of these hooks are fabricated traditionally and except the ones being importedon recreational purposesin the region.

The study was conducted in Nagaland at randomly selected district of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung .The requisite information was collected from 120 borrowers taken loan during the year 1998-19 through random sampling, with the help of interview schedule. The repayment behaviour of the respondents indicated that only 25.0 per cent of the total borrowers (120) were found to be regular in repaying the loan within the specified period while 75.0 per cent had stop paying completely after initial installments or had never paid any installment due to some reasons. It was also found that the reasons for non-repayment of loan were due to low outcome from the project (73.33%), pressing family needs (56.67%), natural calamities (44.44%), less income source (40.0%), marketing problems and non-availability of raw materials (35.55 %), mismanagement of income (31.11%), high interest rate (27.78%) followed by short time duration (26.67%) for loan recovery. Repayment behaviour also had positive significant correlation with socio-economic status, easy availability and perceived adequacy, whereas annual income and timely availability had positive correlation but non-significant. However, adoption behaviour and earner’s percentage exhibited negative correlation with repayment behaviour

Demonstrations were conducted at farmers fields in Pasupugallu (Mundlamuru mandal) and Tanamchintalaand Bandiveligandla (Darsi mandal) during Kharif 2016-17 to 2018-19 on 4.0 ha area during each year to study the effect of micronutrient management in cotton. Under demonstration, treatments consisted of spraying of MgSo4 @ 10 g/l (45 and 75 d), ZnSo4 @ 2 g/lat 4-5d interval at 45 DAS and Boron @ 1.5 g/l (60 and 90 d) and compared with control plot without using micronutrients. The results showed that application of micronutrients significantly improved yield and cost to benefit ratio in cotton .Under demonstration, pooled average yield was 10.9q/ha with B: C ration of 0.70 whereas, under control plot pooled average yield was 9.1q/ha with B: C ratio of 0.62. Hence, application of micronutrients reduced flower and boll drop and increased returns to farmers

The study was conducted on marketing behaviour of 100 okra growers from two talukas of the Tapi district by simple random sampling technique. The findings of marketing behaviour of farmers revealed that 75 per cent used bike for transport their produce, 75 per cent used plastic bags as packing material and majority of the farmers sold their produce immediately after harvest in the nearby market. Whereas, 81 per cent farmers reported that they received full payment on the spot after sale. Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (62%) was important source of market information. Major problems in the marketing were price fluctuation (100%), high cost of cultivation (83%), poor quality of seed (69%) and climate change (21%) as well as export of okra very less extent. Independent variable training and experience significantly correlated with the yield of okra. However, regression clearly indicated the importance of experience and training in the farming and marketing of okra

Ducks play a very important position next to chicken for the small-scale farmers in India because they are a source of income and part time employment for the growers. Ducks easily adapt to various environments and are more resistant to poultry diseases (than chicken), many rural people in the country practice commercial duck farming. However, compared to broiler chickens, broiler duck industry is less popular and its development seems relatively slow because of the low consumption rate of duck meat by consumers and less efficient feed conversion. Keeping these points in mind, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kattupakkam conducted an on-farm testing on the performance of Pekin ducks in Integrated farming system (IFS) model. A total number of five farmers with fish farm pond were identified from five different villages. Each farmer was provided with 20 Pekin ducklings, 20 desi ducklings and 20 kg duck mash. It was found that on an average the pekin ducks attained the weight of around 1.780 kg as compared to the desi bird (1.250 kg) at 60d of age. The feed conversion ratio was found to be higher (3.75kg) in local ducks than the Pekin ducks (2.63kg). It was also found that the mortality rate of Pekin ducklings reduced after advising the farmers on scientific duck farming practices. The benefit cost ratio was found to be 1.71 which in turn reveals that duck farming is a profitable venture to the farmers. It was also noticed that the benefit cost ratio for the demo-Pekin ducks (1.71) was higher than the check- desi ducks (1.19

