Journal of Krishi Vigyan Vol 4 Issue 1

SCIENTISTS JOINED AS LIFE MEMBER OF SOCIETY OF KRISHI VIGYAN
186.
A A Hanmante, Subject Matter Specialist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Killa-Roha, District, Raigarh
(Maharashtra)
187.
Ameena Raheja, Assistant Professor ( Agricultural Engineering), Krishi Vigyan

Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab)
188.
Asim Kr Maiti, Programme Coordinator, Seva Bharati Krishi Vigyan Kendra,P O -Kapgari,
District -Paschim Medinipur 721505 ( West Bengal)
189.
Avneet Kaur , Assistant Professor ( Fruit Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mukatsar (Punjab)
190.
Biplab Das, Programme Coordinator, Jalpaiguri Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Bengal University
of Animal and Fishery Sciences,PO -Ramshai,District Jalpaiguri 735219 (West Bengal)
191.
Devinder Kaur, Professor, Department of Apparel and Textile Science, Punjab Agricultural
University, Ludhiana 141 004 (Punjab)
192.
Hansa Patel, Subject Matter Specialist ( Home Science) Krishi Vigyan Kendra , Ambuja Cement
Foundation ,Kodinar- 362720 ( Gujarat)
193.
H K Verma, Director of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University, Ludhiana 141 004 (Punjab)
194.
Jatinder Manan, Assistant Professor ( Agronomy), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala- 144620
(Punjab)
195.
K A Sunandha, Associate professor, College of Co- Operation, Banking and Management,

Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur 680 656 ( Kerala)
196.
Kanchan Sandhu, Assistant Professor ( Home Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalandhar
(Punjab)
197.
Kulvir Kaur, Assistant Professor (Home Science), Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab
Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004 (Punjab)
198.
Mayank Kr Rai, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pilibhit ( Uttar Pradesh).
199.
Milind C Ahire, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhuley (Maharashtra)
200.
R G Manjarekar, Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan

Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, ( Maharashtra)
201.
Rajdeep Kaur, Assistant Professor ( Home Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ferozepur (Punjab)
Kendra,
New Presidents First Message

Dear Colleagues,
It is a special privilege to begin my term as President of the Society of Krishi Vigyan (SKV) for
2015 to 2017. Before updating you with the various matters which might be of interest to you. I would
like to acknowledge the work of my predecessor, President Dr M S Gill and his team. I understand that
it is truly challenging to run a Scientific Society which basically hinges on mutual support, democratic
structure, transparency and academic excellence.
Our outgoing president, Dr M S Gill, deserve an enormous thank from all of us for guiding the
Society by writing engaging and thought-provoking columns in the Journal and creating the platform.
Luckily, for all of us, Dr Gill will continue to serve as an office bearer of the Society for an additional
year, in the role of past-president.
Let me introduce to you the new Executive Board and its members (see www.iskv.in). Apart from
the President, the immediate Past President (Dr M S Gill) and the Secretary (Tanmay Samajdar), the
four Vice-Presidents of SKV now sitting on the Board are : Dr Mayank Kr Rai (North), Dr Milind C
Ahire, (West), Dr K K Goswami (East) and Dr B Mohan (South).
I hold a special place for all the members of the Central Executive Committee, and editorial board
members for their dedicated service to the society and the scientific community overall.
One of the goals for the next two years may be to try to encourage young Scientists working in the
NARS and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras in different parts of country for the welfare of farmers, farm
women and youth. Society of Krishi Vigyan must be devoted to promoting agricultural and allied
Sciences. This means using all of our resources to expand and improve scientific training and mentorship
at all levels, to provide avenues to our members to share their knoweldge - whether in person, print or
online - and to establish important contacts to facilitate scientific exchange and collaboration. Our
society would work hard for its members and to keep them informed about science policy matters that
will affect them both as scientists and as citizens. This, together with the excellent quality of the
review process, should encourage our members to continue to support and contribute to our society
publications.
The Executive Committee wishes to hear from you-this is your Society. Do write in at
secretarykvk2011@gmail.com. The entire team and I feel honoured to serve the Society for two years
and we look forward to hearing from you. We are grateful to you for your continued support, and
kindly dont hesitate to let us know what you think which will make feel us even better.
Warm regards,
A.K. Singh
CONTENTS
Sr. No. Title
Page No.
1.
Assessment of Attributes of Supply Value Chain in Circular Knitwear Industry of

Ludhiana.
Prerna Kapila
1-4
2.
Testing of New Brand Formulations of Sulfonylurea Herbicides for the Control of

Mixed Weed Flora in Wheat.
Tarundeep Kaur, Simerjeet Kaur and M S Bhullar
5-9
3.
Constraints Faced by the Subject Matter Specialist of Selected Krishi Vigyan

Kendras of Northern India.
Pankaj Kumar and Prabhjot Kaur
10-17
4.
Effect of Variability in Climate and Irrigation Regimes on Evapotranspiration and

Water Use in Spring Maize.
K B Singh
18-22
5.
Evaluation of Potato Genotypes for Yield Characters in Late Autumn Season.

Prabhjot Kaur, V K Vashist and Ajay Kumar
23-29
6.
Front Line Demonstration on Multiplier Onion (Allium cepa L.var aggregatum

Don) to Reduce Cost of Production.
Sharmila Bharathi C, B Mohan, R Sangeetha, G Gohila and K Paneerselvam
30-36
7.
Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Okra in Raigad District of Maharashtra.

R G Manjarekar, P M Mandavkar , A A Hanmante and M S Talathi
37-40
8.
Impact of Training Programme in Knowledge Enhancement of Farm Women

Regarding Preparation of Cleaning Agents.
Rajdeep Kaur and G S Aulakh
41-43
9.
Income and Consumption Pattern of Punjab Cultivators.

Arjinder Kaur, Sukhjeet K Saran and Amarpreet Kaur
10.
Information Needs Assessment and Prioritization of Dairy Farmers.

S Subash, Jancy Gupta and G Prasad Babu
51-55
11.
Item Analysis Methodology to Measure the Knowledge of Farmer on Eco-Friendly

Farm Technology in Rice Cultivation.
Naveenkumar G and R Sendilkumar
56-59
12.
Management of Repeat Breeding Under Field Condition Using Ovsynch Protocol in

Cross Bred Cows.
K. A. Prajapati, P K Sharma, M K Choudhry
60-62
13.
Nutrition Intervention and Homestead Kitchen Gardening-Improving Nutritional

Security in Rural Livelihoods.
K Sudha Rani , T Supraja and P Lakshmi Reddy
63-66
44-50
Sr. No. Title
Page No.
14.
Package of Practices Followed by Farmers and its Effect on Wheat Yield in District
Kapurthala.
Jatinder Manan, Manoj Sharma, Gurmeet Singh and Gobinder Singh
67-71
15.
Participation of Rural Women in Dairy Activities.

Kulvir Kaur
72-75
16.
Promotion of Neglected Old Crops for Nutritional Security.

Chanderkanta Vats.
76-79
17.
Performance and Adoption of Direct Seeded Basmati in Sri Muktsar Sahib District of
Punjab.
Balkaran Singh Sandhu and Nirmaljit Singh Dhaliwal
80-83
18.
Performance of Early Cauliflower Variety Sabour Agrim vis a vis Different Dates of
Transplanting in Arwal District of Bihar.
K P Singh, Rakesh Kumar, R K Sohane and A K Das.
84-87
19.
Supplementation Effect of Bypass Fat on Production Performance of Lactating

Crossbred Cows.
S M Soni and M V Patel
88-90
20.
Quality Evaluation of Honey from Stingless Bee (Trigona sp) Reared by Garo Tribes
in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
Tarun Kumar Das, Tanmay Samajdar and Greatush Marak
91-94
Short Communication
Water Hyacinth: A Potential Raw Material for Developing Handicraft Sector in
Assam.
Rupjyoti Bhattacharjee, Rizwanul Helim, Rinku Moni Phukon, Sanjukta
Saikia and Pabitra Kr.Bordoloi
95-97
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00050.1
Assessment of Attributes of Supply Value Chain in

Circular Knitwear Industry of Ludhiana
Prerna Kapila
Department of Apparel and Textile Science,
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004(Punjab)
ABSTRACT
The knitwear industry has been neglected in terms of supply chain management research.
There have been major changes in the industry, particularly with global sourcing and high
levels of price competition. This research assesses the various attributes of supply chain to
understand the level of support available to the knitwear industry of Ludhiana and to identify
the areas where there is dire requirement for improvement. Interview schedule method was
used to collect data from twelve knitwear manufacturing firms regarding the status of support
services available in the knitwear cluster. It was revealed that the support services in the field of
finance, technology and quality management are abundantly available in the knitwear cluster
of Ludhiana and there is healthy competition among stakeholders who have good understanding
of market and its ever changing status. The major areas of concern were the factors affecting
pricing policies like import duties on raw material, cost of power, labour cost in terms of gross
salaries and the manpower quality in terms of skilled workmen, competent managers and the
training facilities for skill up gradation of employees.
Key Words: Knitwear, Supply Chain, Industry, Pricing, Skill.
INTRODUCTION
The knitwear industry has, in a remarkably
short period of time, emerged as a prominent
industrial sector in India. This industry contributes
more than 50 per cent in terms of volume and
around 35 per cent in terms of value of our total
garment exports (Vohra, 2010). It is the only sector
which is growing at a faster rate than any other
segment in textiles & given the trend for casual
dressing with greater thrust on comfort, the knits
sector holds immense potential for growth in
future as well. The major production centres of
knitwear are Ludhiana in Punjab, Tirupur (Tamil
Nadu), Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata
(Dar,2011).
Ludhiana is mainly famous for acrylic and
woollen knitwear. Most of the units in Ludhiana
are based in the residential areas converted into
commercial places. Only a few big units have their
production units in the Government promoted
industrial estates in Ludhiana district (Kapila,
2013). The industry has unique market
characteristics, such as short product lifecycle,
high volatility, low predictability, and a high level

of impulse purchase. In order to survive and stay
ahead in todays competitive world, companies
are expanded to their limits in search for
organizational skills and technologies.( Halim and
Kabir, 2011). Most of the international market
remains untapped by manufacturers in Ludhiana
as this city is not currently a large exporter of
knitwear garments; rather the cluster focuses on
domestic market.
The industry is largely in an unorganized
format and manufacturers are not big enough to
go for retailing at their own cost. Hence, the rapid
gains made by this industry may prove to be
transient in the face of changing trade regimes
and the dynamics of global competition. There is
tremendous scope in the growing knitting industry
but in spite of their capability and intentions to
enter and tap world market, the manufacturers are
not able to produce excellent results (Tiwari,
1999). This weakness of the Ludhiana industry is
leveraged by their competitors who have a much
supportive supply chain management. Whether
Corresponding Authors Email: prernaats@pau.edu
Prerna Kapila
the benefits generated by the knitwear industry
can be sustained in the long-run depends on
clusters ability to address a number of challenges
and constraints. (Shanmugasundaran and
Panchnatham, 2011). The present study tries to
identify the current status of various support
services available in the cluster so that the weaker
links can be identified and steps can be taken to
strengthen the same.
The main objective of the investigation is to
assess the level of quality of support services in
the knitwear cluster of Ludhiana.The scope of the
study was limited to the knitwear industry of
Ludhiana involved in manufacturing knitted
apparels from circular knit fabrics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The knitwear units were selected after mapping
of the Ludhiana knitwear industry and identifying
the areas of knitwear manufacturing in Ludhiana.
With the help of the data available with District
Industries Centre and local industry association,
twelve circular knitwear manufacturing firms were
selected using simple random sampling technique
.A questionnaire was prepared to assess status of
various support services available in the cluster.
These firms were asked to rate various attributes
of the supply chain process like availability of
finance, technology status, nature of competition
among firms, quality of available man power,
quality management procedures followed with in
firms, pricing structure and market status as well
as understanding of the market on a ten point scale.
Scores were then calculated as simple average and
data were analyzed to identify the status of
different attributes in the circular knitwear
manufacturing supply chain.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results were analyzed to identify the level and
quality of support services available in the
knitwear cluster of Ludhiana.
Status of availability of Finance for knitwear
industries
Data in Table 1 depicts that availability of
funds from the financial institutions was not
considered a major issue by the manufacturers
though the rate of interest on credit has been rated
as the problem area with an average score of 5.7
2
which has been a major factor in bringing down

the overall score of finance availability in the
cluster. According to the manufactures, the funds
are available but the rates of interest charged by
funding organizations are very high.
Status of Technology adoption in knitwear
industries
This support function was well rated by all
the manufacturers. They were quite satisfied with
the existing technology and the production
processes. Information technology usage was also
well adopted by the manufacturers. They were
moving ahead with automatic and computerized
machines so as to reduce their dependence on the
labour due to the lack of availability of skilled as
well as unskilled manpower. The only issue under
technology adoption was that of technology
appropriateness with respect to global markets that
has an average rating of 4.4 and was considered
an area of concern by the manufacturers. A reason
cited by manufacturers for this issue was high
import duties levied on the machines due to which
manufacturers were reluctant to go for a lot of
imported technologies (Ghosh, 2011).
Status and nature of competition among
manufacturers
As there was a good geographic concentration
of the similar firms which helped them in getting
raw materials and other basic inputs within the
cluster, there was healthy competition among
manufacturers in terms of pooling of resources
for research and development but high
dependence on large units for raw material that is
backward linkage had been an issue for a majority
of them with an overall score of 4.5.
Status of Manpower Quality in knitwear
industries
The data in table 1 depicts that the issue of
manpower quality has received a very high score
and was a major area of concern in the cluster.
There was acute shortage of skilled and unskilled
manpower either at workman level or at
managerial level and the labour productivity or
unit cost per employee was very high with a score
of 7.3. An ever increasing demand with low
supply of trained manpower further presented a
number of challenges like unjustified demands
Attributes of Supply Value Chain in Knitwear Industry

Table 1. Status of various attributes of supply chain in knitwear industries.
Sr. No Attribute
1
Finance
Technology adoption
Nature of competition
Manpower quality
Quality management
Pricing policies
7.
Market status and its

understanding
Score
Cost of Capital
Availability of credit
Access to start up funds
Ease and quality of funding
Technology appropriateness with respect to global markets
Production Processes
Innovation management and new product development
Quality of existing plant and machinery
Information technology usage for business application
Dependence on large units for raw material
Level of trust and information sharing
Cooperation among competitors for marketing
Competency of trade associations
Pooling of R and D resources
Availability of skilled workmen
Availability of competent managers
Labour productivity
Employee skill up gradation and training
Product standards followed
Process standards followed
Final product/quality consciousness
International certification on quality and management
Import duty on raw material
Labour cost
Cost of power from utility
Transportation cost
Input cost in comparison to competitors
Threat due to shift in consumer preference
Cost of developing brand
Growth in domestic market
Growth in export market
from labour, frequent shifts of the trained labour

for higher payouts, frauds etc (Chatterjee, 2010).
It also increased the labour cost per unit thereby
increasing the overall input cost and reduced the
productivity levels (Clayes and Brachet, 2008)
Status of Quality Management in knitwear
industries
The manufacturers were confident that they
were following best quality management practices
and most of the products and process standards
required were followed by the firms. They had
the required certifications, both National and
International, and were aware of the required
quality of final product by the ultimate customer.
Status of pricing policies in knitwear industries
In Ludhiana knitwear industry, import duty
5.7
4.7
4.0
3.4
4.4
3.9
3.9
3.7
2.9
4.5
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.4
8.0
7.3
7.3
6.3
3.3
3.1
3.1
2.1
9.2
7.3
6.9
6.6
6.2
5.4
4.5
4.4
3.9
on machines that comes out to be around 19 per

cent had been rated highest on the problem
intensity with a score of 9.2 while the other
neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and
China had imposed import duty at 2-3 per cent.
Hence these countries were able to purchase goods
from better technological machines at much lower
prices and were giving a fierce competition to local
manufacturers in the international market. High
salaries being paid by the manufacturers to retain
the labour was also an area of concern with a score
of 7.3. Cost of labour was comparatively higher
which increased total cost of production due to
high demand and low supply situation. As per the
manufacturers, the dependence of industry on grid
power was very high and power availability was
very low in the cluster. This not only hindered
the production to be completed on time but also
Prerna Kapila
increased the cost of manufacturing due to high
usage of generators and other power sources. This
problem was a major hindrance in the smooth
working of the manufacturing units with an overall
score of 6.9. Transportation cost had also been
rated high with a score of 6.6, which was directly
affecting the pricing structure. The availability of
raw material was not an issue but the price
fluctuations within the industry and dependence
on large units for raw material was a major
challenge faced by the industry with an overall
score of 6.2. Due to fluctuations in the prices of
raw material the manufacturers were not able make
big and long term deals which was again affecting
the profitability of their manufacturing process
(Bakht and Salimullah, 2008).
Market Status and its Understanding in knitwear
industries
The demand situation in exports as well as
domestic market had been showing an increase
generally, so the market was quite developing.
Data in table 1 depicts that frequent changes in
the consumer preferences and tastes created a fear
in the minds of the manufacturers and had been
considered an area of concern with a score of 5.4.
Knitwear industry had a booming market but again
dearth of marketing professionals and consultants
in the field was giving a setback to the industry.
CONCLUSION
The competitiveness of any industry is very
important to improve cost efficiencies in a highly
competitive world trade environment and
Knitwear industry of Ludhiana is no exception.
In order to be globally competitive, the industry
is being forced to improve its cost efficiencies by
working on all the factors affecting the
productivity of the industry. It is important to
identify the areas of supply chain where serious
intervention is required by the stock holders. It
becomes imperative that the factors affecting
pricing policies are handled with utmost priority
and manpower quality is improved in the knitwear
cluster of Ludhiana, then only the industry can

fulfil its dream of capturing a substantial share in
the global market
REFERENCES
Anonymous (1997). Status Report on Knitwear Industry of
Ludhiana
Anonymous (1998). Governance of the external sector in crisis:
A review of Bangladeshs development, Center for policy
dialogue, http://www.cpd-bangladesh.org
Anonymous (2005 B). Measuring Competitiveness and Labor
Productivity in Cambodias garment industry, USAID report.
Anonymous (2006). Occupational wage survey, http://
www.labourbureau.nic.in.
Anonymous (2009). Diagnostic study, http://www.ludhianabds.
com
Bakht Z and Salimullah M (2008). Competitiveness of knitwear
industry in Bangladesh- A study ofIndustrial development
amid global competition, Discussion paper IDE JETRO
169 (Abstr).
Claeys P and Brachet I (2008). Labour rights in the supply chain
and corporate social responsibility, http://www.prime
sourceforum.com.
Chatterjee C (2010). Skilled Manpower Issues and concern for
the growth of Indian Textile industry. Textile Review,
www.fiber2fashion.com.
Dar J P (2011). Overview of Tirupur knitwear industry. http://
www.fiber2fashion.com.
Ghosh J (2001). Globalization, export oriented employment for
women and social policy: A case study of India, Paper
prepared for UNRISD project, Jawahar Lal Nehru Univ.
Halim S and Kabir A H (2005). Globalization, gender and labour
market: Some evidence from RMG sector. A J of Soc Sci
22(1): 29-42
Kapila P (2010). Skill development initiatives in Ludhiana knitwear
industry. Hosiery and Tex J 78 (4): 16-18
Kapila P (2013). Software piracy, an issue of concern for the
textile industry. Hosiery & Tex J 81( 3):9-11
Tiwari M (1999). Successful adjustment in Indian industry, the
case study of Ludhianas woollen knitwear cluster. World
Development 27(9) 1651-71.
Shanmugasundaram S and Panchanatham M (2011). Embracing
Manpower for Productivity in Apparel Industry, Intl J of
Innovation, Mgt and Tech, 2 : 3
Vohra J N (2010). Evolution of knitwear industry, http://
www.scribd.com/doc/51115796
Received on 20/5/2015 Accepted on 10/7/2015
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00051.3
Testing of New Brand Formulations of Sulfonylurea

Herbicides for Control of Mixed Weed Flora in
Wheat
Tarundeep Kaur, Simerjeet Kaur and M S Bhullar
Department of Agronomy
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2013-14 to test two new brands of sufonyl urea
herbicides from Markfed- Mark sulfo @ 0.024 kg a.i/ha (new brand of sulfosulfuron) and
Markpower @ 0.03 kg a.i./ha (new brand of sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron) in wheat. Standard
check herbicide Leader @ 0.024 kg a.i/ha (sulfosulfuron) against Mark sulfo was tested and
recorded weed control and grain yield at par in both the treatments. Similarly, Markpower @
0.03 kg a.i./ha (new brand of sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron) was tested against Total @ 0.03 kg
a.i./ha (standard check) in wheat which resulted in weed control and grain yield at par with
check herbicide.
Key Words: Sulfosulfuron, Sulfosulfuron+Metsulfuron, Weed control, Wheat
INTRODUCTION
Wheat is the most important cereal crop of
North India. All type of weeds are not controlled
by one type of herbicide and continuous use of
that, over the time leads to increase in weed
resistance to herbicides (Hall et al 1999).
Isoproturon resistance is now common throughout
the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India covering more
than 1 M ha area. For control of mixed weed flora,
both grassy and broad leaf weeds in wheat;
farmers are applying either tank-mix of
clodinafop/fenoxaprop with 2, 4-D/metsulfuron;
isoproturon with 2, 4-D or ready-mix application
of sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron/ mesosulfuron+
iodosulfuron/ metribuzin+fenoxaprop in one go
(Anonymous, 2014).
Sulfonylurea group (acetolactate synthase
inhibitor herbicides) are the low dose herbicides
as compared to conventional herbicides (Rusel et
al 2002) and are characterized by broad-spectrum
weed control, good crop selectivity, and very low
acute and chronic animal toxicity. The
sulfonylurea herbicides are a relatively new group
of compounds which control broad-leaved weeds
and some grasses in cereal crops. This class of
herbicides acts through inhibition of acetolactate
synthase (also known as acetohydroxyacid

synthase), thereby blocking the biosynthesis of
the branched-chain amino acids like valine, leucine
and isoleucine. This inhibition leads to the rapid
cessation of plant cell division and growth. Growth
ceases soon after spraying and then soon followed
the chlorosis and the necrosis of these tissues (Rao,
2000). Therefore to control complex weed flora,
combinations of herbicides are required. Further
testing of brands of a particular herbicide is also
required as some spurious brands of sulfonylurea
herbicides are prevailing in the market and are
being sold to the farmer. The sulfonylurea being
residual in nature and can cause damage to the
crop, if sprayed improperly. Further, herbicide
efficacy is affected by inert matter/surfactant/filler
used for making any brand formulation. So, the
experiment was conducted to test the bioefficacy
of two new brands of sulfonylurea herbicides in
wheat.
The experiment was laid out on the
experimental farm of the Department of
Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University,
Ludhiana during rabi 2013-14 in RBD with three
replications. The soil of the experimental site was
Corresponding Authors Email: tarundhaliwal@pau.edu
3.9
2.7
84.6
8.6
7.9
Unsprayed check
Marksulfo 75 WG
@ 0.024 kg a.i./ha
Leader 75 WG
2.9 (8)
4.1 (16)
1.0 (0)
1.0 (0)
2.2 (4)
1.9 (3)
@ 0.024 kg a.i./ha
LSD (p=0.05)
0.6
0.6
0.1
0.1
0.4
0.2
Figure within parenthesis are original means. Weed data is subjected to square root transformation.
Rumex
dentatus
6.6 (43)
3.9 (14)
69.8
85.8
70.2
55.8
7.9
26.2
7.8
Weed dry matter (g/m2)

Grasses
BLW
Phalaris
minor
4.8 (23)
2.9 (7)
Marksulfo 75 WG a new brand of

sulfosulfuron at 0.024 kg a.i./ha significantly
reduced population of narrow and broad leaf
weeds at 60 DAS which was at par with already
recommended herbicides Leader and significantly
better than unweeded control (Table 1). Phalaris
minor was significantly less in Marksulfo and
Leader plots. The population of Coronopus
didymus and Medicago denticulata was negligible
in the Marksulfo and Leader plots. Complete kill
of these two species was recorded in these
treatments. However, these two brands showed
poor control of Malva parviflora. Similar
Weed count (No./m2)

Coronopus Medicago Chenopodium Malva
didymus
denticulata
album
parviflora
3.5 (11)
3.6 (13)
3.1 (9)
2.7 (7)
1.0 (0)
1.0 (0)
2.0 (3)
2.0 (3)
Effect on weeds
The prominent grass weed in the field was
Phalaris minor. Among the broadleaf weeds
Chenopodium album, Anagallis arvensis,
Medicago denticulata, Rumex dentatus,
Coronopus didymus, Malva parviflora were
present.
Treatment
Table 1. Bio-efficacy of new brand formulation Marksulfo 75 WG (sulfosulfuron) for control of weeds at 60 DAS in wheat.
loamy sand with normal soil reaction and

electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon and
available nitrogen and medium in available
phosphorus and potassium. The field was
ploughed with disc harrow and a fine seed-bed
was prepared with two ploughings with tractor
drawn cultivator and two plankings after rauni
irrigation. The wheat variety HD 2967 was sown
on 14.11.2013 and the crop was raised with
recommended package of practices. The
herbicides Leader @ 0.024 kg a.i./ha (standard
check), Marksulfo @ 0.024 kg a.i./ha (new brand
of sulfosulfuron), Total @ 0.03 kg a.i./ha and
Markpower @ 0.03 kg a.i./ha (new brand of
sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron) alongwith respective
surfactant were applied with knap sack sprayer
fitted with flat fan nozzle by dissolving in 500 l
of water/ha at 30-35 days after sowing (DAS).
Unsprayed check was kept for comparison. The
species wise weed count observations were taken
from three random spots per plot at 60 DAS. The
weed data were subjected to square root
transformation before analysis. Dry matter of
weeds was recorded at 60 DAS. The data on total
weed dry matter, plant height, effective tillers and
grain yield was recorded at the time of crop
harvest.
WCE (%)
Grasses
BLW
Kaur et al
0.5
0.3
0.3
Figure within parenthesis are original means. Weed data is subjected to square root transformation.
2.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
1.0 (0)
2.3 (4)
0.1
99.5
89.7
1.1 (0)
2.7
1.1 (0)
1.0 (0)
1.0 (0)
Rumex
dentatus
6.7 (45)
1.0 (0)
Phalaris
minor
4.8 (23)
2.4 (5)
1.0 (0)
88.9
7.5 (56)
1.1 (0)
26.2
2.9
Weed dry matter (g/m2)

Grasses
BLW
Weed count (No./m2)

Coronopus Medicago Chenopodium Malva
didymus
denticulata
album
parviflora
3.5 (12)
3.7 (13)
3.1 (9)
2.1 (4)
1.0 (0)
1.0 (0)
1.0 (0)
1.2 (0)
Unsprayed check
Markpower 75 WG
@ 0.03 kg a.i./ha
Total 75 WG ]
@ 0.03 kg a.i./ha
LSD (p=0.05)
Effect on wheat crop

Marksulfo 75 WG at 0.024 kg a.i./ha recorded
significantly more grain yield (54.0 q/ha) as
Treatment
Markpower 75 WG a new brand of

sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron at 0.03 kg a.i./ha
recorded very effective control of grass and
broadleaf weeds and at par with already check
herbicide Total at 0.03 kg a.i./ha (Table 2). WCE
ranged between 88.9 to 89.7 per cent in the two
herbicides. Sij et al (2007) reported that
sulfonylurea herbicides were more efficient in
terms of weed control. Lair and Redente (2004)
reported that sulfonylurea herbicide application
increased stability and biomass of crop as much
as 43 per cent over auxin herbicide and grass
weeds were reduced up to 71 per cent by
application of sulfonylurea herbicide. Many
studies reported that ready mixture of
sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron provided excellent
control of resistant population of Phalaris minor
and broad-leaved weeds (Malik et al 2007, Punia
et al 2008, Chhokar et al 2011, Singh et al 2011).
Farmers are preferably using sulfonylurea
herbicides because of kill of the resistant
population as well as the broad spectrum control
of weeds.
Table 2. Bio-efficacy of new brand formulation Markpower 75 WG for control of weeds at 60 DAS in wheat.
The weed control efficiency (WCE) ranged

between 84.6 to 85.8 per cent. Balyan (2001) also
reported satisfactory control of Avena
ludoviciana, Phalaris minor, Chenopodium
album, Melilotus indica, Anagallis arvensis
and Lathyrus aphaca with sulfosulfuron 25 g a.i.
+ 0.1% NIS (non-ionic surfactant), isoproturon
1000 g a.i. and tank mixture of
isoproturon+metsulfuron methyl 750+4 g a.i./ha .
All these herbicides gave 52-88 per cent control
of broad leaf weeds and 55-85 per cent control of
grassy weeds. Baghestani et al (2006) also
reported that sulfosulfuron at 19.95 and 24.90 g
a.i./ ha was suitable for broadleaf and grass weed
control in wheat.
WCE (%)
Grasses
BLW
observation was recorded for Rumex dentatus.

