Rice is major food crop having significance for millions of farmers. It is grown under rice wheat cropping system on vast area in the Indo- Gangetic Plains (IGPs) of India. In Punjab state continuous need was felt to increase area under short duration recommended rice varieties for better crop yield and to save irrigation water. Adoption of these short duration recommended varieties and optimal fertilizer use are major factors that can contribute to enhanced rice productivity in short time span. Periodic data collected from 340 farmers from 2013-14 to 2017-2018 revealed that extent of adoption of improved rice and basmati varieties increased during the survey period. Majority of the farmers were applying excessive fertilizer-N doses to rice crops.Large number of farmers skips phosphorus application to rice and basmati and majority (78%) did not apply potash fertilizers. The data on adoption status may help the extension agencies to focus on bridging the gap to enhance yield of rice and basmati and thus, income of farmers along with conservation of natural resources.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaunpur conducted frontline demonstrations on the integrated pest management technology in paddy at 25 farmers’ field in two village viz., Majhauli and Utreejpur of the district Jaunpur during kharif 2017 and 2018. IPM module comprised of recommended dose of fertilizers + clipping of rice seedling tips + pheromone traps with 5 mg lure @ 20 traps/ha against yellow stem borer for mass
trapping + Spraying of NSKE 5% at 20 days interval + need based application of chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 1.0 l/ha and carbofuron 3G @ 20 kg/ha. The results on paddy insect-pests infestation and yield indicated that integrated pest management was superior to farmers’ practice. The minimum incidence of yellow stem borer (6.57 % and 5.85%) and leaf folder (5.12 % and 4.72%) was found in IPM module as compared to farmers’ practice. The population of green leaf hopper and brown plant hopper was also less in IPM plots. There was 13.05 per cent more yield in IPM demonstration plots than control and the highest net return and benefit cost ratio was also obtained by application of recommended practices.

Chilli hybrids are grown on Kamuthi and Paramakudi blocks of Ramanathapuram district on nearly 50 ha area. Assessment of chilli hybrids for growth, yield and higher productivity was conducted at five different farmers’ fields during the year 2017-18 under on farm testing. TNAU Co (Ch) 1, Arka Harita,Arka Meghana and local variety were used in this study. The results revealed that TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid recorded the highest values for growth, yield and cost economics traits. The growth characters like plant height (49.63 cm), number of fruits/plant (82.50), fruit weight (5.60 g) and fruit length (10.89 cm) observed the highest values in TNAU Co (Ch)1 followed by Arka Harita as (48.50cm; 78.30; 5.31g and 10.19 cm
whereas local hybrid recorded the lowest values for all the traits. Arka Harita took the minimum number of days of 50 per cent flowering (43). Regarding yield, TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid recorded the highest plant yield (449.20 g) and yield/ha (16.76 t/ha) followed by Arka Harita (413.0 g; 15.47 t/ha) whereas local check recorded the lowest yield of 13.14 t/ha. In the case of benefit cost ratio, CO (Ch)1 recorded the highest
ratio of 3.03 with the net profit of 1,34,920 followed by Arka Harita (2.85) whereas local check observed the lowest B:C ratio (2.19) and net profit of Rs. 83,200. TNAU CO (Ch)1 hybrid is performed well and increased yield of 27 per cent with good market preference over the farmers practices. Due to highest yield TNAU CO (Ch)1 was found to be the most suitable chillies hybrid under Ramanthapuram condition

A technology demonstration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was aimed to improve the production after bringing new areas in to cultivation in Peddapalli district of Telangana. The vacant fields of rice-fallow under medium black soils with limited irrigation were selected. Studies were carried out to assess yield and economics of a full package with a new variety, NBeG3 at the farmer’s field under cluster front line
demonstration (CFLD) for three years (2016-17 to 2018-19). The results of 50 plots each 0.4 ha showed an increase in yield of 46.15, 28.6 and 22.6 per cent over farmer’s practice during the year 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Overall means of three years was found to be significantly higher for yield (1447 kg/ha), net profit (Rs. 37998/ha) and B:C ratio (2.3) compared to control. This study revealed the fulfillment of extension yield gap (337 kg/ha) by incurring Rs. 1333/ha which fletched an additional profit of Rs. 14921/ha.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Garo Hills intervened to make backyard poultry farming as more productive and economically viable by introducing improved breeds like Vanaraja and Srinidhietc. The farmers were trained regarding management practices such as feeding, watering and vaccination,
etc. And 28 days old Vanaraja chicks were supplied to hundred individual farmers.The study was conducted to assess the knowledge gained and adoption of the technology along with the limitations faced by respondents. It was found that moderate knowledge (81%) was gained by the respondents on the improved poultry farming and adoption was satisfactory with 64 and 21 percentages in moderately good and high categories respectively.Educational status was positively correlated with the knowledge gained. In South Garo Hills district the benefit-cost ratio in Vanaraja and local breeds are recorded as 2.63 and 2.20, respectively.There is enormous scope and perspective in the improved poultry farming
in the area. The farmers were very much enthusiastic to adopt the technology of improved backyard poultry farming in commercial basis. Only drawback is availability of inputs like quality chicks, feeds, and medicines etc. with less knowledge about new and improved breeds and a structured market.

The main objective of this study was to find out the role of working and non working women in guiding educational development of children. For the study, 300 working and 300 non working women having children of at least 5 years old were selected randomly from Imphal East district, Manipur. Comparison has been made between the two groups. For collecting data the respondents were directly interviewed personally on the basis
of the structured schedule. The data were analyzed in the light of the objectives. Percentages were calculated from the raw score obtained by the subject. Chi Square test was used to calculate the significant impact and the variations between the two categories. The finding of the present study showed that there was significant difference between working and non working women in guiding the children’s educational development.

A study was undertaken to analyse the constraints faced by the Vechur cattle farmers in Kerala. By employing chain referral sampling technique, a total of 60 cattle farmers from three districts of the state were selected as respondents for the study. Three districts namely Kottayam, Palakkad and Thrissur were selected. The data were collected through personal interview method using a structured pretested interview schedule and focus group discussion. Poor availability of green fodder round the year, non-availability of artificial insemination service in time, poor quality of available Vechur semen, lack of proper marketing channels for Vechur cattle milk and milk products, low availability of good quality pure Vechur animals and lack of government support to encourage Vechur cattlefarming were identified as some important constraint faced by the farmers.

Deogarh and Bolangir, two agriculturally dominated districts of Odisha were purposefully selected to find out the constraints faced by farm women while performing their roles as vegetable growers. One hundred and twenty farm families were selected randomly for the study from both the districts. The pool of constraints was grouped into four categories viz., technological, infrastructural, economic and social. Lack of knowledge in selection of appropriate variety, pesticide and other inputs was found as the most important technical problem while performing their role in vegetable farming.Non-availability of defined marketing system was perceived as the most important infrastructure related problem. Gender bias in sanctioning of credit to independent female vegetable growers was perceived as a non-effective entity and had the least role to determine vegetable farming by women.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most potential fruit crop for dry arid zone of the country with irrigation facilities. It is cultivated for its sweet edible fruits and is considered to be theoldest amongst the cultivated tree fruits. In Western Rajasthan fruits of date palm mature one month early in comparison to Gulf countries having its own advantage in international markets. Date palm is very good source of nutrition having 70 per cent carbohydrates. The present study was conducted in Western Rajasthan and a total of 80 farmers were selected from Barmer district. The data were collected through personnel interview method through questionnaire prepared and care was taken to collect the unbiased and correct data. The data were collected, tabulated and analyzed to draw conclusion. The study has clearly revealed that the major technical constraints perceived by date palm growers were high price of good quality off shoots and lack of knowledge about improved variety. The major financial constraints were irregular supply of electricity and high charges of electricity. The extension and marketing constraints were related with lack of extension services and poor marketing facilities. In order to improve quality date palm production, these constraints may be overcome by the concerned state departments.