In present scenario victimization has become a matter of great concern in schools. In this paper researcher will discuss about peer victimization among children which can be defined as children experiencing spiritual, physical, or property damage from a person or group in a aggressive and unfriendly environment. Peer victimization associated with many types of adjustment difficulties. Students who are constant victims of school bullying often rejected by their peers and they feel depressed, anxious, and lonely. Thus the aim of the present study was to assess the peer victimization among school children. The present study was undertaken on 1070 children (570 rural and 500 urban) of secondary and senior secondary schools of Hisar district of Haryana state. The study was conducted with all children enrolled in classes 6th to 10th from six selected schools (three schools from urban area and three schools from rural area i.e. Ladwa). Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale was used to assess the victimization among school children. Children were personally interviewed
about their victimization behaviour. Frequency, percentages and Chi- square test were used to analyse the data. The results of the study highlighted that there was no association between peer victimization and ruralurban setting but among boys and girls there was association between sex of child and peer victimization and found to be significant. Further, results depicted that majority of children were mildly victimized. Percentage of boys was greater in moderate and severe peer victimization behaviour as compared to girls

The present study was conducted to know the perception and adoption of soil health card recommendations through purposive sampling of 60 respondents selected from twelve divisions of the district. The data collected through interview schedule prepared for the purpose. The results showed that majority of respondents had medium level of perception (91.67%) and adoption (71.67%). The correlation Coefficients between independent variables, and dependent variables i.e., perception and adoption showed non – significant relationship. With regard to constraints in adoption, respondents expressed that crop not sown due to lack of rains, not able to understand the results given in soil health cards and lack of faith in the results presented in soil health cards were the major constraints

Panchmahal district of Gujarat is having large undulating and hilly areas and scattered plantation of khirni (Manilkara hexandra Roxb.). Khirni fruit is very potential minor fruit as it is full of antioxidants, minerals and other phytochemicals. Dried fruits of khirni are used by the tribals and other local people during fast in many festivals and treated as raisins. Recently, Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Vejalpur has developed khirni variety Thar Rituraj which is early, semi-spreading type, regular bearer, semi-dwarf and starts flowering in 4th year after planting. For easy harvesting, proper canopy architecture (plant height up to 3.0-4.0 m) is required and for this, annual pruning (25-40 % of annual growth) during June-July is very effective. A total of 10 genotypes were used for chemical analysis. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with 3 replications. Fresh fruits of khirni (Thar Rituraj) recorded 5.10 g average fruit weight, 24.80o Brix T.S.S., 0.35 per cent titratable acidity, 17.90 per cent total sugar and 28.40 mg/100g vitamin C and carotene (6.90 mg/ 100g). Dried fruits after one year recorded 64.20o Brix T.S.S., 45.70 per cent total sugar and 1.30 per cent acidity. It may be concluded that sun drying with the application of castor oil on the khirni fruits is very economical and eco friendly technology for the resource poor farmers. There is need for further popularization of dried khirni fruits as nutritional substitute

Innovations play an important role in increasing food production and optimizing resource utilization by farmers. Despite herculean extension efforts, there is still a wide gap between agricultural technologies developed at research institutions and their adoption by farmers. Often, innovations are rejected by the farmers after initial adoption due to several reasons. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the reasons behind the discontinuance of agricultural innovations. The study was carried out in U.S. Nagar district of Uttarakhand. Five agricultural innovations viz. direct seeding of rice, application of bioagents, mushroom cultivation, polyhouse cultivation and nutritional gardening were selected for the study. For data collection, 89 farmers were interviewed by the researcher using a pretested schedule. The findings revealed that major reasons for discontinuance of agricultural innovations were non-availability of inputs (68.57%), lack of extension agency contact/support (51.42%), lack of interest (37.14%), engagement in other activities (28.57%), cumbersome operation & maintenance (28.57%) and lack of training (22.85%).

