The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kargil organized employment generating and skill development based training programme in livestock sector and evaluated the impact of the technology based trainings acquired by the tribal farmers. The study revealed that out of 260 trainees who participated in the employment generating training programme, 66.53 per cent beneficiaries adopted the technology whereas, out of 226 trainees who participated in skill development trainings, 69.46 per cent beneficiaries adopted the technologies. The highest adoption in the said training programme was found to be that of clean milk production and the least was adopted for vaccination in livestock. A good number of women folk also participated, to gain the knowledge and adopted the technologies. The study encouraged building capacities of livestock farmers through informal trainings especially in the areas of diseases management, feeding management, value addition of milk, deworming, vaccination and poultry farming, pashmina harvesting, spinning of wool etc. so that they can face challenges of the enterprise, boost their farm size and income.

Assessment of cluster bean varieties for growth and yield characters was conducted at five different farmers’ fields at Manjakollai village, Bogalur block and Vazhuthur village of Mandapam blocks of Ramanathapuram district during the year 2016-17. The aim was to assess the performance of high yielding cluster bean varieties suitable for Ramanathapuram district namely MDU 1, Pusa Navbahar, Pusa Sadabahar and local. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments with three replications. The observation on plant height (cm), days to 50 per cent flowering (days), number of fruits per plant, individual fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), yield per plant (g), yield per ha (t/ha) and B:C ratio were recorded and analysed statistically. The results revealed that the highest plant height was recorded in MDU 1 (128.50 cm) and minimum length in local (88.87 cm). In case of days to 50 per cent flowering, Pusa Sadabahar took minimum number days(39.40d) whereas in local check, the value was 44.85d. It was found that MDU1 recorded the highest number of fruits/plant (149.70), individual fruit weight (2.98 g), fruit length (13.40 cm), fruit girth (4.63 cm), yield/ plant (211.60 g) and yield/ha (14.20 t/ha). In local variety, all these values were lowest for all these yield traits. MDU 1 registered the highest benefit to cost ratio of 2.94, whereas local check recorded 1.84. Due to highest yield of 14.2 t/ha, MDU1 was found to be most suitable under Ramanthapuram condition.

The study was conducted at the farmer’s field in village Fatehgarh adopted by KVK Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), during Rabi 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 to assess the effect of weed management treatments on weed infestation and wheat yield. The experiment consisted of three treatments namely T1: farmers’ practice (hand weeding at 25 and 45 DAS), T2: sulfosulfuron 75% + metsulfuron methyl 5% @ 32 g a.i./ha at 25 DAS as post emergence and T3: clodinafop 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% WP @ 64 g a.i./ ha at 25 DAS as post emergence. Application of clodinafop 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% WP @ 64 g a.i./ha resulted in significant reduction in the weed count and weed dry matter as compared to rest of the treatments. Clodinafop 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% WP @ 64 g a.i./ha registered 27.87 percent higher grain yield as compare to farmers’ practice. Further, application of clodinafop 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% WP @ 64 g a.i./ha as post emergence registered significantly higher net return and B:C as compared to all other treatments and in addition to increased grain yield of improved technology. The technological gap, extension gap and technology index existed which were 7.47 q/ha, 10.36 q/ha and 13.58 %, respectively.

Reproductive inefficiency of cattle due to repeat breeding syndrome is an expensive hitch in profitable dairy production and the incidence of repeat breeding is around 20-25 per cent in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Present study was carried out on 30 repeat breeding cows to study the efficacy of a modified prostaglandin (PG) protocol on conception rate and its impact on estrus duration. Repeat breeding cows were selected after following proper criteria like more than three artificial inseminations with regular oestrous cycles without any signs of pregnancy. Cows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. All selected animals were initially fed a dewormer and mineral mixture. Group I cows (n = 10) did not receive any treatment and served as control however, Group II cows (n = 20) were injected with double dose rostaglandin (20 ?g Dinoprostone, Pragma®) at 11d intervals and treated with GnRH (0.02mg, Receptal®) at the time of insemination. Further, the pregnancy status was diagnosed at 45 to 60 d after insemination. The Group II animals showed proper heat signs and pregnancy rates (75.0%) were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to Group I cows (30.0%). Further, 85per cent of cows treated with PG have shown the estrus duration between 24-48h compared to untreated cows (50%). Hence, use of modified PG protocol with GnRH could be appropriate method to improve fertility in repeat breeding cows under field conditions.

The present study was conducted to assess the level of awareness and participation of goat farmers in various market-led institutions in Tiruchirappalli and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu. A sample size of 120 goat farmers (60 farmers from each district) who were actively involved in goat rearing selected randomly for the study. A well structured, pre-tested interview schedule was employed for the data collection. The study revealed that 61.67 per cent of respondents were aware about farmer interest groups (FIG’s) and only 1.67 per centof farmer producer organizations (FPO’s). All the selected respondents were aware of farmers’ shandy and almost (98.33%) un-organized goat markets. The limited awareness with respect to FPO’s was due to the fact that the farmers were not apprised of the significance of FPO’s by rural banks and other Government agencies. Further, the data also revealed that majority (98.33 %) of goat farmers had no participation in Farmer interest groups while about 50.83 per cent of respondents had partial participation in weekly bazaar for goats.

In the present study, an attempt was made to find out the forward and backward linkages developed by farmer organizations especially for vegetable production and marketing. Based on maximum number of farmer produce organizations (FPOs), Pune district from western Maharashtra was purposively selected. Three tahsils viz., Khed, Junner and Purander and total eleven FPOs engaged in production and marketing of vegetables were selected. From selected FPOs, ten per cent respondents were randomly selected, constituting a total sample size of 200 respondents and asked to indicate their response regarding source of assistance/ guidance for getting finance, procuring inputs, seed production, post-harvest, value addition etc. These functional relationships with other stakeholders were considered as linkage under the study. The responses were recorded using frequency and percentage. The results of study revealed that member farmers had developed backward linkages with SAU and KVKs scientists for technical guidance, and with cooperatives for getting loans. FPO members had developed forward linkages with marketing board for marketing, whereas, linkages with private sector were developed for storage, processing and value addition. The findings revealed that small and marginal farmers can have strong forward and backward linkages with both private and public sectors that can lead to their overall economic development.