They had suppressed the weeds but complete kill
was not recorded. Similar trend was recorded in
case of weed dry matter in grasses as well as
broadleaf weeds in which significantly less dry
matter was recorded in both the brands of
herbicides as compared to unsprayed check.
99.3
Sulfonylurea Herbicides for Control of Mixed Flora in Wheat
Kaur et al
Table 3. Bio-efficacy of new brand formulations Marksulfo 75 WG on yield attributes and grain yield of wheat.
Treatment
Unsprayed check
Marksulfo 75 WG @ 0.024 kg a.i./ha
Leader 75 WG @ 0.024 kg a.i./ha
LSD (p=0.05)
Plant height Panicle length

(cm)
(cm)
77.7
84.0
87.0
4.8
9.9
12.4
12.8
1.2
Effective
tillers/ m2
Grain yield
(q/ha)
Biological
yield (q/ha)
220.6
329.4
325.6
15
36.5
54.0
54.6
8.6
137.2
149.7
151.8
19.7
Table 4. Bio-efficacy of new brand formulation Markpower 75 WG on yield attributes and grain yield of wheat.
Treatment
Unsprayed check
Markpower 75 WG @ 0.03kg a.i./ha
Total 75 WG@ 0.03kg a.i./ha
C.D. (p=0.05)
Plant height Panicle length

(cm)
(cm)
77.7
87.8
88.9
6.9
compared to unweeded control (36.5 q/ha). The

plant height was significantly more in two brands
under comparison than unsprayed check. The
panicle length and effective tillers/m 2 were
significantly more in both Marksulfo and Leader
as compared to unsprayed check. Both the
herbicidal treatments were at par with each other
(Table 3). This leads to increase in grain yield in
these herbicide treatments. The new brand
recorded grain yield statistically at par with the
recommended herbicide Leader (54.6 q/ha).
Similar trend was recorded in case of biological
yield.
Markpower 75 WG at 0.03 kg a.i./ha recorded
significantly more grain yield (54.1 q/ha) as
compared to unweeded control (36.5 q/ha). The
plant height recorded was significantly less in
unsprayed check due to presence of more weeds
as compared to herbicide treatments (Table 4).
The panicle length and effective tillers/m2 recorded
were significantly more in new brand Markpower
which was at par with Total. The new brand
recorded grain yield statistically at par with the
recommended herbicide Total (54.4 q/ha).
Similarly, significantly more biological yield was
recorded in the herbicide treatments than
unsprayed check. Sulfonyl ureas are being widely
used by the farmers because of better efficacy but
these herbicides have to be sprayed with caution
with respect to crops being grown, varieties and
cropping system being followed. Further, double
spray, more moisture in the soil at the time of spray
can leads to slight yellowing in wheat crop which
8
9.9
12.8
13.0
1.3
Effective
tillers/ m2
Grain yield
(q/ha)
Biological
yield (q/ha)
220.6
325.7
327.8
10.7
36.5
54.1
54.4
5.7
137.2
149.5
148.5
10.3
recovers later on and have no adverse effect on

grain yield.
CONCLUSION
Post emergence application of Marksulfo 75
WG (sulfosulfuron) at 0.024 kg a.i./ha or
alternatively
Markpower
75
WG
(sulfosulfuon+metsulfuron) at 0.03 kg a.i./ha
applied at 30-35 days of sowing provided
effective control of weeds in wheat. These new
brand formulations of sulfosulfuron (Marksulfo)
and sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron (Markpower) will
help in controlling broad spectrum weeds in wheat
and also creates healthy competition in the market.
REFERENCES
Anonymous (2014). Package of practices for crops of Punjab
Rabi 2014-15. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. 31(2):
9-12.
Baghestani M A, Zand E, Soufizadeh S, Jamali M and Maighany
F (2006). Evaluations of sulfosulfuron for broadleaved and
grass weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Iran.
Crop Protection 26: 1385-1389.
Balyan R S (2001). Evaluation of new herbicides against mixed
weed flora in wheat. Indian Journal of Weed Science 33 (3
&4): 104-106
Chhokar R S, Sharma R K and Subhash Chander (2011).
Optimizing the surfactant dose for sulfosulfuron and ready
mix combination of sulfosulfuron and carfentrazone against
weeds in wheat. Indian Journal of Weed Science 43: 153-162.
Hall L, Bechie H and Wolf T M (1999). How Herbicides WorkBiology to Application. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural
Development Publishing Branch, Canada, 133 p
Lair K and Redente F E (2004). Influence of auxin and sulfonylurea
herbicides on seeded native communities. Rangeland Ecology
and Management 57: 211-218.
Sulfonylurea Herbicides for Control of Mixed Flora in Wheat

Malik R S, Yadav A and Malik R K (2007). Efficacy of tank-mix
application of sulfonylurea herbicides against broadleaf weeds
in wheat and their residual effects on succeeding crop of
sorghum under zero tillage. Indian Journal of Weed Science
39: 185-189.
Rusel M H, Saladini J L and Lichtner F (2002). Sulfonylurea

herbicides. Pesticide Outlook, 16-73.
Punia S S, Yadav D B, Yadav A, Malik R S and Malik Y P

(2008). Bioefficacy and phytotoxicity of herbicide UPH-206
(clodinafop propargyl 15% + metsulfuron 1%) for the control
of complex weed flora in wheat and its residual effect on
succeeding sorghum crop. Indian Journal of Weed Science
40: 176- 179.
Sij J W, Olsen B L S and Ottmalinowski J P (2007). Tolerance of

three wheatgrass cultivars to sulfosulfuron herbicide. The
Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources 20: 3241.
Rao V S (2000). Principles of Weed Science. 2nd ed. Science

Publishers, Inc., New Hampshire.
Malik R K and Singh S (1995). Littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris

minor Retz.) resistance to isoproturon in India. Weed
Technology 9: 419-425.
Singh S, Punia S S, Yadav Ashok and Hooda V S (2011).

Evaluation of carfentrazone ethyl + metsulfuron methyl against
broadleaf weeds of wheat. Indian Journal of Weed Science
43:12-22.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00052.5
Constraints Faced by the Subject Matter Specialist of

Selected Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Northern India
*Pankaj Kumar and **Prabhjot Kaur
Department of Extension Education
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141 004 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
KVKs are playing an important role in the development of agriculture. Functioning of KVKs
can further improve if the problems of SMSs would be properly addressed. Hence present
study was conducted in the 20 KVKs of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, comprising
of 97 SMSs. Questionnaire was prepared consisted of structured as well as open ended questions
and dichotomous response was obtained. Data revealed that most of the respondents were male
(63.9%), in middle category of age (49.5%), from Home Science discipline (18.6 %), residing
between 1 to 53 km distance (74.2%). life members of professional societies (81.4%), having
doctorate education (63.9 %), married (95.9%), having post graduate (58.1%) and serving
spouse (76.3), rural background (57.7%), having nuclear families (51.6%), family occupation
service (69.1%) and service experience of 1-11 years (55.0%). SMSs working in KVKs faced
constraints which could be categorized in six major categories viz. technological constraints,
administrative constraints, socio-economic constraints in relation to farmers, input/other material
constraints, personal and other constraints. Whereas less posts of supporting staff, delay in
recruitment of vacant posts, lack of incentive for working under hard conditions, too much
reporting work, rivalries in the villages, labour shortage at farmer level, price fluctuations in
crops other than paddy and wheat and untimely supply of various inputs/budget were the
widely spread constraints as expressed by more than 70 per cent of the respondents. However
lack of location specific technologies (69.1%), too much reporting work (85.6%), price
fluctuations in crops other than paddy and wheat (95.9%), untimely supply of various inputs or
budget (80.4%), lack of freedom to disagree with decisions taken by superiors (52.6%) and coterminus nature of the job in Himachal Pradesh (3.1%) were the main constraints in each category
respectively. Among the suggestions taken from SMSs, keeping in view the manpower and
facilities workload (due to mandated and other SAUs assignments) of KVKs should be critically
balanced otherwise time availability for mandated activities will be badly affected, overlapping
of activities of KVKs with that of line departments should be removed and KVKs should have
freedom to be focussed primarily on the job for which they were created were considered as
most relevant.
Key Words: Subject Matter Specialists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Constraints, Suggestions.
INTRDUCTION
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, an emerging extension
model ultimately aims to the socialization of agrotechnology with a view to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the people with the help
of eco-friendly agro-technology in a sustainable
manner along with a system approach (Pradhan
and Mukherjee, 2012). The subject matter
specialists (SMSs) of KVKs are responsible for
successful execution of the mandate of KVKs.

Envisaging the very promising results, ICAR has
decided to open at least one KVK in every district
of the country where agriculture is being
practiced. So number of KVK has reached to 641
and still it is increasing (Anonymous, 2014a). As
a matter of fact the KVK which was started as a
project has become more or less an organization
now. But the rosy picture has another face also.
Corresponding Authors Email: shelleypankaj@pau.edu

*Assistant Extension Specialist ** Professor of Extension Education
10
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
Constraints faced by SMSs of KVKs

Although SMSs of KVKs are working day and
night for the fulfilment of aspiration of farmers
and authorities, but there are many constraints
which affect their working adversely. Constraints
are the problems or hurdles faced by the subject
matter specialists of KVKs while performing their
duties. If we have a watch on the theory of
constraints (TOC), the fundamental thesis of TOC
is that constraints establish the limits of
performance for any system. TOC advocates
suggest that managers should focus on effectively
managing the capacity and capability of these
constraints if they are to improve the performance
of their organization (Anonymous, 2014b). No
doubt, constraints were there all the time in the
past and same would be true in future also. On
the other hand it is also true that absence of
constraints will improve the functioning of any
organization and so is KVKs. Authorities or
managers should have the first hand information
on the constraints to which SMSs of KVKs feel,
so that the manageable constraints could be
overcome. Keeping these points in view present
study was conducted to study the constraints faced
by SMSs while performing their duties and
suggestions thereof.
The study was conducted in the Punjab,
Haryana and Himachal Pradesh states. There were
twenty KVKs in the Punjab, eighteen in Haryana
and twelve in Himachal Pradesh; thus totaling to
fifty KVKs. Out of these a total of twenty KVKs
were selected using probability proportion to
number. Eight KVKs from Punjab i.e. Jalandhar,
Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Ferozepur,
Kapurthala, Amritsar, Bhathinda, Mansa, seven
from Haryana i.e. Sonepat, Panipat, Jind, Kaithal,
Rohtak, Kurukshetra and Faridabad, and five from
Himachal Pradesh viz. Kangra, Una, Bilaspur,
Kullu and Mandi were selected randomly. For
studying the constraints all the subject matter
specialists (total 97) working in the selected KVKs
were taken as the respondents. Constraints were
studied by constructing a questionnaire which was
consisted of structured as well as open ended
questions and dichotomous response was
obtained. These were divided into six major
categories viz. technological constraints,
administrative constraints, socio-economic
constraints of farmers while working with them,

input/other material constraints, personal
constraints and other miscellaneous constraints.
The data were collected through mailed
questionnaires and interview schedules, collected
through email or personal contact. The descriptive
statistical analysis was done to interpret the data.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Socio-Personal Characteristics of the
Respondents
It was that most of the respondents were male
(63.9%) in the middle category (38-48 yr) of age
with a percentage of 49.5. Regarding discipline
of the respondents, it was home science (18.6 %)
followed by agronomy (13.4%), soil science and
extension education with an equal percentage of
11.3. As far the distance of residence from place
of posting was concerned 7.2 per cent respondents
were residing on campus, where as majority
(74.2%) of the respondents was residing between
1 to 53 km distance away from the KVK campus.
Majority of the respondents was life members of
professional societies (81.4%), having doctorate
education (63.9 %) and married (95.9%). Among
the married respondents, majority was having post
graduate (58.1%) and serving spouse (76.3%)
followed by housewives (18.3%), while only one
of respondents was having spouse doing farming
(1.1%). Majority was from rural background
(57.7%), having nuclear families (51.6%) and
family occupation was service with a percentage
of 69.07 per cent. As far the service experience
of the respondents was concerned, it was having
a wide range from one year to 21 years. However
majority (55.0%) was having service experience
of 1-11 years. The finding of the study was quite
in line with Singh and Kumar (2012) who reported
that qualification of most of the trainers was found
to be Ph.D., 5-10 years of experience of their
service, maintained nuclear type of family with
one exception of age as most of the trainers in
KVKs were 30-40 years old (Table 1).
Constraints Faced by SMSs of the KVKs
Technological Constraints
Technological constraints were the problems
of SMSs of KVKs related with the improved
technologies in agriculture and allied fields. Data
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
11
Kumar and Kaur

Table 1. Distribution of the respondents according to their socio-personal characteristics.
Sr. Socio-personal Characteristics

No.
Category
Sex
Age
Discipline
Distance of residence from place of posting (km)
Membership of professional societies
Education
Marital status
Education of spouse
Occupation of spouse
Male
Female
28-38
38-48
Above 48
Agronomy
Vegetables
Agricultural Engineering
Entomology
Home Science
Soil Science
Extension Education
Pomology
Animal/Vet. Science
Plant Pathology
Forestry
Nematology
Agri Economics
On campus
1-53
53-105
105-157
No membership
Annual
Life
M.Sc/Post graduation
Ph. D
Married
Unmarried
Matric
10+2
Graduation
Post-Graduation
Ph. D.
Service
Housewives
Business
Farming
Rural
Urban
Joint
Nuclear
Agriculture
Business
Service
Agriculture + Service
1-11
11-21
Above 21
10 Family back ground

11 Family type
12 Family occupation
13 Service Experience
12
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
Frequency
Percentage
62
35
29
48
20
13
9
4
9
18
11
11
6
3
6
4
1
2
7
72
11
7
5
35*
79*
35
62
93
4
2
1
21
54
15
71
17
4
1
56
41
47
50
18
3
67
9
55
26
16
63.9
36.1
29.9
49.5
20.6
13.4
9.3
4.1
9.3
18.6
11.3
11.3
6.2
3.1
6.2
4.1
1.0
2.1
7.2
74.2
11.3
7.2
5.2
36.1
81.4
36.1
63.9
95.9
4.1
2.2
1.1
22.6
58.1
16.1
76.3
18.3
4.3
1.1
57.7
42.3
48.5
51.6
18.6
3.1
69.1
9.3
56.7
26.8
16.5

in table 2 gives a clear cut picture that majority
felt lack of location specific technologies (69.1%)
was the main problem which was rather equal to
difficulty in disseminating complex technology
(65.9%) and non-recommendation of farmers
own used technologies (62.9%) with little
difference. The results reflect that research system
should invent some simple technologies which
could be better operated and adopted at farmers
level. Further they should include the indigenous
and prevalent technologies in their research.
Although the bulk of location specific
technologies were available, but it was difficult
to make understand farmers that they should go
for the particular technology specific for their
region. Because there was a great differences of
overall returns among different location specific
technologies. So location specific technologies
should be so, that there is no or little difference of
monetary returns in comparison to each other.
Findings of the study are in contrast to the findings
of Kumar et al (2002) who reported complexity
of technology and lack of locally suited
technology among the least ranked constraints
faced by ADOs.
Administrative Constraints
Perusal of the data presented in table 3
indicates that too much reporting work was the
constraint faced by majority i.e. 85.6 per cent. It
was general perception that SMSs were over
burdened by reports. They had to compile at least
two monthly reports (for Directorate of Extension
Education and Zonal Project Directorate), four
quarterly reports, two six monthly reports and two
annual reports thats too in different formats and
time periods. Apart from these routine reports they
had to submit miscellaneous reports like FLDs
reports, ART reports, survey reports, project
reports, impact analysis reports, stock reports, etc.
Due to engagement in reporting the SMSs were
not able to concentrate on writing other
publications like research papers and extension
articles. So this was the most prevalent constraint
among them.
Delay in recruitment of vacant posts was also
a constraint reported by substantial (72.2%)
number of respondents. Particularly in Haryana
this is really a big constraint. Then similar number
of respondents said that there was no incentive
for working under hard conditions. Usually most
of the KVKs were located in the far interiors where
SMSs were not getting the facilities like other
University teachers e.g. good housing, good
schools for children, internet connectivity,
electricity supply, transportation etc. So working
under that hard conditions didnt fetch any
incentive, rather they are getting lesser pay in
comparison to them because of less house rent
allowance and city compensatory allowance.
Similarly lack of incentives for excellent work
(69.1%) and frequent transfers of staff (53.6%)
were major constraints which demoralize the
excellent workers and effecting the functioning
of the KVKs. Lack of opportunities for updating
knowledge was also a major problem as reported
by around half of the respondents. This may be
resulted due to lack of full-fledged library, limited
access to internet, less or no subscription of
research journals and due to work load less
opportunities to attend refresher training courses.
Shortage of transport is also a problem reported
by 38.14 per cent respondents. Although KVKs
are provided with jeep and motorcycle but during
sowing seasons when all SMSs had to go to the
fields, these vehicles were not sufficient.
Particularly with female SMSs when jeep is
engaged in other works they become helpless
because of their social shyness to drive
motorcycles.
Rather keeping in view the substantial female
staff, scooters should be provided. Finding of the
study is in consonance with that of Pandita (1991),
who reported that vacant posts, frequent transfers,
lack of watchman and gardener were the main
problems of KVKs. In similar lines Kumar et al
(2002) reported lack of transport facility, delay in
Table 2. Distribution of the respondents according to technological constraints faced.
Sr. No
1
2
3
Technological constraint
Difficulty in disseminating complex technology
Non recommendation of farmers own used technologies
Lack of location specific technologies
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
n=97
Frequency
64
61
67
Percentage
65.9
62.9
69.1
13
Kumar and Kaur

recruitment of staff, lack of supporting staff, then
Paul and Chakravarty (2009) reported inadequate
availability of technical and non-technical manpower, inadequate and lack of timely availability
of production inputs and reported government
policy (66.67%) as the main constraints. But in
contrary to this Jyothi (2006) found that only 20.00
per cent of respondents indicated less number of
staff as constraints in functioning of KVKs.
Socio-Economic Constraints in Relation to
Farmers
Subject Matter Specialists of KVKs are
working for the welfare of farming community
by several means. But many times the socioeconomic condition of the farmers creates hurdles
in the effective running of programme. Data in
table 4 flashes such constraints which are faced
by SMSs while working with farmers.
The biggest problem in this category was the
price fluctuations in crops other than paddy and
wheat which was reported by almost all (95.9%)
respondents of Punjab, Haryana and including the
Himachal Pradesh where cropping scenario was
different but price fluctuations were there. Due to
this they faced a grave difficulty to diversify the
agriculture which resulted in all the agricultural

problems rooted in monoculture.
Labour shortage at farmer level was the
second major constraint (87.6%) in this category
which interfered with the timely demonstrations
and on farm trials and other precise operations at
farmers fields.
Then rivalries in the villages also effected the
successful execution of the activities as reported
by approximately 70 per cent of the respondents.
Low risk taking ability among farmers was
also a major problem (67.0%) which inhibits them
from experimenting with the new technologies.
And many times weak decision making ability
among farmers (60.8%) was also came in the way
while adopting a new technology. Findings are in
tune with Kumar et al2002, who revealed almost
similar results in their study.
Input/Other Material Constraints
As far the input/other material constraints
concerned, respondents expressed that the
untimely supply of various inputs or budget as
the biggest bottleneck in KVK functioning as
clearly depicted in the table 5. It was a regular
feature that budget for various FLDs was received
Table 3. Distribution of the respondents according to administrative constraints faced.
Sr. No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Administrative constraint
Lack of support from other line departments
Posts of supporting staff are less
Delay in recruitment of vacant posts
Frequent transfers of staff
Lack of incentives for excellent work
Lack of incentive for working under hard conditions
Lack of opportunities for updating knowledge
Shortage of transport facility
Lack of motivation/encouragement from superiors
Lack of cooperation from subordinates, office staff and colleagues
Drawbacks in state and national agricultural policies
Too much reporting work
Frequency
24
72
70
52
67
70
50
37
30
15
64
83
Table 4. Distribution of the respondents according to socio-economic constraints.

Sr. No
Socio-economic constraint in relation to farmers
Frequency
1
Weak decision making ability among farmers
59
2
Low risk taking ability among farmers
65
3
Rivalries in the villages
68
4
Self-centred attitude of the farmers
58
5
Labour shortage at farmer level
85
6
Price fluctuations in crops other than paddy and wheat
93
14
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
n=97
Percentage
24.7
74.2
72.2
53.6
69.1
72.2
51.6
38.1
30.9
15.5
65.9
85.6
n=97
Percentage
60.8
67.0
70.1
59.8
87.6
95.9

after the end of sowing season. There were
examples when budget for the rabi season
received at the end of March. Such things affected
the working of KVKs adversely. As a result SMSs
had to purchase inputs on loan basis on requests
to input dealers, but adding to their worries expost facto sanctions were often discouraged by
the authorities. Moreover when budget was
received at the end of season, time for extension
activities like field days, trainings etc. already
passed, the budget under these heads remained
unspent which was again questionable on SMSs
part.
Lack of regular supply of electricity was
another major hurdle as reported by 67.0 per cent
of the respondents especially in Punjab and
Haryana. In Himachal Pradesh condition was
relatively very good. As most of the KVKs were
situated in the rural areas, they get electricity
connections from rural supply lines where supply
is very erratic. As a result office work, lab work,
reporting and farm operations hit adversely. In
this way insufficient supply of the inputs was also
one of the major constraints expressed by 43.30
per cent respondents. Surprisingly insufficient
infrastructure like computer, printer etc. and lack
of internet connectivity at KVK were also the
constraints in this cyber era as reported by 42.2
per cent respondents. Actually mostly KVK had
one or two computers which is used by office staff
as well as SMSs. Further being situated in rural
areas the speed of internet was also worrying and
there were examples where no internet
connectivity was there. However in modern world

where emphasis on cyber extension is increasing
days by day at least every SMSs should possess
computer loaded with internet for timely reporting,
keeping contact with farmers and to update their
knowledge and overall speeding up of work. Big
screen tablets were another good option to
overcome these constraints which can work
effectively in office as well as field conditions.
The study revealed the findings which are in line
with Hundal (2001), Paul and Chakravarty (2009)
and Aski (2007)
Personal Constraints
Personal constraints are given in table 6 and
perusal of which reveals that lack of freedom to
disagree with decisions taken by superiors was
the major constraints under this category was told
by 52.6 per cent of the respondents. Usually they
had to take decisions of superiors as an order
without any input from them. Then work overload
was affecting their family and social life as
responded by 45.4 per cent SMSs. Due to material
constraints like lack of regular supply of
electricity, insufficient infrastructure like
computer, printer etc. and internet at office, the
SMSs had to carry the office work to their home.
Further due to work overload (which may be due
to vacant positions, less staff or may be due to
increasing work day by day) they have to work
in the fields beyond the working hours. As a
result, they were not devoting the time to their
family and social activities as desirable. In addition
Table 5. Distribution of the respondents according to input/other material constraints.
Sr. No.
1
2
3
4
5
Input/other material constraint

Untimely supply of various inputs or budget
Insufficient supply of the inputs
Lack of regular supply of electricity
Insufficient infrastructure like computer, printer etc.
Lack of internet connectivity at KVK
n=97
Frequency
78
42
65
41
41
Table 6. Distribution of the respondents according to their personal constraints.
Sr. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Personal constraint
Lack of freedom of expression
Lack of dedication among subordinates
Lack of dedication among colleagues
Lack of interest in field work
Lack of freedom to disagree with decisions taken by superiors
Work overload affecting family and social life
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
Percentage
80.4
43.3
67.0
42.3
42.3
n=97
Frequency
25
25
19
12
51
44
Percentage
25.8
25.8
19.6
12.4
52.6
45.4
15
Kumar and Kaur

Table 7. Distribution of the respondents according to other miscellaneous constraints.
Sr. No
1
2
3
4
5
Other miscellaneous constraints

Frequency
Reduced/declining interest of the farmers in agriculture
2
especially young generation
Only in Himachal Pradesh the staff working under KVK is
3
Co-terminus from last 08 years. (although the state department
consider the adhoc and contract employee regular after 05 to 06 years)
No official permission to visit head office for guidelines,
library reference, department visit.
1
Posts of scientific staff are less
1
Lack of competent supporting staff
1
to these there were some other problems like

lack of freedom of expression (25.8%), lack of
dedication among subordinates (25.8%) and lack
of dedication among colleagues (19.6%) which
were expressed by relatively less number of
respondents. There were some respondents
(12.4%) who said that they had no interest in the
field work rather they were interested in research
and teaching positions. All these personal
constraints were adding pressure as result their
life was becoming stressful. Almost similar results
were tabled by Kumar et al (2002) and Mande et
al(2012).
Other Miscellaneous Constraints
Then respondents were asked to tell other
constraints of their choice which were not included
in the above categories. Very few SMSs gave
response regarding this. The major problem under
this category was opined as that in Himachal
Pradesh the staff working under KVK is coterminus with the scheme from last 08 years
(3.10%). As a result they were not getting the full
benefits of service as that of regular staff.
Then reduced/declining interest of the farmers
in agriculture especially young generation was
also a constraint reported by two SMSs which is
otherwise a very considerable burning issue. Due
to this increasing number of young generation
who was on the verge of giving up agriculture,
remained abstain from the KVKs activities like
trainings, demonstrations etc. Rather they were
more interested in services and other nonagricultural businesses.
Then one respondent expressed that
supporting staff was not competent enough for
the KVK work. Posts of scientific staff are less
and no official permission to visit head office for
16
n=97
Percentage
2.1
3.1
1.0
1.0
1.0
guidelines, library reference, and parent

department visit were also the constraints reported
by only 1.03 per cent of respondents. Similar
constraints were reported by Hundal (2001)and
Kumar et al (2002).
CONCLUSION
This is true that constraints hinder the overall
working of the KVKs. Sometimes constraints to
which SMSs consider very important, authorities
reject these from end that those are not any
constraint at all. So in this study we get a resource
inventory of the constraints of SMSs of KVKs of
Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, by
analysing which authorities can put solution to
the manageable constraints. These are divided into
six major categories among which authorities can
help in managing administrative constraints, input/
other material constraints, personal constraints and
miscellaneous constraints. Rest of categories have
solution elsewhere. A lot of suggestions were also
suggested by SMSs which contained very relevant
suggestions also. Suggestions like; keeping in
view the manpower and facilities, workload (due
to mandated and other SAUs assignments) of
KVKs should be critically balanced otherwise time
availability for mandated activities will be badly
affected, overlapping of activities of KVKs with
that of line departments should be removed and
KVKs should have freedom to be focused
primarily on the job for which they were created
are among top of the suggestions which will help
in maintaining the true spirit of KVKs.
REFERENCES
Anonymous (2014a). retrieved from http://www.icar.org.in/en/
krishi-vigyan-kendra.htm on 18/11/14
Anonymous (2014b). Theory of constraints (TOC) management
system fundamentals. Retrieved from http://www.imanet.org/
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17

PDFs/Public/Research/SMA/Theory%20of%20Constraints
%20TOC.pdf) on 7/12/2014
Aski S G (2007). An analysis of KVKs managed by University of
Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad and NGO in Karnataka.
Ph.D. dissertation.University of Agricultural Sciences,
Dharwad. India
Glendenning C J, Babu S and Asenso-Okyere K (2010). Review
of agricultural extension in India, are farmers information
needs being met? IFPRI Discussion Paper 01048.pp 4
International Food Policy Research Institute.Washington DC,
USA.
Hundal D S (2001). Constraints faced by Agricultural Development
Officers in transfer of agricultural technology to the farmers
of Punjab.M.Sc. thesis. Punjab Agricultural University,
Ludhiana, India
Jyothi V (2006). Decision making process of Krishi Vigyan
Kendras (kvks) in northern Karnataka.M.Sc. thesis.University
of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. India
Kumar K, Hundal D S, Dhillon D S and Kaur P (2002).

