Organizational structure of Central Himalayan Rural Action Group (CHIRAG), a non government organization (NGO) working in hills of Uttarakhand was studied. Data were collected from 132 employees of the organization. It was found that majority of the employees were of middle age and married, having rural background, working at low salary with little career and salary progression. Most of them got the job at young age and have not changed any organization in spite of not getting even a single promotion while having high experience. Medium level of participation was found in decision making about the allocation of resources and organizational polices by majority of the employees of the organization. According to maximum number of employees, CHIRAG was slightly authoritative as far as hierarchy of authority is concerned, complete job description and rule manual existed in the organization and their work is specified. Almost half of the respondents found variety in their work. Majority of the employees of the organization were fulfilling all the qualifications, trainings, experience and expertise required for the position at which they were working.

The study was carried out to determine the farmers’ adoption behaviour on wheat production technologies. The farmers were selected from Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and were demonstrated production technology during 2008–09 and 2009–2010. It was revealed that 32 per cent farmers fully adopted demonstrated wheat production technology whereas 24.9 per cent farmers adopted partially.The major constraints observed in wheat production was lack of irrigation facility as well as mechanization. In wheat, under irrigated condition yield of 29.8 q/ha was recorded which was 32.4 per cent higher than farmers’ practice while in rain fed condition demonstrated plot resulted in 16.2 per cent higher yield over farmers’ practice. The B:C ratio of demonstrated plots under irrigated condition was 1.35 and of farmers’ practice was 0.90 while under rain fed condition B:C ratio of demonstrated plots was 0.66 and of farmers’ practice was 0.45.

The present study conducted in Phutahola village of Dibrugarh District was an endeavour to know about the livestock profile of the respondents and their knowledge of animal rearing practices. Animals reared by the people are of local or indigenous type having low productivity. Although goat population was found highest (56.9%) in the village, but number of household rearing pigs was higher and most of the people are pig eater. Animals suffer from all common diseases encountered in other parts of the country and the state in particular. The study also revealed that 73.3 and 65.3 per cent of the respondents had knowledge about vaccination and de-worming schedule, respectively. However, other scientific practices of rearing were adopted to a very less extent.

This investigation was undertaken to study the adoptability of various recommended practices and major constraints faced by dairy farmers in adoption of improved dairy technologies in Bathinda and Mansa districts of Punjab. A total of 78 dairy farmers belonging to small, medium and large categories were selected for the collection of data. It was noticed that that majority of the large dairy farmers and very few small farmers have adopted the recommended package of practices. 80.8 per cent of the small dairy farmers reported lack of knowledge as the major constraint in the adoption of recommended dairy farming practices followed by the nonavailability of improved cattle breeds, buffaloes and breeding bulls. On the other hand, 73.1 per cent of the farmers selected for this study expressed high cost of inputs as the major problem in dairy farming. Similarly, availability of poor quality of feed was the major problem for both the medium as well as large category dairy farmers. Majority of medium category farmers’ informed about the non availability of improved breeds. Very few small and medium category farmers had adopted cow dung disposal and management practices.

A grader for wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) was designed on the basis of the dimensional studies of the produce. It was observed that breadth and thickness of the sample ranged from 1.19–2.5 cm whereas the length varied from 1.70–4.0 cm with a sphericity of 0.68–0.91. On the basis of graphical representation it was found that the produce fell in three discreet sections with an average diameter of less than 1.75 cm, 1.75–2.5 cm, and more than 2.5 cm. A grader was designed with two aperture sizes for the grading of produce. Validation of the designed and fabricated grader was done with the five samples obtained from different fields and evaluated for its efficiency. The grader was economical and efficient for farm level operations.

Economics of different integrated farming systems in Terai region of West Bengal were studied by observing three treatments as T1 (Control): Traditional farming system, T2: Integrated cattle farming with aquaculture and T3: Integrated cattle and ducks farming with aquaculture. The fish and milk production was significantly higher (Pd”0.05) in T3 as 27.8±0.5 kg and 441.3±81.4 l., respectively followed by T2 as 20.6±0.3kg and 405.4±27.8 l., respectively and T1 as 10.7±0.3kg and 219±5.6 l. with addition of 2,939±32.0 numbers of eggs in T3. Hence, the profit was significantly higher in T3 (Rs 25,126.8±394.0) than T2 (Rs 9,566.8±185.7) and T1 (Rs 4,982.2±206.1).