In the present study, a total of four different poultry breeds such as Vanaraja, RIR, Black Rock and Pallishree were evaluated for its suitability under rural backyard poultry rearing system. Out of these four, two breeds were dual purpose (Vanraja and RIR) and two were colour synthetic broiler breed (Black Rock and Pallishree). It was evident that the colour synthetic broiler variety Palishree birds attained the highest body weight of 3.09 kg in 16 wk period compared to that of other breeds, however the egg production potential was found to be highest in case of RIR breed i.e. 194 eggs/bird/yr and Vanaraja birds were performed well as dual purpose breed. Hence, it may be concluded that Rhode Island Red birds were best suited under the local agro-climatic condition for better egg production, Vanaraja birds serve better as a dual purpose and Pallishree birds for meat purpose. The backyard poultry system with improved birds provides  a solution to food security to the rural masses thus, paving a way for sustainable livestock production.

A multilocational trial on composite fish culture (CFC) was carried out to evaluate growth, yield and economic analysis of fish culture during three successive years 2014-2016 in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, India. The study revealed that growth of Silver carp and Catla is better than that of other fish species in composite fish culture (CFC). Fish yield was more in CFC than the traditional fish farming system in all locations under study with the highest harvest of 42.0q/ha. An increment of fish harvest up to 164 per cent was recorded by adopting CFC. Gross profit to the tune of Rs. 4.22 lakh and Rs. 2.55lakh/ha were recorded from CFC and local practice with a net profit of Rs. 2. 95 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh/ha and benefit-cost ratio of 2.36 and 1.83, respectively.

A study on the major constraints faced by the small scale pig farmers was conducted in 5 development blocks of Dhemaji district of Assam. A total of 125 farmer respondents comprising 25 farmers from each block were randomly selected based on their experience on pig farming. A schedule enlisting different constraints under five major heads viz. breeding, feeding, healthcare, marketing and miscellaneous including management were prepared. The low productivity of indigenous pig was the major breeding constraint with highest mean score (73.9 ) followed by non availability of improved pig breed (70.4). The lack of knowledge of feeding balanced ration was the most important constraints with a mean score of 76.1 and ranked first among the different feeding constraints. Mortality of pigs due to unidentified contagious diseases was the most important healthcare constraint faced by the small scale pig farmers of the district with a mean score of 70.0. Non existence of organized market facility was marked as the major constraint (mean score 76.0) in marketing of pigs. Shortage of operating capital and inadequate access to credit institution were identified as the highest constraints among miscellaneous constraints studied need to be address to increase the income of farm family.

Oilseeds constitute a major portion of human diet. In developing countries, most of the farmers have small landholdings, limited resources and excess family labour. This makes technological up-gradation in agriculture more imperative. The present study was undertaken to get insight into the constraints faced by tribal farmers in adoption of improved production technologies of rapeseed-mustard, which strictly control their adoption behaviour. Study was conducted in purposively selected Nagri and Ormanjhi blocks of Ranchi District. Four villages were randomly selected from each of these two blocks. Twenty five tribal farmers from each village were selected randomly consisting of the total sample of 100 respondents. The data were collected from each respondent through pre-tested structured interview schedule and appropriate statistical procedures were employed to analyze the data. Constraints were grouped into six categories, namely, ecological, technological, infrastructural, extension-related, economic and socio-cultural. The study concluded that undulated topography and gravelly soil equipped with poor fertility, dearth of short duration varieties of rice suitable for up and mid land and dearth of lesswater requiring varieties, lack of soil testing facility, inadequate technical know-how among farmers about improved practices, high cost of inputs and free grazing of cattle were experienced to be important constraints which hampered the adoption of improved rapeseed-mustard production technologies.

Identifying location specific problems of the farmers is of utmost importance. A new approach involving a critical and quantitative analyses of farmers’ footfall at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was applied for assessing the technological problems of the farmers in south-western Punjab. Of the total farmers’ footfall for scientific advisory, 11.3 per cent of farmers approached for weed management and ~21.9 per cent for different nutrient management problems. Farmers’ footfall for insect-pest and disease managementwas highest and comprised ~56.5 per cent of total annual footfall for scientific advisory. About 10.7 per cent total footfall for scientific advisory was related to the infestation of whitefly in Bt-Cotton only. For disease/physiological disorder (para-wilt in Bt-cotton and sheath blight in rice) management farmers’ footfall was mainly observed during July to October. Annually ~10 farmers (0.9% of total footfall for scientific advisory) approach KVK for phyto-toxicity/ injury induced on plants due to faulty spray practice.

Ariyalur is the second largest district of Tamil Nadu in terms of cashew nut area and production. The level of technological know – how and adoption of advanced technologies in cashew nut cultivation and value addition is low resulting in low productivity (520 kg/ha) of cashew nut in the district in comparison to state productivity (850 kg/ha). To enhance the knowledge of farmers different technology dissemination approaches has been used. Present study has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of different technology delivery mechanisms viz., distribution of literatures, delivering SMS and voice messages. Three groups of 25 farmers each were selected to deliver message using different message delivery mechanisms. Pre test and post test were conducted to assess the gain in knowledge and impact on adoption of different technologies. Pre test revealed that in all the three groups only 16% of the farmers were having high level of knowledge, while the post test results indicated that information sharing through mobile text message in time to time was effective as 64% of the farmers acquired high level of knowledge. Similarly, high level of adoption by 72% of the respondent was observed for the technology of spraying of panchagavya. Technology delivery through mobile text message was adjudged as good ICT mode to transfer technologies to the farmers.

Earlier efforts to augment production of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables were successful but farmers never got remunerative price for their produce. They were forced to sell their produce in distress because food processing units and cold storage structures were not established. Assured irrigation and quality inputs like seed, pesticides were not available. Still, irrigation facilities are lacking and farmers are dependent on timely rains only for successful farming. Many a times, unpredictable weather damages crops leading to economic losses. Thus, efforts to improve economic conditions of farmers must lay due emphasis on improving the basic infrastructure related to farming. Small and medium food processing industries should be established to ensure proper disposal of produce at remunerative prices.