Constraints faced by Agricultural Development Officers in
transfer of technology to the farmers of Punjab. Ind J Soc Res
49:395-400
Mande J V, Ankush G S, Suradkar D D and Thombre B M
(2012). Comparative study of role performance of female and
male extension workers. Agric Sci Digest 32:168 - 171
Pandita BK (1991). Evaluative analysis of functions of KVKs in
India.Ph.D. dissertation. Punjab Agricultural University,
Ludhiana, India
Paul S and Chakravarty R (2009). Constraints in role performance
of gram panchayat in agriculture and dairy farming. Indian
Res J Ext Edu 9: 29-31
Pradhan K and Mukherjee K (2012). Revamping the Technology
Dissemination Process through Farm Science Centre. Indian
Res J Ext Edu 12: 48-52
Singh H C and Kumar R (2012). Role perception of the trainers of
Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Ind Res J Ext Edu 12: 83-86
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 10-17
17
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00053.7
Effect of Variability in Climate and Irrigation

Regimes on Evapo-transpiration and Water Use in
Spring Maize
K B Singh
Department of Soil and Water Engineering
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004 ( Punjab)
ABSTRACT
A simple soil water balance approach was used to estimate actual evapotranspiration of spring
maize under variable irrigation regimes for two years on loamy sand soil in a semi arid,
subtropical region of north India. Moisture stress to crop was created through three irrigation
regimes (irrigation water/open pan evaporation ratio of 1.2 (I1.2), 0.9 (I 0.9) I0.9 and 0.6 (I0.6)).
Depending upon the changes in climate, year 2007 was hot and dry (9.5 cm less rainfall)
compared to 2008. During dry season cumulative actual evapotranspiration was greater than
the potential evapotranspiration by 14.4 and 6.6 per cent under I1.2 and I0.9 irrigation regimes,
respectively. However under I0.6 cumulative actual evapotranspiration was lower than potential
evapotranspiration by 3.6 per cent. In wet season cumulative actual evapotranspiration was
increased by 14.9, 10.8 and 4.7 per cent under I1.2, I0.9 and I0.6 irrigation regimes, respectively
over potential evapotranspiration. During wet season irrigation regime I0.9 was at par with I1.2 in
water use efficiency (WUE) thus, more helpful in saving irrigation water. However during dry
season irrigation regime I1.2 was beneficial for increasing WUE through increased grain yield.
Rainfall favoured the crop growth and grain yield through lowering air temperature and reducing
evaporation and recharging soil water storage. Crop coefficients were increased exponentially
with leaf area index (LAI) in all treatments and the variability in crop coefficient was more
during dry season compared to wet season.
Key Words: Irrigation, Evapotranspiration, Leaf Area Index, Water Use Efficiency, Spring
Maize.
INTRODUCTION
In semi-arid sub-tropical regions of Indian
Punjab spring maize is gaining popularity among
the farmers after potato crop in paddy-potatospring maize cropping system. Spring maize
having high irrigation requirement is sensitive to
water stress. Many studies showed that maize grain
yields are sensitive to moisture stress at different
growth stages (Smith and Ritchie, 1992).
Therefore, irrigating the crop with required
quantity of water during the moisture sensitive
growth stage can produce the optimum yield with
maximum water use efficiency and water
economy (Norwood, 2000). Water use efficiency
of maize was greater with limited irrigation
(Trooijen et al, 1999) but full irrigation of maize
was more profitable than limited irrigation because

of increase in crop yield. Hence, determination
of crop coefficient under local climatic conditions
is the base to improve planning and efficient
irrigation management. Accordingly, spring
maize producers need to adopt management
practices that limit unproductive water losses and
increase crop water use efficiency.
In Punjab during spring maize season soil
evaporation component of field water balance is
high due to high temperature and low rainfall.
There is general lack of information with respect
to irrigation on evapotranspiration and water use
efficiency of spring maize under variable climatic
conditions. This paper aims at to ascertain the
effects of different irrigation regimes on
Corresponding Authors Email: kbsingh@pau.edu
18
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
Effect of Climate and Irrigation Regimes

evapotranspiration and water use efficiency in
spring maize with an aim of devising efficient
water management practices.
The field experiment was conducted at the
farm of the Department of Soil Science, Punjab
Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2007
and 2008. The experimental soil was deep alluvial
loamy sand (mixed hyperthermic, Typic
Ustipsamment) having low organic carbon (< 4g
kg-1) and consisted of 760, 140 and 100 g kg -1
sand, silt (20-2 m) and clay respectively in top
15 cm. In 1.8 m profile soil retained 44.0 and 14.9
cm water at 33 kPa and 1500 kPa matric suction,
respectively. The average weather conditions
during study were measured daily at the
meteorological station 1.2 km away from the site
area. In general, weather conditions were cooler
and wetter during 2008 growing season than
2007. The crop received 12.3 and 21.8 cm rain in
2007 and 2008 with corresponding open pan
evaporation of 82.0 and 72.2 cm, respectively. In
both years crop was sown in the month of
February and harvested in the month of June. The
month of February is cool and in May temperature
rises up to 45 0C. Generally the rainfall is scanty
during spring season. Soil moisture data of
replicated 3 irrigation regimes (Irrigation water/
Open pan-evaporation ratio of 1.2 (I1.2), 0.9 (I0.9)
and 0.6(I 0.6 )) was used for the estimation of
evapotranspiration. Each plot measured 5 m 9
m. Measured irrigation water was applied using
the surface flood method delivered through
parshall flume. Soil water content was determined
gravimetrically in 0-15, 15-30, 30-60, 60-90, 90120, 120-150 and 150-180 cm depth increments
at seeding, before and after each irrigation and at
harvesting time. Soil moisture storage of each layer
was calculated by multiplying depth of soil layer
with corresponding bulk density and gravimetric
moisture content. Actual crop evapotranspiration
(ET a) was estimated under different treatments
using the soil water balance equation as:
ETa = I + P - R - D SW
where I represents the irrigation water, P
the precipitation or rainfall, R the surface runoff,
D the drainage and deep percolation and SW
the change in soil water storage. Drainage was
estimated from excess of water beyond field

capacity for each irrigation and rainfall event
through cascading technique. There was no runoff
(R) as sufficient dikes were maintained around
each plot. The crop coefficients (Kc) at different
growth periods were calculated by dividing actual
crop evapotranspiration (ETa) with reference crop
evapotranspiration (ET0) estimated using the FAO
Penman-Monteith equation (Allen et al. 1998).
Water use efficiency (WUE) for grains was
calculated by dividing grain yield with total actual
evapotranspiration (ETa).
Evapotranspiration
Based on evaporation losses from open-pan,
82.5, 67.5 and 45.0 cm irrigation water was
applied in I 1.2 , I 0.9 and I 0.6 irrigation regimes
respectively during 2007. However during 2008
under I1.2, I0.9 and I0.6 irrigation regimes 82.5, 60.0
and 45.0 cm irrigation water was applied. During
2007, total seasonal actual evapotranspiration
(ETa) under I1.2, I0.9 and I0.6 irrigation regimes was
78.4, 73.0 and 66.1 cm (Fig. 1) whereas during
2008, it was 70.2, 67.7 and 64.0 cm under
respective irrigation regimes. More variability in
soil moisture under I0.6 irrigation regime resulted
in high variability in crop water stress. Under
stress, the behaviour of closer of stomata results
low ET losses. Time trend of cumulative actual
evapotranspiration (ETa) showed that during 2007
cumulative potential evapotranspiration (ET0) was
higher than ETa during early period of crop growth
up to 63 and 68 days after sowing (DAS) under
I 1.2 and I 0.9 irrigation regimes respectively.
Thereafter cumulative ET a was closer to
cumulative ET0 and then became higher after 70
and 76 DAS under I 1.2 and I 0.9 treatments,
respectively. Similar results have been reported
by Tariq and Usman (2009).
Higher magnitude of ET a than ET 0 was
reported under frequently irrigated treatments (I1.2
and I0.9) due to more available soil moisture and
high soil evaporation losses from wet soil.
However under I0.6 irrigation regimes cumulative
ETa remained lower than ET0 because of less crop
growth due to moisture stress. During 2008,
cumulative ETa was lower than cumulative ET0
up to 64, 70 and 70 DAS under I1.2, I 0.9 and I0.6
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
19
K B Singh
Figure 1. Effect of irrigation on cumulative evapotranspiration (ETa) of spring maize during two years
Figure 2. Crop coefficient under different irrigation regimes during two years
irrigation regimes respectively. However,

afterwards cumulative ETa remained higher than
cumulative ET0 up to harvesting because of higher
soil moisture loss through soil evaporation and
transpiration from high leaf area. This indicates
that during the early stages of crop growth because
of lower leaf area index and cool weather
cumulative ETa was lower than cumulative ET0.
But as the LAI of the crop reached maximum,
cumulative ETa remained higher than cumulative
ET0. These results were in accordance with earlier
studies (Rong, 2013).
20
Crop Coefficient and relation with leaf area

index
During both years crop coefficient (Kc) was
<0.6 up to 35 DAS in all irrigation regimes (Fig.
2). Afterwards it increased to 1.0 up to 68 and 76
DAS under I1.2 and I0.9, respectively and thereafter
remained above unity but under I 0.6 irrigation
regime it was < 1 during the whole season in 2007.
During 2008 crop coefficient was 0.6 to 1.0
between 35-64 DAS under I1.2 irrigation regime
and after wards remained above unity. Due to
more moisture stress at different intervals of
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
Effect of Climate and Irrigation Regimes
Figure 3. Crop coefficient as a function of leaf area index under different irrigation treatments during two years
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
21
K B Singh
irrigation during 2007 under I0.9 and I0.6 irrigation
treatments Kc was < 1 and more variable due to
closer of stomata for greater time period which
resulted into less growth of crop leading to low
LAI compared to frequent irrigation treatment
(I1.2). Crop coefficient was increased exponentially
with leaf area index in all the treatments (Fig. 3).
However, the coefficient of determination varies
with different treatments. Coefficient of
determination between Kc and LAI decreases
significantly from 0.78 (under I1.2 irrigation) to 0.49
(under I 0.6 irrigation regime) with decrease in
irrigation amount during 2007 irrespective of leaf
area index. However, during 2008 the coefficient
of determination between Kc and LAI was not
varied significantly from frequent irrigations.
Variability in Kc was greater during 2007 (lower
value of R2) compared to 2008 (higher value of
R2) because of more variability in temperature and
evaporation and less rain fall during 2007.
Crop water use
During 2007, water use efficiency (WUE) of
spring maize in I1.2 irrigation regime increased by
13.9 and 33.8 percent over I0.9 and I0.6 irrigation
regimes respectively (Table 1). However, during
2008 increase in WUE with I1.2 over I0.6 irrigation
regimes was 17.2 percent and no any difference
in WUE was observed between I 1.2 and I 0.9 .
Overall irrigation increased WUE of spring maize
due to significant increase in grain yield. Therefore
significant increase in WUE with irrigation was
because of soil water being used for crop growth
and yield rather than in soil evaporation (Todd et
al, 1991).
Table 1. Grain yield, evapotranspiration and water use
efficiency in spring maize.
Years
Treatments
2007
I1.2
I0.9
I0.6
I1.2
I0.9
I0.6
2008
22
Grain
yield
(Mg/ha)
4.743
3.882
2.989
5.008
4.803
3.893
ETa
(cm)
78.4
73.0
66.1
70.2
67.7
64.0
CONCLUSION
Spring season is very hot and dry in northern
India because of which evapotranspiration losses
of water are high. Frequent irrigations lead to
unproductive water losses through soil
evaporation. Therefore actual evapotranspiration
exceeds potential evapotranspiration. Medium
irrigation regime is helpful in saving irrigation
compared to very frequent and delayed irrigation.
However, increased frequency of irrigation
increased water use efficiency of spring maize by
increasing grain yield.
REFERENCES
Allen R G, Pereira L S, Raes D, Smith M (1998). Crop
evapotranspiration. In:Guidelines for Computing Crop Water
Requirements. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 56,
FAO, Rome, Italy, p. 331.
Norwood C A (2000). Water use and yield of limited irrigated and
dry land corn. Soil Sci Soc Am J 64: 365-370.
Prihar S S and Sandhu B S (1987). Irrigation of Field CropsPrinciples and Practices. ICAR, New Delhi, India.
Rong Y (2013). Estimation of maize evapotranspiration and yield
under different deficit irrigation on a sandy farmland in
Northwest China. African J Agril Res. 7: 4698-4707.
Smith D S and Ritchie J T (1992). Short and long term responses
of corn to a pre-anthesis soil water deficit. Agron J 84:107113.
Tariq J A and Usman K (2009) Regulated deficit irrigation
scheduling of maize crop. Sarhad J.Agri. 25: 441-450.
Todd R W, Klocke N L, Hergert G W and Parkhurst A M (1991).
Evaporation from soil influenced by crop shading, crop residue
and wetting regime. Trans ASAE 34: 461-466.
Trooijen T P, Buschman L L, Sloderbeck P, Dhuyvetter K C and
Spurgeon W E (1999). Water use efficiency of different maturity
corn hybrids and grain sorghum in the Central Great Plains.
J Prod Agri 12: 377-382.
Water use
efficiency
(kg/m3)
0.605
0.531
0.452
0.713
0.709
0.608
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 18-22
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00054.9
Evaluation of Potato Genotypes for Yield Characters

in Late Autumn Season
Prabhjot Kaur, V K Vashist* and Ajay Kumar**
Department of Vegetable Science
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-140 001(Punjab)
ABSTRACT
Evaluation of ten potato genotypes for yield characters in late autumn season was undertaken
under different environments viz., E1-haulm cutting 80 days after planting, E2-haulm cutting
100 days after planting and E3-haulm cutting 120 days after planting to assess their suitability
for processing purpose. The characters recorded were days to emergence, number of shoots/
plant, foliage weight/plant (g), number of tubers/plant, tuber weight (g), tuber length (cm),
tuber yield/plant (g), total tuber yield (q/ha). The environmental components were highly
significant for all the traits except days to emergence, number of shoots/plant and tuber weight.
Genotypes x environment interaction was significant for number of shoots/plant, foliage weight/
plant, tuber weight, tuber yield/plant, total tuber yield, Among the three environments, 120
days crop duration (E3) yielded the highest total tuber yield (q/ha) followed by environment E2
(100 days crop duration) and E1 (80 days crop duration). For total and processing grade yield,
cvs Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Ashoka were found with the highest yield in
the environment E1. However, in environment E2, for total tuber yield, cvs Kufri Badshah,
Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Ashoka performed significantly
better than mean and cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Lauvkar, Kufri Chipsona-1 and
Kufri Chipsona-2 had yielded better than mean value for processing grade yield.
Key Words: Potato, genotypes, yield, genotypes, genotypes x environments.
INTRODUCTION
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) being a highly
productive crop can play a significant role in
ensuring food security because it produces more
dry matter per unit area and time than the major
cereal crops. It can supplement the food
requirement of developing countries with its high
food yield per hectare, well balanced proteins and
high level of vitamins B and C. The present study
was undertaken to evaluate the performance of
potato genotypes for their yield attributes in the
late autumn season.
multiplied at Vegetable Research Farm of the

Department of Vegetable Science. Ten cultivars
were evaluated at Vegetable Research Farm, in
Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three
replications. Each plot measuring 3.2 m x 1.2 m
had 16 plants in each row. The seed sized tubers
were planted at row to row and plant to plant
spacing of 60 cm and 20 cm, respectively. The
crop was planted at 2nd fortnight of Nov., 2005
and there were three such experiments for different
crop duration periods viz., 80, 100 and 120 days.
The crop duration periods are symbolized below:

The experimental material comprised ten
genetically diverse potato genotypes viz., Kufri
Badshah, Kufri Anand, Kufri Chandramukhi,
Kufri Bahar, Kufri Lauvkar, Kufri Chipsona-1,
Kufri Chipsona-2, Kufri Ashoka, Kufri Jawahar
and Russet Nor x 97-ES-33 obtained from Central
Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla and
Environment-I (E1) Haulm cutting 80 days

after planting (DAP),Environment-II (E2) Haulm
cutting 100 DAP and Environment-III (E 3)
Haulm cutting 120 DAP.
Each experiment was harvested after 10-15
days after haulm cutting. The crop was raised by
following the package of practices recommended
by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The
*Corresponding Authors Email:vashistvk@pau.edu ; ajayk@pau.edu
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
23
Kaur et al
characters studied and method of recording
observations were days to emergence, number of
shoots / plant, number of tubers/plant, tuber weight
(g), foliage weight/plant (g),tuber length (cm),
tuber yield/plant (g), total tuber yield (q/ha). For
analysis of variance over environments, the
genotypes were assessed for their stability of
performance over environments as suggested by
Eberhart and Russell (1966).
The mean squares for different sources of
variation for different traits viz., days to
emergence, number of shoots/plant, foliage
weight/plant (g), number of tubers/plant, tuber
weight (g), tuber length (cm), tuber yield/plant (g),
total tuber yield (q/ha) among the cultivars under
investigation indicated that sufficient variability
was present among the genotypes for these
characters. The significance of environment
component for all the traits indicated the presence
of wide variation among environments. The
environment component was highly significant for
all the traits except days to emergence, number
of shoots/plant and tuber weight (g). Genotypes
x environments interaction was significant for
number of shoots/plant, foliage weight/plant (g),
tuber weight (g), tuber yield/plant (g), total tuber
yield (q/ha).
Genotypes and environments exhibited
significant variation which indicated the presence
of variability among genotypes as well as

environments as also reported by Sharma et al
(2001) and Sharma et al (2003) for tuber yield
and marketable yield, respectively. Similar studies
were also reported by Kumar and Kang (2001).
The phenotypic stability of genotypes was
measured by three parameters i.e. mean
performance over environments ( Xi ), the linear
regression (bi) and deviation from regression
(S2di). A variety is considered to be stable over
different environments if it has higher mean value
(above average performance), unit regression
coefficient (bi=1) and the lowest non-significant
deviation from regression (S2di=0) (Eberhart and
Russell, 1966). The cv. Russet Nor x 97-ES-33
had taken significantly less number of days to
emergence among all the cultivars in environment
E1. However, in environments, E2 and E3 cvs Kufri
Chipsona-2, Kufri Ashoka and Russet Nor x 97ES-33 had taken significantly less number of days
to emerge than the mean value. (Table 1). For
pooled analysis, the cv. Russet Nor x 97-ES-33
had taken significantly less number of days for
emergence (23.5) than the pooled mean. The cvs
Kufri Anand and Kufri Chipsona-1 had taken
more number of days to emergence and had
regression coefficient less than one (0.57 and
0.38, respectively) and non-significant deviation
from regression, indicating their unsuitability
under diverse environments. The cvs Kufri
Table 1. Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for days to emergence in potato during
autumn season.
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
Kufri Anand
Kufri Chandramukhi
Kufri Bahar
Kufri Lauvkar
Kufri Chipsona-1
Kufri Chipsona-2
Kufri Ashoka
Kufri Jawahar
Russet Nor x 97-ES-33
Mean
CD (5%)
CV
*Significant at 5%,**Significant at
24
E1
E2
E3
29.33
30.00
26.67
27.67
30.33
30.33
27.00
30.00
32.67
22.67
28.67
2.14
4.37
1%
29.33
31.33
28.33
28.67
30.67
31.33
27.33
27.00
35.33
25.33
29.46
1.84
3.74
24.67
30.33
29.33
27.00
26.67
30.67
25.33
24.67
36.33
22.67
27.77
1.71
3.48
Overall mean
( Xi )
27.78
30.56
28.11
27.78
29.22
30.78
26.56
27.22
34.78
23.56
28.63
2.48
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
bi
S2di
2.80
0.57
-0.64
0.98
2.39
0.38
1.19
1.47
-0.66
1.54
3.21**
0.50
3.04**
0.03
1.60
0.31
0.25
11.18**
6.55**
1.33
SE of bi = 1.39
Evaluation of Potato Genotypes

Chipsona-2 and Russet Nor x 97-ES-33 had
regression coefficient more than one (1.19 and
1.54, respectively) and non-significant deviation
from regression, indicating suitability of these
cultivars for growing under favorable
environments. Only cv. Kufri Bahar had mean
equal to pooled mean, regression coefficient equal
to unity (0.98) and non-significant deviation from
regression, thereby exhibiting its stability over all
the environments.
The cvs Kufri Anand, Kufri Chipsona-1 and
Russet Nor x 97-ES-33 had significantly higher
value for number of shoots/plant than the mean
value in E1. However, cvs Kufri Badshah and Kufri
Chipsona-2 had significantly more number of
shoots than the mean under E2. In E3, cvs Kufri
Anand, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri
Ashoka had significantly higher number of shoots
than the mean value (Table 2). In case of pooled
analysis, none of the cultivars had significantly
high overall mean for number of shoots/plant than
the pooled mean. The cv. Kufri Chipsona-2 had
the highest overall mean for number of shoots/
plant (5.04) followed by Kufri Anand (5.00), Kufri
Ashoka (4.94) and Russet Nor x 97-ES-33 (4.67).
The cv. Kufri Ashoka had higher mean number
of shoots per plant, regression coefficient more
than one (1.86) and non-significant deviation from
regression, thereby indicating below average
stability and suggesting their suitability for
favourable conditions.
In the environment E 1, cvs Kufri Badshah,

Kufri Anand, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Jawahar
had significantly higher foliage weight than the
mean value. The cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Anand,
Kufri Ashoka and Kufri Jawahar had significantly
more foliage weight than the mean value in E2. In
E3, cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Anand and Kufri
Bahar had significantly more foliage weight than
the mean value. The foliage weight of different
cvs in various environments does not show
consistency due to the differential reaction of cvs
to frost injury in the first fortnight of January.
However, in E3 environment, there was recorded
reduction in weight of foliage due to the incidence
of late blight disease at the time of crop maturity
in the month of March (Table 3). For pooled
analysis, only the cv. Kufri Badshah had
significantly higher overall mean (242.80 g) than
the pooled mean. None of the cvs had significantly
higher overall mean than pooled mean, regression
coefficient close to one along with non-significant
deviation from regression, indicating that none of
the cultivars had average stability for this
character.
None of the cultivars had significantly more
number of tubers/ plant than the mean value in all
the three environments (Table 4).In pooled
analysis of data, it was found that three cvs Kufri
Chipsona-1, Kufri Anand and Kufri Badshah had
significantly higher number of tubers per plant
than pooled mean. Kufri Chipsona-1 had the
Table 2.Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for number of shoots/plant in potato
during autumn season.
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
Kufri Anand
Kufri Chandramukhi
Kufri Bahar
Kufri Lauvkar
Kufri Chipsona-1
Kufri Chipsona-2
Kufri Ashoka
Kufri Jawahar
Mean
CD (5%)
CV
E1
E2
E3
3.87
5.47
4.80
3.33
4.80
4.93
3.67
4.80
4.13
5.07
4.49
0.43
5.66
4.67
4.07
3.53
3.27
4.20
3.87
5.53
4.40
3.47
4.13
4.11
0.46
6.12
4.00
5.47
3.73
5.27
4.27
4.33
5.93
5.63
4.13
4.80
4.76
0.39
5.21
Overall mean
( Xi )
4.18
5.00
4.02
3.96
4.42
4.38
5.04
4.94
3.91
4.67
4.45
1.13
bi
S2di
-1.10
2.27
0.50
2.93
0.20
0.86
0.28
1.86
1.08
1.13
0.11*
0.23**
0.88**
0.79**
0.21**
0.42**
2.91**
0.07
0.05
0.20**
SE of bi = 1.67
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
25
Kaur et al
Table 3. Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for foliage weight/plant (g) in potato
Sr. No. Genotypes
E1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
163.93
Kufri Anand
125.33
Kufri Chandramukhi
50.73
Kufri Bahar
107.07
Kufri Lauvkar
72.27
Kufri Chipsona-1
155.47
Kufri Chipsona-2
101.53
Kufri Ashoka
85.80
Kufri Jawahar
140.80
81.27
Mean
108.42
CD (5%)
14.24
CV
6.60
*Significant at 5%,**Significant at 1%
E2
E3
310.20
183.33
64.60
153.87
70.47
158.47
173.80
193.20
183.73
143.47
163.51
11.37
5.27
254.27
151.07
47.73
151.33
71.13
104.53
60.40
72.47
81.53
60.33
105.47
8.15
3.78
highest number of tubers/plant (11.81) followed

by Kufri Anand (11.46) and Kufri Badshah
(11.27). The cvs Kufri Badshah had higher mean
than the pooled mean, regression coefficient more
than one (2.05) and non-significant deviation from
regression, thereby indicating their suitability for
growing under favourable environments.
Contrarily, the cv. Kufri Chipsona-1 had higher
mean value than the pooled mean value,
regression coefficient less than one (0.09) and
significant deviation from regression, again
showing its suitability for growing under
favourable environments. However, cv. Kufri
Anand had significantly more number of tubers
Overall mean
( Xi )
242.80
153.24
54.36
137.42
71.29
139.49
111.91
117.16
135.36
95.02
125.80
45.96
bi
S2di
1.72
0.78
0.27
0.40
-0.02
0.54
1.67
2.02
1.32
1.30
4559.39**
393.42**
2.42
1035.25**
0.72
1220.37**
657.81**
27.36
1536.74**
146.88**
SE of bi = 0.67
per plant than pooled mean, regression coefficient