Drip method of irrigation has immense potential to enhance the productivity of several crops and socially beneficial for improving the profitability by reducing the cost of cultivation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio economic impact and knowledge level with profile of
drip farmers. A total of 150 respondents were selected by using randomly sampling technique. In the regression analysis 46.50 per cent and 16.70 per cent of the socio economic impact of drip irrigation and knowledge level of drip irrigation were influenced by the profile of drip owners. Whereas education,
attitude and extension contact variables predicts the socio economic impact of drip irrigation system and knowledge level on drip irrigation system was predicted by the age, education and social participation.

An attempt has been made to examine the resource use efficiency of Bt cotton in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The purposive random sampling method was used to select 60 farmers. Survey method was adopted to conduct the inquiry by personal interview with the help of interview schedule. The Cobb-Douglas production function was used for estimation of the resources use efficiency. The results revealed that the Marginal Value Product (MVP) to Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) ratio for human labour (1.44), machine labour (5.07), seed (12.76) and irrigation (1.88) were found to be underutilized, which implies the increased usage of these inputs add to the gross income from cultivation of Bt cotton. Hence, there is an ample potential of raising Bt cotton production through adoption of improved and new technologies and optimum utilization of resources like human labour, machine labour, seed, manure and fertilizer, plant protection chemical (PPC) and irrigation with better management practices

Banana is one of the most preferred crop gaining popularity in Kerala. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kollam conducted an experiment for assessing the effect of foliar and soil application of micronutrient mixtures in banana for yield enhancement. The trial was replicated at ten farmer’s field. Different treatments were T1-Farmers practice, T2-(recommended dose of fertilizers as per package of practices (190:115:300g NPK/plant/yr) along with Sampoorna KAU multimix at the rate of 10 g /l at 2,4, 6 and 8 m after planting and T3- (recommended dose of fertilizers (190:115:300g NPK/plant/yr) along with Ayarat at rate of 100 g/plant at 2 and 4 m after planting. The results revealed that soil application of Ayar along with recommended dose of fertilizers resulted in 12.6 per cent yield increase than the foliar application of Sampoorna KAU multimix in banana. Highest yield of 20.6 t/ha was reported from Ayar application in banana followed by Sampoorna KAU multimix (18.3 t/ha) while lowest yield was from farmers practice (14.8t/ha). Farmers practice reported highest pest incidence of 15.6 per cent, followed by application of Sampoorna KAU multimix (6.3 %), while least pest incidence was reported in ayar application (4.1%). Highest BC ratio of 1.94 was noticed in Ayar applied banana followed by 1.71 in Sampoorna KAU multimix application, while least BC ratio of 1.40 from farmers practice

Lime is one of the important citrus fruits and due to its acidic nature, cannot be consumed fresh. In industry, lime juice concentrate has a big role. Lime juice was concentrated with 300, 400 and 500 g/l (GPL) citric acid concentration by heating in thin film evaporator at 60oC and 610 mm of Hg vacuum for about 90-180 minutes according to concentration levels. Subsequently, Potassium Meta-Bisulphate (0, 50 and 100 ppm) was added as preservative. Sugar syrup (50, 60 and 70 0Brix) was also added along with 1 per cent salt to enhance the taste. The prepared lime juice concentrate was packed in sachet and stored at room temperature for 3m for its shelf life. During storage, physicochemical parameters of stored lime juice concentrate such as total soluble solids, titrable acidity, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, browning and pH as well as microbial analysis in terms of total plate count and
sensory analysis were determined for every 15d interval. Maximum storability and consumer acceptance of prepared lime juice concentrate were found better using level of concentration (500 GPL), preservative (100ppm) and sugar syrup (70 0Brix) and can be stored up to 3m at ambient temperature in sachet