Entomo pathogenic fungi play a crucial role in any IPM programme. Among these fungi, the green muscardine fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin is an important one due to its effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests including soil inhabiting ones and grubs of rhinoceros beetle. Adoption of Metarhizium for managing rhinoceros beetle grubs as manure pit application is not gaining popularity due to the non availability of formulation. On farm production method involving solid state fermentation system has the lacuna of availing pure culture, maintaining the culture and its high cost. Moreover, there are chances of occurrences of health problems by inhalation of conidia produced as dry powder form in the on farm production methods practiced nowadays. In this backdrop, present study has been conducted, wherein 2 economic media viz. coconut water and rice gruel water with and without addition of sugar and two types of inoculation methods i.e. inoculating with pure culture of fungus and with talc based formulation were evaluated. The results revealed that coconut water inoculated with talc based formulation was superior in supporting growth of the fungus and produced more number of colony forming units, which was at par with that of potato dextrose broth inoculated with pure culture of fungus. Hence, the farmers can exploit the possibility of utilizing talc based formulation of Metarhizium purchased from a reputed and reliable source for on farm multiplication using coconut water as it is easily available and economical.

An investigation was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR- VPKAS), Kafligair- Bageshwar (Uttarakhand) during the years 2016 and 2017 in peach cv. Red June planted at 3 m x 3 m spacing with varying nitrogen regimes through neem coated urea along with three sprays of calcium chloride. There were ten treatments i.e., 375g N/ tree + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T1), 375g N / tree + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T2), 375g N/ tree + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T3), 500g N/ tree + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T4), 500g N/ tree + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T5), 500g N/ tree + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T6), 625g N/ tree + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T7), 625g N/ tree + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T8), 625g N/ tree + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T9), 500g N/ tree + water spray as control (T10). The fruits were harvested at uniform maturity, packed and stored at ambient conditions. Economic analysis was done according to the average of two years data. Fruit yield, quality and storability at ambient conditions were measured and depending upon organoleptic acceptability at different storage intervals (0, 3, 6 and 8 d of harvest) and prevailing market rates the sale price was calculated. Cost of all the inputs and operational cost were calculated and summed up as cost of production. The benefit-cost ratio was highest under T2 i.e., 2.99 followed by T5 (2.88), T3 (2.81) and T6 (2.68), whereas the minimum was found with T10 (1.71).

A field study was carried out by KVK, Anantnag to determine the effect of different sources and concentrations of calcium and boron on yield and quality of apple cv. Red Delicious. Boron was sprayed at pink bud stage and at petal fall stage, whereas calcium at walnut stage and next two sprays at three weeks interval after first spray. The results of the study were promising as there was a significant improvement in both yield and quality of apple. The results clearly showed that calcium and boron regardless of source and concentration improved both yield and quality of apple over control. However, Calcium (Cacl2) as dehydrated source @ 0.3 per cent and Boron as boric acid @ 0.15 per cent proved to be the best treatment over other treatments was statistically at par with results obtained with solubar at similar concentration for yield parameters. Furthermore, an average enhancement of yield to the tune of 29.83 per cent and quality in terms of A grade apples to the tune of 55.31 per cent were achieved over control. Thus, it can be concluded that foliar sprays of calcium and boron on apple not only increase yield, but also improve quality that results in significantly higher economic returns.

The present study was carried out at the KrishiVigyan Kendra, Dewas during kharif2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18with the objectives to find out practically convenient and economically viable weed management practices on growth, yield and yield attributing characters of kharif onion.The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 9 treatmentsviz.,T1=control (without hand weeding and chemical herbicides), T2=three hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60 DAT, T3=one hand weeding at 20 DAT, T4=pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ ha (pre-plant incorporation-PPI), T5=oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 kg/ha (post emergence-PoE), T6=pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (PPI) + one Hand weeding (HW) at 40 DAT, T7=oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 kg/ha (PoE) + one HW at 40 DAT, T8=pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (PPI) + oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 kg/ha (PoE), T9=pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (PPI) + oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 Kg/ha (PoE) + one HW at 40 DATwith three replications.All the weed management practices resulted in significantly lower weed density relative to contrast.Highest plant height (59.69 cm), neck thickness (1.11 cm), leaves/plant (8.28) were recorded in hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60 DAT which was statistically at par with pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (PPI) + oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 Kg/ha (PoE) + one HW at 40 DATbut significantly higher than control.Hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60 DATresulted in significantly higher bulb weight (92.12 g), bulb diameter (6.37 cm) and bulb yield (272.14 q/ha) as compared to rest of the treatments. Among chemical treatments, pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (PPI) + oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 Kg/ha (PoE) + one HW at 40 DAT resulted in significantly higher bulb weight (88.67 g), bulb diameter (6.14 cm) and bulb yield (267.84 q/ha).Highest net returns (Rs1,77,697/ha) and B:C(4.39) were obtained with the application ofpendimethalin @ 1.0 Kg/ha (PPI) + oxyfluorfen @ 0.250 Kg/ha (PoE) + one hand weeding at 40 DAT making it practically more convenient and economically viable weed management practice.

In the central plain zone of Punjab, the underground water level is depleting at a very rapid rate may be due to over exploitation of water resources used for raising the long duration and high water requirement crops in addition to the industrial use. Hence, a study was conducted to note the effect of application of irrigation water on profitability as well as sustainability of summer mung bean versus spring maize cultivation in Kapurthala. For this, front line demonstrations on summer mung bean were conducted on 32 ha area at farmers’ field during spring 2016 season. The various parameters recorded were sowing date, per cent germination, number of irrigations and man days required for various crop management practices, number of sprays applied for control of insect pest and diseases, method of harvesting, grain yield and selling rate. The grain yield obtained in mung bean varied between 9.4 q/ha to 11.5 q/ ha and average grain yield was found to be 10.65q/ha under the demonstration plots. Total irrigation water applied was calculated to be 9,850 and 1,200 m3 /ha for spring maize and summer mung bean, respectively. If we calculate, the cost of irrigation water @ 1 paisa per 10 L, the net returns for spring maize cultivation was found to be Rs 49,421/-ha and Rs 54,600/-ha for summer mung bean, which clearly speaks that cultivation of summer mung bean is very economical compared to spring maize.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the best consortia of liquid bioinoculantsfor biocontrol of pathogens and to enhance the plant growth and biomass of Amaranthus cruentus under greenhouse conditions. Liquid bioinoculants viz., Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium, Frateuria aurantia, Psuedomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma viridaewere used either singly oras consortia in different treatment combinations. Treatment T8 (Pathogens+ Bacillus subtilis + Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride) recorded maximum biocontrol efficiency (72.89 %) and vigour index (2423.56)
followed by T7 (62.25 % and 2298.11). Growth parameter like maximum plant height (8.82 cm at 15 DAS, 29.0 cm at 21 DAS and 40.87 cm at 30 DAS) was recorded in T5. Maximum number of leaves (6.23 at 15 DAS, 9.13 at 21 DAS and 12.57 at 30 DAS) was recorded in T5which received consortia of Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium, Frateuria aurantia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma viride. Maximum root length, shoot length, plant fresh weight and plant dry weight were 7.80 cm, 40.87 cm, 7.87 g and 3.07 g, respectively recorded in T5 followed by other treatments.