equal to one and non-significant deviation from
regression, thereby exhibiting its stability over all
the environments. The results of this study are
contrary to those of Manivel et al (2003) who
recorded maximum number of tubers (7.4) in case
of cv. Kufri Chipsona-2 in the hills of Himachal
Pradesh (Kufri).
In case of E1, only cv. Kufri Chandramukhi
had significantly better tuber weight than the mean
value. However, cvs Kufri Bahar, Kufri Lauvkar
and Kufri Chipsona-2 had significantly more
average tuber weight than the mean value in E2,
Table 4.Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for number of tubers/plants in potato
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
Kufri Anand
Kufri Chandramukhi
Kufri Bahar
Kufri Lauvkar
Kufri Chipsona-1
Kufri Chipsona-2
Kufri Ashoka
Kufri Jawahar
Mean
CD (5%)
CV
26
E1
E2
E3
9.20
10.50
6.20
7.20
7.40
11.40
7.60
7.00
9.93
7.70
8.51
4.72
3.53
1%
12.10
11.67
6.60
8.50
7.50
12.90
9.50
10.20
8.80
9.00
9.68
3.95
5.66
12.50
12.20
8.40
8.30
7.60
11.13
11.90
7.10
11.30
11.50
10.19
4.16
6.64
Overall mean
bi
S2di
( Xi )
11.27
11.46
7.07
8.00
7.50
11.81
10.00
8.10
10.01
9.40
9.46
1.78
2.05
1.01
1.15
0.73
0.11
0.09
1.76
0.52
0.51
2.07
0.24
0.00
0.80
0.18
0.00
1.80**
1.22*
6.23**
2.75**
1.13*
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
SE of bi = 0.98

whereas in case of E3, the cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri
Anand and Kufri Ashoka had significantly more
tuber weight than the mean value (Table 5). Tuber
weight was comparatively low in all the
environments due to frost injury to the crop at
tuber development stage. None of the cultivars
had significantly better overall mean than the
pooled mean in pooled analysis.
However, the cv. Kufri Badshah had mean
tuber weight equal to overall mean, regression
coefficient more than one (1.52), and highly
significant deviation from regression, indicating
that their performance could not be predicted
under unfavorable environments.
In E1, cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Chipsona-1,
Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Ashoka had
significantly larger tuber length than mean value.
The cvs Kufri Badshah and Kufri Ashoka
produced longer tubers than mean value of cvs in
the environment E2. In case of E3, only cv. Kufri
Ashoka yielded longer tubers than mean length
(Table 6). From the analysis of pooled data, it was
inferred that the cvs Kufri Badshah and Kufri
Ashoka had more tuber length than pooled mean.
The cv. Kufri Badshah had more tuber length (5.65
cm) followed by Kufri Ashoka (5.74 cm). The
cvs Kufri Badshah had longer tuber length than
pooled mean, regression coefficient more than one
(2.41) and non significant deviation from
regression indicating its suitability under
favourable environments. Only the cv. Kufri
Ashoka had shown maximum stability due to its

higher tuber length (5.74) than pooled mean,
regression coefficient near to one (0.93) and nonsignificant deviation from regression.
In case of E 1 , cvs Kufri Anand, Kufri
Chandramukhi, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri
Chipsona-2 were found to have significantly more
tuber yield / plant than the mean value. However,
cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Lauvkar,
Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri
Ashoka had significantly higher tuber yield per
plant than the mean value. The cvs Kufri Badshah,
Kufri Anand, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona2 and Kufri Ashoka significantly out yielded the
other cultivars in E3 (Table 7). The pooled data
analysis depicted that only cv. Kufri Badshah had
significantly higher overall mean tuber yield/plant
(364.11 g) than the pooled mean. The tuber yield
has been recorded low in case of E1 due to too
low temperature (4.4C) in the crop season which
affects photosynthesis, translocation of
photosynthates, tuber development along with low
temperature injury at vegetative stage. However,
in case of E2, the crop had relatively recovered
from above malady due to prolonged crop
duration (100 days) enabling most of Though the
cv. Kufri Badshah had high mean yield, regression
coefficient more than one (2.32) and highly
significant deviation from the regression,
indicating that their performance could not be
predicted under different environmental
Table 5. Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for tuber weight (g) in potato during
autumn season.
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
E1
Kufri Badshah
19.82
Kufri Anand
21.03
Kufri Chandramukhi
36.07
Kufri Bahar
25.37
Kufri Lauvkar
24.55
Kufri Chipsona-1
21.11
Kufri Chipsona-2
26.69
Kufri Ashoka
25.94
Kufri Jawahar
18.92
16.04
Mean
23.55
CD (5%)
4.72
CV
9.79
*Significant at 5%, **Significant at 1%
E2
E3
33.04
26.91
20.37
43.53
44.90
36.19
41.46
33.22
28.77
24.26
32.67
3.95
8.19
41.53
30.25
17.96
28.44
23.11
28.58
25.60
43.60
26.65
18.23
25.39
4.16
8.59
Overall mean
( Xi )
31.46
26.06
24.80
32.45
30.85
26.63
31.25
34.25
24.78
19.51
28.20
11.03
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
bi
S2di
1.52
0.67
-1.77
1.96
2.18
1.01
1.58
0.86
1.09
0.89
143.55**
24.79**
63.47**
28.80**
100.02**
4.65
53.21**
126.58**
4.15
3.15
SE of bi = 1.15
27
Kaur et al
Table 6. Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for tuber length (cm) in potato during
autumn season.
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
Kufri Anand
Kufri Chandramukhi
Kufri Bahar
Kufri Lauvkar
Kufri Chipsona-1
Kufri Chipsona-2
Kufri Ashoka
Kufri Jawahar
Mean
CD (5%)
CV
E1
E2
E3
5.17
5.03
4.17
5.16
4.35
5.36
5.19
5.55
4.59
4.10
4.87
0.31
3.50
1%
6.35
5.82
4.69
5.63
5.05
5.57
5.30
6.01
5.54
4.88
5.48
0.41
4.61
5.43
5.32
4.43
4.89
4.57
5.25
5.22
5.65
5.05
4.63
5.04
0.47
5.34
conditions. The cv Kufri Ashoka had tuber yield

(275.78 g) equal to pooled mean, regression
coefficient near to one (1.32) and non-significant
deviation from regression, thereby showing that
it is relatively stable cultivar.
The cvs Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2
and Kufri Ashoka had significantly better tuber
yield than the mean value in E1. However in case
of E2, the cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Bahar, Kufri
Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Ashoka
performed better due to the recovery of crop from
frost injury as compared to that in environment-I.
In case of E3, cvs Kufri Jawahar, Kufri Badshah,
Overall mean
( Xi )
5.65
5.39
4.43
5.23
4.65
5.39
5.24
5.74
5.06
4.54
5.13
0.49
bi
S2di
2.41
1.47
-0.54
1.41
1.35
0.63
-0.44
0.93
1.63
1.16
0.04
0.05
0.52**
0.03
0.03
0.01
0.16**
0.01
0.11*
0.15**
SE of bi = 0.93
Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona2 and Kufri Ashoka produced significantly higher
total yield than mean value (Table 8). Yield in
case of environment E1, was comparatively less
due to unfavourable agroclimatic conditions
during vegetative growth, tuber formation and
tuber development stages. the cvs to perform
better than the mean. In case of pooled analysis,
cvs Kufri Badshah, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri
Chipsona-2 were found to produce significantly
more total yield than pooled mean. The cv. Kufri
Badshah had higher tuber yield than mean value,
regression coefficient more than one (2.47) and
Table 7.Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for tuber yield/plant (g) in potato during
autumn season.
Sr. No. Genotypes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
E1
Kufri Badshah
177.80
Kufri Anand
214.73
Kufri Chandramukhi
222.80
Kufri Bahar
182.00
Kufri Lauvkar
180.40
Kufri Chipsona-1
239.27
Kufri Chipsona-2
229.13
Kufri Ashoka
181.40
Kufri Jawahar
188.00
123.27
Mean
193.88
CD (5%)
9.79
CV
2.15
28
E2
396.87
313.67
134.40
368.87
336.47
384.93
390.33
338.47
251.00
217.47
313.25
18.86
4.15
E3
517.67
368.67
150.60
237.20
175.33
318.27
304.20
307.47
298.47
209.13
288.70
12.31
2.71
Overall mean
( Xi )
364.11
299.02
169.92
262.69
230.73
314.16
307.89
275.78
245.82
183.29
265.28
93.58
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
bi
S2di
2.32
1.05
-0.75
1.29
0.93
1.11
1.19
1.32
0.71
0.82
16438.23**
3392.63**
2.33
5195.47**
9951.19**
805.49**
1677.75**
1.02
2181.83**
72.82
SE of bi = 0.71

Table 8. Mean ( Xi ), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) for total tuber yield (q/ha) in potato
Sr. No. Genotypes
E1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kufri Badshah
195.67
Kufri Anand
185.43
Kufri Chandramukhi
162.13
Kufri Bahar
191.53
Kufri Lauvkar
169.30
Kufri Chipsona-1
272.97
Kufri Chipsona-2
260.83
Kufri Ashoka
232.33
Kufri Jawahar
177.63
199.17
Mean
204.72
CD (5%)
14.41
CV
3.22
E2
E3
363.43
292.77
103.13
327.67
285.80
333.03
334.07
329.03
294.47
179.33
284.29
22.45
5.02
435.00
321.27
151.03
306.47
225.73
322.17
334.27
312.63
318.67
203.13
293.09
13.12
2.94
significant deviation from regression which

indicated that this cv. was not stable in different
environments. The cv. Kufri Chipsona-2 had
significantly higher total tuber yield (309.72 q/
ha) than pooled mean (260.70 q/ha), regression
coefficient near to one and non-significant
deviation from regression, thereby exhibiting its
suitability under relatively wide range of
environments. The cv. Kufri Chipsona-2 gave
higher tuber yield in north-western plains at
Jalandhar (Punjab) and Modipuram (U.P.)
(Marwaha et al 2005, Pandey et al 2002). Manivel
et al (2003) also recorded the highest yield in case
of cv. Kufri Chipsona-2 (239.2 q/ha) in northwestern hills.
REFERENCES
Eberhart S A, and Russel W A (1966).Stability parameters for
comparing varieties. Crop Sci 6: 36-41.
Kumar R and Kang G S (2001).Stability analysis for tuber yield
in andigena potato. J Indian Potato Assoc 28(1): 18-20. New
Delhi, pp 336-46.
Overall mean
( Xi )
331.47
266.67
138.77
275.22
226.94
309.39
309.72
291.63
263.59
193.88
260.70
37.91
bi
S2di
2.47
1.46
-0.37
1.46
0.97
0.64
0.87
1.03
1.54
-0.07
1267.52**
126.16*
1316.41**
578.90**
2361.23**
135.17*
26.96
347.90**
58.83
300.64**
SE of bi = 0.37
Manivel P, Pandey S K, Singh S V and Kumar D

(2003).Performance of processing potato varieties in northern
hills. J Indian Potato Assoc 30(1-2): 17-18.
Marwaha R S, Pandey S K and Singh S V (2005).Chipping
performance of new processing varieties of potato (Solanum
tuberosum) grown in cooler north-western plains. Indian J
Agric Sci 75(6): 324-28.
Pandey S K, Gaur P C, Singh S V and Kumar D (2002).Potential
of processing potato varieties in different agroclimatic regions.
In : Khurana S M P, Shekhawat G S, Pandey S K and Singh
B P (eds) Potato, Global Research and Development. Indian
Potato Association, Central. Potato. Research. Institute,
Shimla, Vol-II pp 1144-48.
Sharma Y K, Pandey S K, Khurana S M P, Singh S V, Jha G,
Kumar S, Mondel A B, Nandekar D N and Mahapatra D
(2003).Stability analysis of red skinned potato hybrids for
tuber yield in north central and eastern plains of India. J Indian
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J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 23-29
29
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00055.0
Front Line Demonstration on Multiplier Onion

(Allium cepa L. var aggregatum Don) to Reduce Cost
of Production.
Sharmila Bharathi C, B Mohan, R Sangeetha, G Gohila and K Paneerselvam
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus,
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal 637 002 (Tamil Nadu)
ABSTRACT
Front line demonstration on seed propagated Multiplier onion cultivar (cv) CO(On) 5 was
carried out in Vadavathur village of Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu during Oct 2014
March 2015 to study the cost of production of Co (On) 5. The treatments comprised of
propagation of small sized onion through seed, seed treatment with bio control agents
(Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescence), nursery management for CO (On) 5, soil
test based fertilizer application, foliar spray of micronutrients, and integrated pest management
practices for thrips. The plant height at 45 DAP (38.5cm), number of leaf sheath per plant (23),
compound bulb weight per plant (14.3-27 g) and bulb yield (20.5t/ha) were highest in CO (On)
5 compared to CO4 and Valayapatti local.
Key Words : Multiplier onion CO (On) 5, Seed Propagation.
INTRODUCTION
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most
important commercial vegetable crops being
grown all over the country. Onion is liked for its
flavor and pungency, which is due to the presence
of a volatile oil Allyl prophyl disulphide- It is
dietary essential for human beings because of its
nutritional and medicinal values, which commands
extensive markets. Small onions are also known
as shallots, multiplier or aggregatum onion is
produced only in southern states of India viz.,
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and
grown mainly by small and marginal farmers. As
the most special and important condiment
vegetable of Tamil Nadu, aggregatum onion
cv.CO(On) 5 has higher market preference
because of its size and appealing pink hue colour
(Anbukkarasi et al, 2012).
The total area and productivity of small sized
onion under Namakkal district was 1,997 ha and
12 t / ha, respectively in 2014. In Vadavathur
village, small onion is cultivated in two main
seasons viz., Early kharif (May August) and Rabi
(November December). The kharif crop is

mainly used for seed purpose for raising next crop,
whereas the rabi crop was used for vegetable
purpose. CO 4 and Valayapatti local is the
predominant variety cultivated at Vadavathur. The
duration of CO 4 and Valayapatti local are 75 days
for seed and 90 days for vegetable (Table 1).
Generally small onion is propagated by means of
bulbs. Totally 12.5 15.0q of seed bulb is
required for small onion cultivation in an area of
1 hectare.
Due to high cost of seed bulbs, Krishi Vigyan
Kendra, Namakkal has introduced seed
propagated small onion variety Co (On) 5 through
front line demonstration to reduce the seed cost.
CO(On) 5679422 was developed by Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. This
is a high yielding variety, with attractive pink and
bold bulbs, 56146 free- flowering type with seed
setting ability. It can be propagated through seed
as well as bulbs. The seed rate required is 2.5 kg
/ ha. The objective of the study was to reduce cost
of production by reducing the seed rate for small
Corresponding Authors E-mail: namakkalkvk@gmail.com, kvk-namakkal@tanuvas.org.in
30
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
Front Line Demonstrations on Multiplier Onion

Table 1. Season of Onion cultivation in Vadavathur village of Namakkal District.
Season
Early Kharif (Vaikasi pattam)
Rabi(Karthigai pattam)
Month of sowing
May August
Nov Dec
Month of harvest
July
February
onion cultivation as wells as to increase the net

income of the farmer. The intervention consisted
of six components viz., promoting small onion
cultivation through supply of seed, seed treatment
with bio control agents, nursery management for
CO (On) 5, soil test based manuring, foliar spray
of micronutrients and integrated pest management
practices for thrips.
The front line demonstrations were carried out
at ten farmers field of Vadavathur village of
Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu during Rabi
season 2014 - 15. In this village small onion is
cultivated in an area of 425 ha. Vadavathur is
situated at 11.92410 N latitude and 78.11917 0 E
longitude and at an elevation of 531m above mean
sea level. It received an average rainfall of 584
mm annually, spreading over an average of 32
days in a year. The soil type is red sandy loam
with a pH of 7.9 and EC of 0.064 dSm -1. Soil
nutrient status of low Nitrogen (188 kg/ ha),
medium Phosphorus (11 kg / ha) and high
Potassium (294 kg /ha).
Nursery Management of Small Onion Cv.Co
(On) 5
Raised bed nursery was prepared with a size
of 70 -75 cm breadth, 15 cm height and 3 5 m
length during second fortnight of October 2014.
Total one cent area was required to raise seedling
for one hectare. Well decomposed farmyard
manure @ 10 kg/sq.m and 1kg neem cake was
applied to the nursery bed after the removal of
stones and weeds. Seeds were treated with 4 g of
Trichoderma viride and 10 g of Pseudomonas
fluorescence 12 hours before sowing to prevent
the seed borne diseases viz., basal rot and damping
off.
Treated seed were sown in line with 1 cm
depth formed at 5 cm interval on the raised bed
and was mulched with coconut fronds / paddy
straw, which was used to maintain the temperature
and moisture required for onion seed germination.
Irrigation was applied through rose can after
Duration (Days)
75
90
Purpose
Seed
Vegetable (Samba)
mulching and was done daily up to 40 days after

sowing. The seeds germinated five days after
sowing, thereafter mulch material was removed.
Five days after germination, Trichoderma viride
@ 100 gm was applied along with 25 kg of farm
yard manure per nursery bed to prevent the
damping of disease in seedling stage. Hand
weeding was done at 10 d interval. Forty days
after sowing, the seedlings were pulled out from
nursery bed for transplanting.
Transplanting of Seedlings
Irrigation was applied one day prior to
transplanting. Forty days old healthy seedlings
(Table 2) of aggregatum onion cv. Co (On) 5 were
transplanted in the flat beds at a distance of
15 x 10 cm during 1st week of December (Table
3). Fifteen days before transplanting, 100 kg of
well powdered and decomposed farmyard manure
enriched with one kg of Trichoderma viride was
applied to prevent basal rot in the field. At the
time of transplanting 65 kg of urea, 375 kg of
super phosphate and 50 kg of potash was applied
as a basal manuring per ha area. Five days after
transplanting, maize as a barrier crop (NK 6240)
was sown around the field and ridges at a spacing
of 1 ft, to prevent the entry of thrips from the
neighbouring fields. Thereafter, blue sticky traps
were installed at 100 m interval with a total of 50
traps/ ha at one ft height above the onion plant to
attract the thrips.
Table 2. Observation on Seedling characters of small onion
var.Co(On)5
Sr.No
Observation recorded
1.
2.
3.
4.
Seedling height
Leaf sheath diameter
Number of leaf sheath
Onion bulb length in
the seedling
Number of roots
Root length
5.
6.
40 days old
seedling
15.2 -18.3 cm
0.7-1.1
2-3
1.0-1.3 cm
13-21
1.7-2.1 cm
Top dressing of 65 kg of urea and 50 kg of

potash was done at 30 days after transplanting.
Irrigation was given just after transplanting and
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
31
Bharathi C et al
Table 3. Variety and Duration of Onion in Vadavathur village of Namakkal District.
Variety
Co4 & Valayapatti
local
Bulb
CO (On) 5 Onion
Purpose
Seed
Vegetable
Bulb
Seed rate(Kg/ha)
Seed Bulb
1,250- 1,750 kg
Month of sowing
June
December end
Nursery October
3rd week and planting
December 1st week
2.5kg
later on sprinkling of water was done at seven

days interval. Foliar spray of zinc sulphate,
ferrous sulphate and borax (each 3 g) was given
at 30 and 45 days after transplanting. Monitoring
and field visits were conducted regularly to collect
feedback and provide solutions to the problems
reported by the participating farmers. All the
observations were recorded on randomly selected
twenty five plants, except the yield (t/ha), which
was computed based on the net plot yield.
Weather and Climate
During the study period (October, 2014
March, 2015), 266 mm of rainfall was received
during 19 rainy days. Maximum monthly mean
temperature was 35.7 o C and minimum was
23.9 o C. Maximum monthly mean relative
humidity was 79.7 per cent and minimum was
51.7 per cent at 07.22 and 14.22 hr, respectively
(Table 4).
Vegetative parameters
Among the three varieties of multiplier onion,
CO (On) 5 performed well at Vadavathur village
of Namakkal District (Table 5). The tallest plant
height at 30 DAT (26.2cm) and 45 DAT (38.5cm)
after transplanting was observed in CO (On) 5 and
which was followed by CO4 (17.1 and 33.2cm)
Harvest
2nd week
of August
March
March
Duration (days)
75
90
90 days
(Excluding
Nursery)
whereas the shortest plant height was recorded in

Valayapatti local variety (11.5 and 22.4 cm). The
highest number of leaf sheath per plant (23),
diameter of leaf sheath ( 1.71cm), number of
roots/plant (23) and root length (4.6 6.1cm) was
observed in CO(On) 5. The reason for the better
performance of these growth parameters was due
to varietal character of Co(On)5 as well as
optimum level nutrients added to the soil and foliar
spray of micronutrients. Since nitrogen is a
constituent of chlorophyll resulted in increased
synthesis of photosynthates leading to better
vigour. The second major nutrient phosphorus
being essential constituent of cellular protein and
nucleic acid might have encouraged meristematic
activity of plants resulting in increased plant height
and number of leaf sheath. The other major
nutrient potassium is an activator of enzymes
involved in protein and carbohydrates metabolism
and plays an important role in the translocation
of photosynthates from leaves to bulb. Similar
results were reported by Bangali et al (2012).
Onion not only needs macronutrients but also
micronutrients in adequate and balanced amounts.
With respect to foliar application of zinc sulphate,
zinc is essential for tryptophan synthesis, which
is a prerequisite for auxin formation. The
favourable effect of zinc on plant growth may be
due to its role in many physiological process and
Table 4: Weather parameter prevailed during the demonstration period at Vadavathur.
Month/Year
Oct. 2014
Nov. 2014
Dec.2014
Jan. 2015
Feb.2015
March.2015
Average
32
Temp (oC)
Max
Min
34.7
23.7
35.9
23.7
36.3
24.0
35.5
24
35.8
23.8
36.1
24.2
35.7
23.9
Relative humidity (%)

Max
Min
83.0
55.1
79.8
50.4
78.5
49.5
78.6
52.3
79
53.0
79.8
50.4
79.7
51.7
Wind speed
(Km/h)
3.4
3.3
3.1
3.1
3.3
3.0
3.2
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
Rainfall
(mm)
136
69
61
266
Rainy days
12
5
2
19

Table 5. Vegetative parameters of Aggregatum Onion.
Sr.No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Observation recorded
Plant height at 30 DAP (cm)
Plant height at 45 DAP (cm)
Diameter of leaf sheath (cm) at 45 DAP
No. of leaf sheath/ Plant
Foliage
Intensity of green colour in foliage
Number of roots/plant
Root length (cm)
cellular function within plants. The same trends

were also recorded by Ballabhkhasti and Rana
(2012).
Yield and quality parameters
CO (On) 5 was harvested in 90 days after
transplanting. The equatorial diameter of
compound bulb and bulblets (4.7 and 3.6 cm),
polar diameter of compound bulb and bulblets
(4.47 and 4.01 cm) was found maximum in CO
(On) 5 compared to CO 4 and Valayapatti local
(Table 6). In case of number of bulblets per
compound bulb, CO (On) 5 registered the highest
(3-4) followed by CO 4. The maximum yield per
plant (43 82 g) was recorded in the variety CO
(On) 5.The variety Co (on)5 registered the highest
yield (20.5t/ ha) and showed an increase of 18 %
over CO4. The high yielding performance of
onion variety Co(On) 5 at farmers field was also
reported by Umesh Acharaya et al (2015).
Increase in bulb yield is mainly attributed to
positive association between yield and yield
contributing parameters like bulb weight and size
in terms of equatorial and polar diameter of the
bulb and also better management of thrips in the
onion field through barrier crops and blue sticky
traps. Thrips are weak fliers and can be carried
Table 6. Yield parameters of Aggregatum Onion
Sr.No Observation recorded
1.
Equatorial diameter of compound bulb (cm)
2.
Polar diameter of compound bulb (cm)
3.
Equatorial diameter of bulblet (cm)
4.
Polar diameter of bulblet (cm)
5.
Number of bulblets per compound bulb
6.
Weight of the compound bulb (g)
7.
No.of compound bulbs/Kg
8.
No.of bulblets/kg
9.
Yield/ plant (g)
10.
Yield/ ha (t)
CO (On) 5
26.2
38.5
1.71
23
Erect
Dark
23
4.6 6.1
CO 4
17.1
33.2
1.02
17
Semi erect
Light
19
3.1
Valayapatti local
11.5
22.4
0.87
13
Semi erect
Light
17
2.8
by wind. Therefore, planting live- barriers like

maize could effectively block adult thrips from
reaching onion plants.Two rows of maize
surrounding onion field blocks adult thrips up to
80 per cent and blue sticky traps attracted the
thrips in the inside field up to 90 per cent (Srinivas
and Lawande, 2006). This practice brings down
insecticide application.
Thickness of neck is one of the important
character which indicates vigour of the plant
(Manna, 2013). Small onion cv.Co(On) 5
registered maximum neck thickness and also
possessed good dry skin colour and fleshy scale
colour compared to other varieties (Table 7). The
storage period of Co(On) 5 under low cost bottom
ventilated storage structure was one month only
with sustained quality parameters because it
contains high moisture in the bulb. Hence it was
recommended for immediate sale at one month
after harvesting.
The economic analysis (Table 8) revealed that
the highest expenditure (Rs.1,07,976 /- ha) was
incurred in cultivating onion var.CO4 as compared
to Co (On) 5 (Rs.87,306 /- ha) and the maximum
net return (Rs.3,17,694/- ha) was obtained from
the variety Co (On) 5. The highest cost of
CO (On) 5
4.7
4.47
3.6
4.01
3- 4
14.3 - 27
23 -25
82
43 - 82
20.5
CO 4
4.5
4.02
3.4
3.23
2 -3
6 - 8.02
40-46
89-96
19-24
16.8
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
Valayapatti local
3.9
4.00
2.7
3.18
2-3
5.8
69 -71
152
16 - 19
12.0
33
Bharathi C et al
Co(On) 5 Nursery
40 days old Co(On) 5 seedling
Blue sticky trap installed onion field
Maize as a barrier in onion field
Harvested Co(On) 5 onion
cultivation was due to highest seed rate and high

price of seed bulb. Therefore, farmers can save
an amount of Rs.31,250/- besides getting
additional profit of Rs.2,86,444/- while growing
CO(On) 5 with low seed rate. The Cost: Benefit
ratio also highest (1:4.6) in case of CO(On)5.
34
CONCLUSION
The Aggregatum onion cultivation with low
seed rate (2.5kg/ha) variety Co(On) 5 proved
economically viable intervention for the farmers.
Any seed - setting onion variety, is preferred by
the farmers over the bulb-propagated ones, as it
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36

Table 7. Quality parameters of Aggregatum onion.
Sr. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Parameter
Thickness of neck (cm)
Basic colour of dry skin
Adherence of skin after harvest
Colour of epidermis of fleshy scale
Position of root disc
1.2 -1.5
Dark red
Medium
Whitish pink
Exerted
Characteristic
0.9- 1
Pink
Medium
Whitish pink
Inserted
0.8-1.0
Dark pink
Strong
Whitish pink
Exerted
Table 8 .Cost Economics of Aggregatum Onion / ha
S.No Cultural operations
Particulars
1.
Ploughing
3000.00
3000.00
2.
Land preparation , Bed

and Channel formation
Seed rate / 0.4 ha
(Depending upon the
bulb size)
Seed treatment
Tractor ploughing -2 times @

Rs. 1500 / ha + One rotavator
ploughing @Rs.2500/ ha /3 hr
On contract basis @Rs.6000/day/ ha
2500.00
6000.00
2500.00
6000.00
1250 -1500 @ 81kg/Bag : Rs.2000 2500/bag

1kg/0.4 ha
SAAF (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb
63% WP) @ 2g/Kg 3.75 Kg/ha @Rs.650/Kg
Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/ Kg +
Pseudomonas fluorescence @ 4g/Kg
Raised bed formation & seed sowing
@ Rs.500/day
On contract basis 60 B type labours
@ Rs.150/ day (8 am 4pm)
Applied Trichoderma viride 1 Kg +
Pseudomonas fluorescence 1 Kg + 100 kg
FYM just before planting.
Goal (Oxyfluorfen) @ 30 ml tank :
30 tanks/ ha @ Rs.1810 /litre + Spray
charge Rs.30/tank)
Hand weeding 2 times12 B type labours
@ Rs.150/ day x for 2 times
Factomphos 5 bags / ha (applied 22
days after planting) @ Rs.950/bag
Potash @2.5 bag/ ha (40 DAP)
Labour charges for manuring
Urea 130 kg @ Rs.320/bag
Super phosphate 375 kg @ Rs.372/bag
Potash 100 kg @ Rs.800/bag and
labour charge for manuring
Foliar spray of vegetable micronutrient
formulation @ 2 gm/litre at 30& 45 DAP
(25 tank (12 litre/tank) /ha Rs.115/500g.
Labour charge for 2 sprays @ Rs.30 /tank,
for 50 tanks
One irrigation at the time of planting
3 DAP life irrigation
After 22 DAP- One week interval:
8 irrigation
37500.00
6250.00
2438.00
110.00
110.00
500.00
3.
4.
5.
Nursery raising
6.
Planting of seed bulbs
7.
7.
8.
Weedicide
( 3- 5 days after planting)
Manuring
Irrigation
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
Total amount (Rs.)