Dairy farming is one of the most important agro based industries for solving the problems of employment and rural poverty in India. Management of Livestock and milk production has been one of the sectors in India where female work force participation is high. Training plays an important role in the advancement of human performance in a given situation and provides a systematic improvement of knowledge and skills
which in turn helps the trainees to function effectively and efficiently in their given task on completion of the training. The present investigation was carried out in Chhotaudepur district of Gujarat located in the eastern part of the State of Gujarat. The boundary of Chhotaudepur district touches to Vadodara, Panch Mahal, Dahod, Narmada and State of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Chhotaudepur district is
an important tribal majority milk pocket in the Gujarat state. The present study indicated that seasonal migration for labourers was the most serious constraint (86.11 %) followed by low literacy rate in tribal area (85.00 %), tribal farm women are very shy in nature (83.61 %), poor economic condition (83.00 %), inadequate support from government to purchasing dairy animals (81.11 %), and least constraints perceived by farm women was social security (54.72 %), lack of local farm women organizations (48.89 %), and non availability of training facilities related to livestock management (40.55 %).

The present study was undertaken to investigate the constraints perceived by wheat growers in adoption of scientific wheat technologies in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Twenty five respondents were selected randomly from each of the selected four villages. Thus, a total of 100 respondents who were practicing wheat cultivation were interviewed by using pre tested interview schedule. The constraints were classified into four major categories such as technological, administrative, and financial and resource. Each category of constraints was further bifurcated into several sub heads and rank analysis was done based on the frequency. Unawareness about seed treatment, lack of technical knowhow of the agricultural staff, problem of marketing, non availability of pesticides and equipmentswere perceived as the major constraints encountered by the wheat growers of Sitapur district.

Kerala Forest Research Institute have documented over 5000 plants from the state of Kerala of which around 1300 are crop plants. A comprehensive information system comprising the plant identification details, photos of various parts of the plant, botany for plant identification, and agro techniques was found necessary. The crop information system was designed and developed with this objective in mind.There are over 3,12,000 permutations and combinations through which the selection of plants can be made. The Agile software development approach was used for the development of the software. The interactivity and easiness of the use were specially taken care in the development phase. The developed
software was tested with a group of research scientists, extension officials and progressive farmers for final validation. It was made available in the website www.farmextensionmanager.com. The application can act as a ready to use guide for the farming community in the area of plant identification and cultivation.

Economic independence is one of the means to empower the women. Enhancing women’s economic productivity is an important strategy for improving the welfare of 60 million Indian households living below the poverty line. Self help groups (SHG) are small informal associations created for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefit out of mutual help, solidarity, and joint responsibility. The benefits include mobilisation of savings and credit facilities and pursuit of group enterprise activities. The group-based approach not only enables the poor to accumulate capital by way of small savings but also helps them to get access to formal credit facilities. The overall objective of the present study was to analysis the economic empowerment of women though SHGs in ten villages of Amreli District of Gujarat State. Totally 180 respondents were selected from the ten villages by using simple random sampling method and 9 SHG and 9 Non SHG members were selected from the same villages for comparative study. The result revealed that the independent sample ‘Z’ test showed that there was highly significant difference in the mean values of SHG members and Non SHG members in case of components of economic empowerment of women like saving and investment, self sufficiency, knowledge about banking system and skill development.

The studies were conducted on impact of frontline demonstrations in adoption of production technology and economics of brinjal at farmers’ field of Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh state during the year 2017- 18 to 2019-20. Prevailing farmer’s practices were treated as control for comparison with demonstrated technology. The main objective was to demonstrate newly released crop production and protectiontechnologies at the farmer’s field under different agro-climatic regions and farming situations. The extension gap ranged between 74.94 to 111.21 q/ha, whereas the trend of technology gap ranged between 203.74 to 220.34 q /ha. The benefit cost ratio (B:C) was recorded higher i.e. 2.35 to 2.77 under demonstrated practice, while it was 1.95 to 2.17 under check practice. Besides this, the demonstrated plots gave higher gross return, net return with higher benefit cost ratio when compared to farmer’s practice.The results clearly showed the positive impact of front line demonstrations over farmers practice towards increasing the productivity of brinjal in Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh. On an average 34.11 per cent yield increase was observed in demo plots over farmers’ practice. Demonstrated technologies proved more remunerative and economically feasible to the brinjal growers than their conventional methods.

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer) was cultivated on different agro-wastes viz., wheat straw, black gram straw, maize straw, maize hulled cobs and okra straw and their combination in 1:1 proportion to determine the effect of these agro-wastes on different parameters such as spawn running, fruiting bodies formation pinhead formation, yield and biological efficiency (BE). Black gram straw+ wheat straw showed significantly highest yield (3.78kg/5kg straw) with 75.6 per cent BE and lesser time for spawn run (13.44 d) and pin head appearance (18.66 d) followed by maize dry leaves+ hulled cobs+ wheat straw (3.60kg/5kg straw) with 72.0 per cent BE and wheat straw resulted (3.45kg/5kg straw) yield with 69.0 per cent BE. Maize hulled cobs required 16.66 and 23.33 days time for spawn run and pin head appearance, respectively and resulted less yield (2.75kg/5kg straw) with 55.0 per cent BE. All the tested substrates were found suitable for the growth of Pleurotus sajor-caju.

The research experiment was conducted on maize in order to find out the effect of different sowing dates on the performance of maize at Entomology Field Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensigh during Rabi season of 2016-17. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. BARI Hybrid Butta-09 variety of Maize and nine sowing dates viz. 3rd(S1) & 4th(S2) week of October; 1st(S3), 2nd(S4), 3rd(S5) & 4th(S6) week of November; 1st(S7), 2nd(S8) & 3rd(S9) week of December were used as experimental crop and sowing dates, respectively.All sowing dates showed significantly different effect on yield. The results of
present investigation revealed that maximum morpho-physiological characters, yield components and yield was obtained with better quality sown on 1st week of November as sowing dates than others due to ensuring the highest plant height (223.66cm), number of cob/ plant (1.73), cob length without husk (23.23cm), number of grain/ cob (641.21), grain weight/cob(235.16) and maximum grain yield (10.56 t/ha), which was followed the increasing order of yield were S4

An experiment was conducted at Ambach village of Pardi block of Valsad district of Gujarat to study the effect of liquid biofertilizers (LBF) application including Azotobactor, Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) and Potash mobiliser bacteria (KMB) on the growth and yield attributes of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) variety Mukta round. Liquid biofertilizers developed by Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari applied
through seedling treatment @ 30ml/10 l water prior to transplanting and with soil application @ 1l/ha after 35 days of transplanting as per treatments. The treatments were T1: Control, T2: 100 per cent RDF (200 kg N: 50 kg P2O5:50 kg K2O /ha), T3: Sole application of LBF i.e Azotobactor, PSB and KMB , T4: 75per cent RDF (150 kg N: 37.5 kg P2O5: 37.5 kg K2O/ha) + LBF and T5: 50 per cent RDF (100 kg N: 25 kg P2O5: 25 kg K2O /ha)+ LBF. An application of 100 per cent RDF i.e. T2, through chemical fertilisers recorded 61.72 per cent more fruit yield than control with BCR 5.66 but it reduced 6.25 per cent organic carbon, increase salinity and alkalinity after harvest as compare to pre sown status, however
60.73 per cent more fruit yield over control with BCR 5.69 recorded with the application of 75 per cent RDF (150 kg N: 37.5 kg P2O5: 37.5 kg K2O/ha) with LBF i.e. T4 without deterioration in soil health. An application of LBF with reduction in RDF up to 25 per cent found more profitable than 100 per cent RDF.

Chickpea is highly sensitive crop to weed competition as early stage of growth. In the light of fragmental information available on the response of application of sequential application of herbicides under different sowing methods, a field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2013-14 to 2015-16. Results revealed that chickpea sowing in reduced tillage performed better and produced higher number of pods per
plant, seed yield, protein yield and nutrient uptake over conventional tillage. In weed management treatment,sequential application of pendimethalin@0.75 kg a.i./ha pre-emergence followed by imezethapyr @40g a.i./ha post-emergence improve the crop growth and produced higher seed yield (1515 kg/ha), protein yield and nutrient uptake. Weed density and weed dry weight of different species were recorded minimum under reduced
tillage at both 30 and 60 days after sowing. Application of pendimethalin @0.75kg a.i./ha pre-emergence followed by imezethapyr @40g a.i./ha post-emergence reduced theweed density and weed dry weight over other treatments and recorded minimum. Weed control efficiency recorded higher with conventional tillage (70.04%) and closely followed by reduced tillage (70.81%). Pendimethalin@0.75kg a.i./ha preemergence fbimazethapyr @ 40g a.i./ha post-emergence recorded highest weed control efficiency (92.93%).

Compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) is a popular electronic media which makes learning easy, interesting, multisensory and leaves a long lasting impression on the trainee. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a compact disc-read only memory on scientific calf management practices and to analyze its effectiveness in terms of knowledge gain as well as level of satisfaction among exposed dairy farmers. The study was conducted at Ludhiana where 120 dairy farmers were randomly selected among the various dairy trainings conducted from 2016-17. The CD-ROM was designed and contents were validated in consultation with subject matter specialists from the fields concerned. Suitable modifications were also introduced. Dairy farmers were exposed to it in order to measure their knowledge gain. There was significant (P?.01) increase in the knowledge score from 5.74 ± 0.14 at pre-exposure stage to 12.68 ±0.14 at post exposure stage. Moreover, 76.67 per cent farmers were satisfied with respect to the suitability of contents of CD-ROM to their needs. The results of the study clearly indicated the importance of prepared CD-ROM in transfer of knowledge about scientific calf rearing practices.

India is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world which is mainly due to its high geo-climatic
conditions as well as its higher degree of social vulnerability. There has been an increase in the frequency
and intensity of disasters that has posed a threat not only to the people but to livestock as well. The state of Jammu and Kashmir was hit by severe floods in year 2014 which left a great impact on people as well as on the livestock. The present study was purposively carried out in Kashmir Division of Jammu and Kashmir state that was severely hit by devastating floods in September 2014. Among the various flood affected
districts of Kashmir Division, the three districts namely Bandipora, Srinagar and Pulwama were purposively selected based on the highest inundation levels reported in these areas. Livestock production system includes the various aspects of livestock rearing ranging from livestock housing, feeding, breeding, health care, marketing of livestock produce. Most of the variables covered under the ambit of livestock production
system were studied to have a look into the pre and post flood scenario in the study area. The major findings of the study revealed that more than half of the respondents (50.00%) were having kutcha type of animal houses before floods of 2014 and among the different districts, Bandipora District had the highest cumulative role in the mixed type of animal houses (22 to 47) post floods. With respect to the extent of damaged animal houseshalf of the respondents (50.00%) reported that their animal houses were completely collapsed during floods with the highest percentage reported from Srinagar district.It was also reported that about (49.17%)rebuilt/repaired their animal houses in less than one month. The respondents also complained about the non existence of special type of animal houses in their village where animals could be kept during any natural calamity.The findings revealed that the extent of scarcity of feed and fodder was severe in case of concentrates (50.42%) followed by dry fodderand the scarcity of fresh drinking water was to such an extent that animals drank flood water during that particular period. However the tap water turned out to be the major source of drinking water for animals both pre and post floods with a marginal increase after floods. The results also depicted that about (52.92%) of the respondents houses were not collapsed during the floods of 2014.

Mango is a crop that is being commercially cultivated over a substantial area in Palakkad District, Kerala. The crop has shown a steady trend with good opportunities not only for the small holder farmers but also entrepreneurs. However, the sector is not devoid of problems. Marketing, generally, is not very efficient for the small holders. The presence of many intermediaries in the value chain leaves the farmers at the
mercy of the smarter players. To rectify this and to support farmers, marketing functions like collection, packaging, storing etc., can be done on a collective basis. This study attempted to focus on one such initiative, i.e., a post-harvest centre for fruits, operating in Palakkad, whose bulk produce dealt with were mangoes. Taking the center as a case, the marketing functions, marketing margins to two actors associated with the center were analysed. The traders were found to enjoy much higher marketing margin than the producer farmers. Though the farmers were showing entrepreneurial behavior through scientific cultivation of mangoes in leased land under the guidelines of the Farmer Producer Organization, they
had a setback in the marketing function as the farmers were extensively dependant on traders. The major production constraints faced by the farmers were scarcity of labour, unpredictable climatic condition and incidence of pest and diseases. The major marketing constraints include dominance of middle men, lack of market information and price fluctuations in the market. The study indicated a great necessity for
extension interventions aimed at entrepreneurship development among the small holder mango farmers.

The entrepreneurship is a critical input of socio-economic development of society. The entrepreneurs not only bring economic change in financial system but also socially and culturally. In present study, an attempt was made to understand entrepreneurial behavioral characteristics of tribal livestock farmers. For this purpose two districts were purposively selected viz; East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan in Kolhan
region of Jharkhand state (India). From these two district further four blocks viz; Potka and Patamda of East Singhbhum, Gamharia and Kharsawan of Saraikela-Kharsawan were also randomly selected. The data were collected using structured interview schedule from 120 randomly selected farmers. The results of the study revealed that respondents were found to possess medium level of decision making ability (57.50%), risk
taking ability (52.50%), achievement motivation (44.33%), level of knowledge (51.66%), leadership ability (44.16%) and cosmopoliteness (49.16%) innovativeness (64.16%), planning ability (48.33%). However, it was observed that majority of the farmers had low level of self confidence (41.66%). Majority of farmers had high information sources utilization (44.17%) and medium level of aspiration (60.83%) which was found
to influence entrepreneurial behavior of the farmers. Entrepreneurship development programme based on the attributes identified in the study would further boost entrepreneurial interest of the state in future.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate different mechanical weed control methods in rice field by using three types of mechanical rice weeders i.e., single row cono weeder (T2), single row mandwa weeder (T3) and two row power weeder (T4) were compared with hand weeding (T1). The results revealed that among the mechanical weeders, the highest weeding efficiency (88.62 %) was obtained with T4 and the lowest value (78.67 %) with T2. The average of damaged plants in mechanical weeders was obtained as 3.78 , 2.83 and 1.76 per cent, in T4, T2 and T3 treatments, respectively as compared to 0.11 per cent in hand weeding. The highest effective field capacity of 0.064 ha/h was measured with T4 and the corresponding lowest values of 0.017 and 0.012 ha/h were obtained with T3 and T2 , respectively. The weeding cost was reduced by 34.9, 53.9 and 49.65 per cent in T2, T3 and T4 , respectively as compared to T1. Among the four treatments, highest grain yield of 43.6 q/ha was recorded in T4 followed by 37.5q/ha, 36.75q/ha and 34.04 q/ ha in treatments T3, T2 and T1 ,respectively. Among the tested weeders T4 showed a proper field performance

Chickpea is a major pulse crop of India and major protein source for vegetarian population of this country. The average yield of this crop is stagnated due to many reasons like method of sowing. Present experiment was conducted at instructional farm of KVK Morena to evaluate the different sowing methods to achieve maximum productivity in chickpea. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replication. The results revealed that the FIRB system of sowing gave maximum crop yield (16.37q/ha) and showed significant increase on other growth and yield parameters. The Zero tillage and ridge and furrow sowing were also proven better than conventional method of sowing of chickpea.

Finger millet (Eleusinecoracana) is the major staple food crop cultivated in rain fed and irrigated condition in the zone of North Eastern Region of Tamil Nadu. However the productivity of the crop is affected by blast disease caused by Magnaporthe griseaand lack of high yielding varieties. An investigation was made to identify suitable high yielding and blast resistant varieties through on farm trials in Velloredistrict during
2017-18. The results of the study revealed that TNAU Finger millet Co15 recorded the higher plant height (128cm), number of tillers per plant (8.0), number of ear head per square meter area (76.2). The reaction to the blast incidence was moderately resistant to leaf blast with the disease score of 2.1. The per cent incidence of neck and finger blast was 5.2 and 5.7, respectively against ruling variety GPU 28 which recorded 14.3 and 19.2 per cent. The maximum grain yield (2268 kg/ha) was recorded in finger millet CO15followed by ML 365. The feedback from the farmers also revealed exultant with CO 15 due to its high tillering per plant, more number of ear head per square meter and moderately resistant to blast disease and high yielding nature. The economical parameter such as maximumnet income of Rs.44,850 /ha and benefit cost ratio of 2.93 was recorded in CO 15 compared to the other finger millet varieties. Considering the above facts, CO 15 would be a better option to the farming community for enhancing the productivity of finger millet in North Eastern Zone of TamilNadu.