Providing technical knowledge to the rural women through various training programmes is imperative for the development of women. Krishi Vigyan Kendras play an important role in providing knowledge about the improved practices of home Science technologies through its various training programmes. The present study was conducted with the aim to study the effectiveness of the training programmes in terms of gain in knowledge of the trainees. The focus was however on the trainings related to textile designing and clothing construction. The data were collected from 75 trainees who attended the training programmes through a set of questionnaire administered to them both before and after the conduct of the training. Test scores were calculated and gain in scores was obtained. Percentage improvement was calculated to study the improvement in scores. The t-test scores indicated that the trainings have made significant (p<0.05) differences in the gain in the knowledge test scores of the trainees.

Field experiment was conducted to compare the soil status of organic and conventional farming system under rice and wheat cropping system. Laboratory analysis was made on the soil samples collected from a longterm organic farm (SOF) at Department of Soil Science, Khalsa College, Amritsar and compared with the soil samples collected from different conventional fields (SCF) after the harvest of rice crop to investigate the effect of organic sources and chemical fertilizers. The results of the study revealed that soil physical properties viz., bulk density, particle density and porosity varied from 1.26 g/cm3 to 1.31g/cm3 (SO) and 1.35 g/cm3 to 1.44 g/cm3 (SC), 2.62 g/cm3 to 2.67 g/cm3 (SO) and 2.62 g/cm3 to 2.68 g/cm3 (SC) and 50.19 to 52.80 per cent (SO) and 45.48 to 48.49 per cent (SC), respectively. Soil pH showed slightly acidic to alkaline (6.75 to 7.34) range in organic soil samples while conventional soil samples showed alkaline range (7.98 to 8.28). The electrical conductivity (EC) of conventional farming system was significantly higher than organic farming system. The highest value (0.421dS/m) of EC was observed in conventional farming system field while lowest (0.391 dS/m) in organic field. Soil organic carbon (OC) content in surface soil ranged between 0.74 to 0.85 per cent and 0.26 to 0.35 per cent in organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. Similar
trends were observed in soil status of available N, P and K under organic and conventional farming systems.

Electricity is one of the important secondary fuels used by all the consumers in the world. This study was undertaken to study the electrical appliance usage and electricity consumption patterns in residences. An exploratory research method was used on 30 randomly selected households in the sub urban areas of Hyderabad, Telangana State. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. The data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage and correlation. The results showed that the respondent households used a greater number of miscellaneous appliances as compared to the other appliances used for different purposes like cooking, heating, cooling, laundry etc. Majority of the households stood in the low consumption level (0 – 250 units/month) of electricity, classified as per the study. Majority spent Rs. 1 – Rs. 1000/- month as an expenditure for the electricity consumed, which was considered as a low level of expenditure.

Buffalo meat is the healthiest meat because of lower intramuscular fat, cholesterol and calories, higher inessential amino acids contributing 50 per cent in Punjab’s and19.61 per cent in India’s meat production. About 1,324 thousand tonnes (91.22%) of buffalo meat worth Rs 26,162 crore was exported during 2016-
17. Punjab produces 8.58 per cent of India’s buffalo meat with only 4.75 per cent buffalo population. With breedable population of 27.87 lakh and 8.4 lakh male calves every year, 8400 units in Punjab with unit size of 100 male calf each are proposed resulting in additional 2.31 lakh tonne meat /year worth Rs 2,310 crore besides self employment of 8,400 persons and employment to 16,800 labourers. From a unit of 100 male calves, the annual net return will be Rs 5.25 lakh and monthly income will be Rs 43,750 and benefit cost ratio will be 1.29 which is quite high than one indicating that the business is secure and viable.

The focus of government is to doubling farmers’ income by 2020 for the benefit of farmers. The government announces Minimum Support Price for crops and procures the same. Apart from this to reduce the enlarging gap between minimum support price and price received by farmers, the government of Madhya Pradesh introduced Bhawantar Bhugtan Yojana in August, 2017.The study analyzed the pre and post implementation modal price and arrival comparison for black gram in Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, Jabalpur (M.P.). The study revealed that after the implementation of scheme the modal price of black gram have reduced by 52 per cent as compared to 2016 in Madhya Pradesh indicating cartel formation by the traders. Data on arrivals indicated that the arrivals also increased for black gram in Jabalpur by 62 per cent leading to price drop due to increased arrivals. The result concludes that there is need to put floor price ceiling to avoid dropping of prices along with shift in the marketing period to avoid increased arrivals with proper checks and balances.

Sustained food production and enhanced farm income are the prime objectives of Indian agriculture to encourage farming through various initiatives under the caption “Doubling Farmer’s Income” by 2022. In this connection, the study analyzed the impact of adoption of trench cum bunds (TCBs) as a soil and water conservation measures on economic and non-economic benefits in the watershed area. Partial budgeting technique was employed to analyze the data. The results indicated that, adoption of trench cum bunds had generated positive net returns and significant water recharge into the sub surface of soil.

A study was conducted among two hundred and forty five tree growers of Tamil Nadu state in India to assess the functioning of Tree Grower Societies (TGS) and to predict the willingness of farmer to join TGS. It was observed that majority of the respondents were not aware of the existence of TGS, neither enrolled as member nor paid membership fees. Regarding the perceptions about the benefits of participation in TGS, majority of the respondents shown positive response to know the market information of tree produces, technical information on tree growing, to meet fellow farmers and interacted with them and to avoid interference of middleman in selling their forest produce. The constraints expressed by respondents in the functioning of TGS were, lack of infrastructure facilities like office space, furniture, staff, members did not have adequate knowledge to run the society, non availability of time to attend society meetings and sizeable number of respondents felt domination of few members in the societies. Logistic regression results revealed that, if a tree grower had high perception towards forestry extension activities, the odds of his willingness to become member of TGS would increase by a factor of 17.58 units. In other words, the willingness of a tree grower to become member of TGS improves by 17 times if he had high perception towards forestry extension activities.