Cotton is the most important commercial crop of Telangana State with an area of 1.41 M ha., covering more than 95 per cent under Bt. Sucking pest infestation is the major biotic constraint responsible for considerable yield loss and high consumption of insecticide in cotton. As an alternative to chemical spray,
stem application technology was assessed for the sucking pest management of cotton in the farmer’s field of Karimnagar District for the five years starting from 2014-15. Imidacloprid (18.5 SL) solution @ 1:20 dilution was applied for three times at 20, 40 and 60 DAS. It was effectively controlled the sucking
pests of cotton by reducing number of sprays and saved 74.95 per cent of insecticide (249.49 g.ai/ha). Cost saving of Rs. 3,340/ha., coupled with 8.11 per cent increase in yield resulted in additional net returns of Rs. 7,810/ha., over control. Obtained high B:C ratio of 1.86 compared to control (1.59). Over
all cumulative monitory benefit of Rs. 6,49,300/- was realised in an area of 20.0 ha., over five years

The present research study was conducted in Wokha district of Nagaland during the year 2015-16 for the assessment of economics and marketing of chilli. The study comprises of 60 sample farmers by following a multi stage stratified random sampling technique. The selected farmers were stratified into three groups viz., Group-I marginal (< 1 ha), Group-II small (1.01 to 2.00 ha) and Group-III medium (> 2.01 ha & above) based on the area under land holding of the respondents. Two marketing channels of chilli marketing were identified viz., Producer – Consumer (Channel I), Producer – Retailer – Consumer (Channel II). Producer share in consumer rupee was higher in channel – I (80.0%) as compared to channel – II (57.14%). Marketing efficiency was estimated using Shepherd’s formula and it was found that marketing efficiency was higher in channel – I (39.02%) as compared to channel – II (18.67%).

The present investigation was carried out in Chhotaudepur district located in the eastern part of the Gujarat State to assess training needs of tribal farm women in relation to improved animal husbandry practices because this district is an important tribal majority milk pocket. A total of 120 tribal women were
selected from twelve selected villages under study. The results revealed that animal health care practice was the most important area and ranked first for the purpose of training (mean weighted score 2.25). The second rank was assigned to the area of management practices with a mean weighted score of 2.13
followed by foundation practices (MWS 2.06), feeding practices (MWS 2.05), fodder production (MWS 2.04), breeding practices(MWS 2.03), marketing and Finance( MWS 2.02), clean milk production(MWS 2.01) and Value addition (MWS 1.84). From the study, it was concluded that it will help the extension agencies to organize the suitable training programmes for the dairy farm women in improved animal husbandry practices to improve their milk production and make the dairying a successful enterprise

Extension is broadly divided into three major components namely extension education, extension work and extension service. Therefore, persons who want to work in various line departments of government extension agencies like Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Forestry, Fishery etc. are expected
to build positive feeling towards extension service.It is therefore significant to know the attitude of postgraduate scholars towards extension service. Keeping this in view a standardized scale has been developed to measure the attitude of the postgraduate scholars towards extension service as one of the
important components of extension. A summated (Likert) rating scale was used to develop scale. The process started with identifying the dimension, collection of items followed by relevancy and item analysis and checking the reliability and validity for precision and consistency of the results. A total of 24 statements were framed in which 11 statements were finally retained which has practical applicability in measuring the attitude towards extension service. The scale contains total eleven statements, out of which five are positive and six are negative. The developed scale was found highly reliable.

This study was carried out to investigate the utility of Vyavasaya Panchangam in Andhra Pradesh during 2016-17 to know the utility, problems and suggestions of readers of Vyavasaya Panchangam. 130 farmers in 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh were selected as respondents. Questionnaire was used to generate data, which were descriptively analysed to answer the research questions. The results showed that majority of respondents had medium perception towards utility (56.2%) and felt that information was need based and specific (66.20%) and timely (54.20%). To include market rates (67.69%) and new chemicals (57.69%) were suggested.