A field experiment was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of furrow and bed transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.); varying irrigation management practices; and weed control on soil bulk density and infiltration rate on sandy loam soil. The experiment consisted of seven planting x irrigation and two weed control treatments. Soil bulk density was higher after harvesting as compared with that before planting. The bulk density at crop harvest, at soil depth of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm was 1.86 and 1.24 per cent more over the bulk density before sowing in flat plots. Among rice transplanting methods, wet levelling (puddling process) in flat fields increased bulk density compared with unpuddled furrows and beds. The cumulative infiltration rate reduced after land preparation as compared to before sowing. Cumulative infiltration rate reduced by 65.6 per cent in unweeded flat plots as compared to that before sowing whereas the reduction of 63.1 per cent was observed in herbicide treated flat plots. Also, the cumulative infiltration rate was higher in bed and furrow transplanted rice (10.3–10.8 cm/min) than puddled flat treatments (5.5–5.9 cm/min).

A field study was conducted to assess the growth behaviour of hybrid maize variety Allrounder under different planting methods and nutrient levels. The treatments comprised of three planting methods i.e. flat sowing in single row at 70 cm spacing, in double-rows on strips of 105 cm wide and on ridges at 70 cm spacing. The nutrient levels tested were 250 kg N, 250 kg N + 150 kg P, 250 kg N + 150 kg P + 100 kg K, 250 kg N + 150 kg P + 100 kg K + 15 kg S, 250 kg N + 150 kg P + 100 kg K + 15 kg Mg and 250 kg N + 150 kg P + 100 kg K + 15 kg S + 15 kg Mg/ha. Leaf area index (LAI) of 4.21, dry matter (DM) of 1377.61 g/m2, crop growth rate (CGR) of 30.11 g/m2/day and net assimilation rate (NAR) of 7.08 g/m2/day were found significantly higher (P<0.05) in crop sown on ridges than on flat surface. The effect of application of sulphur was significant on growth parameters of maize as LAI, DM, CGR and NAR were higher in treatments where 15 kg S was applied along with 250 -150 kg NP than NP alone. The effect of application of S or Mg or both S + Mg to NPK 250–150-100 kg/ha was significant in terms of increase in growth of maize than NPK alone.

In the present study, total 15 school going girl child aging between 3–6 years were selected from the adopted cluster of villages. In the daily diet, soy flour was added in the wheat flour in the ratio of 1: 9 respectively. The experiment was conducted for one year in order to get the appropriate results. The observations taken were height, weight and BMI. It was observed that height was positively and significantly co-related with the consumption of soy flour (0.67**). Similarly, BMI was also positively increased in the experiment group over the control group i.e. 0.199 and 0.076, respectively.

The present study was conducted to know the extent of adoption and reasons for non-adoption of selected resource conservation technologies by the farmers. A total sample of 180 respondents was taken from 12 villages of two selected districts for the present investigation. The data were collected with the help of interview schedule. The findings revealed that around half of the respondents adopted laser land leveler, but the extent of adoption of tensiometer, leaf colour chart and bed/furrow/ridge planting was low. Area wise extent of adoption of laser land leveler was also high i.e. 60.5 per cent. About 71.0 per cent of the respondents were willing to increase the area but only 7.5 per cent wanted to decrease the area under selected resource conservation technologies. The major reasons expressed by the respondents for non-adoption of laser land leveler were high cost and its non-availability whereas for non-adoption of tensiometer and leaf colour chart were their non-availability in the local market and lack of awareness.

The study was carried out in Anta block of Baran district of Rajasthan. The Anta block was purposively selected because of large number of farmer participation in KVK\\\’s training programme. The data regarding gain in knowledge and adoption level about improved garlic production technologies were recorded under two heads like; knowledge before training and knowledge after training. The findings of the study revealed that farmers had gained knowledge about garlic production technology ranging from 11.7 per cent of land preparation to 80.0 per cent of seed treatment after training programmes. The study shows that the none of farmers were following the improved practices of garlic production like soil testing, soil treatment seed treatment and seed rate and spacing before training programme whereas, after training programme they were adopting seed treatment (68.3%), seed rate and spacing (65.0%), soil testing (51.7%) and soil treatment (36.7%). The study also revealed that they were adopting the garlic production technologies ranging from 10.0 per cent of storage practices to 75.0 per cent of high yielding variety after training programmes.

The present study was conducted to ascertain the impact of vocational training courses on the average adoption rate of poultry farming amongst the trainees who acquired trainings from the KVK, Hanumangar during the last 6 years. It was observed that initial average adoption rate 44.0 per cent declined to 27.9 per cent and unemployed rural youths (56.2%) showed keen interest in poultry farming. The knowledge level of the respondent before and after training for feeding, health care and management was 46.4, 30.6, 57.5 and 86.3, 68.7 and 89.9 per cent, respectively.

Wild relatives of Cyamopsis i.e. C. serrata is an early maturing (40–50 days), slow growing and branched species, while the other species i.e. C. senegalensis is a slow growing annual herb and matures in 120–130 days. Both these wild relatives possess some desirable attributes like drought resistance, photo-and thermo-insensitivity and disease resistance.