The present study was carried out on 105d old chicks of Srinidhi breed under farm condition. The body weight was recorded at weekly interval up to 16wk of age. The mean values of body weight at 0d, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th wk of age were estimated as 32.72 ± 0.59, 398.30 ± 3.18, 1010.87 ± 6.47, 1477.73 ± 9.21 and 1994.12 ± 10.91g, respectively in Srinidhi birds maintained under farm system of management. Age at first lay was found to be 175.85 ± 2.33 days and average egg production up to 40wk of age was recorded as105.42 ± 1.65 eggs. Egg weight up to 40wk of age and the survivability of Srinidhi birds was recorded as 54.40 ± 1.22g and 97.15 per cent, respectively under farm system of management.

Rice cultivation extends from the planes having altitude 1600 m above the mean sea level to high altitude hills 2300 m above msl in the temperate Kashmir valley. Productivity of Rice crop is very low compared to the potential yield. To narrow down the yield gaps and achieve maximum yields, demonstrations on improved rice technologies among rice growing farmers of mid belts were conducted by the KVK Kulgam from year 2013 to 2017. The results demonstrations revealed a significant improvement in yield in demonstrations over farmers practice. The yield superiority ranged from 9.2 % to 15.8 %. A yield advantage of 11.9 % over farmers’ practice was recorded in demonstrations. An extension gap of 6.32 q/ ha hectare was recorded. Net returns of ?96843/= were recorded in demonstrations against ? 87315/= from the farmers practice. Incremental Benefit Cost Ratio (IBCR) of demonstrations was 2.1.

Mushroom production is simple, low cost and plays a significant role to alleviate poverty and generate employment opportunity for educated unemployed youth in rural and semi-urban areas. The present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the impact of training on knowledge gain about mushroom production as an enterprise/self-employment. The training program on mushroom production was focused on farmers, farm women and youths who have interested in self-employment. Detailed training on different parameters of mushroom production in context to cultivation techniques, preparation of spawn, substrates preparation, marketing of fresh product, preservation and value addition etc was imparted to a total number of 72 participants (men 29; women 43) in five courses. The impact of the training was assessed by pre and post evaluation testing in terms of improvement in knowledge for different parameters. It was observed that 63.88, 59.72 and 55.55 per cent of the trainees were deviating knowledge on types of mushroom, preservation techniques and importance of casing after training. Thus, it can be inferred that exposure to training had increased the knowledge of respondents related to all the sub-components of mushroom production. It may therefore, be concluded that trainees succeeded in acquiring knowledge after exposure to training on mushroom production.

The study was undertaken to investigate the impact of front line demonstrations on scientific temperament of the soybean growers. A total of 90 respondents (45 farmers from KVK adopted and 45 farmer non adopted villages) were selected. It was found that the scientific temperament of the farmers from the adopted village was higher than the non- adopted village. It indicated that there was an impact of FLD programme among the soybean growers. The study also revealed that the selected profile characteristics viz; education, social participation, extension participation and mass media exposure were apt and contributed to about 77 per cent of the variation in the scientific temperament of the soybean growers. Therefore, it is suggested that these factors may be taken into considered while selecting farmers for conducting a technology dissemination programme.

The main objective of the present study was to examine the inequalities in the levels, pattern and per capita income among the different farm households in the rural area of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. Gini coefficients and Lorenz curve have been used to show the clear picture of income disparities among farm households. The study revealed that the gap in the levels of income between the marginal and the large farmers is increasing day by day. Majority of marginal and small farmers were living in vulnerable conditions. They are failed to meet their basic requirements due to low income earnings from agriculture sector. The annual income of average large farm households was 9.3 times greater than the annual income of the marginal farm households. The average household income and per capita income was directly associated with the farm-size in the rural of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. The study suggests that the socio-economic conditions of farm households could be improved by the commercialisation of agriculture sector, cooperative farming and by providing the proper price of their crops.

The investigation was carried out in Ludhiana city. Desired number of Cleopatra dresses were identified and documented from the secondary sources. Participants’ preferences were taken for the development of designs for the costumes through developed inventory from the three purposively selected colleges of Ludhiana city. On the basis of the preference, ten designs were designed and developed on CorelDraw X3. Then, these ten developed designs were shown to the panel of fifteen experts to shortlist six costumes for the final construction. Six most preferred designs were constructed. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the participants were between the age range of 21-24 yr, graduate and belonged to business class, nuclear family and had a monthly income between Rs100,001/- to -Rs130,000/-. Flared silhouette, Boat neckline, Plain sleeve and Peplum were most preferred by the participants whereas straight/tubular silhouette, neck with collars, cap sleeve and cowls were least preferred by the participants. Seventy one percent of the participants prefer two colours in the costumes whereas eighteen percent and eleven percent participants prefer single colour and multiple colours, respectively. Crepe fabric was most preferred by the participants whereas rayon fabric was least preferred by the participants.

The present study was aimed to assess the utility of integrated fish and poultry farming for self employment and nutritional security purpose. The study was conducted in the five villages i.e. Salari, Chug, Changpa, Pangsa and Sangti from Dirang circle of West Kameng district. The fish ponds and poultry sheds were prepared by using standard methods and yield of fish, eggs and poultry meat was evaluated and compared with farmer’s practice to analyze the cost-benefit ratio of integrated fish and poultry farming system. The results revealed that there was high cost-benefit ratio observed in this system as compared to traditional farmer’s practice. The study suggests that integrated fish and poultry farming system is a viable option to increase the income of small and marginal farmers.