Raw mangoes in India are mostly used as pickles and chutneys. Pickles are prepared in almost every Indian house and also commercially and famous within country.The developed manually operated raw mango cutting machine consists of the main frame, tray, cutting unit having cutting blades, cutter guide, handle, pedal lever and spout. The machine was easy to operate with higher output capacity of 400kg/day with 54 per cent labour
saving over traditional tool. The blades of the machine were made by stainless steel, so after cutting no blackish colour was observed on cutting portion of raw mango. The average of 10 subjects for overall discomfort rate of raw mango cutting machine was found to be 3.70 and 4.90 for first and second test, respectively.

A study has been conducted on farming practices followed by the dairy farmers in the district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar who were possessing small land holding and mainly dependent on milk production by the dairy animals. Forty two farmers of the district were randomly selected and contacted on telephone by the KVK team. Detail information was collected personally regarding various management practices like feeding and
grouping of animals, silage making, rearing of calves and the milk yield obtained from the animals. A total of 13 farmers had a land holding of up to 0.8 ha, 6 farmers between 0.8 to 1.6ha, 11 were in the range of 1.6 to 2.4 ha, 4 farmers between 2.4 to 4ha whereas 3 farmers were holding more than 4 ha. and 5 farmers were identified as landless farmers. It was also observed that landless category of farmers obtained the minimum
wet average (4.27 L/d) and herd average (2.78 L/d) contrary to the large farmers having land holding of more than 4 ha area where wet average and herd average were 9.09 and 6.17 L/d, respectively . Therefore, depending on the feeding management practices followed, there was a difference in the milk yield obtained. A lot of variation was observed within different categories of farmers using different practices. Thus, this study
showed that for making the dairy farming a profitable market, farmers must follow the recommendations of the research institutes and take maximum care so that productivity as well as profitability can be sustained.

The present investigations on efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides namely Thiacloprid, Chlorpyriphos, Beauveria bassiana and Azadirachtin against blossom thrips infesting apple crops were carried out at the experimental farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shimla, during two consecutive years. The experiment comprised of five treatments viz., T1-Thiacloprid @0.012%, T2-Chlorpyriphos @0.04%, T3-Beauveria bassiana @0.5%,
T4-Azadirachtin @0.0003% and T5-Control (water only). Spray was applied at pink bud stage and the data on thrips population were recorded after 3, 5, 7 and 10 days. The thrips population decreased in all the treatments except control. The minimum thrips count was recorded with the spray of Thiacloprid (2.0 thrips/ flower) followed by Chlorpyriphos (2.1thrips/ flower). The treatment with the biopesticides namely B. bassiana (4.2
thrips/ flower) and Azadirachtin (4.5 thrips/ flower) were though superior over control (12.0 thrips/ flower) but was not as effective compared to insecticides. The per cent fruit set varied between 38-40 per cent with all treatments except for control (32%). No phytotoxicity symptoms were recorded in any of the treatments.

The field experiment on fortification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with zinc and manganese was conducted during the Rabi season of 2018 at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agriculture, Amritsar. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twelve treatments with four replications viz., T1: Control; T2: ZnSO4 @ 30 kg/ha in wheat at sowing time; T3: ZnSO4 @ 60 kg/ha in wheat at sowing time; T4: ZnSO4 @ 90 kg/ha in wheat at sowing time; T5: MnSO4 @ 0.5% solution spray 2-4 days*; T6: MnSO4 @ 1.0% solution spray 2-4 days*; T7: ZnSO4 @ 30 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 0.5% solution spray 2-4 days*; T8: ZnSO4 @ 60 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 1.0% solution spray 2-4 days*, T9: ZnSO4 @ 90 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 0.5% solution spray 2-4 days*, T10: ZnSO4 @ 30 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 1.0% solution spray 2-4 days*, T11: ZnSO4 @ 60 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 0.5% solution spray 2-4 days*, T12: ZnSO4 @ 90 kg/ha in wheat at sowing + MnSO4 @ 1.0 % solution spray 2-4 days. The soil of experimental site was sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.40%) with 194.62, 19.75 and 248.68 kg/ha of available N, P and K, respectively along with 0.60 and 3.81 ppm of available Zn and Mn, respectively. Results revealed that T12 recorded significantly highest growth parameters and yield attributing characteristics as compared to other treatments except T11 and T4 which were at par with T12. The soil parameters such as pH (7.41), CaCO3 (2.85%), available P (16.37 kg/ha) decreased in T12 whereas values of EC (0.34 dS/m), OC (0.44%) increased in the same treatment after harvesting of the crop. The highest grain and straw uptake of Zn (155.57 and 153.38 g/ha) and Mn (89.36 and 80.47 g/ha) were observed significantly higher in T12 than other treatments except T11, T4 for Zn and T11, T6 for Mn, respectively.

A study was carried out by using Geo-informatics on the basic morphometry of the aquatic resources of ShiYomi district of Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalayas with an objective to develop strategic plans for trout fisheries development along the drainage system of river YargyapchuatMenchukha circle. The river Yargyapchuflows a distance of 53 km and have a stream frequency of fourth order. The upland lake
resourcesaccounts6 in numbers and covers an area of 39.15ha.Eight categories of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) were classified for the Menchukha circle where the major percentage of land is covered by forest (80percent) followed by snow area (10percent), wasteland (9percent) and agricultural land (1percent). The slope class developed from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) shows 41percentof the total geographic area was
within 0-21 degree slope, 50percent area in 21-35 degree slope and 9percent area within 36-78 degree slope. Furthermore, the elevation class up to 2000m MSL and above encompasses 76percentand 24percentof the total geographic area respectively. These selected input feature classes were superimposed in the spatial analyst ArcGIS v 10.7 to determine 27.84 ha in the slope range of 0-10 degreeas highly suitable and 22.34 ha in the slope range of 10-20 degree as moderately suitablefor trout fish farmingin the Menchukha circle of Shi Yomi district.

The effects of different levels of fertigation and drip irrigation on growth and yield of watermelon were investigated. The experiment was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala. Fertigation treatments were 75, 100 and 125 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers (RD) and irrigation treatments at 0.6 and 0.8 evapotranspiration (ET) rates. One control was taken
with surface irrigation and conventional soil application of fertilizers. It was noticed that vine length increased linearly with increase in fertigation and irrigation levels. Increasing irrigation levels increased fruit equatorial and polar diameters. Levels of fertigation and irrigation exerted significant influence on number of fruits/plant and yield/plant. Total yield was highest at 100 per cent RD (91.1 t/ha) compared to 125per cent RD (80.13 t/ha). There was increase in number of fruits/plant and fruit yield with increase in irrigation level from 0.6 to 0.8 ET. Fertigation at 100 per cent RD recorded the highest yield of 8.51 kg/ plant. Fertigation and irrigation levels had no influence on fruit weight and days to first harvest.

Isabgol (Plantago esculenta)is commercially important medicinal cool season crop is grown in rabi season in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh mainly for its seeds and husk. Isabgol is harvested by women and men farmers manually. Study was conducted on randomly selected women farmers from selective villages of Pokaran, Jaisalmer who performed harvesting of Isabgol crop manually with the objective to analyze drudgery perceived by women workers during harvesting without any technology and with use of AARAM cushioned Seat. Likewise, to assess its impact on their work efficiency and postural discomfort occurred due to nature of harvesting work.Data were collected through structured interview schedule and through field operation observations of individual women farmer. Results of the study showed significant change in drudgery of women farmers after using improved AARAM cushioned Seat during harvesting work with less difficulty and performing harvesting with more postural comfort
as well. Similarly, improved work efficiency up to 25.14 percent due to comfortable working condition.