The groundwater is a dynamic and replenishable natural resource but in hard rock terrains its availability is of limited extent and essentially confined to the fractured and weathered horizons, which points toward efficient management of groundwater in these areas. The behaviour of groundwater in the Indian subcontinent is highly complicated due to the occurrence of diversified geological formations. Hence, the groundwater extraction and corresponding recharge studies were conducted at Yarehalli micro-watershed during the year 2016-2017. The results indicated that the groundwater fluctuation and discharge was more
in the year 2017 as compared to 2016. The total draft of groundwater was found to be 27, 09, 619 m3, against the total recharge of 1, 80, 462 m3 with the groundwater extractions being 15 times more than the recharge.

Paddy is the major cereal crop grown in India under stagnated water condition in agricultural fields. Puddling operation is carried out to create the stagnated water condition by creating an impervious layer in the sub soil surface. Puddling is a land preparation practice and it will decide the water usage in fields throughout the cropping period. To improve the puddling quality and stagnation of water, the puddling techniques viz., T1 = cage wheel, T2 = rotavator, T3 = cage wheel + rotavator and T4 = power tiller with rotary tool were taken for the study. Since number of passes also influencing the puddling index, each treatment was analyzed for P1 = single pass and P2 = double pass. The implements were tested in silty loam soil and the parameters like puddling index and infiltration rate were measured using standard measurement procedures. Infiltration rate of field was reduced by increasing the puddling index with stagnated water condition. T4P2 technique had the highest puddling index of 70.91 per cent and lowest infiltration rate of 6.5 mm/d whereas T1P1 had the lowest puddling index and highest infiltration rate. In upland area, the power tiller attached with rotary tool was the most suitable method because infiltration rate observed minimum among all the treatments. When the infiltration rate reduces, the frequency of irrigation can be reduced resulting in saving of water during the crop period. In lowland paddy cultivation, usage of cage wheel with two pass allows infiltration of water resulting in proper drainage and reduces water stagnation

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at farmer’s fields in Badkisarari village on clay loam soils to validate zero till sowing of wheat crop in rice-wheat cropping system for realizing higher yield. Zero till sown wheat had significantly lesser weed dry bio mass per unit area as compared to wheat sown in conventional and reduced tillage beside advancement of sowing by 20-25d over conventional and reduced tillage sowing of wheat crop. The population of Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, Avena fatua, Chenopodium album, Melilotus indica and Anagalis arvensis was reduced
significantly under zero tillage as compared to conventional tillage. Excellent suppression in weed density and weed dry weight with higher levels of weed control efficiency and yield were obtained with zero till sown wheat. Zero tillage was also found better in terms of lesser cost of cultivation, higher net returns and B:C ratio.

Saina Nehwal Institute of Agricultural Technology, Training &Education, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar organized eight training courses on bee keeping during the year 2017-18. In order to assess the impact of these courses on knowledge gain of trainees, pre and post
training evaluation were conducted by developing a questionnaire comprising of general information and background of the participants and information related to various aspects of bee keeping. It was observed that mostly male candidates belonging to younger age group and who dropped their education at secondary or senior secondary level come forward to adopt beekeeping as an enterprise. More than half of the respondents were from farming background including nearly
2/3rdof marginal to small and about 1/5thof landless farmers. Majority of the respondents used to contact extension experts and also used mass media regarding information. The training programmes proved very effective and resulted in remarkable increase in knowledge of trainees in all aspects of beekeeping. It was concluded that school dropouts, landless, marginal to small farmers can be promoted for adopting beekeeping as an enterprise through organizing various training programmes as these proved very effective in increasing the knowledge which is helpful to start and flourish beekeeping

Milk fever, also known as periparturient paresis affects high yielding pleuriparous milch cattle and buffaloes, usually within one or two days after calving, resulting in considerable reduction in milk production. In the present study, effect of Anionic Mishran supplementation to advance pregnant pleuriparous cattle/buffalo on incidence of milk fever in district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh was assessed. A total of 100 advance pregnant pleuriparous animal were selected. Fifty animals were supplemented Anionic Mishran @ 100g /day while 50 animals were kept as control. Information was collected through personnel interview technique about the previous lactation yield of the selected animals, awareness of farmer about Anionic Mishran. After calving, information was also collected about parturition related complications and milk yield. Results indicated that parturition related complications are fairly common in milch animals in the area and none of the farmers was aware about Anionic Mishran and its utility. Upon supplementation no issue of palatability was faced either in cattle or buffaloes. Only two incidences of retained placenta and one milk fever was observed in supplemented group while the number was 5 and 4, respectively in control group. It may be concluded that Anionic Mishran supplementation reduce the incidence of milk fever in high yielding pleuriparous animals and more demonstration of the technology may be conducted for it’s up scaling and optimal utilization by the farming community