Agriculture is the major occupation and only source of livelihood for majority of the small and marginal farmers in India. To enhance knowledge of the farmers, Government and extension agencies used communication tools like television. The television programmes with agriculture related content were specially designed for the farmers and were telecasted. This study assesses the perception and preferences of famers about agricultural programmes telecast through television (TV). A random sample of 40 farmers from Namakkal district was selected for the study and the data were gathered through pre-tested interview schedule. This study implied that 55 per cent of farmers preferred to watch agricultural programme which had significantly impact on farmers’ knowledge about overall farming practices. In order to make the agriculture sector economically viable, special efforts should be taken by government and extension agencies to develop more farming related programmes to transfer the recent technologies and to solve the farmer queries.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kollam selected four ginger varieties Athira, Karthika, Aswathy and Varada for the trial. Number of replications were ten. Organic ginger production package developed by Kerala Agricultural University was followed for its cultivation. The trial revealed that ginger variety Varada recorded highest yield (18.5 t/ha) followed by Aswathy (16.7 t/ha), while local variety recorded lowest yield (10.0 t/ha). Highest B:C ratio (2.63) was obtained from Varada followed by Aswathy (2.38) and Athira (2.32). Highest disease incidence (25.0%) was reported from local variety followed by Karthika (8.0%) and lowest from Varada (5.2%). Pest incidence (15.4) was highest in local variety and lowest (4.3 %) in variety Varada. The rhizomes of ginger variety Varada and Athira were bold while that of variety Aswathy and Karthika medium bold. Varieties Varada , Athira and Karthika can be used for fresh and dry ginger purpose while variety Aswathy for fresh ginger purpose. It was concluded that ginger performed well under organic farming and helped in maintaining soil sustainability in long run. Ginger variety Varada reported highest yield and benefit cost ratio and less pest and disease incidence than other ginger varieties in Kollam district of Kerala under organic management practices.

Frontline demonstrations were carried out at 859 farmers’ field of four districts covering an area of 238.68 ha in 89 villages of Garo Hill districts, Meghalaya during rabi season, 2013- 2016 to study the effect of different cultivars and tillage methods on growth, yield and economics of lentil in rice fallow areas. The cultivars of lentil evaluated were HUL 57, WBL 77, Patnai (local) and tillage methods were conventional, relay and zero tillage. Results revealed that the higher significant values were recorded under conventional sowing incorporating bio fertilizer (Rhizobium) in terms of seed yield (8.62 q/ha) and net return (Rs. 28,103/ ha). However, as per benefit cost ratio, highest values were found in relay cropping (2.80) in comparison to other sowing methods. Significantly lower seed yield was recorded in zero tillage than conventional and relay cultivation methods. Among the varieties tested, WBL77 produced the highest seed yield of 7.28 q/ ha which showed 45.30 per cent increase over the local variety, a net return of Rs.26643/ha and a benefit cost ratio of 2.76. The lowest production and net returns were found in zero tillage cultivation method.

Tomatoes are a boots of nutrient enriched with antioxidants and essential mineral that are vital for growth, fighting cancer, increasing immunity, improved vision and fighting against infections etc. Moreover, tomatoes ranked top among the canning and value addition food industries for making culinary products for storage. During the glut season, food preservation is a sound approach to store the product for further use to meet the domestic and commercial demands at reasonable price by storing them in off-season. In the present research work, three varieties of tomato namely TH1, TH1251 and TH SHIVA were evaluated in terms of physical parameters i.e. shape, size, colour and firmness etc. Tomatoes were processed and further evaluated organoleptically in terms of colour, flavor, taste, texture and over all acceptability on a nine point hedonic scale for ketchup making so that the best variety should be utilized for making tomatoes ketchup for food preservation. The results concluded that there was statistically significant difference found among the three different varieties of tomato and TH 1 had overall high acceptability (1.25±0.37) in terms of colour (1.14±0.37), flavour (1.14±0.37), texture (1.42±0.37) and taste (1.25±0.37) as well.

The study was conducted in Sirohi district of Southern Rajasthan, to identify the problems faced by the tribal farmers and work out the relationship of problems with socio-economic and psychological traits of the respondents. The findings revealed that major problems faced by the tribal farmers were economic problem,
less profit from domesticated animals, non availability of green fodder, non availability of superior male animal, harassment by the forest personnel in open grazing, lack of access to veterinarian, absence of scientific farming etc. The analysis revealed that occupational and family income from animal husbandry had positive and highly significant (P<0.01) influence on problems of livestock rearing. On the other hand, livestock unit showed negative and highly significant influence on problems of livestock rearing.

The paper was discussed on the knowledge and adoption levels of 90 selected farmers on cotton production technologies. Ex post facto research design was adopted for this study. High level of knowledge and extent of adoption were observed among the KVK adopted farmers whereas low level of knowledge and low extent of adoption were observed among the non adopted farmers.

A field investigation entitled Response of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.) to Planting Methods and Nitrogen Management approach by Leaf Color Chart (LCC) was conducted during the kharif of 2016 at the Students’ Research farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture with normal soil PH and electrical conductivity, medium in organic carbon and low in available N, medium in available P and high in K. Bed planted maize had significant higher grain yield (41.86 q/ha) and yield attribute as compared to ridge (36.57 q/ha) and flat (35.95 q/ha) planted Maize, but at par with zero tillage method planted maize (39.83 q/ha). However the growth attributes, straw yield and benefit cost ratio were higher in maize sowing by zero tillage. Among nitrogen management treatment, nitrogen applied by NLCC5 had significantly higher growth, yield and yield attributes than NLCC4 and Control No whereas at par with NLCC6.

The present study was conducted to ascertain the role performance in conducting training and job satisfaction among the trainers of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Five KVKs each were randomly selected from the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGO), and data were collected using questionnaire from 43 respondents. The study revealed that majority (45.45%) of respondents of NGO-KVKs perceived high level of role performance in comparison to medium level by most of the respondents (47.62%) working in SAU-KVKs. In both streams, delivery of well prepared lectures and measurement of training impact were the most and the least performed role with mean score value 4.46 and 3.63, respectively. Overall role performance level of NGO based KVK trainers’ in organizing training was found slightly at higher side with mean score 42.0. Most of the respondents were satisfied with professional social prestige (1.74), while least satisfied with promotion (0.28). Majority (53.49%) of the trainers from both type of KVKs had medium level of job satisfaction. Trainers working in NGO-KVKs had medium to low level of job satisfaction whereas, it was medium to high level among trainers of SAU based KVKs. Therefore, there is a need to clarify roles in organization of training and to promote team work among trainers as well as to sort out their issues related to job satisfaction for better role performance.

