Journal of Extension Education

From the Editor's desk - evaluating information sources

Puthira Prathap D — 2024-05-26

Editorial on evaluating information soruces ; Journal of Extension Education; 35 (1)

Socio-economic determinants of Dairy Farmers’ Knowledge on Dairy Farming Practices in Uttar Pradesh, India

Saurabh Sharma — 2024-05-26

The study was carried out among dairy farmers of Balamau block of Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh to assess the socio-economic landscape and dairy farming practices. Utilizing a multistage purposive cum random sampling approach, data from 60 dairy farmers were collected and analyzed. Findings revealed diverse socio-economic backgrounds and educational levels among farmers, influencing their farming decisions. Buffalo predominated the livestock, with significant variations in milk production of cross breeds. Reproductive parameters underscored opportunities for improvement. Correlation and regression analyses elucidated education, training participation, social participation and scientific orientation as pivotal predictors of knowledge level in dairy management. Higher education and greater participation in training sessions were associated with better management practices. The study emphasizes the significance of education, continuous learning and scientific orientation in optimizing dairy farming practices and enhancing industry profitability offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the field. Regression analysis explained 62.10% of knowledge variation, emphasizing education, family type, training, social participation, and scientific orientation.

Dairy Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Kerala, India

S R Shyam Suraj — 2024-05-26

During the recent times, studies on entrepreneurship are found to shift their focus from entrepreneurcentered to environment-centered; outlining the role of entrepreneurial ecosystem in creating productive entrepreneurship. An attempt was made to map the dairy entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kerala state in India, to understand the actors and factors, functional stages of the actors and the linkages among them. The methodology followed was desk research, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Mapping exposed the major actors under the financial, support, technology, human capital, culture and legal domains; and factors were direct, partially direct and indirect. The actors were grouped under the different functional stages of ideation, establishment, survival, early and late growth and maturity; as well as their linkages were portrayed. The findings shall enable appropriate planning and interventions to refurbish the ecosystem for a more dynamic dairy entrepreneurial development.

Innovative Approaches in Paddy Cultivation: An Analytical Study of Adoption Trends

Sanghamitra Rajnandini Saikia — 2024-05-26

Adoption of farm innovations in food crops is necessary to modernize agricultural practices, improve efficiency and increase yields to meet the growing global food demand. This study analysed the adoption trends of innovations in paddy cultivation. Key innovations were identified including the adoption of advanced agricultural machinery starting from seed preparation to harvesting and storage, improved irrigation systems and utilization of hybrid rice varieties by interviewing the paddy farmers of Assam, India. Percentage analysis and paired t-test were used to assess the impact of innovations on rice crop productivity. The results of the study indicate a positive and progressive trend in the adoption of innovations in paddy cultivation. The widespread
acceptance of improved machineries and a diverse array of hybrid rice varieties showcases a collective effort among farmers to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and embrace sustainable agricultural practices. To maximize the benefits of these innovations, farmers must receive adequate training.

Living and Working Conditions of Women Tea Garden Workers in Assam

Shikhamoni Gogoi — 2024-05-26

Tea estate workers hold a significant position in Assam, India. This study examines the
socio-economic aspects of living and working conditions of workers, in the tea gardens of Sivasagar district, Assam. 50 women who work in tea plantations formed the sample. Findings revealed that the more than half of the women workers generate a monthly income of Rs. 5001 to Rs.7000 and due to low income, workers find difficulty to cover their daily expenditure. It was also found that the women workers at the tea plantations have poor working conditions such as forced labour, continuous work-load without rest and health issues.

Usage of Selected Botanicals for Grain Flour Storage among Rural Households in Tamil Nadu

Sakthidevi P — 2024-05-26

Storage of processed grains is a very common and crucial practice for every family, especially
those in rural areas of India. This study assessed the usage of botanicals for grain flour storage
among the rural families of Tamil Nadu, India. A training intervention was planned and implemented on eco-friendly storage practices in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. A sample of 100 respondents were selected based on their willingness and availability to participate in the intervention programme in randomly selected villages of Salem District . The responses from the trainees before and after the training intervention programme provided insights into the extent of the adoption of eco-friendly storage practices. The assessment indicated a significant change in the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of rural households. All the respondents gained knowledge and awareness about eco-friendly storage techniques, and the adoption rate was around 50 percent after the training intervention. Participants also began using eco-friendly storage materials such as containers, particularly in stainless-steel. The study suggests that every state department of agriculture, district KVKs, rural development departments and other line departments should take simple steps to improve storage practices of food grains and flour using eco-friendly methods among consumers in their respective areas.

Attitude of Undergraduate Students of Agriculture towards Online Mode of Learning

Shely Mary Koshy — 2024-05-26

The COVID-19 pandemic had prompted higher institutions around the globe to relocate traditional classes to online classes. Due to the pandemic, students were compelled to use online platforms that the university provided, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom, to resume their studies. This study aims to evaluate the attitude of undergraduate students of agriculture in using these new platforms for online mode of learning so that in future, academicians and the Government can design online learning platforms that will enhance the learning of students . The results of this study show that distance learning is still in the development stage, and although traditional classrooms appeared to be indispensable, the positive attitudes and willingness of
the majority of students to engage in distance learning classes in the post-COVID19 pandemic indicate that there is an immense potential future for e-learning platforms in higher education institutions.