Seedling explants like cotyledon, cotyledonary node and hypocotyl taken from 7–10 d old aseptically grown seedlings and immature embryos (10–12 d after pollination) were cultured on MS medium with B5 vitamins and fortified with different concentrations of growth regulators. Maximum callus induction from cotyledon explant was evident in C. serrata and C. senegalensis on MS medium with B5 vitamins and supplemented 2, 4-D (2mg/l). Hypocotyl explants of both the tested species of Cyamopsis showed very good callus induction response in media supplemented with 2, 4-D @2mg/l. BAP at concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 mg/l supported indirect multiple shoot regeneration via callusing in C. senegalensis whereas 1 mg/l BAP supported direct multiple shoot regeneration. On the other hand, BAP induced differentiation of multiple shoots in C. serrata and the number of shoots per hypocotyl explant increased with the increasing concentration of BAP. Indirect shoot regeneration from hypocotyl explants was evident in C. serrata at MS medium supplemented with 1mg/l each of NAA and BAP, whereas NAA (2mg/l) with BAP(1mg/l) and NAA(2mg/l) with BAP(2mg/l) showed callusing in both the wild species. Cotyledonary node explant was the most responsive explant for plant regeneration in both the wild species of Cyamopsis under investigation. Indirect shoot regeneration in C. serrata was observed in MS medium supplemented with NAA alone and response increased at 2mg/l. NAA induced only callusing from cotyledonary nodes in C. senegalensis. 2,4-D (1mg/l) induced callusing and indirect shoot regeneration in C. serrata and C. senegalensis while its higher dose (2mg/l) induced callusing only from cotyledonary node explant in both the species tested. Supplementation of MS medium with BAP alone lead to indirect shoot regeneration via callusing and its frequency decreased with increasing its concentration for 0.5 mg/l to 2.0 mg/l. Interestingly, 2mg/l BAP supported multiple shoot formation from cotyledonary explants in C. serrata. Supplementation of 1.0 mg/l BAP to the medium containing 2.0 mg/l NAA lead to indirect shoot regeneration in C. senegalensis while it induced only callusing in C. serrata. The frequency of shoot regeneration however, decreased with the increase in concentration of BAP to 2mg/l. Half strength of MS with 0.1 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l IBA supported best rooting in C. senegalensis and C. serrata, respectively and plantlets were successfully transferred to paper cups.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is pride of Arunachal Pradesh and one of the major single most problems in mithun husbandry is ownership dispute, apart from crop raid, wild beast and other being viral, bacterial and parasitic infestation. To overcome the ownership dispute microchip implantation on the left side of neck region (anterior to the point of shoulder), while Lura system to mitigate crops raids, special training to mithun to come inside protected enclosure at night to curve out wild beast menace, followed by vaccination, antibiotic and anthelmantic drugs respectively for viral, bacterial and parasitic infestation have been suggested to the farmers of the area.

This study was undertaken to assess the role of credit and investment pattern in dairy sector under Punjab conditions. It was found that on an average 28.9 per cent of per farm income comes from dairying in the state. For the state as a whole, Rs. 5,612/- farm were taken as loan for purchase of cattle and Rs. 9,641/- farm for construction of cattle shed. Out of total loan availed by sampled households in the state for investment purposes in agriculture between 2002–2007, it was just 2.2 per cent for cattle purchase and 3.7 per cent for construction of cattle shed. Utilization of credit is as important as credit availability to enhance productivity. Diversion of credit leads to indebtedness and depleting financial position of the farmers. The average investment on cattle in the state was found to be Rs. 9,175/- farm. Borrowed funds accounted for 61.2 percent of invested funds. The diversion of borrowed funds for this purpose is found to be 3.0 per cent. Thus actual share of loan amount utilized as investment on cattle was found to be 59.3 per cent investment on cattle On the other hand, Rs. 18,206/- farm were invested on cattle shed in the state. 53.0 per cent of this investment was accounted for by borrowed funds. In fact, the actual utilization of credit for total investment came to be 49.5 per cent as 7.0 per cent of the borrowed funds were found to be diverted for other purposes. Thus, development of dairying in state should be further encouraged in a big way through concessional credit along with subsidized cattle insurance, quality control on animal feed and systematic milk marketing etc.

The present study was carried out on relationship of the selected characteristics of rural women with their training needs to animal husbandry practices in Junagadh district of Gujarat state. It was envisaged that the extent of association between two variables (independent and dependent) provided the strength and direction and effects of one variable on the other variable and independent variables, which were included in the study. Attempts were made to ascertain the extent of association between the variables and their direction. The variables like mass media exposure, attitude towards dairy farming and area under fodder crop had positive and significant correlation while age and dairying experience were having negative and significant relationship with the training needs of rural women. The variables viz., caste, family type, family size, land holding, annual income, social participation, herd size and milk production were failed to establish any significant relationship with the training needs of rural women.