The present study was taken to assess the performance of Rolling stem applicator in comparison with normal traditional method of hand spraying in cotton for sucking pests. The study revealed that Rolling stem applicator was more efficient than spraying for increased crop protection and reducing cost of cultivation. With the rolling stem applicator, the time period and quantity of insecticide required for the application were lesser as compared to spraying, subsequently the cost was also reduced. Even the quantity of spray fluid required for the rolling stem applicator was very less i.e. 750-1250 ml/ha. The number of labour required for application was less for making use of rolling stem applicator i.e. 2-3 labour to cover one hectare area which ultimately reduced the cost incurred for labour on plant protection. Even, the time required for application by rolling stem applicator was found to be less and therefore, within a span of 6 hr of time by rolling stem applicator 1.6-2.4 ha area could be covered in a day. Thus, use of the rolling stem applicator reduced the cost of cultivation to a farmer, drudgery, saved input and safe to natural enemies.

The study was conducted in six talukas of Davanagere district to analyze shift in the standard of living of beneficiaries before and after participation in NHM programme. A total of 144 beneficiaries from randomly selected 24 villages formed the population of the study. The data were collected using pre tested structured schedule through personal interview method. The components of standard of living included were annual income, social status, employment generation and re-investment pattern. The results revealed that social status of the beneficiaries increased by 197.7 per cent compared to before and after participation in NHM followed by 178.1 per cent value addition in education, 68.1 per cent in investment on social functions, 30.5 per cent in annual income, 21.8 per cent in investment on savings, 20.9 per cent in employment generation and 6.8 per cent in investment on assets. The overall standard of living of beneficiaries after participation in NHM was raised by 76.6 per cent. This confirmed the positive effects of the NHM programme on the living standards of the beneficiaries.

The present investigation was carried out during 2015–2016 at Post Harvest Technology Centre, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. The storage behavior of juice extracted by screw type pulper using different preservative levels packed in different packaging materials and stored at ambient and cold storage was studied. The data regarding chemical composition revealed that there was increase in TSS, acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars while pH, ascorbic acid, decreased in all treatment combination of juice during 180d of storage. The sensory scores viz., colour, flavour, taste and overall
acceptability of juice during 180d of storage was decreased in all treatment combination. The microbial quality viz., yeast and mould count were found to be increased during 180d of storage. The microbial growth was observed within acceptable level in all treatment combination of juice stored in cold storage and 350 ppm sodium benzoate treated juice packed in glass bottle stored in ambient conditions (T7). The Nagpur mandarin juice could be stored for 180d at cold storage (5±2°C) by using 350ppm sodium benzoate packed in glass bottles (T16, S2P3B1) followed by juice packed in PET bottles (T17, S2P3B2) was found to be superior in respect of chemical composition, sensory evolution and microbial quality.

Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adult life during which pubertal development and sexual maturation take place, thus making physiological development a challenge adolescents have to face. There is a substantial lacuna in the knowledge towards menstruation among adolescent girls; hence, an attempt was made to study menstruation and personal hygiene among adolescent girls of urban locality. Ex post facto research design was used for the study. The locale of the study was Jadcherla town of Mahabubnagar district in Telangana State. Sample size of 30 adolescent school going girls of age group 12 to 16 yrs. was purposively selected. Structured questionnaire was used to examine the existing knowledge and hygiene practices regarding menstruation. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse the collected data. Results revealed that prior information about menstruation before its attainment was available to 80 per cent of the adolescent girls in the present study. About 93 per cent of the respondents use sanitary pads during their periods which show good hygiene practice during menstruation. About 67 per cent of the respondents do not have knowledge about the organ from where bleeding occurs. Hence, awareness needs to be given to the respondents.

The study was carried out during the year 2017 to assess the adoption status of practices imparted under thirteen long duration vocational training courses on Garment construction and enrichment conducted by different Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Punjab. Out of total 207 trainees, a sample of 54 trainees was drawn by applying probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method and data were collected personally from the selected trainees by using an interview schedule. The findings of the study revealed that hundred per cent trainees adopted the practice on material selection before garment construction, washing the clothes according to the instructions given by firm and stain removing techniques imparted under garment construction and enrichment training course, hence had highest adoption status whereas, practice on hand embroidery on clothes had lowest adoption status. Lack of time and difficulty of task were the major reasons for nonadoption. Maximum number of enterprises was established by the trainees of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bathinda.

The study regarding suitability of various Kharif onion varieties was carried out in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mahasamund farm during Kharif 2016-17. The experiment consisted of three varieties namely Bhima Super, Bhima Shweta and Agrifound Dark Red was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The nursery beds 1m wide and 3m long were prepared and elevated up to 20 cm from ground levels. The study revealed that plant height (57.81cm), number of leaves per plant (12.82), leaf length (50.04 cm),neck thickness of the bulb (0.47 cm), total duration of the crop (211.43d), bulb weight (99.95 g) and bulb yield (272.42 q/ha) were found to be highest in variety Agrifound Dark Red while bolting percentage (0.40 %), bulb to green top ratio (1:0.17), double bulb (0.39 %) were found to be minimum in onion variety Agrifound Dark Red.

The study regarding suitability of various Kharif onion varieties was carried out in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mahasamund farm during Kharif 2016-17. The experiment consisted of three varieties namely Bhima Super, Bhima Shweta and Agrifound Dark Red was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The nursery beds 1m wide and 3m long were prepared and elevated up to 20 cm from ground levels. The study revealed that plant height (57.81cm), number of leaves per plant (12.82), leaf length (50.04 cm),neck thickness of the bulb (0.47 cm), total duration of the crop (211.43d), bulb weight (99.95 g) and bulb yield (272.42 q/ha) were found to be highest in variety Agrifound Dark Red while bolting percentage (0.40 %), bulb to green top ratio (1:0.17), double bulb (0.39 %) were found to be minimum in onion variety Agrifound Dark Red.

India’s population lives in villages and the principal source of livelihood is agriculture, comprising of crop and animal husbandry, forestry, fisheries, agro-processing and agri-business. Therefore, accelerated progress in enhancing the productivity, profitability, stability, and sustainability of the major farming systems is the best safety net against hunger and poverty. To overcome this situation, pulses can play a vital role besides the cereal crops. Pulses are the rich sources of proteins, quality nutrition and valuable cash also. The study of technological gap in adoption of pulse production technologies in Lucknow district revealed that maximum technological gap in seed rate(75%) followed by plant protection measure(54%),seed treatment(43%),method of sowing(32%),fertilizer management (32%),time of irrigation (22%) and intercultural operations(9%).Stray cattle (86%),remuneration of labour and implementation of recommended technologies(78%) were important constraints in adoption of pulse production technologies.