Farmer
CO (ON) 5
practice CO 4
9000.00
9000.00
425.00
2525.00
9000.00
4750.00
2000.00
750.00
-
1600.00
2790.00
2000.00
750.00
288.00
1500.00
5000.00
5300.00
35
Bharathi C et al
S.No Cultural operations
9.
Particulars
Labour charges for 10 irrigation @ Rs.500 /

day (7 am- 2 pm)
1. Profex super 40 EC (Profenofos +
Cypermethrin)
@ 2ml/litre-25 tank/ ha, for 2 times
Cost :Rs.200/250 ml
2. Nayak (Alpha methylin)
@ 2ml/litre-25 tank/ ha, for 2 times,
Cost :Rs.200/250 ml
3.Curacron (Profenofos)
@ 2ml/litre-25 tank/ ha, for 2 times,
Cost :Rs.240/250 ml
Border crop ( 1 feet interval) of
Hybrid maize NK 6240
@ Rs.230/Kg
250 g/ha
Blue sticky traps
@ 50 trap /ha @ 40/Trap
30 B type labours @ 150 / labour
1B type labour 2 bags (81 kg)/
day @ Rs.120 /bag For 16,750 kgs
For 20,000 kgs
Total Expenditure / ha
207 bags / ha @ 81 Kg/Bag @Rs.15 / Kg
250 -275 bag /ha @Rs.20/Kg
Plant protection (6 chemical

sprays) For Thrips (Thrips
tabaci) management
40 DAP at 8 days intervals.
10.
Harvest
Separation of onion bulbs
from onion (Curing) plant.
11.
Yield
Total amount (Rs.)

Farmer
CO (ON) 5
practice CO 4
Net profit
would ensure a saving of up to Rs 31,250

37,500 per hectare in the cost of seed bulb alone.
Besides, raising the income level the intervention
provides livelihood security to onion growers of
the area. Considering the productivity and
profitability the farmers expressed satisfaction with
the performance of onion var.CO (On)5 because
it got better market preference due to its size and
appealing attractive dark pink colour. The farmers
of adjoining areas are also convinced and
interested to adopt onion cultivation with CO
(On) 5 variety.Therefor variety CO (on) 5 can be
reco fal cultivation in Nammakal District.
REFERENCES
Anbukkarasi V, Paramaguru P, Pugalendhi L, Ragupathi N and
Jeyakumar P (2012). Temperature treatments on post harvest
handling of small onion (Allium cepa L.var.aggregatum Don).
Madras Agric.J 99 (10-12) : 673-676.
36
1000.00
1000.00
1200.00
-
58.00
4500.00
24,813.00
2000.00
4500.00
29625.00
107976.00
2,51,505.00
1,43,529.00
87,306.00
4,05,000.00
3,17,694.00
Ballabhkhashti and Rana D K (2012). Response of micronutrients

on qualitative and quantitative parameters of onion (Allium
cepa L.). Progressive Hort 44(1):40-46.
Bangali A.N, Patil H B,.Chimmad V.P, Patil P.L.and Patil R V.
(2012). Effect of inorganics and organics on growth and yield
of onion (Allium cepa L.). Karnataka J.Agric.Sci 25(1):112115.
Manna, D (2013). Growth, yield and bulb quality of onion (Allium
cepa L ) in response to foliar application of boron and zinc.
SAARC J.Agric 11(1):149-153.
Srinivas P S and Lawande (2006) Maize barrier as a cultural
method for the management of thrips in onion (Allium cepa L)
Ind.J.Agril.Sci 76:167 -171.
Umesh Acharya, Venkatesan K, Saraswathi T and.Subramanian
K.S. (2015). Effect of Zinc and Boron application on growth
and yield parameters of multiplier onion (Allium cepa
L.var.aggregatum Don). Var.Co(On)5. International Journal
of Research 2(1):757-765.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 30-36
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 37-40
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00056.2
Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Okra in

Raigad District of Maharashtra
Manjarekar R G1, P M Mandavkar2, A A Hanmante3 and MSTalathi4
Dr.BalasahebSawantKonkanKrishiVidyapeeth, Dapoli - 415712 (Maharashtra)
ABSTRACT
The main objective of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) is to demonstrate newly released crop
production and protection technologies and its management practices at the farmers field under
different agro-climatic regions and farming situations.Realizing the importance of frontline
demonstrations in transfer of okra production technologies, KrishiVigyan Kendra, Roha- Raigad
conducted FLDs at farmers field and accordingly study was conducted in Raigad district of
Maharashtra state. The study revealed that majority (87.5%) of the respondents had adopted
hybrid okra variety resistant to yellow mosaic virus disease.The important package of practices
where more increase in adoption was found were use of recommended fertilizer dose (50.0%),
timely irrigation (45.0%), use of high yielding varieties (35.0%) and use of proper seed rate and
spacing (27.5%). There was significant difference observed in yield of okra before conductance
of FLD and after FLD programme. B:C ratio of okra crop after FLD was higher than before
FLD. It showed impact of FLD on adoption of okra production technologies. The factors
responsible for low B:C ratio before FLD was less adoption of all the recommended package of
practices for okra crop in the region.
KeyWords :Front Line Demonstration, Impact, Adoption, Okra .
INTRODUCTION
Front Line Demonstration (FLD) is an
appropriate tool to demonstrate recommended
technologies among the farmers. This new
concept of field demonstration was evolved by
the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The
technologies developed at the agricultural
universities and research stations through research
activities are demonstrated under actual field
conditionsthrough FLDs as this is one of the most
powerful tools of extension because farmers in
general are driven by the perception that seeing
is believing. The main objective of FLDs is to
demonstrate newly released crop production and
protection technologies and its management
practices at the farmers field under different agroclimatic regions and farming situations.
The okra (Abelmoschusesculentus Moench) is
available throughout the year at steady and stable
market price and sometimes fetches higher price
compared to other commonly available

vegetables. Hence, mostly vegetable growers in
Raigad district are always ready for okra
cultivation alongwith other vegetable crops like
chilli, brinjal, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and
bitter gourd etc. This crop gives good returns to
the farmers, hence emerged as important vegetable
crop in Alibaug, Pen, Roha and Mangaon tehsil
of Raigad district due to available irrigation
facility. It is mainly because the technology
development with regard to improved varieties and
other inputs have played important role in raising
productivity.
Realizing the importance of frontline
demonstrations in transfer of okra production
technologies, KrishiVigyan Kendra, Roha- Raigad
conducted FLDs at farmers field for last four
years in different tahsils of Raigad district with
the objectives of convincing farmers and extension
functionaries together about the okra crop
1. Assistant Professor(Hort), College of Agriculture, DBSKKV, Dapoli,(M.S.)

2. Research Editor, Dr.BalasahebSawantKonkanKrishiVidyapeeth, Dapoli,(M.S.)
3. Subject Matter Specialist, KrishiVigyan Kendra, Killa-Roha, Dist. Raigad,(M.S.)
4. Programme Coordinator, KrishiVigyan Kendra, Roha-Raigad,(MS)
Corresponding Authors Email: mandavkarpm@rediffmail.com
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 37-40
37
Manjarekar et al
production technologies for further wide scale
diffusion. Keeping in view of an effective
extension approach of FLDs for dissemination of
okra technology, it was thought that impact of
FLDs conducted by KVK, Rohais to be assessed.
Therefore, the present study was conducted with
the specific objectives to evaluate the FLD in terms
of adoption of recommended okra production
technology and to know the impact of FLD on
okra growing farmers.
The present study was conducted in Raigad
district of Maharashtra state where during 200809 to 2011-12, total 150 farmers demonstrated
the okra production technologies through FLDs.
For this study, the four tehsils viz. Alibaug, Pen,
Roha and Mangaon selected purposively in which
okra FLDs had been given by KVK, Roha during
rabi season of the year 2011-2012. For selection
of respondents, a list of farmers to whom FLD
okra had been allotted and also who had actually
undertaken demonstration with control trial were
selected for the study. Randomly, ten farmers from
each tehsil were selected making a total sample

size of forty. Basic data of the respondents was
collected from KVK.
The data were collected after FLD by personal
interview technique with the help of interview
schedule developed for the study.The interview
schedule was developed through discussion with
experts, scientist and extension officers working
in the district. Under these FLDs at 40 farmers
field, an area of 8.0 ha was covered. The
information on demonstrated package of practices
and farmers practice followed were mentioned
in Table 1.The data were analysed with appropriate
statistical procedures.
Adoption of recommended package of practices
The data presented in Table 2 indicated that
majority (87.5%) of the respondents had adopted
hybrid okra variety resistant to YMV disease
followed by use of proper seed rate and spacing
(75.0%), application of recommended fertilizer
dose (75.0%), line sowing on ridges and furrows
(70.0%) and timely irrigation (70.0%).
Table 1.Demonstrated package of practices and farmers practice for Okra cultivation.
articular
Okra
Demonstrated package
Farmers practice
Hybrid variety resistant to
Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV)
Sowing time for okra
Seed treatment
Seed rate and spacing
Line sowing on ridges and furrows
Recommended Fertilizer dose
Plant protection measures to

control pest and diseases
Irrigation
Weed management
Harvesting at proper stage
38
Mahyco No.10
Local variety
October- 2nd fortnight

Seed treated with fungicide Captan
15 Kg /ha sown at 45 x 20 cm
Followed
100 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 + 25kg K2O per
ha(1/3 rd N + Full dose of P2O5&K2O
at the time of sowing and remaining
2/3 rdN equally distributed at 30 and
60 DAS
Need based applicationControl of
Hoppers-Phoret 10G@10kg/ha
(soil application),Stem and fruit borerCypermethrin 0.20ml/lit of water
(spraying), Aphids- Diamethoate
1ml/lit (spraying).Powdery mildew
Hexaconazol @ 0.5ml/lit of water
Once in a week
Pre-emergence Herbicide Basalin
@ 3.5 ml per lit used before sowing
Demonstrated use of cutter for picking
of fruits at proper stage
October-November
Not followed
20 to 22 kg/ha sown at 30 x 20 cm
Not always followed
Used mixed chemical fertilizers
(Approx. 20 to 30 g/ plant) 3 to 4 times
during crop period
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 37-40
Not followed
Once/twice in a week
Hand weeding 3 to 4times
Used local knife and stages were
improper
Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Okra

Table 2.Extent of adoption of recommended package of practices of okra crop before and after FLD.
Sr.
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Package of practice
Use of high yielding hybrid variety

resistant to YMV
Sowing time for okra
Seed treatment
Use of proper seed rate and spacing
Line sowing on ridges and furrows
Recommended Fertilizer dose
Plant protection measures to control
pest and diseases
Timely irrigation
Weed management
Harvesting at proper stage
Adoption
(Before FLD)
No.
Per cent
21
52.5
Adoption
(After FLD)
No.
Per cent
35
87.5
Increase in
Adoption
No.
Per cent
14
35.0
18
14
19
22
10
18
45.0
35.0
47.5
55.0
25.0
45.0
25
20
30
28
30
27
62.5
50.0
75.0
70.0
75.0
67.5
7
6
11
6
20
9
17.5
15.0
27.5
15.0
50.0
22.5
10
7
14
25.0
17.5
35.0
28
14
20
70.0
35.0
50.0
18
7
6
45.0
17.5
15.0
The important package of practices where

more increase in adoption was found were use of
recommended fertilizer dose (50.0%), timely
irrigation (45.0%), use of high yielding varieties
(35.0%) and use of proper seed rate and spacing
(27.5%) whereas, the package of practices viz.,
sowing time for okra, seed treatment, line sowing
on ridges and furrows, plant protection measures,
weed management and harvesting at proper stage
had found less increase in adoption after FLD.
These findings are in conformity with the results
reported by Thakor and Patel (2006).
Yield Impact
The information regarding the impact of FLD
in terms of increase in yield have been presented
in Table 3.
The data in Table 3 revealed that the yield of
okra per hectare increased by 47.8 percent in FLD
plats. The t test also indicates the significant

difference in yield before FLD and after FLD. It
means that even after one year of FLD there was
wider adoption of technologies demonstrated by
the scientist during FLD programme.
Economic Impact
In this study, the economic impact of
demonstrated okra crop technology was worked
out by calculating total cost, gross return, net return
and B:C Ratio (BCR) of before FLD plot and after
FLD plot. Total cost was calculated by total sum
of expenditure of land preparation, seed, manure
and fertilizers, plant protection measures, irrigation
and labour component.
The data in Table 4 revealed that before FLD
the yield of okra was 70.6 q/ha while after FLD
the yield was 104.4 q/ha. The prevailing market
price was Rs. 4000/- q and on that base
Table 3.Yield of okra before FLD and after FLD.
Sr. No.
(n= 40)
Average yield of okra crop (q./ha)

Before FLD
After FLD
70.6
t= 9.36( Calculated t)
(n=40)
Percent increase
in Yield
104.4
t=1.92 (Table t at 0.05 per cent)
47.8
**(H.S.)
Table 4.Profitability of okra before and after FLD.
Sr. No.
1
2
3
4
5
Item
Cost of cultivation (Rs/ha)
Yield of okra (q/ha)
Gross Return (Rs/ha)
Net Return (Rs/ha)
B:C ratio
Before FLD
1,38,927
70.6
2,82,480
1,43,553
2.03
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 37-40
After FLD
1,46,315
104.4
4,17,400
2,71,085
2.85
39
Manjarekar et al
profitability was calculated which showed that net
returns from okra crop before FLD was Rs.
1,43,553/-ha while the net returns from okra crop
after FLD was Rs. 2,71,085/-/ha. The B:C ratio
for before FLD was 2.03 increased from after FLD
to 2.85.
It was evident from the results that, B:C ratio
of okra crop in FLD was higher than before FLD.
The factors responsible for low B:C ratio before
FLD was less adoption of all the package of
practices recommended for okra crop in the
region. However, increase in B:C ratio after FLD
plot was due to the adoption of 50 per cent to
87.5 per cent adoption of different package of
practices even one year after FLD programme.
Similar results were reported by Sharma and
Sharma (2004) and Patel and Patel (2014).The
other reasons may be good extension contact by
FLD farmers with the scientist and extension
workers.
CONCLUSION
On the set of technologies of okra crop before
FLD, the adoption was very less but after
40
conducting the FLD programme on farmers field

most of the farmers became aware about
recommended production technologies of okra
crop. The important package of practices where
more increase in adoption was found were use of
recommended fertilizer dose, timely irrigation, use
of high yielding hybrid variety and use of proper
seed rate and spacing after FLD as compare to
before FLD. Increase in B:C ratio after FLD plot
was due to the adoption of 50 percent to 87.5
percent adoption of different package of practices
even one year after FLD programme which shows
positive impact of FLD on adoption of
demonstrated technology.
REFERENCES
Sharma, R N and Sharma, K C (2004) Evaluation of Front Line
Demonstration trials on oilseeds in barren district of Rajasthan
Madhya J of Extn Edn VII :72-75
Thakor R F and Patel AR (2006).Usefulness of KrishiVigyan
Kendra as perceived by the sugarcane growers.Guj J ExtnEdu
XVI-XVII:51-54.
Patel R N and Patel J R (2014).Impact of Front Line Demonstration
on Mustard Growers. Guj J ExtnEdu XXV:91-92.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 37-40
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 41-43
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00057.4
Impact of Training Programme in Knowledge

Enhancement of Farm Women Regarding
Preparation of Cleaning Agents
Rajdeep Kaur* and GS Aulakh**
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ferozepur - 152001 ( Punjab)
ABSTRACT
Present training is the initial step for developing entrepreneurial skills in agriculture. It has
widened the horizon for economic empowerment of women. This study was conducted to
assess the knowledge level of farm women who had acquired trainings from Krishi Vigyan
Kendra, Ferozepur on preparation of cleaning agents. The data were collected from one hundred
and ten respondents and evaluated before and after the training through pre structured schedule.
During pre evaluation, it was observed that the respondents had poor knowledge regarding
mixing of raw ingredients, shelf life and multipurpose use of these cleaning agents. After
acquiring the training a majority of the respondents (97.3%) gained knowledge about the kind
of utensil used for mixing raw ingredients which is a very important aspect to be considered
while preparing the cleaning agents particularly soap. Around 80 per cent of the respondents
learnt the benefits of preparing cleaning agents and cost effectiveness while preparing at the
household level.
Key Words: Cleaning Agents, Gain in Knowledge, Trainings, Farm Women.
INTRODUCTION
Women empowerment is basically the
creation of an environment where women can
make independent decisions on their personal
development as well as shine as equals in society.
This can only happen if there is a channelized
route for the empowerment of women.
While the country has grown from leaps and
bounds since its independence where education
is concerned, the gap between women and men
is severe. While 82.14% of adult men are
educated, only 65.46% of adult women are known
to be literate in India. Not only is an illiterate
women at the mercy of her husband or father, she
also does not know that this is not the way of life
for women across the world. Krishi Vigyan
Kendra (KVK), Ferozepur has been working since
1990-91 for the welfare of farming community in
the district. The main objective of KVK is to
organize different types of training courses in
order to engage the rural youth in self
entrepreneurial activities in agriculture and allied
occupations. The short term and vocational

trainings imparts the participants various market
skills as well as the ability to be independent
earning members of their family. Entrepreneurship
training is given to the women to general selfemployment. Thus, a study was conducted to
assess the change in knowledge after imparting
trainings on preparation of cleaning agents to rural
women.
A total sample of one hundred and ten
respondents was selected purposively who had
taken trainings from KVK, Ferozepur on the
preparation of cleaning agents. The sample
consisted of rural farm women and girls. The study
was undertaken during two consecutive years
which included six trainings, three for each year.
The respondents were evaluated before and after
the training through pre structured schedule. The
gathered data were processed, tabulated, classified
and analyzed in terms of percentage.
*Assistant Professor (Home Science), KVK, Ferozepur

**Deputy Director (Training), KVK, Ferozepur
Corresponding Authors Email: msrajdeepct@pau.edu
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 41-43
41
Kaur and Aulakh

Socio personal profile of Respondents
The data (Table 1) showed that majority (30%)
of the respondents were in the age group of 2535 yr followed by 15-25 yr (26.4%), 35-45 yr
(23.6%) and 20% from the age group of 45-55
yr. More than half of the respondents (58.2%)
belonged to general category, while the rest
belonged to scheduled caste category. Most
(37.3%) of the respondents were metric pass
followed by those who had done their senior
secondary classes (25.5%), illiterates (20.0%)
while only 17.3 per cent were graduates. Out of
the total sample, 66.4 per cent respondents were
married while the rest were unmarried.
As regards the land holding of the
respondents, a large number i.e., 71.8 per cent
were landless followed by 17.3 per cent of the
respondents who were small farmers having land
holding size up to 1.5 ha while, 10.9 per cent were
medium farmers having 2-3 ha. land holdings.
Almost half (58.2%) of the respondents were living
in nuclear families while 41.8 per cent were
residing in the joint families. The size of the family
in case of 57.3 per cent of the respondents was
up to four members, while the rest had five to
eight family members. Taking into account their
family income, 67.3 per cent had income upto
one lakh whereas the remaining had income
between one to two lakh.
Table 1 Socio personal profile of the respondents.
Characteristics
Age (yr)
15-25
25-35
35-45
45-55
Caste
General
Scheduled Caste
Education
Illiterate
Up to metric
Up to +2
Graduate
Marital status
Married
Unmarried
Land holding
Landless
42
n=110
No. of respondents Percentage

29
33
26
22
26.4
30.0
23.6
20.0
64
46
58.2
41.8
22
41
28
19
20.0
37.3
25.5
17.3
73
37
66.4
33.6
79
71.8
Small (up to 1.5 ha.)

Medium (2-3 ha)
Type of family
Nuclear
Joint
Size of family (members)
Up to 4
5-8
Family income
Up to 1 lakh
1 lakh- 2 lakh
19
12
17.3
10.9
64
46
58.2
41.8
63
47
57.3
42.7
74
36
67.3
32.7
After receiving the socio personal profile of the trainees,

ranking of basic knowledge of the respondents regarding
cleaning agents was done.
Basic knowledge regarding cleaning agents

It was evident from the data presented in Table
2 that kind of container used for storing cleaning
agents ranked first in respect of their basic
knowledge followed by preparation of cleaning
agents at home, and benefits of preparing cleaning
agents at home and cost effectiveness. The last
rank was given to knowledge regarding
avoidance of mixing ingredients barehanded,
Precautions for longer shelf life and multipurpose
use of cleaning agents. So, there ought to be a
need to give more emphasis on these aspects.
Table 2. Ranking of basic knowledge regarding cleaning
agents.
Characteristics
Kind of container for storing cleaning agents
Preparation of cleaning agents at home
Benefits of preparing cleaning agents at home
Cost effectiveness
Kind of utensil used for mixing caustic soda
Stirrer to be used for mixing ingredients
Kind of utensil used for mixing raw ingredients
Avoidance of mixing ingredients barehanded
Precautions for longer shelf life
Multipurpose use of cleaning agents
Rank
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
VIII
VIII
Impact of trainings on change in knowledge

level
The data in the table 3 depicted that the range
of gain of knowledge varied between 40.0 to 98.2
per cent among different aspects. The study also
revealed that the respondents gained highest
knowledge i.e. 98.2 per cent about precautions
for longer shelf life of the prepared cleaning agent
and understanding regarding its multipurpose
usage. A majority of the respondents (97.3%)
gained knowledge about the kind of utensil used
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 41-43
Impact of Training Programme

Table 3. Impact of trainings on change in knowledge level.
Characteristics
Preparation of cleaning agents at home
Kind of utensil used for mixing caustic soda
Kind of utensil used for mixing raw ingredients
Stirrer to be used for mixing ingredients
Avoidance of mixing ingredients barehanded
Kind of container for storing cleaning agents
Benefits of preparing cleaning agents at home
Cost effectiveness
Precautions for longer shelf life
Multipurpose use of cleaning agents
n=110
Pre evaluation
frequency
31
14
3
11
66
23
17
-
for mixing raw ingredients which is a very

important aspect to be considered while preparing
the cleaning agents particularly soap. It was
followed by 87.3 per cent of the respondents who
learnt the kind of utensil used for mixing caustic
soda. Solid sodium hydroxide in water is a highly
exothermic reaction in which a large amount of
heat is liberated, posing a threat to safety through
the possibility of splashing. The resulting solution
is usually colourless and odorless with slippery
feeling upon contact in common with other alkalis.
Eighty per cent of the respondents learnt the
right kind of stirrer used for the mixing of
ingredients followed by gain in knowledge
regarding the benefits of preparing cleaning agents
at home (79.1%), cost effectiveness (78.2%) and
Post evaluation
frequency
110
110
110
99
108
110
110
103
108
108
Gain in knowledge
(%)
71.8
87.3
97.3
80.0
98.2
40.0
79.1
78.2
98.2
98.2
preparation of cleaning agents at home (71.8%).

CONCLUSION
From the sample of one hundred and ten
respondents, it was found that the range of gain
of knowledge varied between 40.0 to 98.2 per
cent among different practices. It was also
observed that the respondents had poor knowledge
regarding mixing raw ingredients bare handed,
precautions for shelf life of the prepared agent
and multipurpose use of these cleaning agents.
During the post evaluation it was found that they
acquired knowledge in these aspects. Hence it was
found that the training proved to be rewarding
for the dissemination of knowledge and technical
skills for rural farm womenand girls.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 41-43
43
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00058.6
Income and Consumption Pattern of Punjab

Cultivators
Arjinder Kaur, Sukhjeet K Saran and Amarpreet Kaur
Department of Economics and Sociology
Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana-141004 ( Punjab)
ABSTRACT
The threat to food security arises from purchasing power of the population groups. Mere
availability of food does not guarantee nutritional security to all. Punjab has witnessed tremendous
increase in production and productivity of cereal crops in the wake of adoption of new
technology. It was found maximum on mechanized farms and least in case of non-mechanized
farms. However, net returns were found to be positive in all the three categories under study,
though in case of bullock operated farms, maximum proportion of total income was accruing
to non-farm sources. Food has emerged as the main component of domestic expenditure in all
the three categories, though its proportion decreased at higher level of mechanization. Within
food segment, milk and milk products, wheat and sugar have shown a higher share in total
food expenditure. The value of food items furnished by the farm itself was found to be higher
on semi-mechanized farms and mechanized farms as compared to non-mechanized farms. In
case of wheat consumption, the main staple diet of Punjab, 91 per cent was self produced in all
the categories. The nutritional status of selected cultivators when compared with Recommended
Dietary Allowances (RDA) depicted a similar pattern across the categories with a bias towards
high energy food items like cereals, milk and fats, but was deficit in porteinous and protective
food materials like fish, meat, eggs etc.
Key Words: Income Level, Consumption Pattern, Nutritional Security.
INTRODUCTION
The basic parameters of food security till
seventies were considered as food availability
and food stability in a food grain deficit country
like India. In the wake of tremendous increase in
food grain production over the last four decades
and after attaining the so called self sufficiency
in food grains availability, the stress has now
shifted towards nutritional aspects like food
energy intake by various population groups. The
acceptable norms regarding intake of nutrients
though questionable, but is associated with
poverty i.e. income levels and consumption
expenditures. The threat to food security arises
from purchasing power of the population groups.
Mere availability of food is not enough and it does
not ensure a fair access or nutritional security to
everyone.
Economic poverty is an important factor
affecting food security at the household level
(Acharya, 2007). The monthly per capita

expenditure (MPCE) is considered to be a fair
indicator of human living standards, since it
aggregates the monetary value of all goods and
services actually consumed during a particular
reference period (Chand , 2007). Nasurudeen and
Kuruvilla (2006) analyzed the dynamics of per
capita expenditure on various food groups and
calorie intake in India and found that share of noncereal items increasing in both rural and urban
areas. Radhakrishna et al (1979) found that
expenditure elasticity for rice varied between 0.35
in Punjab and 1.32 for Karnataka and that for total
cereals varied from 0.39 for Punjab to 0.70 for
Assam. The problem of transitory food insecurity
is associated with issues related to either access
or availability of food, whereas chronic food
insecurity is associated with poverty and arises
due to continuously inadequate diet
(Radhakrishna, 2002).The country has achieved
Corresponding Authors Email: arjkaur@yahoo.com
44
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50
Income and Consumption Pattern of Punjab Cultivators

physical access to food at the macro level but
economic access at the micro level lagged behind
indicating a distorting trend in the food and
nutritional security front (Golait and Pradhan,
2006).
Punjab has been on the forefront of the
agricultural growth since the inception of Green
Revolution technologies. With stupendous
growth in production and productivity of cereal
crops i.e. wheat and paddy, the state has been the
major contributor of cereals in the central pool of
the country, thus rightly called Granary of India.
The farming community of the state has witnessed
74.8 percent increase in income over the period
2000-01 to 2009-10 at current prices. With
increasing income levels and production in the
state, it becomes imperative to study the
consumption behaviour of farming households in
the state i.e. their income and consumption status,
composition of their consumption expenditure etc.
The present study was undertaken to assess
the extent of income accruing from different
sources, examine the level of expenditure on
various household items of consumption,
determine the extent of surplus/deficit of family
budgets, find out the extent of consumption from
on the farm produce or purchased from outside
and find out the nutritional level of the cultivators,
belonging to three categories based on technology
adoption on the farm.