The present investigation was undertaken to standardize the protocol for high frequency invitro regeneration of brinjal variety Navkiran which is the essential pre-requisite step of application of biotechnological interventions for crop improvement. Multiple shoot regeneration via callus induction was achieved using epicotyl and hypocotyl as explant at various concentrations and combinations NAA (Naphthalene acetic
acid) (0.5mg/L and 1mg/L) and BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) (1.0mg/L, 1.5mg/L and 2.0mg/L) in MS media. Earliest callus induction (6.33±0.33d), was observed when epicotyls was inoculated in MS media fortified with 0.5mg/L NAA and 2.0mg/L BAP. However, maximum callus weight (1.35±0.10g)
was obtained in MS media fortified with 0.5mg/L NAA and 2.0mg/L BAP when hypocotyls was used as explant. Ninety percent callus induction was obtained in MS media supplemented with 0.5mg/L NAA and 2.0mg/L BAP in both the explants. Regarding the quality characters of callus, both explants showed variable response in different treatments used under the study. Colour of the callus was dark green, light green and cream, texture of callus was loose, friable and compact and abundance was plenty, moderate and poor. Among the explants used, epicotyl gave the best response to shoot regeneration, it was 52.77±2.61 and took minimum days of shoot regeneration (29.33±0.88), maximum shoot length (3.96 ± 0.06) in
MS media fortified with 0.5mg/L NAA and 2.0mg/L BAP. In vitro rooting (68.82±2.70) was obtained within 14.33±1.20 days with 19.10±0.86 number of roots in MS media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA. The rooted plantlets were successfully hardened in a mixture of cocopeat, vermiculite and perlite in ratio of 1:1:1 for 15 days and then transplanted in the main field with survival rate of 95 per cent.

The present study was conducted by KVK during 2017 to 2019 in the summer seasons with 172 demonstrations across 13 villages of Gandhinagar district of Gujarat. The improved technologies consisted use of disease resistant variety, seed treatment with bio-fertilizers, integrated nutrient and weed management, pest and disease management. The results revealed that the highest seed yield was obtained in demonstrated plot with an average of 963.3kg/ha as compared to 733.3kg/ha. Higher net return (Rs 29056/ha) was obtained in the demonstration plots compared to farmers’ practice plot (Rs 20766 /ha). The increase in the demonstration yield over farmer’s practices was 31.3 per cent. The average extension gap was 230kg/ha and average technology gap 536.6kg/ha was recorded.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jammu conducted the frontline demonstrations on marigold crop during years 2014 to 2019 in three blocks of district Jammu in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with the objective to determine the impact on yield, adoption and economic impact of marigold
cultivation. One hundred and forty beneficiary farmers were selected as the sample for the present study. The farmer practice was considered as local check in demonstration cluster. These check plots were maintained by the farmers according to their own traditional cultivation practices. The KVK provided critical inputs such as seed of improved varieties viz. Pusa Basanti and Pusa Narangi and required agro chemicals to the farmers under demonstration plots. The findings showed an increase in the average yield of demonstration plot (100.0 q/ha) over the control local check (80.0 q/ha) of marigold crop . There was a positive impact on the yield of marigold crop, replacement of local varieties with improved varieties such as Pusa Basanti and Pusa Narangi and adoption of production technologies of marigold crop. The adoption of improved technology under FLDs resulted in higher gross returns (Rs 1,41,333/ha), net return (Rs 1,07,500/ha) and benefit:cost ratio (4.32:1) as compared to farmer’s practice.

The cluster front line demonstrations on Sesamum were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lalitpur during 2017-18 to 2018-19 during kharif season. All the 200 demonstrations on Sesamum were carried out on 80 ha by the active participation of farmers. Farmers were selected and in demonstration plots seed was treated with thiram fungicide @2g/kg seed. In improved package of practices, good quality seed, recommended
seed rate @5 kg/ha, recommended NPK fertilizer (30:15:0) and sulphur 25 kg/ha, timely sowing, effective plant protection and manual weed management and monitoring the farmers field time to time during cropping season were demonstrated. The maximum yield was obtained under demonstrated plots 4.5 and 3.25q/ha during 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. The per cent increase in yield over farmers’ practices
was 60.71 and 47.72 per cent during 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. The benefit to cost (B:C) ratio for demonstration was 2.9 and 3.4 and farmers’ plots were 2.1 and 2.5 during 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively.

Radish is one of most important root vegetable grown in district Mohali for its edible roots. The productivity of radish is low because of non adoption of available technological options by the farmers. Thirty five demonstrations were conducted during 2016-17 to 2019-20 in different villages of Mohali district of Punjab to disseminate the production technology of high yielding (652.5 q/ha) Radish variety Punjab Safed Mooli-2. Various extension approaches ensured proper production and protection technologies. These activities ensured higher yield over local practice of cultivation in the range of 20.59-33.33 per cent. An average net profit of Rs 223,687/- was recorded under recommended practice
while it was Rs 158,000/- under farmers’ practice. Benefit/ cost ratio ranged from 2.60 to 4.0 under demonstration while it ranged from 2.16 to 3.20 under control plots. With frontline demonstration (FLD) of proven technology it could be shown that yield potential and net income from radish cultivation could be enhanced to a great extent resulting in higher income to the farming community.

A farmer participatory research was carried out during the summer season of 2017-18 at farmers’ field of Kollam district, Kerala to study the effect of microbial inoculants viz., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs on the pod yield and disease incidence of yard long bean. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design at the farmers’ fields at 7 different locations. This experiment consisted of three treatments; T1 – farmer’s practice (without any microbial inoculants), T2- Use of Arbuscular mycorrhizhal fungi (AMF) (@ 9 g/ pit as basal application, T3 – Use of Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) @1 % foliar spray thrice at 30 days interval.
Significantly higher pod yields were obtained with the use of AMF @ 9g/ pit as basal application (14.51 t/ha) compared to PPFM foliar spray @ 1% (12.53 t/ ha) and Farmer’s practice (10.27 t /ha) . Lowest incidence of diseases was also observed with the use of AMF which was significantly superior to both the other treatments. The same treatment also registered the highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio. Based on the results of the study, inoculation with AMF @ 9g/ pit as basal could be recommended for Yard long bean for wide spread adoption in Kollam district during summer season.

Agriculture Technology management Quality Improvement Center (ATMQIC)project of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana was started in Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner in the year 2014-2015 to provide a single windowsystem for farmers.Users knowledge about any programme plays important role in acceptance or rejection of given technology of that programme. Keeping in view the facts, the study was conducted in three selected villages of Jaipur District of Rajasthan and 120 respondent farmers were selected through proportional allocation to the size of the population .The knowledge ofATMQIC beneficiary farmers was measured and found that majority of respondents of ATMQIC (68.34 %) belonged to middle level of knowledge category followed by high (19.16%) and low (12.50%) knowledge category of respondents of ATMQIC about kharif crop demonstrations. The crop wise findings of the study indicated that majority of respondents of ATMQIC were found to have adequate knowledge
regarding cultivation techniques of Bajra crop followed by Groundnut , Moong , Guar and Cowpea.

The study was conducted in Raigad district of Maharashtra State. Out 100 trained farmers, 33 farmers who actually started poultry farming were selected as a respondent of the present study. Data were collected by interview method with the help of questionnaire comprising general information, background of the farmers, poultry profile, poultry farming practices like brooding management, ventilation and lighting, water
management, feed management etc and also data on employment and income generation were studied. Study revealed that there was good knowledge with respect to brooding management and ventilation and lighting, water management and feed management to the respondents. In case of adoption maximum respondents following brooding management followed by cleaning of poultry house and equipments. More than 75 per cent respondents followed proper ventilation and lighting. In feed management and health care practices more than 66.00 per cent respondents used balanced feed and followed vaccination schedule. Maximum respondents got employment for more than 181 days per year from poultry farming. Lack of timely veterinary facility at taluka level was the major constraints in poultry farming followed by non availability improved breed on demand.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 and 2018 at three villages Lemberdung, Khinmey and Changprong in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh to study the effect of combination of organic nutrient sources for maize production. The experiment consisted of eleven treatments, comprising different levels of compost manure equivalent (75, 100 and 125kg N/ha) with FYM @ 10 t/ha, beejamrith + Jeevamrith. The
results indicated that, application of 100% N equivalent compost + FYM @ 10 t/ha +beejamrith +jeevamrith @ 500l/ha. recorded significantly higher grain yield (5.3 t/ha), cob length (14.5 cm) and plant height (225.5 cm), which was closely followed by application of 100% N equivalent compost +beejamrith + jeevamrith @ 500 l/ha and 125 % N equivalent compost +beejamrith + jeevamrith @ 500 l/ha. Soil chemical properties,
viz., soil pH, organic carbon and electric conductivity were not influenced by application of organic manures. However, an increasing trend was observed in the soil chemical properties selative to initial soil data. Application of 100% N equivalent compost + FYM @ 10 t/ha + beejamrith + jeevamrith recorded significantly higher available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content in the soil compared to the other treatment.