Weather and climatic information plays a major role before and during the cropping season and if provided in advance can be helpful in inspiring the farmers to organize and activate their own resources in order to reap the benefits. In India, direct application of computerized information systems to the farmers is not feasible in the present conditions. Therefore, India Meteorological Department (IMD), the only nodal agency in India issues biweekly forecast to the different centers to prepare agro-advisories for the benefit of farmers. Medium range weather forecasting of different weather parameters viz., rainfall, temperature and cloud cover during seven-year period (April 2000 to March 2007) for Ludhiana station were verified and their reliability and utility were assessed for two years (2004–06) for Ludhiana region. In the farm activities the accuracy for rainfall is about 80 per cent except during SW monsoon season (69.0%). For rainfall, the ratio score (RS) ranged between 58 to 96 per cent and Hanssen and Kuipers (HK) score was 0.12 to 0.54. Per cent mean values of accuracy for rainfall, cloud cover, maximum and minimum temperature were 80.9, 49.8, 54.4 and 47.1, respectively. The utility of the medium range weather forecast indicated 5 to 7 per cent economic benefit in rice, wheat, mustard and maize in central plain agroclimatic zone of Punjab.

Whey contains 40 per cent of milk solids including lactose, minerals, water-soluble vitamins and 20 per cent of milk proteins with high biological value. In the present study, cheese- whey and soya -whey was blended with 50 per cent pulp of Jamun fruit for the development of squash as per FPO specifications. The values for TSS, pH and acidity were found to be 46.43 and 45.40 degree Brix; 4.35 and 4.30 and 1.19 and 1.17 per cent in cheese -whey and soyawhey blended with Jamun pulp, respectively whereas, ascorbic acid content was found to be 11.52 and 10.41 mg/100 g. The values for total sugars, reducing-sugars and non-reducing sugars were calculated as 39.94, 36.57; 20.21, 20.48 and 19.72, 16.09 per cent respectively in cheese-whey and soya-whey based Jamun squash. Organoleptically soya-whey based squash obtained maximum scores (7.78) for over-all acceptability as compared to cheese-whey based (7.30) Jamun squash. During storage, acidity, reducing sugars and total sugars increased and pH, TSS and ascorbic acid decreased but both the products remained acceptable up to 3 months of storage at ambient temperature.

Since the foundation of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), practical extension work in agriculture has been undertaken besides education and research at university. Remarkable features of PAU extension system are direct assessment of farmers’ needs, need-oriented research, quality training for state personnel, and a strong linkage between academic education and field practice. It has its own multidisciplinary extension team in each district in FASS and KVKs, who are engaged in adaptive research, on farm research, training, and consultancy. These extension workers are working like transmitters and receivers of experiences from researchers, farmers, and state extension workers. Regular workshops are held which unite university and department staff from research and extension together with outstanding farmers. Strength of PAU extension system is its literature where apart from regular monthly magazine, all the latest research findings are published as a “Package of Practices” for all the crops recommended for the zone in local language every year before the commencement of cropping season. Considering person-to-person communication has traditionally been the most important form of information transfer. Thus PAU has registered many commodity based clubs and training youth in large numbers, for the formidable task of disseminating useful and practical information from the research base to the rural farm families. Similarly the latest modes of communication are being exploited by providing advisory through SMS on phone and emails. Such experiences have been documented in this paper.

Apple is the major fruit crop of temperate Kashmir valley and has improved the socioeconomic condition of the farmers to a great extent. People, however, spare portion of productive land for lawns and use ornamental plants other than fruits. An innovative way to use fruit plantation for ornamentation was tested, so that the objective of beautification is achieved while getting returns from horticultural crops. Different fruit plants were added to the garden for diversity and beautification. In addition to these fruit plants some ornamentals were also recommended for further beautification. The plot was leveled and beds of different designs were made around the apple trees, which were kept free from weeds through mulching and intercultural operations. Fertilizers were applied as per the recommendations of SKAUST-Kashmir. Addition of variety of fruit plants created diversity, flowering were observed at different stages and ripen fruits were available throughout the season. Fruit plantation served two purposes i.e. ornamentation and monetary returns. The quality of the fruits over farmers’ practice was also improved. Cost of cultivation was higher in the demonstration, while gross returns (Rs.47,287/Kanal) and net returns (Rs. 32,052/- kanal) were also higher in the same. Increases in the income was to the tune of 26 per cent over the farmer\\\’s practice.