The study was based on the secondary data
obtained from the report of Economic and
Statistical Organization Punjab entitled Family
Budgets of Selected Cultivators in Punjab. The
study has covered the entire state of Punjab. The
state has been divided into three zones depending
upon the agro-climatic conditions, topography,
and irrigation availability etc i.e. Zone-I Submountainous zone, Zone-II central plain zone,
Zone-III South- western zone, The secondary data
has been taken from three categories of cultivators
which were bullock operated farms, semimechanized farms and mechanical or tractor
operated farms. For the purpose of the study, data
have been obtained from four selected bullock
operated, 76 semi-mechanized and 76 tractor
operated holdings. One bullock operated cultivator
from each district of the state and two cultivators
from each tehsil (one semi-mechanized and the
other tractor operated) subject to availability of
representative holding of the area. The data
pertained to year 2007-08. To find out the
variance between different categories ANOVA was
calculated as per the following table.
ANOVA Table
Source of
variation
Categories
Error
Total
Degree of
freedom
2
153
155
M.S.
F-ratio
x1
x2
x1/x 2
Table 1. Income of cultivators from different sources in 2007-08.

Particulars
Gross returns
Average per family
Percentage
Gross returns
Average per family
Percentage
Gross returns
Average per family
Percentage
(Rs. per annum)

Bullock Operated
Farm
Milk
Interest
Miscellaneous
Total
cultivation
production
on capital
2,88,071
3,361
87,707
4,44,568
8,23,710
72,018
840
21,927
1,11,142
2,05,927
35
11
54
100
Semi mechanized holdings
1,16,50,504
3,11,888
51,67,292
31,29,302
2,02,58,986
1,53,296
4,104
67,991
41,175
2,66,566
58
1
26
15
100
Mechanized holdings
2,04,48,678
3,75,942
80,44,914
33,60,448
3,22,29,982
2,69,062
4,946
1,05,854
44,216
4,24,079
64
1
25
10
100
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50
45
Kaur et al
Technology adoption is a double edged
sword. On one hand, it entails a cost to the farmer
producer, while on the other hand it leads to higher
production, productivity and in turn, to higher
returns. Income of the selected farm holdings in
three categories has been presented in table 1.
The net income in bullock operated farms was
Rs.8,23,710 in the year 2007-08 (Table 1). The
maximum proportion of net income in this
category was found to be contributed by
miscellaneous items like remittances received from
family members serving outside (67 % ),extra farm
income (16 %),sale of fuel produced on the farm
(5 %),sale of manure (2.5 %) as well as other
income sources like running shops etc. Income
from farm cultivation was the second major source
(35 %) of net income with average of Rs.72,018
annum/household. Imputed income from interest
on capital other than land has emerged at the third
position (11 %).Out of this interest income 57 per
cent is on imputed value of buildings for
residence, bullocks and milch cattle and 21 per
cent on amount invested on wells and tube wells,
respectively. The income arising from milk
production was merely Rs. 840 household/annum.
On the whole, average income from different
sources comes to be Rs.2,05,927 household/
annum in this category of holdings.
In second category of semi-mechanized farm
holdings the net income from various sources
comes to be Rs.2,02,58,98 per annum and the
average income per family was Rs.2,66,56 per
annum in 2007-08. The maximum proportion of
net income was contributed by farm cultivation
(58 %). The second major source of income was
the interest imputed on capital assets other than
land i.e. 26 per cent. Amongst this source,
proportion of imputed interest was on buildings
(76.8%), milch cattle (9.2%), value of wells and
tube wells (11.2%) and implements used on the
farm (2.7%). In this category also milk production
has not emerged as a major source of income i.e.
Rs 4,104 per household per annum.
In the third category of mechanized farm
holdings, farm cultivation was found to be
contributing maximum proportion of net income
i.e. 64 per cent of total in 2007-08. Interest on
capital assets was the second major source of
46
income with a share of 25 per cent. Interest on

imputed value of buildings was found maximum
on building i.e. 41 per cent, out of which 36.7 per
cent was of residential buildings. This being
mechanized holdings; interest on imputed value
of implements was also high with a share of 39
per cent and 12.2 percent on wells and tube wells
and 7.3 per cent on value of milch cattle,
respectively. Ten per cent of the total income was
coming from miscellaneous sources i.e. Rs.44,216
per household/annum. Out of this income, 68.8
per cent was contributed by non-farm income
sources, 11.8 per cent was the share of extra
income from farm other than cultivation, and 10.5
per cent being contributed by the sale of fuel items
and 7.6 per cent from the sale of manures. Income
from milk production was merely Rs.4,946/family/annum.
Expenditure Pattern of Cultivators
The domestic expenditure on different items
has been compared of different levels of
technically operated farm holdings on per family
basis.
In case of bullock operated category of
holdings, average expenditure per family per
annum was maximum on food ( 40.5 %),
medicine (13.7%) followed by housing (10.4%).
Expenditure on social ceremonies has emerged
as a major component of the total domestic
expenditure in this category with a proportion of
9.9 per cent. The average expenditure per family
was calculated at Rs.1,57,097. In this category
42 per cent of all food items and 74 per cent of
fuel requirements in the form of dung cakes and
wood were furnished by the farm and in rest of
the items heads 100 per cent of the consumption
was purchased from outer sources (Table 2).
In case of semi-mechanized farm holdings,
average family domestic expenditure was found
to be Rs.1,56,085/-per annum. The share of food
items was maximum i.e. 35.4 per cent and 56
percent of it was furnished by farm itself. Second
major item head of expenditure was on housing
i.e. 30.7 per cent. Education and clothing were
other important items of domestic expenditure with
a proportion of 5.7 per cent and 5.5 per cent,
respectively. Twenty two percent of the total
domestic expenditure in this category was
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50

Table 2. Domestic expenditure pattern of cultivators.
Sr. No. Items
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
Bullock operated
Av. expenditure Percentage
/family
Food
63,711
40.5
Fuel
7,008
4.5
Clothing
8,396
5.3
Housing
16,350
10.4
Lighting
2,333
1.5
Medicine
21,605
13.7
Traveling
3,642
2.3
Education
3,245
2.1
Religion
1,353
0.9
Social
15,500
9.9
Amusement &
8,468
5.4
luxuries
Misc.
5,486
3.5
Total
1,57,097
100.0
(Rs. per annum)

Semi-mechanized holdings
Mechanized holdings
Av. expenditur Percentage Av expenditure Percentage
e /family
/family
55,216
35.4
72,679
33.4
7,500
4.8
8,680
3.9
8,512
5.4
12,483
5.7
47,908
30.7
71,307
32.7
5,726
3.7
7,110
3.3
4,066
2.6
8,420
3.8
5,733
3.7
9,790
4.5
8,956
5.7
11,946
5.5
1,218
0.8
2,048
0.9
976
0.6
1,474
0.7
1,739
1.1
2,598
1.2
furnished by the farm holdings themselves and

the rest was purchased from outer sources.
The average domestic expenditure per family
has been calculated at Rs. 2,18,234/- in the year
2007-08 in case of mechanized farms. Again, the
food was the major item head of expenditure
(33.4%) closely followed by housing
expenditure(32.7%). Clothing and education were
other items of expenditure with a share of 5.7 and
5.5 per cent, respectively. Fifty four percent of
food items in mechanized farms were being
furnished by themselves.
Thus, the results were as per the
conclusions of Engles Law of family
consumption. As the income levels of the family
increases, the proportion of income spent on
subsistence declines, while the amount spent on
8,505
1,56,085
5.5
100.0
9,699
2,18,234
4.4
100.0
comforts and luxuries like clothing, education,

traveling etc. increases.
Area operated and net income of cultivators
A comparative analysis of the three selected
categories has been made in order to highlight their
financial position in terms of surplus or deficiency
of resources over expenditure (Table 3).
In bullock operated farms, average area held
per family was 1.9 ha. and an average amount
spent was Rs. 1,57,097/-annum as against an
annual income of Rs.2,05,927/- and thus had a
surplus of Rs.48,830/-.In semi-mechanized farms
average size of holdings has increased to 2.5 ha./
family. The annual income was found to be
Rs.2,66,566/-annum and an annual expenditure
of Rs.1,56,085/-,thus enjoyed a surplus of
Table 3. Area operated and net income of cultivators in three categories of technology adoption.
Particulars
Bullock operated
Area held
Gross income
Expenditure
Net returns
(ha)
(Rs.)
(Rs.)
(Rs.)
Gross returns
7.68
823710
308511
515199
Average per family
1.92
205927
77128
128799
Semi mechanized holdings
Gross returns
189.59
20258986
4972441
15286545
Average per family
2.49
266566
65427
201139
Mechanized holdings
Gross returns
405.56
32229982
16633402
15596580
Average per family
5.34
424079
218860
205219
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50
47
Kaur et al
Table 4.Recommended dietary allowances and consumption of major food items in selected farm holdings in
punjab (g/head/d).
Particulars
Average intake 2007-08
Recommended
Bullock
SemiMechanized
Dietary
operated
mechanized
Allowance
Cereals
Pulses
Milk and milk products
Oil and ghee
Sugar
Meat
Salt
402
39
690
38
101
02
10
416
33
810
26
97
02
8
424
40
894
37
101
02
8
350
50
150
20
30
30
6
Table 5. Analysis of variance of different parameters among the categories of farmers based on technology
adoption.
(Rs.)
Parameters
Bullock
SemiMechanized
F Ratio
operated
mechanized
Income from farm cultivation (1)
Income from milk production (2)
Total farm income (1+2)
Interest on capital (3)
Miscellaneous (4)
Non farm Income (3+4)
Area held
Farm Exp
Family Size
Food Exp
Non food Exp
Total Exp
%age Food Exp
%age non food Exp
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
72,018.5
65,368.39
840.25
1,680.5
72,858.75
65,705.12
21,926.75
9,421.22
11,1142
1,40,130.6
1,33,068.8
1,44,348.5
1.92
0.84857
77127.75
26497.13
6.75
2.363
63,711.5
11,810.99
9,33,855
52,135.08
15,097
48,822.61
44
16.19
56
16.19
1,53,296.1
91,660.73
4,103.82
7,126.58
1,56,300.2
91,723.87
67,990.68
39,401.03
41,175.03
78,059.67
1,09,165.7
91,358.32
2.49
1.22226
65,426.86
82,934.09
5.95
2.274
55,210.57
15,137.51
1,11,567.6
98,970.94
1,66,778.1
10,0183
36.67
9.78
63.33
9.78
2,69,061.58 19.187**
1,50,040.143
4,946.61
0.949 NS
5,914.57
2,74,008.18 19.564**
1,50,000.14
1,05,853.99 21.983**
41,662.39
44,216.42
1.316 NS
86,869.34
1,50,070.41
3.367*
1,00,463.23
5.34
46.455**
2.35706
2,18,866.55 122.374**
97,735.88
6.76
1.879 NS
2.943
72,573.75
10.480**
29,670.24
1,42,107.17
2.763 NS
69,201.17
2,14,680.92
5.650**
80,044.49
35.5
1.161 NS
12.43
64.5
1.161 NS
12.43
*-Significant at 5 percent level**- Significant at 5 percent level NS-Non-significant

48
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50

Rs.1,10,481/-.Mechanized farm holdings were
possessing 5.3 ha./family. These spent
Rs.2,18,234//-year vis--vis an annual income of
Rs.4,24,079/-family in 2007-08 and had a surplus
of Rs.2,05,845/-. Thus, all the sampled holdings
were found to be enjoying a surplus of annual
income over expenditure and there was no deficit
household in state.
Dietary allowances and consumption of major
food items
Various food items as commonly consumed
by the farmers for balanced nutrient intake
constitute main source of energy and nutrient in
the diet. These food items have been broadly
divided into seven groups namely, cereals, pulses,
milk and milk products, oil and ghee, sugar, meat
and salt. Normally these foods are used in
formulating nutritionally adequate diets for
various categories of people to meet their needs
as per Recommended Dietary Allowances
(RDA).An attempt has been made to compare the
average intake of principal food items and their
respective RDA to have an idea about the
nutritional security of the sampled farm holdings.
The data ( Table 4) depicted the consumption
of cereals on the surplus side in all the three
categories of farm holdings in comparison to RDA.
The reason was easy availability of these items in
Punjab and more than 90 per cent was from home
production, so these were cheap sources of energy
than other food items. Pulses were required to be
purchased from the market therefore the
consumption were found to be less than RDA.
However, milk and milk products were found to
be consumed at much higher level than RDA.
Again easy availability and a strong bias towards
these items in the state was the reason for more
consumption.
The consumption of fats in terms of oil and
vanaspati ghee was also on the higher side due to
dietary habits in the state. Consumption of sugar
and salt was also found to be higher as compared
to RDA as seen from per head per day intake of
these items in the sample. However, consumption
of non vegetarian food items was found to be
much lesser than RDA in all the three categories
of selected farm holdings. Analysis of intake of
various items clearly indicated that the food basket
was biased towards high energy items such as

cereals, sugar and milk, but was deficient in
proteinous, fleshy and protective food items like
pulses, fish, meat, eggs etc.
To compare mean values of two categories of
respondents ANOVA was carried out (Table 5). It
was found that F-ratio was significant at one
percent level of significance for income from farm
cultivation, total farm income, interest on capital,
area operated by cultivators, farm expenditure,
food expenditure and total expenditure parameters
among the categories. Non-farm income was
found to be significant at five percent level of
significance. As majority of the income and
expenditure patterns depicted significant F-ratio,
it indicated that significant variation exists
between various categories based on level of
technology adoption. Farm income, interest on
capital, area operated by cultivators, farm
expenditure, food expenditure and total
expenditure were significantly higher in highly
mechanized farms as compared to nonmechanized (bullock-operated) or semimechanized farms.
CONCLUSION
The impact of technology adoption has
become evident on income from farm cultivation
in the three categories under study. The proportion
of farm income was maximum under mechanized
and least in non-mechanized farms. However, net
returns were found to be positive in all the three
categories, though a major part of total income
was accruing from non-farm sources in bullock
operated farms. Food emerged as the main
component of expenditure in all the three
categories, though its proportion decreased with
the adoption of technology. Within food segment,
milk and milk products, wheat and sugar have
shown a higher proportion in total food
expenditure. The nutritional status in the three
categories has depicted a same pattern with a bias
towards high energy food items, but a deficit in
portentous and protective food materials in farm
households of Punjab
LITERATURE CITED
Chand Rattan (2007), Inequality in Consumption Expenditure in
Indian States 1973- 2005", National Seminar on NSS 61st
Round Survey, 29th & 30th Oct., 2007, New Delhi: 21-33
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Kaur et al
Devadarshini Chitropala, Mundiamni S M and Kastriba B (2009).
Nutritional Adequacy of Diets: A case study of UAS Ladies
Hostel, Proceedings, National Seminars on Food Security
and Sustainability in India, GAD Institute of Development
Studies, Amritsar: 351-353
Nasurudeen P, Kuruvilla A, Sendhil R and Chandra Sekar V(

2006). The Dynamics and inequality of nutrient consumption
in India. Indian J Agri Econ 61 (3): 362-373.
Govt. of Punjab (2008), Economic and Statistical Organisation,

Punjab Family Budgets of Selected Cultivators in Punjab
2007-08", Publication No. 923.
Radhakrishna R, Murthy G V S and Shah N C (1979). Models

for Consumer Behaviour for Indian Economy, Sardar Patel
Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedadbad.
Golait Ramesh and Pradhan N C (2006). Changing Food

Consumption Pattern in Rural India: Implication on Food and
Nutrition Security. Indian J Agri Econ 61 (3):374- 388.
Sinha Archana (2009). Agricultural and Food Security: Crisis and

Challenges Today, Social Action. A Quarterly Review of Social
Trends 59 (1):1-16.
Radhakrishna R (2002). India Development Report 2002, Kirit S

Parikh and R Radhakrishna Eds., Oxford University Press.
Received on 1/8/2014
50
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 44-50
Accepted on 22/3/2015
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00059.8
Information Needs Assessment and Prioritization of

Dairy Farmers
S Subash1, Jancy Gupta2 and G Prasad Babu3
Southern Regional Station of National Dairy Research Institute,
Bengaluru 560 029 ( Karnataka)
ABSTRACT
Among the different sectors of agriculture livestock based information was the most sought
information by the farmers in our country. It was reported that hardly five percent of the farm
households in India were able to access the information on animal husbandry as against forty
percent on crop farming. It was primarily due to the lack of efficient livestock extension system
in place. Hence before developing any advisory modules to the farmers, assessment of their
informational needs should be prior step. In the present study, a survey was carried out to elicit
the present level of knowledge and future information needs of dairy farmers. The study
revealed that majority of the farmers i.e. 76.7 per cent of them possessed medium level of
knowledge on dairy farming practices. Based on the weighted mean score of each subject
area, dairy farmers informational needs were prioritized as most wanted information regarding,
nutrition and feeding (2.22), breeding and reproduction (2.15), general management (2.12),
health care management (2.08) and fodder production (1.94) respectively. The present status
demand the effective livestock extension system in place especially deployment of information
communication technologies to address the most sought information needs of the dairy farmers.
Key Words: Information Needs, Dairy Farmers, Livestock Extension, ICT.
INTRODUCTION
Quick dissemination of technological
information from the research system to farmers
in the field and reporting of farmers feedback to
the research system is one of the critical inputs in
transfer
of
technology.
Information
communication technology (ICT) is one of the
means where its potential can be exploited to
strengthen the linkage amongst research and
extension system. Informational needs are those
needs that arise from the dairy farming activities
of a farmers on which they feel themselves
incompetent and needs the assistance from some
other sources before taking a decision for action.
Study of existing knowledge level and information
needs of the dairy farmers are very important in
understanding the farming situations at filed level
as most of the time farmers themselves may not
be aware that they are deficient in some
information. It is well said that any development
work to be successful in agriculture and rural
1. Scientist & Corresponding author, SRS of NDRI, Bangalore
Corresponding Authors Email: subashagri@gmail.com
development and especially in ICT based

applications it must begin with the real needs of
the local community of farmers. In this context,
the present study was carried out to analyze the
knowledge level and to elicit the information
needs of the dairy farmers with respect to the new
development of a website.
The present study for assessing the knowledge
level and information needs was conducted in
Karnal district of Haryana State. A total of sixty
dairy farmers were selected randomly from three
villages viz., Kulwehri, Subri and Budakheda of
Karnal district (twenty farmers from each village).
The exiting knowledge level of dairy farmers and
their information needs on dairy husbandry was
studied prior to the development of interactive
web module on dairy innovations. The existing
knowledge levels of the farmers were measured
by administering the knowledge test exclusively
2. P.S, NDRI, Karnal 3. Asst.Prof. ANGRAU, A.P.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
51
Information Needs Assessment and Prioritization of Dairy Farmers

developed for the present study. The data were
collected through a semi-structured interview
schedule and focused group discussions. The data
thus collected had been analyzed by frequencies
and percentage. The information needs of the
dairy farmers were prioritized based on weighted
mean score of each item of the dairy innovations
to calculate the overall preferences (rank) given
by the dairy farmers on various aspects of dairy
farming.
Knowledge level of the dairy farmers about
improved dairy farming
It was evident (Table 1) that majority of the
respondents (80.0%) had medium level of
knowledge on breeding and reproduction aspects
of dairy innovations. A considerable percentage
of respondents (15.0%) had low level of
knowledge followed by a very small proportion
i.e. 5.0 per cent of respondents having high level
of knowledge in breeding and reproduction
management. In case of general management
majority of the respondents i.e. 80.0 per cent were
in medium level of knowledge followed by low
level (11.7%) and high level knowledge category
i.e. 8.3 percent.
Regarding clean milk production practices
nearly eighty percent of the respondents (78.3%)
had medium level of knowledge followed by low
level (15.0%) and high level of knowledge i.e.
6.7 percent on clean milk production aspects of
dairy innovations.
About 73.3 percent of the dairy farmers had
medium level of knowledge, followed by low
level (18.3%) and high level (8.3%) of knowledge
on feeding, nutrition and fodder management
aspects of dairy innovations. In case of health care
management, majority of the respondents i.e. 71.7

percent had medium level of knowledge followed
by a considerable percentage (21.7%) of
respondents had low level and 6.6 percent had
high level of knowledge on health care. As for as
overall knowledge level of respondents regarding
dairy innovations was concerned, about three
fourth of respondents i.e. 76.7 percent had
medium level of knowledge followed by 16.7 and
6.6 percents in low and high categories,
respectively. The above findings were in
conformity with the findings of Maity (1999),
Meena (2002), Das (2003) and Sasmal et al (2006)
who found large percentage of the respondents
falling under medium level of knowledge on
improved dairy farming practices. It could be
concluded from the above results that, dairy
farmers possessed medium to low level of
knowledge on improved dairy farming practices.
Information needs on breeding and
reproduction
It was observed that 40.0 per cent of the
respondents mostly needed information on
suitable cross bred dairy animal to their region.
This is due to the fact that, lack of awareness
among farmers to choose the right breed to their
specific region. Exactly half of the respondents
(50.0%) expressed most needed information on
selection of milch animal. Awareness about the
breed characteristics to be kept in mind while
purchasing animals has not been created by the
dairy development agencies. Nearly majority of
the respondents (46.7%) expressed mostly needed
information on artificial insemination. It is due to
lack of timely and proper facilities of AI at the
farmers doorstep. The information on detection
of heat, pregnancy diagnosis and time of service
in dairy animals were mostly needed by 50.0 per
Table 1. Knowledge level of the dairy farmers about improved dairy farming.
Sr. No Parameter
11
22
33
34
35
6
Figures
52
Breeding and reproduction

General management
Clean milk production
Feeding, nutrition and fodder management
Health care
Overall knowledge
in parenthesis indicate percentage
Low
9(15.0)
7(11.7)
9(15.0)
11(18.3)
13(21.7)
10(16.6)
Knowledge level
Medium
48(80.0)
48(80.0)
47(78.3)
44(73.3)
43(71.7)
46(76.7)
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
High
3(5.0)
5(8.3)
4(6.7)
5(8.3)
4(6.6)
4(6.7)
Subash et al
cent, 51.7 per cent and 50.0 per cent farmers,
respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis at right time
and identification of heat symptoms helps to
reduce inter calving period and also reduce the
mortality rates in young ones. These findings were
in the line with the findings of Fulzele et al (1995),
Sah et al (2003). Information regarding high
yielding breeds of cattle, gestation period, breeding
heifer and castration of scrub bulls were some
what needed by 43.3, 46.7, 38.3, 45.0 per cent of
the respondents, respectively.
Information needs on nutrition and feeding
The results clearly showed that the majority
of the respondents (60.0%) expressed mostly
needed information on feeding schedule followed
by, formulation of balanced ration (51.7%). It is
may be due to the reason that farmers would like
to know more about efficient feeding and
preparation of feeds at their disposal. Most of the
respondents expressed they mostly need
information on; by pass nutrient technology
(53.3%), complete feed block (48.3%), complete
feed (41.7%), Information regarding calf starter
(48.3%) and Information regarding mineral
mixture (46.7%). About 36.7 percent of the
respondents expressed their needs as some what
needed regarding Colostrum feeding to new born
calf. It could be due to the reason that there is
shortage of good quality and balanced nutrient
enriched feed; therefore to improve the production
of milk they require information on all the areas
of nutrition and feeding.
Information needs on fodder production
management
It was observed that majority of the
respondents (53.3%) expressed most needed
information on round the year fodder production
plan followed by 38.3 per cent of the respondents
mostly needed information on conservation of
green fodder like silage and hay making, while
45.0 per cent of the respondents some what
needed information on fodder crops cultivation
practices. It is because of the reason that, unlike
food crops, farmers were not well informed and
advised on fodder cultivation practices by the
field extension functionaries. This lack of
information on fodder production leads green
fodder scarcity in many areas and thus results in
lower milk production. It was interesting to note

that, information like chaffing of fodder and urea
treated straw were least needed by 36.7 per cent
and 35.0 per cent respondents, respectively. It is
because of these were either traditional practices
which was well known to dairy farmers or
innovations which were not favored by the
farmers.
Information needs on general management
It was observed that among general
management, majority of the respondents opined
information on clean milk production practices
(65.0%) as most needed, followed by housing and
sanitation (51.7%), care and management of new
born calf (50.0%), care and management of milch
animals (48.3%), record keeping (41.7%) and care
and management of pregnant animals (38.3%).
These results were in line with the findings of
Verma et al (2007) who also reported that rural
women lacked knowledge in care of pregnant
animals. Information on manure and compost
management was some what needed by 45.0
percent followed by, 41.7 percent, respectively
and 38.3 percent of the respondents also some
what needed information on milking methods and
drying of animals. It was evident from the above
results that majority of the dairy farmers expressed
high preferences regarding the overall
management practices including clean milk
production practices.
Prioritization of information needs of dairy
farmers
The information needs of the dairy farmers
were assessed and prioritized based on weighted
mean score of each item of the dairy innovations
which was in Table 2 to calculate the overall
preferences (rank) given by the dairy farmers on
various aspects of dairy farming. The respondents
expressed that they wanted more information
regarding, nutrition and feeding (2.22), breeding
and reproduction (2.15), general management
(2.12), health care management (2.08) and fodder
production (1.94) and were ranked 1,2,3,4 and 5
respectively.
The prioritization of information needs of the
dairy farmers clearly indicate the preference of
their requirements. The dairy developmental
organizations need to focus on the core subject
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
53
Information Needs Assessment and Prioritization of Dairy Farmers

Table 2. Prioritization of information needs of dairy farmers.
S.No. Particular (s)