The present study has been conducted to assess the actual spreading of new variety of Black gram in terms of area, production and productivity in comparison to existing varieties. The Pratap Urd1 (KPU 07-08) is a high yielding cultivar of blackgram. It was released from Agriculture Research Station, Kota for rainfed conditions of Rajasthan and notified in the year 2013.The area under blackgram in the agro-climatic zone
v was increased from 0.065 mha in kharif 2014 to 0.439 mha in kharif 2017 and the decreasing trend was observed during kharif 2018 (0.391 mha). The same trend was found in the production and productivity of black gram crop. The annual growth rate of black gram productivity in Kota zone and Rajasthan were worked out as -0.34, 0.50, 0.07 and -0.28 per cent as against of -0.30, 0.66,-0.02 and 0.58 per cent in Rajasthan
during the year of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The area under improved variety pratap urd1 continuously increased from 10 ha to 38175 ha in kharif 2014 to 2018. The study clearly indicated that the Pratap urd1 variety was cultivated on 9.74% area (kharif 2018) of the total black gram area in Kota zone of Rajasthan. The characteristic of Pratap urd1 which scored highest among producers was tolerance to yellow
mosaic virus, reported by 89.16% of producers depending on the variety and assigned Ist rank in their choice.

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Chamarajanagar, Karnataka to study the performance of blackgram varieties under rainfed condition of Chamarajanagar district. The varieties included in the test were LBG 625 (Check), LBG 791 and KU14-8. Among three varieties LBG 791 (1.24 %) recorded significantly lower yellow mosaic incidence which was at par with KU14-8 (1.47 %) compared to LBG 625 (31.3 %). However, grain yield, haulm yield and harvest Index were higher with LBG 791 as compared to LBG 625.Similar trend was observed for growth and yield parameters. The highest gross returns and B:C Ratio of Rs.36,302/ha and 1.41, respectively were realized with LBG 791 as compared to LBG 625.

A demonstration of the improved technology of wheat cultivar DBW 110 and HI 8737 was conducted on farmer’s fields under limited irrigated conditions in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh during Rabi season of 2015-16 to 2017-18. Results of study revealed that improved technology i.e. cultivar DBW 110 and HI 8737 gave higher grain yield (45.03 q/ha) as compared to farmer practice i.e. local variety Lok1.
The improvement in grain yield of wheat cultivar DBW 110 and HI 8737 was due to favourable growth and yield attributing characters (plant height, effective tillers per plant, spike length, grains per spike and test weight). This treatment also recorded higher gross return (Rs 84,300/ha), net return (Rs 58,466/ha) and B:C ratio (3.26). The farmers under demonstration were satisfied with improved technology of wheat production
and performance of cultivar DBW 110 and HI 8737 under limited irrigation condition of Mandsaur district.

The present study was conducted to assess the pesticide application behavior of farmers with respect to apple production system in Southern region of Kashmir valley. A total of 500 farmers were selected as respondents throughout the four districts of South Kashmir through four stage sampling procedure. The selected respondents were interviewed personally using a pre-tested well structured questionnaire. The
results revealed that almost all the farmers were dependant on chemical pesticides for the management of diseases and insect pests but had a preliminary knowledge about them and knew the pesticides only by their trade names without their active ingredients and mode of action. The most frequently used were fungicides followed by insecticides and acaricides. The majority of farmers followed a calendar based spray schedule based on the different phenological stages of apple and sprayed differentfungicides and insecticides and partially taking into consideration the recommended spray schedule. However, the farmers were observed to rotate different fungicides in each spray. The data revealed that
majority of the farmers were dependant mostly on input dealers followed by extension personnel and progressive farmers for their need of technological information on various aspects of pesticide use.

The polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) was used under laboratory conditions. The studied parameters
viz., germination percentage, mean daily germination, peak value, germination value and hypocotyls length was significantly reduced with increase in moisture stress. The control treatment T1 had highest Germination percentage, mean daily germination, peak value, and germination value and hypocotyls length. There were decreases in the values of all the studied germination parameters with increase in moisture stress created by use of different concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). The different irrigation interval (days) followed for seedling production in nursery exhibited that different moisture gradients in nursery soil effected significantly seedling growth parameters viz., seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll b content, nutrient uptake in leafs (N,P,K) and root: shoot ratio were significant. There was decrease in all the studied growth parameters (except root shoot ratio) recorded with increase in moisture stress caused by irrigation interval studied. Out of the three container size of hyco-trays studied, the container size T3 (300 cc) had significantly the highest seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, total chlorophyll, nitrogen content in leaf, phosphorus content in leaf, potassium content in leaf and root; shoot ratio as compared to container size T1 (93 cc) and T2 (150 cc).There were increase in all the studied growth parameters (except root shoot ratio) studied with increase in size of root containers, which could be attributed to more growing media and nutrients, and higher water holding capacity in large sized containers.

The present study was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gurdaspur in main crop season during the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. Target yield 3 kg/plant approach was followed and there were three levels of fertigation i.e. F1: 120 per cent, F2: 100 per cent and F3: 80 per cent of targeted dose of fertilizer. The targeted dose was calculated as 3.1 kg/t for nitrogen (N), 0.9 kg/t for
phosphorus (P) and 5.3kg/t for potassium (K) element with recovery factor of 1.1 for N, 1.5 for (P2O5) and 1.3 for (K2O). There were three irrigation levels i.e. I1:100 per cent, I2: 80 per cent and I3: 60 per cent replenishment of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Crop evapotranspiration was calculated on daily basis using Penman-Monteith equation. The study revealed that, there was a significant response of fertigation and irrigation levels on sweet pepper production under greenhouse. Treatment combination F1I1 performed as the best treatment combination among all combinations and produced average yield as 101.6t/ha by giving targeted dose as 3 kg fruit yield/plant. In yellow coloured sweet pepper, WUE was recorded more in treatment combination F1I2 as 8.7 q/ha-cm followed by F1I1 and F1I3 treatment combination as 8.4
and 7.6 q/ha-cm. The highest FUE was recorded in the treatment combination of F1I1 as 0.69 q/ha-kg

The present study was undertaken to identify various routes adopted by Bakarwals and constraints perceived by them during migration of livestock in Jammu and Kashmir region. Districts Anantnag and Ganderbal were adopted under the course of study in order to identify various migration routes followed by this community for seasonal migration. A total of 200 respondents were selected using grab sampling technique and an interview schedule was designed related to breeding, feeding, marketing and infrastructure in order to point out the constraints faced by the Bakarwals. The results revealed five major constraints faced by the Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir region and included colic management, lack of facilities, high cost of feed and fodder, lack of insurance etc.

Print media is widely used and accepted in every section of society having the advantage of cheap cost and vast readership with availability in multiple languages. The present study was aimed to analyze the newspaper readership of adult women of Hisar city of Haryana state. Moreover, this study also aimed to measure the dependence of personal profile variables on newspaper readership of respondents. The findings revealed that a large number of respondents were of 40-50 yr (29.0%) in age had school high school/intermediate (28.0%) level of education. Equal numbers of respondents were employed and unemployed. Family occupation of majority of respondents was business (39.0%) had family monthly income more than 75,000/- (29.0%). Education (0.6) of the respondents was positively correlated with time spent on newspaper readership. Monthly income (0.72) and education (0.60) of the respondents were positively dependent on perceived importance of newspaper readership.