Cabbage is one of the most important of the green leafy vegetables grown under temperate to tropical climate conditions.It is a cool season crop which grows best under cool, moist weather conditions. There is much variation exists among different cabbage types. In this experiment the cabbage is tried to cultivate
before their normal season i.e. off-season cultivation is aimed so that, the supply of produce is less and prices are high. For this the performance of five improved cabbage varieties during off season was assessed in rain shelters. The selected cabbage varieties were NS183, NS43, Kalyani, Green Challenger and Green Voyager. Number of replications was ten. Various biometric, yield characters, pest incidence, BC ratio were noted during the study. The trial revealed that cabbage variety Green Voyager performs better under rain shelters and is the best variety for off season cultivation in Kerala.The variety Green Voyager recorded highest plant height and leaf number at all stages of growth. The highest leaf length and leaf girth was reported by variety Green Voyager.Highest B:C ratio was obtained from Green Voyager and lowest from NS-43 . Highest pestincidence was reported from NS43 and lowest from Green Voyager. Head length
and width was highest in Green Voyager followed by variety Kalyani. Crop duration was lowest in Green Challenger and highest in Kalyani. Days to heading were lowest in Green Voyager and highest in Green Challenger. Highest yield per plant was noticed in Green Voyager and lowest from variety NS43.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) being an educational institution of the farmers, organized two institutional training programmes on integrated crop management in moong bean and provided information to 48 farmers of 6 adopted villages of 3 blocks of district Sikar. It was found that after receiving training on moong bean cultivation, the knowledge level of trainees were significantly increased from 8.33 to18.92 per cent in different practices. The maximum change in knowledge level was recorded in use of high yielding varieties 18.92 per cent followed by plant protection measures (18.11%), grain storage (14.58%), field preparation (14.24 %) and 13.54 per cent in seed treatment which show positive impact of trainings. While after imparting the training there was a large knowledge gap was recorded among trainees in practice like plant protection measures (48.40%), seed treatment (40.97%), fertilizer management (40.77%), weed management (40.28%) and 36.98 per cent gap about use of high yielding varieties were remained stable. This large knowledge gap may due to high cost, complexity and some other constraints responsible for non-adoption of new practices. Thus, it was finally concluded that the imparting of trainings is an important tool for enhancing the awareness, knowledge level and motivate the farmers for adoption of new package of practices of different crops.

The cluster frontline demonstration on red gram was conducted in five villages namely Kasimnagar, Mettupally, Dataipally, Anjanagiri and Mallaipalle of Wanaparty and Pangal districts during kharif season of 2013-14 to 2016-17. The pooled results of 3 yr revealed that a short duration variety of red
gram PRG 176 + seed treatment (Trichoderma virdi 8g/kg seed + Rhizobium sp. 1kg/ha seed ) + plant protection (Pheromone trap 8 no./ha + insecticide: Acephate@1.5g/l + DDVP@1ml/lt) recorded average highest yield 1299 kg/ha compared to 839 kg/ha in control plot. The same trend was in case of gross and net monetary returns, which was Rs. 57,060/- and Rs. 35,890/-ha and for control Rs. 39,624/- and Rs. 20,305/-ha, respectively. Benefit cost ratio for demonstration and control was 2.79 and 2.02, respectively. It can be concluded that the red gram production could be enhanced by encouraging the farmers through adoption of recommended technologies which were followed in the CFLDs.