Weighted Mean score
A
Nutrition and Feeding (2.22)
I
1
Feeding schedule for milch animals
2.46
2
Information on mineral mixtures
2.36
3
Formulation of ration
2.30
4
Information on calf starter
2.26
5
Complete feed block
2.23
67
Complete feed for dairy animals By pass nutrient technology
2.162.13
8
Colostrum feeding to new born calf
1.93
B
Breeding & Reproduction (2.15)
II
1
Detection of heat
2.46
2
Time of Service
2.40
3
Pregnancy diagnosis
2.26
4
Artificial Insemination
2.23
5
Selection of milch animal
2.16
6
High yielding breeds of
2.13
7
Gestation period
2.10
8
Breeding heifer
2.06
9
Suitable cross breed to their region
1.96
10
Castration of scrub bulls
1.76
C
General Management (2.12)
III
1
Clean milk production
2.43
2
Care & management of milch animals
2.30
3
Housing & sanitation management
2.26
4
Care & management of new born calf
2.20
5
Record keeping
2.13
6
Milking methods
2.06
D
Health care management (2.08)
IV
1
Vaccination schedule
2.70
2
Knowledge about diseases
2.16
3
Control of external parasite
2.20
4
Deworming practices
2.16
5
Disinfection of shed
2.03
6
Disposal of dead animals
1.83
7
Isolation of sick animals
1.43
E
Fodder Production (1.94)
V
1
Round the year fodder production
2.20
2
Fodder crops and its cultivation
2.16
3
Conservation of fodder
1.93
4
Chaffing fodder
1.76
5
Making of urea treat straw
1.73
Figures in parenthesis indicate Pooled weighted mean score average
areas to create awareness and improve the

knowledge level of the farmers on sustainable
basis through various technology transfer
approaches including development of ICT based
modules on these subject areas for much better
and fast way of disseminating technologies.
CONCLUSION
Dairy husbandry information is a very
54
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
67
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
important component of the information which is

needed by the farmers at the village level in
securing their nutritional as well as livelihood
security. The benefit of ICT based extension
system is to share information or knowledge, to
access information swiftly, and to promote the
better farming. The past efforts for information
dissemination are mainly supply driven rather than
demand driven. Hence the present study highlights
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
Subash et al
the importance of carrying out such information
need assessment and prioritization studies
especially well before developing any ICT based
module for the benefit of farmers. The study also
proves that the involvement of farmers at the
development stage of ICT module preparation
would be extremely useful for its development as
well as its implementation amongst the intended
end users.
Meena H R (2002). Decision making pattern and adoption of

improved dairy farming practices among tribals in Rajasthan,
PhD thesis, NDRI Deemed University.
REFERENCES
Sasmal S, Pathra H K and Sarkar J D (2006). Knowledge and

adoption gap among the fish farmers requirement on composite
fish culture technology. Plant Archives. 6:133-138.
Das (2003). A multivariate analysis of dairy farming practices

among rehabilitated and nomadic Van Gurjjar in Hardwar,
Uttranchal, PhD thesis, NDRI Deemed University.
Khurana G S et al (2004). An information needs of young farmers
of Punjab. Indian J. Extn. Edn, 40: 23-27.
Maity M (1999). Study of adoption of clean milk production and
health care practices among dairy farm women in South 24Parganas District of West Bengal, MSc thesis, NDRI Deemed
University.
Phand S S (2008). Development of need based animal health

information system (AHIS) for dairy owners of Maharashtra,
PhD thesis, IVRI Deemed University.
Sah U, Kumar S and Fulzele R M (2003). Information needs with
regard to improved dairy breeding practices (IDBP) in hilly
areas of Uttranchal state; a gender perspective. Indian J. Dairy
Sci., 66:387-393.
Verma H K, Sahota R S and Singh P (2007). Dairy development

scenario and experiences in dissemination of dairy innovations.
In: Proceedings of the National Seminar on ResearchExtension-Industry-Farmer Interface for dairy development,
6-7 February 2007, NDRI, Karnal, Haryana pp 42-43.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 51-55
55
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 56-59
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00060.4
Item Analysis Methodology to Measure Knowledge

of Farmers on Eco-Friendly Farm Technology in
Rice Cultivation
Naveenkumar G1 and R Sendilkumar2
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University,
Thrissur - 680001 (Kerala)
ABSTRACT
The increased pressure to maintain high level of rice output for consumption has resulted in
increased use of pesticides on rice fields which leads destruction of rice ecosystem. It has
become imperative to develop an effective and holistic system of tackling pests to make it more
environmental friendly, economically viable and socially acceptable to farmers which can be
achieved through eco-friendly technologies, so it is very important to assess the knowledge
level of stakeholders in eco-friendly rice farming in order to identify gap in adoption. Hence a
study was designed to develop a standardized test using test construction methodology adopting
item analysis procedure, pilot tested with 26 farmer members from non-sample area. The final
test consisted of 21 questions having difficulty index value in the range of 20 to 80 and
discrimination index value above 0.10 was retained and used to measure the knowledge of
stakeholders in eco-friendly rice farming.
Key Words: Eco-friendly Farm Technology, Farmers Field School, Knowledge Test.
INTRODUCTION
Rice is the staple food for more than 65 per
cent of the people in India and cultivated under
diverse climatic conditions. It has been assumed
that current level of production (104 MT) has to
be raised to 110 MT by 2016-17 to meet the needs
of increasing population. The high yielding
varieties (HVYs) and fertilizer centred
technologies at subsidized rates offered by the
government led to increase in fertilizer
consumption which posed a serious threat to the
environment and resulted in affecting the
ecosystem. The effect of prolonged and over usage
of chemicals in crops production has resulted in
human health hazards and pollution of
environment and ground water.
At present, the issue is, whether to continue
with the chemical inputs-based intensive
technologies or to re visit to the traditional
environment friendly farming practices like
organic farming for sustainable production,
income and socio-economic development of the

farming community( Srinivas et al, 2014). Hence,
it has become imperative to develop an effective
and holistic system of tackling pests and diseases
to make it more environmental friendly,
economically viable and socially acceptable to
farmers, which can be achieved through ecofriendly technologies.
Farmers field schools (FFS) are the major
ways to promote this type of farming, as it involves
more of skill based techniques which can be
learned only through active participation in FFS.
FFS is a non-formal learner centred educational
process and promising extension method for
popularising eco-friendly farm practices. Hence,
it was felt important to assess the knowledge level
of stakeholders in eco-friendly rice farming in
order to identify gap in adoption. Therefore, a
study was designed to develop a standardized test
to measure the knowledge of stakeholders in ecofriendly rice farming.
Corresponding Authors Email: kausendil@yahoo.co.uk

1. PG Student (Agrl.Extension), Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
2. Associate Professor (Agrl. Extension), Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
56
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 56-59
Naveenkumar and Sendilkumar

A list of the farmer respondents participated
in eco-friendly farm technology in rice promoted
through FFS was obtained from the Programme
Coordinator of KVK Palakkad. Five FFS and 20
farmers from each FFS, thus total sample size of
100 farmers was selected for the study. Knowledge
level of respondents on eco-friendly farm
technologies in rice was measured through the
teacher made test as suggested by Anastasi (1961)
and prepared based on the content on eco-friendly
farm technologies in rice disseminated through
FFS.
Accordingly 35 knowledge items representing
the eco-friendly farm technology in rice were
screened out and translated into local language.
The selected knowledge items were tested in nonsample area with another FFS consisting of 26
farmer members for testing its reliability and
validity. After testing the reliability and content
validity, the test items were administered to 26
respondents to know the difficulty index following
the items analysis procedure in order to ensure
the construct validity. Thus the obtained construct
was ready for measuring the knowledge of farmers
on eco-friendly farm technology in rice
cultivation.
Scoring pattern
The respondents were asked to indicate their
responses to the items in relevant knowledge tests
and the correct answers were assigned score 1
and incorrect answers 0. The total knowledge
score for each respondent was calculated by
summing up the scores given for each item.
Difficulty Index (P)
The difficulty index indicates the extent to
which an item is difficult. An item should not be
so easy, that all persons can pass it, nor should be
so difficult that none can pass it. The item
difficulty index was worked out in this study as
P; that is, the percentage of respondents answering
an item correctly. The difficulty index was
calculated by the following formula used by
Smitha and Anilkumar (2011).
Where, P = Difficulty index, NC = Number of

respondents who answered correctly and N is total
number of respondents.
The range is from 0 to 100 per cent, the higher
the value, the easier the item. P values above 0.90
are very easy items and might be a concept not
worth testing. P-values below 0.20 indicate
difficult items and should be reviewed for possible
confusing language or the contents needs reconstruction. Optimum difficulty level is 0.50 for
maximum discrimination between high and low
achievers. For the present study the items with P
values ranging from 20 to 80 were considered for
the selection of items in the final knowledge test.
Item Discrimination
Item discrimination or the discriminating
power of a test item refers to the degree to which
success or failure on an item indicates possession
of the ability being measured (Singh, 2013). It
determines the extent to which the given item
discriminates among examinees in the function
or ability measured by the item. This value ranges
between 0.0 and 1.00. Higher the value, more
discrimination of the item is.
Where E- Discrimination Index, S1 and S3

are the frequencies of correct responses of the
items in upper and lower groups of respondents
respectively, N- Number of total respondents
The procedure involves the following steps:
1. Administration of the draft test on a nonsampled FFS population
2. Identification of upper 27 per cent and lower
27 per cent farmers having highest and lowest
scores in rank order respectively on the total
test.
3. Calculation of each item, of the proportion of
the examinees attempting it correctly
4. The discrimination index ( DI) was calculated
by using above mentioned formula
5. The value of the discrimination index can
range from -1.00 to +1.00.
6. Items having negative discrimination were
rejected. Items having discrimination index
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 56-59
57
Item Analysis Methodology to Measure Knowledge of Farmers

Table I
Sr.
No.
1.
2.
3.
Item
Difficulty Discrimination
Index
Index
80.76*
0.11*
65.38*
0.69*
23.07*
0.34*
Bio control agent used for the control of paddy blast is ____( Trichoderma)
How do we apply Trichoderma ____?(Seed treatment )
What is the quantity of Trichoderma used for seed treatment is ______?
(10g/kg seed)
4.
The quantity of Trichoderma used as seedling root dip is____ g/l of
water (20g/l)
5.
Pseudomonas is used against for the control of ___? (Bacterial Leaf Blight)
6.
How can we apply Pseudomonas_________? (Seed treatment)
7.
The quantity of Pseudomonas used for seed treatment is _______g/kg seed
(10 g/kg )
8.
What is the quantity of Pseudomonas used as root dip of seedlings is
______ g/l of water (250g/750ml)
9.
The quantity of Pseudomonas used as foliar is_______? g/l of water (20g/l)
10. Foliar spray of Pseudomonas is applied at the age of_______? (30-45 DAT)
11. Beauveria is used for the control of ______? (Leaf roller )
12. The quantity of Beauveria used ________? (20g/l)
13. Trichogramma cards are used for the control of ______? (Stem borer)
14. How many Tricho cards or pieces are to be placed in an acre of rice
fields _____? (5cc/ha)
15. Pheromone traps are used effectively for the control of _______?
(Yellow stem borer)
16. How many Pheromone traps are to be placed in an acre of rice fields_____ ?
( 8/acre)
17. Mention one organic manure used in rice fields ________ (FYM)
18. What is the quantity of organic manure that has to be applied in rice
fields___? (5 t/ha)
19. What do we apply to the soil when it is acidic_____? (Lime)
20. What is the quantity of lime that has to be applied to a hectare/acre/cent
___? (600 kg/ha)
21. Name one green-leaf manure used in rice cultivation _____? (Daincha)
22. Mention any one natural enemy of insects commonly seen in rice
fields____?(Spider)
23. What is the use of summer ploughing in rice fields ______? ( To kill insects)
24. Why do we plaster and trim the bunds in the rice fields _____?
( To kill grasshopper)
25. When should be the Trichogramma released in rice fields ____? (30DAT)
26. What should be the frequency of the release of Trichogramma ____?
(7 days interval)
27. Name a botanical pesticide effectively used in rice___? (Neem)
28. Name a natural enemy commonly seen ___?(Damson fly)
29. What is the insect-pest against which passing of rope is effective in the control
of _____? (Leaf folder)
30. How do we apply Bauveria ______? (Foliar spray)
31. Which of the following enhances the fertilizer use efficiency in rice___?
(PGPR)
32. Light traps are used for monitoring ___? (Stem borer and leaf folder )
33. The distance to be maintained for placing each Pheromone traps is_______?
(60mt)
34. Which is the major natural enemy of rodent population in rice fields___? (Snake)
35. Name a microbial formulation effective against many diseases in rice__? (Bacillus)
*Mark indicates the items that are retained for the final study
58
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 56-59
57.69*
0.11*
34.61*
15.38
19.23
0.23*
0.11
0
26.92
61.53
7.69
34.61
61.53*
69.23*
61.53*
-0.11
0.11
-0.11
0.46*
0.34*
0.34*
61.53*
0.46*
19.23
-0.11
96.15
53.84*
0.11
0.11*
92.30
38.46*
0.23
0.34*
96.15
76.92*
0.11
0.34*
80.76*
57.69*
0.34*
0.11*
11.53
34.61
-0.23
-0.11
80.76*
61.53*
57.69*
0.34*
0.11*
0.57*
76.92*
73.07*
0.23*
0.237*
46.15*
19.23
0.34*
0.23
96.15
30.76*
0.11
0.23*
Naveenkumar and Sendilkumar

above 0.10 were selected for final study
(Barman and Kumar, 2010).
By following the item analysis procedure,
item difficulty index and discrimination index
were computed and presented in table I
modification. The result obtained from the macro

level population would help to derive appropriate
strategy for technology innovation, refinement and
dissemination with respect to eco-friendly
technologies in rice farming.
REFERENCES
By calculating discrimination index and

difficulty index value from the table I it was
observed that the items that satisfied the values of
difficulty index in the range of 20 to 80 and the
discrimination index value above 0.10 were
selected for final study. Accordingly 21 items were
selected for the large scale application of the test.
Anastasi A. (1961). Psychological Testing.The Macmillan

Company. New York.
CONCLUSION
The test developed was scientifically tested
for its validity and hence, it can be very well used
to measure the knowledge level of farmers on ecofriendly farm technologies related to rice farming
in similar micro level conditions with necessary
Singh A K (2013). Tests, measurements and research methods in

behavioural sciences. 5th edn. Bharati Bhawan. New Delhi.
Barman U and Kumar B (2010). A test to measure knowledge of

extension personnel on farmers group dynamics. Indian Res
J Ext Edu 10 (3):119-123.
Smitha K P and Anilkumar A (2011). Developing a Test to Measure
the Knowledge of Stakeholders on Eco-friendly Rice Farming.
Madras Agril J 98 (7): 291-294.
Srinivas A, Sudha Rani V and Archana P (2014). Construction of

knowledge test to measure the knowledge of Agriculture
Officers on IPM, INM and IWM practices. Global J Res
Analysis 5(2): 98-102.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 56-59
59
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 60-62
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00061.6
Management of Repeat Breeding Under Field

Condition Using Ovsynch Protocol in Cross Bred
Cows
K A Prajapati, P K Sharma and M K Choudhry
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kheda-388 225 (Gujarat)
ABSTRACT
A study was carried out on 20 repeat breeding crossbred cows to evaluate the use of ovsynch
protocol (Hormonal Protocol) in improving the reproductive efficiency. All the repeat breeding
cows were treated with 0.02mg GnRH (Receptal 5 ml i/m) on the day of estrus, on 7th day of
estrus cows were given PGF2 (Lutalyse 5 ml I / m) and on 9th day of estrus, all repeat breeding
cows were given repeat dose of 0.02mg GnRH (Receptal 5 ml i/m). Artificial insemination was
carried out on 24 hrs after last GnRH injection. Conception rate in first, second, third service
and overall conception rate was 30.0, 20.5, 5.0 and 55.0 per cent, respectively. Hence, ovsynch
protocol is recommended for their judicious use in the field to solve the problem of repeat
breeding cross bred cows.
Key Words: - Repeat Breeding, Hormonal Therapy, Conception Rate.
INTRODUCTION
The breeding efficiency of dairy animals is
directly related to the prosperity of dairy industry.
Numerous studies have shown that repeat
breeding is still one of the most prevalent
reproductive disorders in dairy cattle. Several
hormonal therapies are being tried to combat the
problem of the repeat breeding in dairy animals.
Ovsynch protocols are being presently used for
management of repeat breeding in controlled
condition. Poor estrus detection and poor
conception rates have resulted in huge challenges
in managing reproduction in most lactating dairy
cow herds. In an effort to assist producers in
managing reproduction in a more effective
manner, synchronization protocols have been
developed with the use of PGF2. This includes
efforts to create timed artificial insemination
protocols to assist in estrus detection (Stevenson
et al, 1989). In the past, synchronization protocols
have been effective with PGF2 when animals
were bred to detected estrus (Archibald et al,
1992; Lucy et al, 1986). Using PGF2 allows
producers to increase detection of estrus and
artifiical insemination management. One important
limitation of these protocols has been the fact that
estrus has not completely been synchronized, with
animals coming into estrus over a period of several

days (Lauderdale et al, 1974).
Under the field conditions, very fewer trials
were conducted for the management of repeat
breeding. Hence, the study was planned to
evaluate the effect of ovsynch protocol for the
management of repeat breeding cross bred cows.
A total of 20 repeat breeding cross bred cows
from different villages of mater taluka that had
taken more than 3 infertile services with good
quality frozen-thawed semen were selected.
Deworming was carried out by using
Fenbendazole 3000mg (Panacur - MSD) in all
selected cows. All the selected animals were also
vaccinated against Hemorrhagic Septicemia and
Foot and Mouth disease. All selected repeat
breeding cows were treated with powder
Cephalexin (Lixen 4 g) intrauterine to check the
infection if present in any animals.
All selected animals when came in estrus were
treated with 0.02mg GnRH (Receptal 5 ml i/m).
On 7 th day of estrus cows were given PGF 2
(Lutalyse 5 ml i/m) to regret the corpus luteum
and on 9th day of estrus, repeat dose of 0.02mg
Corresponding Authors Email: kvkkheda@gmail.com
60
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 60-62
Prajapati et al
Table 1. Effect of using Ovsynch technique on conception rate in cross bred cows.
Type of Animals
Repeat breeding Cross bred cows
By using Ovsynch technique
No. of
Animals
20
20
First Service
30 % (n=6)
30.0
GnRH (Receptal 5 ml i/m) were given for better

ovulation. Artificial insemination was carried out
on 24 hours after last GnRH injection. Pregnancy
was confirmed per rectum in non-return cases 60
days post artificial insemination. All selected cows
were followed for 3 cycles post treatment.
Conception rate
The conception rate at first cycle was 30.0 per
cent , whereas the same with second and third
cycle was 20.0 and 5.0 per cent, respectively with
an overall conception rate of 55.0 per cent . On
the other hand when Ovsynch technique was
used, the conception rate on first, second, third
service and overall conception was observed to
be 30.0, 42.9, 0.0 and 60.0 per cent, respectively
( Table 1).
Jobst et al (1999) reported 30.1 per cent
conception rate at first service in cows. Bhoraniya
et al (2012) and Naikoo (2012) reported 33.3 per
cent first service conception rate in Kankrej cows.
Similarly, the comparable overall conception rates
of 3 cycles following Ovsynch treatment have
been reported in cows by Geary et al (2001) 61.0
per cent, Sathiamoorthy et al (2008) as 56.3 per
cent, Vijayarajan et al (2009) as 60.0 per cent and
Sathiamoorty and Karthirchelvan (2010) and
Naikoo (2012) as 55.5 per cent.
In contrast to the present findings, the higher
overall conception rates were reported by many
scientists. Ansari et al (2008) and Muneer et al
(2009) reported 90.0 per cent conception, while
Kumar et al (2010) and Ammu et al (2012 a)
reported 83.3 per cent conception rate in anoestrus
crossbred and/or zebu cows. In contrast, the
relatively lower overall conception rates obtained
by others with Ovsynch protocol include Raut et
al (2008) 46.7 per cent, Sathiamoorthy et al
(2008) as 45.5 per cent, Mahour et al (2012) 40.0
per cent and Naikoo (2012) 33.3 per cent in
anoestrus cows and Barot et al (2011) as 49.5 per
Conception Rate (%)

Second Service Third Service
20 % (n=4)
5% (n=1)
42.9
0.0
Overall
55% (11/20)
60.0
cent in cows and 32.2 per cent in buffaloes.

The possible reasons for variation could be
the reproductive status or stage of oestrous cycle
at the beginning of the protocol, apart from
nutritional, managerial, lactation status, drug
source, age and such other factors. The present
results, however, suggest that the application of
Ovsynch protocol can serve as a good tool for
induction of estrus and ovulation as well as
enhancement of conception rate in repeat breeding
crossbred cows in field condition.
CONCLUSION
Reproductive efficiency is dependent upon
both service rate and conception rate. The
Ovsynch protocol described above has many
benefits as it greatly increases the service rate in a
herd of dairy cows. Instead of waiting for the cows
to come into heat, all of the cows subjected to the
protocol are inseminated. A very important
benefit is that all cows subjected to this protocol
do not have to undergo heat detection.
Traditionally, this is a very time-consuming
process that often results in missing cows that
are in heat. By synchronizing ovulation, heat
detection is eliminated. However, only one
clarification is that Ovsynch does not increase
conception rates but rather increases service rate.
REFERENCES
Ammu R, Dhami A J, Naikoo M, Parmar B C and Divekar B S
(2012a). Estrus induction and fertility response in postpartum
anoestrus Gir cows. Indian J Anim Reprod 33(1): 37-42.
Ansari S M A, Rao K S and Raju K G S (2008). Studies on
postpartum anoestrus with special emphasis on induction of
oestrus in crossbred cows. In Proc. XXIVth Annual Convention
of ISSAR and National Symposium, KVAFSU, Bangalore,
11-13 December, p.23.
Archibald L F, Tran T, Massey R, and Klapstein E (1992). Co
nception rates in dairy cows after timed-insemination and
simultaneous treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone
and/or prostaglandin F2o. Theriogenology 37:723.
Barot L R, Patel A S, Kachhiapatel A J and Panchal M T (2011).
Efficacy of Ovsynch protocol and FTAI on oestrus
synchronization and pregnancy rates in dairy cows and
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 60-62
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Management of Repeat Breeding Under Field Condition

buffaloes: A field study. In proc: National symposium and
XXVII Annual convention of ISSAR, Mizorum, 27-29 Sept., p.
8.
Bhoraniya H L, Dhami A J, Naikoo M, Parmar B C and Sarvaiya
N P (2012). Effect of oestrus synchronization protocols on
plasma progesterone profile and fertility in postpartum
anoestrus Kankrej cows. Tropical Anim Health Prod 44(6):
1191-1197. DOI 10.1007/s11250-011-0057-1.
Geary T M, Whittier J C, Hallford D M and Macneil M D (2001).
Calf removal improves concption to the Ovsynch and CoSynch protocols. J Anim Sci 79:1-4.
Jobst S M, Nebel R L, MeGilliard M L and Pelzer K D (1999).
Evaluation of reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows
using three systematic breeding protocols: 14-d PGF, timed
AI, and GnRH-PGF. J Dairy Sci 82 (Suppl. 1): 57.
Lauderdale J W, Seguin B E, Stellflug J N, Chenault J R, Thatcher
W W, Vincent C K, and Loyancano A F (1974). Fertility of
cattle following PGF2o injection. J Anim Sci 38:964-967.
Lucy M C, Stevenson J S, and Call E P (1986). Controlling first
service and calving interval by prostaglandin F2o
gonadotropin-releasing hormone and timed insemination. J
Dairy Sci 69:2186.
Mahour S S, Nema S P, Shukla S P, Shrivastava N and Mehta H
K (2011). Biochemical profile of postpartum anoestrus and
induced oestrus crossbred cows. Indian J Field Vets 6(3): 5355.
Muneer S, Sadasiva Rao, K and Solmaon Raju K G (2009).