The present research work was carried out to estimate the daily lifestyle habits of service class adult males (age 21-72 yr) of Ludhiana district of Punjab. Different health associated variables like body mass index, daily exercise, food habits, sleeping habits and metabolic disorders were calculated and co-relation coefficient between different lifestyle parameters were estimated. The results showed that 74.1 per cent
of service men perform daily exercise, 85.4 had habit of eating meals regularly whereas 14.5 per cent of skipping breakfast and 64.5per cent of service men had habit of taking mid morning meals. The data also revealed that 58.6 per cent men had normal body mass index, 35.0 per cent were pre-obese and 8.06 per cent obese due to sedentary life style. The data on metabolic syndromes showed that 3.2 per cent service
men were suffering from diabetes while 6.4 per cent from blood pressures problem and 1.61per cent from frequent fever. The data on social problem revealed that 64.51per cent men feel free in discussing problems with family members and rest with relatives (25.8 %). A positive co-relation (p>0.05) was observed between age and exercise, exercise and sleep, diet and sleep and satisfaction of life with sleep. It was found that daily habit of exercise and sound sleep (6-8hr) promoted increase satisfaction of quality of life.

Hill lemon (Citrus pseudolimonTan.) is a hardy plant and grown well in low and mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Its juice is preserved and being used as souring agent in many food preparations, pickles and chutneys. The shelf life of Hill lemon juice was assessed by using organic and inorganic preservatives. Boiling of juice till the end of formation of foam/leather and adding organic source of preservative (Salt @ 20gm/L of juice + top dressing of mustard oil @ 20ml/L of juice) was found best and received highest rating on various sensory attributes especially colour and flavour under nine point hedonic scale. This treatment not only enhanced the shelf life of the juice up to 10 months but also retained original flavour and colour of juice . Under inorganic preservatives, Potassium meta bisulphite @0.7 gm/L of juice and Sodium benzoate @ 0.5gm/L of juice, six and five months shelf life was observed respectively. Hence use of organic method for preserving the juice can be a better substitute of inorganic preservatives in many food processing industries.

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) arises when there is a compulsion to share common limited resources, such as land, game, livestock or fish .There has been more livestock loss in areas where people took their livestock to graze inside a reserve. Hence, a study was conducted to find out the socio-economic profile of the human wildlife conflict affected farmers in Tamil Nadu. Majority of the respondents were old aged, marginal land
holders, educated up to secondary level, possessed medium unit of livestock, practiced agriculture and livestock as their primary occupation, had medium level of annual income and residing at 0.5 to 1 km away from the forest area. Nearly two-third of the farmers possessed medium level of knowledge with regard to various HWC. Among the human-elephant conflict farmers, half of the population had medium level of knowledge on HWC.

Commercial production of high value vegetable in the state of Nagaland pose an immense scope as the region is blessed up favourable micro climate and fertile soil coupled with region organic based farming. Although the region of North East specifically Nagaland has promising scope in producing high value crops, the farmers in the region are faced with several production as well as marketing constrains. From the study, it was revealed that major and common production and marketing constrains faced by vegetable growers includes, severity in pest and diseases infestation (65.83%) of the respondent followed by lack of irrigation facilities and high dependency on monsoon (64.17%), non-availability of quality seed/ planting materials (55.00%), lack of efficient marketing mechanism (66.67%), lack of proper transportation (65.00%) and storage facilities in the area (50.83%) etc.

The present study was carried out with an objective to assess the socio-cultural beliefs and restrictions related to menarche and adolescent menstruation and to perceive the intergenerational continuity and transition in the menstrual knowledge and practices of sample tribal females. The sample for the study consisted of 320 adolescents girls in the age group of 14 to 18 yr studying in class 9th to 12th currently enrolled at Govt Middle, High and High Secondary schools, 100 mothers and 100 grandmothers, which were selected equally from Purig tribe and Balti tribe of Kargil district, J&K state. Interview schedule, Checklist and focus group discussion were used to collect the required information from the respondents. The results reveal that females of Kargil especially mothers and grandmothers hold and follow certain specific beliefs related to menstruation. Majority of them believed that menstruation symbolizes psychological and physical maturity for females. It was commonly believed that bathing during menstruation caused cessation/ stoppage of menstrual blood. Bathing during their period is also prohibited because it is seen to contaminate the body. Other beliefs held include cutting of hair/nails during period leading to contamination of body; disposal of used sanitary materials by burning or burying leads to infertility. The findings indicate that these beliefs were comparatively more popular among mothers and grandmothers as compared to young girls. The younger generation had more relevant information, which they probably gained through schools, books (science books) /and media. It is recommended that girls should be educated about the truth of menstruation, its physiological implications and about maintenance of adequate hygiene during menstruation.

The study was conducted to examine the trends, variability and decomposition analysis of rapeseed and mustard crop in major growing states as well as in the India from 1992-93 to 2017-18. The compound growth rates have been estimated with the help of exponential function, variability has been computed by using technique of co-efficient of variation. The study concluded that positive and significant growth occurred in case of production (1.84%) and yield (1.86%) of rapeseed and mustard for India during the study period. Further, there persisted wide fluctuations in the growth of area, production and yield of rapeseed and mustard over the study period. The decomposition analysis suggested that for rapeseed-mustard yield effect was the major source of growth in Production, whereas area effect was found to be negative except for Rajasthan and Utter Pradesh. Thus, the study emphasized on increasing area under rapeseed-mustard oilseed crop in major growing states, dissemination of improved
agricultural production technology among farming community for increasing production of these crops.

Farming sector is a backbone of Indian economy and the government of India put and important goal of doubling farmers’ income till 2022. In line of this ambitious goal the Million Farmers School (TMFS), an innovative programme initiated by the Department of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh since November 2017. This seeks to address the weaknesses of agriculture extension system and strengthen the same in order to promote resilient farming systems, enhance productivity and production, thereby improving the lives of farmers.This cannot be achieved without providing timely information and knowledge to farmers about scientific methods of farming, newer varieties of improved seeds, appropriate agronomic practices and available market opportunities. With these objectives in mind, a situational analysis was carried out by the department and found that drastic improvement was required in the agriculture extension system in order to achievethe aforesaid objectives. A new model of extension was conceptualized based on structured curriculum,campaign mode and capacity building exercises. Twice every year, the Department of Agriculture deployed its entire extension machinery to conduct more than 15000 training modules for the farmers across the state for providing information and practical knowledge to more than a million farmers in one edition. The curriculum contained information on not only agriculture but also allied sectors like horticulture, animal husbandry& dairy, fisheries, agriculture marketing etc. Five such training editions have been conducted and more than 5million farmers have been benefited from this innovative model. This was the largest extension exercise in the field agriculture and allied sector. This has also turned out to be a low cost, high return technique which can be easily replicated. It was evident that 88.7 per cent participants were satisfied with the knowledge of trainers, 95.5 per cent participants were satisfied with impact of knowledge circulated in TMFS, 98.7 per cent were fully/ partially picked the technologies, 80.2 per cent participants showed their interest to attend the such trainings in future, almost all were interested to share the knowledge with friends and gaining benefit in order to enhance their knowledge and productivity in various agricultural activities. 73.8 per cent participants answered that they became aware with various government schemes only after attending the TMFS.

The mainstay of the Nagaland economy is agriculture, with about 59.76 percent of the population directly or indirectly depending on agriculture for employment and livelihood. The farmers in Nagaland mostly use traditional tools and implements for all operations in the field and follow traditional cultivation methods. Nagaland has adequate land, and water resources and rainfall is more than sufficient. Farmers belonging to
medium landholding (2-4 ha) is highest with 67 percent of the cultivated area, which is the major dependent on human energy. The man-days for land-clearing requirements, land development, weeding, harvesting,and threshing required for Jhum areas of Nagaland using traditional tools and implements were estimated as 1.196 crore man-days, 95.68, 54.36, 47.84 and 53.56 lakh man-days, respectively of Jhum area of 95,680 ha.

The perception of extension personnel about training needs of marginal, small and medium categories of farmers in ten selected areas with respect to winter maize cultivation was studied to provide direction and thrust to the training efforts. A list of major component/thematic area was proposed. Under each major component, specific and relevant training need items were collected and systematically incorporated into
the interview schedule and administered. The training needs of farmers on the production measured by average choice score formula suggested by Alam (2006). Results showed that the use of high yielding varieties was perceived by the extension personnel as the most needed area for marginal farmers and integrated nutrient management for small and medium categories of farmers. These were strong degree of agreement among rank pattern of extension personnel v/s different categories of farmers indicated maximum correlation among the views of extension personnel and small farmers (r-value 0.9000). In case of marginal farmers r-value was slightly low (r-value 0.8000) and for medium farmers, it was highly significant (r-value 0.6500) means medium farmers are more or less adequate resources and more knowledge.