Intensity of information needed in agriculture is at an increasing pace and access to information has become the fundamental issue to be addressed. However, smart phones have the potential to narrow down the information gaps in agriculture. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the information utility of smart phones. The study was carried out among paddy growing farmers of Erode district of Tamil Nadu. Data on access to smart phones, period of smart phone adoption, its use for information support in agriculture and utility against other agricultural information systems used by farmers were collected using face-to-face interview method. Results revealed that smart phones were widespread among the farmers. Smart phones ranked fifth among the ten identified components of farmers’ agricultural information systems regarding the information utility with improved information score due to its high frequency of utilization.

A field experiment to investigate the effect of different irrigation methods and live mulching on weed in spring maize was conducted at students’ Research farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during 2015. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. The experiment comprised treatments viz., cowpea, moong and mash as live mulch with different irrigation methods i.e. conventional furrow irrigation method (CFI), alternate furrow irrigation method (AFI) and fixed furrow irrigation method (FFI). The data showed that live mulch of cowpea, moong and mash significantly reduced the weed density and weed dry matter than control. Higher weed control efficiency was recorded in cowpea mulching followed by moong and mash. Among different irrigation methods FFI and AFI significantly reduced the weed population than CFI. The higher WUE and less weed count were observed in FFI method and cowpea live mulch. All weed control treatments resulted in significant enhancement in maize yield.

This paper aimed at analysing different factors influencing the willingness of rural farming family women to participate in pond fish farming in south Tripura district. Probit regression analysis of dichotomous dependent variable (Yes/No) about the willingness to participate in pond fish farming by women were carried out using different influencing factors as explanatory variables. These independent variables were age, education, family size, number of fish ponds available, pond area under fish farming, annual household income, and social membership of rural women. The analysis showed that few social factors like age,
education, family size and annual income influenced the decision regarding the willingness of women to participate in pond fish farming. In general, women with lesser education level and moderately aged having lesser family income were more likely to participate in pond fish farming. Further, the likelihood of rural women to participate in pond fish farming increases highest (84 %) for unit increase in social membership like self help groups, farmer’s club etc. as per the analysis on marginal probability effect.

The experiment was conducted to check the effect of crop geometry on growth and yield of kharif onion. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three treatments viz., T1=10×7.5cm, T2=10×10cm and T3=15×10cm replicated three times. Results showed that transplanting of onion in 15×10cm resulted in significantly higher plant height (30.87 cm), number of leaves per plant (12.20), bulb diameter (polar-5.20 cm and equatorial-5.74 cm) and average bulb weight (83.90g) as compared to 10×7.5 cm but statistically at par with 10×10cm crop geometry. Highest bulb yield was recorded in 10×10cm (307.64q/ha) with per cent increase of was 23.41 and 0.57 in comparison to 10×7.5 (247.85q/ha) and 15×10cm (305.89 q/ha), respectively. On the basis of results emanated from the present investigation conducted during kharif 2018, it was concluded that treatment 10x10cm crop geometry proved best in respect of maximum yield and productivity.

The study was conducted in the Surguja district of Chattisgarh in the Year 2016-17. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Kisan Suvidha app. in transfer of latest technical information regarding agriculture to farmers of the district. The Kisan Suvidha app. was developed for transfer of quick, timely & need based appropriate information regarding agriculture and allied sectors. It was found that about one fourth (28%) of the respondents had the opinion that this app. is very useful, while more than half of the respondents (54%) opined that this app has medium level of usefulness. Regarding applicability of the information received through app, it was found that 52 per cent of the respondents reported that information received was applicable in crop production situation, need based, timely and content was readable. Need based information and timeliness was useful i.e. 84 per cent, and visibility of the content was 94.00 per cent, regarding social media.

Leaves from eleven trees and sixteen grasses were selected for evaluation of fodder quality. It was found that dry matter production was highest in Kharak (37.22%) and Lemon grass (19.25%). The organic matter was highest in ravines (92.15%) and broad leaf Pasfelum (71.48%). Manganese content was high in Utish (145.86 ppm) and Para (150.45 ppm). Iron was found higher in Betain (185.43 ppm) and Lemon grass (180.57 ppm). Calcium was found maximum in Betain (1.84%) and (180.57 ppm). The crude protein content was highest in Fanead (19.24%) and Cetoria cajungula (16.85%). Crude protein and calcium are the most important for feeding the ruminant. Thus fanead and cetoria cajungula are good source of crude protein and capable of providing energy sources to the ruminant. On the other hand Betain and Napier are also found significantly useful in terms of calcium. Thus, these trees and grasses species can be recommended to the farming community of hilly region for uplifting the nutritional demand for their ruminants.

The present study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala during the year 2016-17 in order to evaluate the effect of mulching and phosphatic fertilizer on germination and yield of Turmeric. Five different treatments consisted: T1 – Control (No inorganic fertilizer or mulch), T2 – 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (DAP 55kg/ha and MOP 40 kg/ha) + No mulch, T3 – 25 per cent more DAP (68 kg/ha) + recommended dose of MOP (40 kg/ha) + No mulch, T4 – T2 + mulch @ 6t/ha and T5 – T3 + mulch @ 6t/ ha. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RBD) consists of 3 replications. The study revealed that maximum germination was recorded in treatment T5 followed by T4. There was no significant difference between T5, T4 and T3 regarding rhizome count per plot, on the other hand, T2 was at par with T1. Maximum turmeric yield was obtained under T5 followed by T4, T3, T2 and T1. Hence, it can be said that in order to maximize the rhizome yield of turmeric, farmers must apply 25 per cent more quantity of phosphatic fertilizer than the recommendation along with use of mulching material @ 6 t/ha.

This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding performance of commercial feeds available in the market on egg production in hens during summer season for twelve weeks. All feeds were in mash form except one layer feed in crumbled form. There were also variations in crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre contents of the various feeds as analyzed. However, total number of eggs laid was significantly different among hens. The highest cost of producing a dozen eggs was recorded with the crumbled feed. It was concluded that Treatment 4 consisting of readymade concentrate (35%) mixed with energy rich ingredients such as maize (43%) and de-oiled rice bran (12%) found to be most economical amongst all other combinations. Hence, farmers must be advocated not to use readymade crumbled feed in order to harness maximum profit from egg production.