An on-farm study was conducted during different season at farmers field in Samastipur district of Bihar to assess the effect of dry cow therapy as an intervention for control of mastitis in dairy herd. Twenty one crossbred cows were selected at dry-off and distributed in three group with 7 animals each. The experimental treatment groups were T1 (Control- No dry cow therapy ), T2 : dry cow therapy with Spectramast D C at last day of milking) and T3 group : dry cow therapy with Spectramast D C along with application of Intavita H 5ml I/M. Daily milk yield was recorded for 30 days after 15 days of post-partum to find out the effect of dry cow therapy on milk production. The finding of the study showed that dry cow therapy in combination with Intavita H (T3) or alone dry cow therapy were effective protocol to control mastitis with reduced mastitis cases as compared to T1( control). However, dry cow therapy in combination with Intavita H (T3) was more effective against control of mastitis. The milk quantity and quality were also improved with treatment of dry cow therapy.

Ginger processed products were developed in the Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Home Science, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The present study was conducted to assess the quantity of ginger used in production and final utilization of ginger. Need assessment for ginger processing skills and training was done to ensure livelihood security. An extensive survey was
conducted in Bhimtal block, Nanital District, Uttarakhand. Total 50 farmers were selected and interviewed through structured questionnaire for data collection. The study revealed that 75.0 per cent of the farmers were growing ginger and 67.57 per cent of farmers using 2 to 25 kg as ginger seeds. During peak season, the selling price of ginger ranged between Rs. 30/kg to 80/kg. However, the price of ginger varies widely with
production. Eighty four per cent of th farmers were ready to prepare these products, however 64 per cent wanted to sell ginger sherbet in market. Out of 43 farm women trained, only 4 female (with adoption rate 9.30 %) adopted this as a business. Hence, processing of ginger may help in increasing the farmers’ income.

National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) was implemented in Vadavathur and Jambumadai villages of Namakkal district. Cultivation of sole cropping is predominant in the district leads to poor market returns due to huge arrival of single crop. To alleviate such problems additional crop cultivation in small area with other annual vegetables in an area to minimize market risk and ensure reasonable returns for small and marginal farm women. After the cropping season in many fields the excess water of bore and open wells during the normal year, which has not been effectively utilized for the cultivation of additional crops may enhance the farm women income during the summer season. KVK provided technical guidance for cultivation of annual vegetables as additional crop to the 350 women farmers and thus now vegetables are being cultivated in an area of 44.8 ha during rabi season by 132 farm women and 11 farmers adopted Panthal system of vegetable cultivation, at
their own cost and contribution of NADP scheme. KVK also facilitated to get Uzhavar santhai card to vegetable growers of NICRA village in convergence mode with Department of Agriculture Marketing. Hence, the farm women became empowered through direct sale of their products in Uzhavar santhai and getting an appreciable income of Rs.800 to Rs.1500/- day through growing of aan additional crop.

A field investigation was undertaken to evaluate cabbage varieties for earliness and yield characters. The four treatments of the experiment were T1 Golden acre, T2 Pride of India, T3 Pusa mukta and T4 Early Pusa drum head. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Three weeks old seedlings of cabbage were transplanted on 3rd of October 2017 and 5th of October 2018 consecutively for
two years. Comparative performance of four cabbage varieties over two years revealed the superiority of Pusa mukta in terms of yield, quality, and resistance to black rot. This variety produced medium, light green heads, resistant to black rot, gave an average yield of 436.57 q/ha and took 80 days to 50% harvesting. As far as earliness is concerned, Golden acre (T1) variety of cabbage was earliest among all four varieties.

Multiplier onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) is an important commercial vegetable crops grown in Ariyalur and Perambalur districts of Tamil Nadu. This multiplier onion is commonly propagated by bulbs rather than nursery raising and planting of seedlings. It is famous for its use in sambar preparation, an important south Indian dish. It produces small size bulbs, many in number usually up to 6 numbers, to form an aggregated cluster. In general the cost of cultivation of multiplier onion goes higher and the net income is reduced for farmers due to the high cost of bulb seed material during the peak season. In order to reduce the cost of cultivation, the cultivation of onion through seeds, nursery raising and transplanting techniques advocated to the farmers. A new variety CO (On) 5 developed by TNAU, Coimbatore and a variety Arka ujjwal developed by ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore for multiplier onion were evaluated along with check during 2017-18. The observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants and bulb yield on plot basis in each replication on growth, yield, quality parameters and BCR. Variety Arka ujjwal was the earliest in maturity in 88 duration followed by the variety CO (On) 5 matured in 94 days during rabi season. The highest bulb yield was recorded in CO (On) 5 onion variety 14.5t/ha followed by Arka ujjwal 12.88t/ha and local ottanchathiram variety 12.1t/ha during rabi season. The variety CO (On) 5 was found to be multiplier onion variety suitable for Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. It has 6 uniform bulblets per bulb
which were attractive pink coloured bold size bulbs and oval in shape tapering towards neck with high yield.

Agriculture in India dates back to the Indus valley civilization and in the southern part of the country even before that. Agriculture – the science or practice of growing and cultivation of crops has become a very important factor of the GDP of the country. India a country with 60 per cent of its man-force associated with agricultural activities directly or indirectly is facing an enormous challenge of keeping up with the number of mouths to feed. An enormous amount of change has come in the way agriculture is practiced in the country. Hybrid seeds, tractors,drill machines all have helped in matching the growing needs but it is not enough as by 2030 India will become the world’s most populated country with twice the number of people to feed as compared to a decade ago.

An attempt has been made to analyze the effect of COVID-19 on the feeling of parents of school students studying in higher secondary classes of district Amritsar. The work was accomplished with the help of google forms and data were collected from the parents (n=33) on the pros and cons of online teaching system especially undertaken during lock down and curfew period. These google forms were sent to the parents of high school students of Disciplined Disciple Senior Secondary School, Amritsar. A total of 14 statements were formed having each with 4 options i.e., strongly agree, agree, neutral and disagree and numerical values allotted were 4, 3, 2 and 1, respectively. Based on the answers, mean score was calculated and ranking was done. The findings revealed that regular school was an important means for teaching the value of discipline in students and considered must by most of the parents (63.3%), similarly it was opined that children study better when they attend the school (60.6%). It was revealed that students study better in the schools than the online teaching system however, their eating habits were found to
be improved after quarantine period. The data further revealed that tuition and online teaching was not a substitute for regular schooling system. In this time of crisis, for the overall progress of school going students, an effective educational practice for the capacity-building of young minds is required. It will develop skills that will drive their emotional stability, productivity, health, and overall well-being.

Three castor (Ricinus communis L.) hybrids were evaluated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal to assess the suitable hybrid as a pure crop in terms of yield, acceptability and adoption potential during Kharif 2018 in Namakkal district. Three castor hybrids were YRCH 1, DCH 519 and DCH 177, which were sown by following all recommended package of practices followed as per TNAU recommendation. The study revealed that DCH 519 recorded more number of effective spikes per plant (38.20), number of capsules per spike (57.4), very less incidence of leaf hopper (2.20 %), lesser incidence of botrytis (2.6 %), higher seed yield (1311.6 kg/ha) as compared to YRCH 1 and DCH 177 hybrids. The least seed yield (1037 kg/ha) and higher incidence of leaf hopper (13.6 %) and botrytis (7.8 %) were observed in DCH 177 hybrid. Gross and net returns were Rs. 65580/- and Rs. 42010/ha, respectively by cultivating DCH 519 as against Rs. 64850/- and Rs. 41230/ha in the YRCH 1 hybrid. Farmers were satisfied with DCH
519 and YRCH 1 hybrids, as crop did not suffer from botrytis disease. Castor DCH 519 and YRCH 1 hybrids would be a better option for pure crop in kharif season in north western zone of Tamil Nadu.