Efficacy of GnRH-PGF2-GnRH, PMSG and PMSG + hCG
in postpartum anoestrus crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Reprod
30: 7-9.
Naikoo M (2012). Monitoring Postpartum Reproductive
Performance in Kankrej Cows through Clinical Diagnosis,
Blood Profile and Hormonal Therapy. Ph.D. Thesis, Anand
Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India.
Raut B M, Raghuwanshi D S, Chinchkar S R, Sahatpure S K,
Raut J D and Raghorte Y M (2008). Synchronization of
estrus by Ovsynch protocol. In XXIV Annual Convention of
ISSAR and National Symposium, Bangalore, India, p. 51.
Sathiamoorthy T , Parthasarathy R and Karthirchelvan M (2008).
Estrus response and fertility rate in PGF2, CIDR and Ovsynch
treated crossbred heifers. Proc. XXIV Annual Convention of
ISSAR and National Symposium, Bangalore, India, p. 58.
Sathiamoorty T and Kathirchelvan M (2010). Efficacy of PGF2,
CIDR and Ovsynch treatment on estrus response and fertility
rate in crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Reprod 31(2): 43-45.
Stevenson J S, Mee M 0, and Stewart R E (1989). Conception
rates and calving intervals after prostaglandin F2o or
prebreeding progesterone in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 72 : 208218.
Vijayarajan A, Chandrahasan C and Napolean E R (2009).
Synchronization of ovulation in repeat breeding crossbred
cows. Indian J Field Vets 5(1): 57-58.
62
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 60-62
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 63-66
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00062.8
Nutrition Intervention and Homestead Kitchen

Gardening-Improving Nutritional Security in Rural
Livelihoods
K Sudha Rani, T Supraja1 and P Lakshmi Reddy
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Reddipalli, Ananthapuramu - 515001 (Andhra Pradesh)
ABSTRACT
The magnitude of malnutrition and the ignorance about the relationship between food and
health among a majority of the population at all levels necessitates the need for nutrition
education. This approach in long term may promote self-reliance and self support in the
communities. Nutrition intervention programmes have been taken up and are being implemented
by the central, state governments and voluntary agencies with a view to improve the nutritional
status and health of the vulnerable sections of the population. Homestead gardening can play a
significant role in improving food security for rural households as well as middle class urban
households in developing country like India. The present study explained about a cost effective
technology for the optimal nutrient intake to achieve the nutritional security among resource
poor people. The occupation and family size were positively associated with food security. The
results revealed that there is a positive relation between family size and area of kitchen garden.
Key Words: Nutritional Intervention, Homestead Kitchen Gardening, Nutritional Security
INTRODUCTION
The five-year plans enunciated the outlined
multi-sectoral programme to multi-pronged
strategies for improve food security and to
improve nutritional status of the population. This
laid the goals to be achieved in a specified time
frame and provided the needed funds to implement
the interventions. As a result of all interventions,
famines and severe food insecurity are no longer
a threat but even today seasonal food insecurity
is seen in different pockets of the country.
fruits and medicinal plants for home consumption

or sale. The kitchen/home gardens have been
found to play an important role in improving food
security for the resource poor rural households in
developing countries (Asaduzzaman, 2011).
Vegetable production can be easily made
accessible particularly to the poor through kitchen
gardens and this call for nutrition intervention and
extensive nutrition education. Kitchen gardening
continues to be the best way of improving the diets
and nutritional status of population.
The set of interventions recommended

addresses mainly the Food and nutrient intake
needs of mothers and children because this is
where most of the quantitative evidence of
efficiency and effectiveness lies (Ruel, 2008).
Poor people more often pay a higher price for

food as they buy in expensive small quantities as
well as traveling far to get to where the food costs
relatively lower thereby losing that advantage on
transport (Smit, 2001). Kitchen gardening can
thus be argued to improve access to food to the
vulnerable groups. Kitchen gardens provide and
supplement subsistence requirements and
generate secondary direct or indirect income.
Direct income is by sale of surplus production
while the indirect income is by the savings
achieved by not buying the same products from
the market as well as better trade when produce is
Taking into account the vital role played by

women in the family and their proportion in the
population profile, it is impossible to think of
development without educating women as they
play crucial role at household nutrition. A kitchen
garden is an integrated system which comprises
the family house, a recreational area and a garden
producing a variety of foods including vegetables,
Corresponding Authors Email: sudhasreenivas2005@gmail.com
2
Assistant Professor, College Of Home Science, Hyderabad
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 63-66
63

exchanged with others from the neighbours.
Besides the provision of fruits and vegetables,
gardening provides an aesthetic and therapeutic
exercise that helps in relieving stress. The
perception of good health goes beyond what we
eat and encompasses the whole being. While the
poor engage in manual work in their employment
they do so as an obligation but in their gardens
they do it because they like it. Gardening promotes
relief from acute stress (Berg, 2011) which further
improves the wellbeing of the participants.
Keeping this in view, the present study was
designed and executed.
The habitation covered under Krishi Vigyan
Kendra, Reddipalli of Acharya N G Ranga
Agricultural University,Andhra Pradesh was
chosen for the study during 2012-13. The sample
area selected were the families having homestead
area with marginal and low income groups and
having 5-6 members in the family. A total of 30
women members were selected for the study and
distributed kitchen garden kit having vegetable
and green leaves seeds. The types of seed included
were vegetables, creeper type and green leaves
that can have maximum utilization in their
homestead areas. Nutrition intervention
programmes of KVK constitute activities that were
concerned to the families
The women beneficiaries were chosen as focus
group. The reason for choosing the housewives
as focus group was that, they are the caretakers
of their family. Nutritional educational intervention

programme was planned for these women
beneficiaries for a period of six months. In the
study area, the programme was conducted in 3
stages. In the first stage, the general information
about the family and the nutrition knowledge of
the woman was gathered using a questionnaire.
Nutritional status of the families was accessed
based on the information collected.
Based on the information gathered by the
women, nutrition programmes were planned and
executed in the second stage, so as to improve
the intake of vegetables and seasonal fruits. In
the third stage, utilization of the produce was
assessed with the help of diet survey and
weighment method. The impact of nutrition
education programme was assessed by testing the
final nutritional knowledge of the women, by
adopting a structured nutritional knowledge
questionnaire (Sridevi, 1989).
Demographic characters
The selected sample of the present study
was distributed according to their gender,
represented in table1.Out of total subjects 30.5
per cent were men, 34.7 percent women whereas
remaining 34.7 per cent were children (Boys
19 per cent, Girls 15.7 per cent).
Education status of women
The education status of the women in the
present study was analyzed in three categories.
Table1. Type and Quantity of seed distributed and utilized by women.
Sr. No. Type of seed
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
64
Cluster bean
Dolichos bean
Bitter guard
Ridge guard
Ladies finger
Radish
Chillies
Brinjal
Tomato
Amaranthus
Palak
Mesta
Quantity of
seed
distributed
(g/each)
150
150
50
50
50
35
16
16
10
50
100
100
Yield in kg (for the period of 3-4 months)

Household
Shared with
Sale of produce
consumption
neighbours
period
(kg.)
(kg.)
(kg.)
13
4
13
25
10
15
22
6
7
16
10
10
28
13
15
10
10
10
10
5
20
25
23
15
12
20 bunches
15 bunches
20 bunches
20 bunches
10 bunches
20 bunches
10 bunches
20 bunches
20 bunches
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 63-66
Sudha Rani et al
20 per cent of the women were illiterate, 37 per
cent were having elementary education.
Maximum of 43 per cent women having higher
school education. As the sample consisted of all
categories of women, a nonformal approach of
nutrition education and intervention may be more
suitable.
Occupation
Of the selected sample, all were engaged in
agriculture and allied occupation, which fell under
the category of moderate work.
Monthly Family Income
The selected participants were from low
income group. Variations were observed among
subjects in their monthly earnings, 33 per cent of
the respondents were earning monthly income
between Rs.4,001-5,000/-. Twenty five per cent
of families were earning monthly income between
Rs.5,001 to 7,000/- Majority of the families i.e.,
42 per cent of the families were earning below
Rs. 4,000/-. Another observation on family type
was that the joint families tend to be better off
socio-economically due to more number of
economic supporters compared to nuclear families.
Nutrition knowledge of the women
Nutrition education is the pre-requisition for
improving the nutritional status among all age
groups. The nutrition education component helps
to develop skills for proper utilization of available
food resources. Although nutrition education is a
slow process, it can bring long term benefits.
Nutrition education through intervention
programmes were given to women, programmes
consisted of regular contacts with the beneficiaries,
lectures,
group
discussions,
method
demonstrations etc., to encourage categories.
Pre and post test measures of Knowledge,
Attitude and Practice (KAP) on nutrition aspects
from women were collected. The results revealed
that the knowledge levels among the women

changed from 33.2 per cent to 69.3 per cent. The
attitude per cent among the women in pre
evaluation was 28.6 and post evaluation was 64.8,
the practice levels has changed from 30.2 to 62.9
percent. (Fig1)
After implementing the programme, out of 30
families, 18 families (60 %) have lowered their
maximum monthly expenditure on purchase of
vegetables (Rs.400-500/-), and 8 families (28 %)
have lowered to 50 per cent of their monthly
expenditure on purchase of vegetables (Rs.250350/-) and remaining 4 families (12 %) could not
get maximum benefits because of not following
the programme due to their occupational
workloads. Out of 30 women, 24 members have
expressed that the kitchen gardens have helped
the families to improve the consumption of fresh
vegetables in their diet and to improve social
relationships with their neighbourers by sharing
the surplus produce from their homestead gardens.
The availability of vegetables and fruits in a
kitchen garden would increase consumption and
hence mitigate malnutrition. The availability of
the food would spur consumption as observed by
a study of urban community gardeners in USA
(Alaimo, 2008). Beyond the obvious hunger
resulting from insufficient food, we have hidden
hunger of micronutrients deficiency that leads to
vulnerability to infectious diseases physical and
mental impairment that leads to low productivity
in addition to reduced life expectancy (Turner,
2012).
CONCLUSION
Nutrition is considered critical for women.
Nutrition is an input into development especially
economic development and its neglect would
adversely impact on health, cognitive
development. The observations indicate that, there
is need for comprehensive and integrated food
Table 2: Distribution of sample according to gender.
Table 3: Distribution of the sample according to their

education level.
Sr. No.
1.
2.
3.
S.
No.
1.
2.
Gender
Male
Female
Children
Total
Total Number
34
42
Boys
23
Girls
19
121
Percentage
30.5
34.7
19.0
15.7
3.
Educational level
Illiterates
Elementary school
education
High school education
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 63-66
No.of
subjects
6
11
Percentage
(%)
20
37
13
43
65

REFERENCES
Alaimo, K. P (2008). Food and Vegetable Intake among Urban
Community Gardeners. J Nutr Edu and Beh 40: 94-101
Fig:1 Summary of KAP result.
and nutrition policies. Especially by involving

women in implementing the programme and
equally any activity aimed at preventing
malnutrition depend substantially on womens
activity, indeed on their empowerment.
Simultaneously the kitchen gardens have helped
to improve the food and nutritional security of
women as well as their family members. Here,
the kitchen garden has acted as a trap to this natural
resource for the benefit of mankind. Hence,
homestead kitchen gardening along with nutrition
intervention will improve the nutritional security
in rural livelihoods, but the approach is normally
slow and results are achieved over a long period
of time.
Asaduzzaman N S (2011).Benefit-Cost Assessment of Different

Vegetable Gardening on improving Household Foood and
Nutritional Security in Rural Bangladesh. Pittsburgh,
Pensylvinia: Agricultural & Applied Economics Associations
2011 AAEA & NAREA.
Berg A (2011). Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and
Affective Restoration from Stress. Journal of Health
Psychology .
Bhutta Z.A., Black R.E., and Allen L.H.(2008). Maternal and
child under nutrition and survival, Lancet, 371(9608): 243.
Ruel M T (2008). Addressing the underlying determinants of
under nutrition. Examples of successful integration of nutrition
in poverty reduction and agriculture strategies. SCN News,
No.36, PP.21-29.
Sridevi V (1989). Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nutrition
among Adult Education Programme Instructors in Andhr
Pradesh. Ph.D. Thesis, Tirupathi: S.V. University.
Smit J N (2001). Urban Agriculture. Food Jobs and Sustainable
Cities .
Turner (2012). Solution to World Hunger. Potcom,USA: Food
for Life.
66
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 63-66
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00063.X
Package of Practices Followed by Farmers and its

Effect on Wheat Yield in District Kapurthala
Jatinder Manan, Manoj Sharma, Gurmeet Singh and Gobinder Singh
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala-144 620 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
A survey based study was carried out to observe the effect of different package of practices
followed by farmers for wheat cultivation in district Kapurthala. The study revealed that 96 per
cent farmers opted for HD 2967 variety of wheat and used seed cum fertilizer drill, zero till drill
and broadcasting method of sowing. More than 80 per cent farmers used recommended seed
rate of 100 kg/ha whereas plant protection measures such as application of tilt fungicide @500ml/
ha and seed treatment was followed by 27 and 15 per cent farmers, respectively. Similarly,
adoption of other practices such as application of fertilizers as per soil test report, urea application
at the time of sowing and recommended dose of di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer was 2.6,
19.0 and 38.4 per cent, respectively. Due to occurrence of untimely rainfall, a decline in wheat
yield up to 36 per cent was recorded as compared to the last year (2013-14).
Key Words : Diammonium Phosphate, Seed Rate, Sowing Method, Urea, Wheat
INTRODUCTION
Rice-Wheat cropping sequence is the most
prevalent crop rotation in Punjab. Wheat crop is
grown on an area of about 1.0 lac hectare in the
district Kapurthala with an average productivity
of about 47.5 q/ha during the last 2-3 years.
It is a known fact that the grain yield of wheat
crop depends upon a number of package of
practices followed like variety sown, seed
treatment, type of soil, seed rate, method of sowing
etc. Different farmers follow different growing
practices to raise a crop. The yield of a particular
crop also depends on the prevailing weather
conditions during the growing season. Hence, the
grain yield varies from farmer to farmer. The net
profit from crops is shrinking day by day owing
to the rising cost of required inputs; therefore, it
is imperative to study the grain yield as well as
cost of production incurred by the farmers in the
area Keeping in view this fact, KVKs team
conducted a survey of the grain markets at the
time of wheat harvesting to note down the exact
grain yield obtained and inputs used along with
the cultivation practices followed by the farmers
of Kapurthala district during the Rabi season of
the year 2014-15.

The survey was conducted during Rabi 201415 in the district Kapurthala. Four blocks in the
district Kapurthala namely Sultanpur, Kapurthala,
Dhilwan and Nadala were taken for study. The
grain market of different blocks was visited by
the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra to collect the
information. A total of 200 farmers cultivating wheat
on an area of 452 ha were interviewed (Table 1).
A questionnaire was designed to collect the
information. The information was collected from
the farmers, who visited the local grain markets
to sell wheat produce. The information was
collected after the produce had been weighed and
sold in the market in the month of April, 2015.
The farmers were also asked about the different
growing practices followed by them to raise the
wheat crop.
Table1. Block wise farmers and area covered in the district.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Total
No. of farmers
surveyed
30
60
50
60
200
Area covered
(ha)
73
98
130
151
452
Corresponding Authors Email: jatinderkm@rediffmail.com
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
67
Manan et al
Table 2. Diversity in wheat cultivation.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Overall
Wheat varieties prominent in the area ( per cent)

HD 2967
WH 1105
PBW 621
100.0
0.0
0.0
96.3
0.0
3.7
97.6
2.4
0.0
92.5
5.7
1.8
96.0
2.6
1.4
Average Yield (q/ha)

HD 2967
WH 1105
PBW 621
30.0
33.3
37.5
34.2
25.0
37.8
40.0
40.0
34.3
35.0
38.8
The data regarding variety sown, seed rate,

seed treatment, method of sowing, soil testing,
amount of fertilizer applied, pesticide sprayed,
selling rate and grain yield obtained were
collected. The data thus collected were analyzed
and compiled block wise to study the variation in
growing practices followed by the farmers. Rabi
2014-15 season was badly affected by untimely
rains particularly at the time of harvesting and
marketing. A comparison of the wheat yield of
2014-15 with that of 2013-14 was also done to
ascertain the damage caused due to the weather
conditions.
technology because this year farmers in the district

selected HD 2967 over PBW 621 and obtained
11.6 per cent less yield than the PBW 621 just by
enquiring from the fellow farmers without keeping
confidence in his own performance during
previous year. Therefore, extension agencies must
give more thrust in educating the farmers
regarding cultivation of field crops. The newly
released variety WH 1105 yielded 35.0 q/ha and
farmers were found to be satisfied with the
performance of the variety but it could not be
grown on large area as being new variety, the
farmers could not get its seed.
Method of sowing opted by farmers:

Mechanization has played a great role in
choosing the method of sowing. Sowing of wheat
with rotavator resulted in 37.9 q/ha yield of wheat
which was highest as compared to all other
methods of sowing. Sowing of wheat crop with
Zero till drill resulted in lowest grain yield (32.3
q/ha) compared to other methods. Kahloon et al
(2012) also reported that out of different methods
of wheat sowing namely zero tillage,
broadcasting, rotavator and seed cum fertilizer
drill, crop sown with the help of rotavator gave
maximum yield due to the fact that timely sowing
of wheat is a major problem in rice-wheat cropping
pattern and rotavator not only ensures timely
sowing, maximum yield but also saves fuel and
energy. Singh et al (2013) revealed that zero
Diversity in wheat cultivation:

The results indicated that the farmers preferred
to cultivate variety HD 2967 which was grown
on maximum area (96%) in the district followed
by WH 1105 (2.6%) and PBW 621 (1.4%) (Table
2).
Brar (2014) also reported 87 per cent area
under HD 2967 as due to good wheat and free
from main diseases than old variety PBW 343.
The variety PBW 621 performed best in the district
as was evident from the grain yield (38.8 q/ha).
Grain yield of HD 2967 and WH 1105 was 34.3
and 35.0 q/ha, respectively. From the results it
can be said that farmer to farmer led extension
plays a vital role in the adoption of a particular
Table 3. Effect of method of sowing on grain yield of wheat.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Overall
68
Method of planting used in area ( Per cent)

Seed
Broadcast- Rotavator Zero till
drill
ing
drill
48.8
30.2
9.3
11.7
24.9
30.4
5.5
39.2
17.1
20.6
0.0
62.3
62.6
16.4
11.4
9.6
39.1
22.9
6.5
31.5
Seed
drill
31.5
35.0
30.0
37.2
34.2

Broadcast- Rotavator
ing
35.0
36.3
32.5
35.8
41.7
40.5
39.4
36.0
37.9
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
Zero till
drill
20.0
33.0
34.1
36.9
32.3
Package of Practices Followed by Farmers

Table 4. Effect of Seed rate on grain yield of wheat.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Overall
Seed rate (kg/ha) used by farmers ( Per cent)

< 95
95-105
> 105
0.0
93.6
6.4
6.7
79.9
13.4
0.0
100.0
0.0
0.0
57.0
43.0
2.1
80.2
17.7
tillage and rotavator were efficient methods for

in-situ management of paddy straw and control
of weed population. It was revealed that 39.1 per
cent area was sown with the help of seed cum
fertilizer drill followed by zero till drill (31.5%)
and broadcasting (22.9%) (Table 3).
In the district, two blocks namely Nadala and
Dhilwan prefer to go for broadcasting method due
to the reason that soil type in these blocks is heavy
in texture and alkaline and thus farmers face
difficulty in preparation of fine seed bed and hence
go for broadcasting method. Similarly, owing to
type of soil in both these blocks, the average yield
obtained was also less as compared to other blocks
of the district namely Sultanpur (34.2 q/ha) and
Kapurthala (37.8 q/ha).
In Kapurthala block, maximum (62.6 %) area
was sown with the help of seed cum fertilizer drill
and minimum ( 17.1 %) in Sultanpur block
whereas zero till drill was found to be more
popular ( 62.3%) in Sultanpur block. This may
be due to the fact that being vegetable growing
area, there is requirement of paddy straw which
is collected manually and later on standing
stubbles are burnt out, thus running of zero till
drill becomes convenient.
Seed rate used by farmers:
It was found that 80 per cent farmers used
recommended seed rate i.e. 95-105 kg/ha. Very
less farmers (2.1%) were using less seed rate than
recommended. Higher seed rate (more than 105
kg/ha) was used by only 17.7 per cent farmers.
During the survey, it was noticed that higher seed
< 95
37.5
37.5

95-105
29.7
34.0
33.8
37.5
33.8
> 105
35.0
29.4
39.0
36.6
rate was used by only those farmers who opted

broadcasting method of sowing. As far as effect
of seed rate on wheat yield was concerned, no
significant effect on grain yield of wheat was
observed (Table 4). In Sultanpur block, farmers
usually go for recommended seed rate, whereas,
in Kapurthala block, 43 per cent farmers were
using higher seed rate than recommended. They
reported that due to sandy texture of the soil,
germination percentage is less and in order to
compensate that, more than 100 kg seed/ha was
used.
Plant protection measures followed:
The data revealed that only 22.9 per cent
farmers covering 28.3 per cent area opted for Tilt
(Propiconazole 20 EC) application @ 500 ml/ha
whereas, 79.2 per cent farmers covering 85.1 per
cent area followed proper seed treatment with the
use of Vitavax power ( Carboxin 37.5 % +Thiram
37.5% WS) @ 3.0 g/kg seed. Higher grain yield
was reported by farmers who followed both these
plant protection measures (Table 5).
The increase in yield with Tilt application and
seed treatment were 2.3 and 3.1 per cent,
respectively. The differences in yield obtained
were found to be non significant. Similar results
were recorded by Harris et al (2001) who obtained
13 per cent grain yield advantage in wheat yield
after seed treatment. Goel et al (2000) also
reported increase in grain yield of wheat by 1020 per cent with the spray of tilt fungicide used
for the control of karnal bunt. It was revealed that
farmers used 288 litre of water for spraying the
Table 5. Effect of plant protection measures on grain yield of wheat.
Recommendation
Tilt application @ 500g/ha
Seed treatment with Vitavax
power @ 3.0 g/kg seed
Application
Not applied
Applied
Followed
Not followed
Per cent Farmers

77.1
22.9
79.2
20.8
Per cent Area covered

71.7
28.3
85.1
14.9
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
Yield (q/ha)
33.8
34.6
34.4
33.3
69
Manan et al
Table 6. Effect of fertilizer application on wheat grain yield.
Recommendation
Fertilizer applied after soil testing
Basal application of urea
Quantity of DAP applied
Adoption
Not applied
Applied
Not applied
Applied
< 137.5 kg/ha
>137.5 kg/ha
fungicide (with a range of 150-500 l/ha) in place

of recommended 500 l of water per hectare. Use
of less quantity of water for Tilt fungicide
application than recommended might have
resulted in less efficacy of the fungicide and thus
resulted in small increase in grain yield compared
to those who did not use Tilt. Still a wide gap exists
in the basic knowledge of plant protection
measures recommended for the cultivation of
crops.
Fertilizers used:
In the cost of cultivation of a crop, the major
share is represented by the cost of fertilizers which
are becoming costlier day by day and hence,
farmers are advised to go for soil testing in order
to know the fertility status of the field. This will
help in application of chemical fertilizers
judiciously. Contrary to this, it was found that only
4.2 per cent farmers got the soil tested thus a large
technological gap exits (Table 6).
Table 7. Effect of weather on wheat yield (q/ha) in comparison
to last year.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Overall
Economics
Grain yield (q/ha)

2014-15
2013-14
30.0
33.6
33.8
38.2
34.4
53.7
50.8
58.6
53.2
53.8
Per cent
decrease in
2014-15
44.1
33.9
42.3
28.3
36.0
Table 8 : Economics of wheat per ha in the region.
Block
Nadala
Dhilwan
Sultanpur
Kapurthala
Distt. overall
70
Gross income (Rs.)

49,770.5
50,878.4
52,114.6
55,064.7
49,801.1
% Farmers
95.8
4.2
83.3
16.7
67.7
32.3
% Area covered
97.4
2.6
81.0
19.0
61.6
38.4
Yield (q/ha)
34.1
35.4
34.9
35.0
33.8
35.0
Further, it was revealed that those farmers who

got their soil tested before sowing of the crop got
higher grain yield (35.4 q/ha) than the other
farmers (34.1 q/ha). On the similar lines, data also
confirmed that only 16.7 per cent farmers applied
basal dose of urea, although, the total quantity of
urea applied remained same (100 kg). Basal
application of urea did not result in any significant
increase in grain yield of wheat crop. Regarding
di-ammoniuam phosphate (DAP) 32.3 per cent
farmers applied more than 137.5 kg/ha and the
yield increase was found to be only 3.3 per cent
as compared to farmers using less than 137.5 kg/
ha.
Effect of weather on wheat yield:
A significant decrease in wheat grain yield was
observed during the year 2014-15 compared to
the 2013-14 mainly due the untimely rains that
occurred during 2014-15. Due to El nino effect
during spring 2015, the wheat yield was decreased
to the tune of 36 per cent in Kapurthala district
(Table 7). As per Japan meteorological agency,
this year a strong El Nino could take a bigger toll
and for India it would be double whammy. Result
of El Nino was hail storm and rainfall of 21.5mm
during first fortnight of April. Reduction in grain
yield was observed in all the blocks in the present
year compared to the previous year. Maximum
decrease in yield (44.1%) was reported in Nadala
block and minimum in Kapurthala block (28.3%).
As per farmers reaction, it was found that
overall, gross income and net returns were Rs.
49,801/- and Rs.18,552 /- ha , respectively with
Cost of cultivation (Rs.)

31,237.0
31,271.9
31,554.9
31,656.4
31,248.6
Net Returns (Rs.)

18,533.5
19,606.6
20,559.7
23,408.3
18,552.5
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
B:C ratio
0.59
0.63
0.65
0.74
0.59
Package of Practices Followed by Farmers

B: C ratio of 0.59. In comparison of blocks,
maximum income was obtained by Kapurthala
farmers (Rs. 23,408/- ha) with B: C ratio of 0.74
and minimum in Nadala block of Rs. 18,533/-ha
with B:C ratio of 0.59 .
CONCLUSION
In Kapurthala district, farmers sown wheat
variety HD 2967 either with seed cum fertilizer
drill, zero till drill or broadcasting method. The
pattern showed non-availability of labour for
sowing purpose and increased farmers interest
for mechanization. The plant protection and
fertilizer based recommendations were having
their own advantage in terms of yield but farmer
only adopt on need basis as was evident in case
of seed treatment and DAP fertilizer application.
Rest of the package of practices need more time
to percolate among the farming community. As
compared to 2013-14, the wheat grain yield was
reduced by 36 per cent, which caused a great loss
to the farmers economically. The calculated values
showed that net return was decreased to Rs.
18,552/- ha with B:C ratio of 0.59. Hence, this

year 2014-15 was one of the bad years for wheat
production in Kapurthala district.
REFERENCES
Brar R S (2014). Wheat variety HD 2967 gains popularity among
farmers. Hindustan Times, Nov 10, 2014.
Goel L B , Singh D P, Sinha V C, Singh D V , Srivastava K D,
Agrawal R, Aujla S S, Sharma I , Bagga P S, Singh R V,
Singh A K and Singh S P (2000). Evaluation of tilt against
karnal bunt of wheat. Indian Phytopathology 53(3): 301-302.
Harris D, Raghuwanshi B S, Gangwar J S, Singh S C, Joshi K
D, Rashid A and Hollington P A (2001). Participatory
evaluation by farmers of on-farm seed priming in wheat in
India, Nepal and Pakistan. Experimental Agriculture 37(3):
403-415.
Kahloon M H, Iqbal M F, Farooq M, Ali L, Fiaz M and Ahmad
I (2012). A comparison of conservation technologies and
traditional techniques for sowing of wheat. J Anim & Plant
Sci 22(3): 827-830.
Singh A, Kang J S, Kaur M and Goel A (2013). Root parameters,
weeds economics and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum
L.) as affected by methods of planting in-situ paddy straw. Int
J Current Microbiology and Applied Sci 2(10): 396-405.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 67-71
71
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 72-75
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00064.1
Participation of Rural Women in Dairy Activities

Kulvir Kaur
Directorate of Extension Education
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141004 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
A survey based study was carried out to know the participation of rural women in various
activities at Hoshiarpur district of Punjab state. A simple random sampling technique was used
in the selection of dairy farm women using interview schedule by personal interview for sample
size of 150 rural women in Mahilpur and Bhunga block of Hoshiarpur district. The data revealed
that the participation of majority of women was high in activities such as cleaning of cattle
shed, watering, milking, feeding the animals and disposal of cow dung. The farm women
participation was least in dairy related record maintenance, getting loans or credits from the
banks, taking animals for grazing, fodder collection and harvesting the fodder crops. Thus
there is need to educate them about scientific management practices for increasing livestock
production.
Key Words: Women, Participation, Dairy Activities.
INTRODUCTION
The significant contribution of women in crop
production, horticulture and post harvest
technology and particularly in dairy husbandry is
well known. A cattle rearing is a diversification
from existing agricultural activities. Largely, rural
women are engaged in this activity. These rural
women, besides doing hard household chores, also
undertake the taxing job of cattle rearing
(Vallapureddy, 2013). Their role in dairy activities
ranges from grazing, collecting, cleaning animal
sheds to processing of milk and livestock products
that enables poor and landless families particularly
farm women to earn income using common
properties. The day to day activities performed
by women are crucial inputs for economic returns
that a household earns through live stock
production either directly through sale of livestock
and livestock products. Despite the fact that
women in India do most of the work in animal
husbandry yet their contribution has largely been
ignored and inadequately acknowledged. They
always remain invisible workers. In view of all
these points, it was considered relevant to quantify
the womens work in the field of dairy farming.
The study was conducted in two blocks i.e.
Mahilpur and Bhunga block of Hoshiarpur district.

Families owning three cattle heads were selected
for study. A sample of seventy five families was
selected randomly from each block. Thus the total
sample comprised of 150 families. One female
member shouldering the responsibilities in dairy
management from each family represented the
study sample. The data were collected personally
with the help of structured interview schedule.
Data collected were statistically analyzed with the
help of frequency and percentages.
It was observed (Table 1) that majority (66.0
%) of respondents were from lower middle age
group followed by young (18.6 % ) and upper
middle (15.3 % ) age group. This implies that
younger and upper middle age group women were
less involved in dairy activities. Results on
education showed that majority of respondents
were having education up to secondary (28.0 % )
followed by primary (26.0 %), higher secondary
(22.6 % ), illiterate (16.6 %) and college educated
(6.6 %). It means that highly educated women are
not adopting innovations in dairy farming.
It was also observed that mainly of
respondents belonged to joint family whereas 48.6
per cent respondents belonged to nuclear family.
*Corresponding Authors Email: kulvirkaur70@pau.edu
72
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 72-75

This means dairy enterprise mostly run in joint
families.
Results on marital status showed that majority
of respondents were married followed by
unmarried (9.3 % ), widow (7.3 %) and divorced
(4.0 %). While looking at the occupation result
showed that majority (60.6 %) respondents were
from agriculture as occupation followed by home
makers (24.0 %), labour (11.3 %) and service (4.0
%). It was evident (Table 1) that majority of the
respondents (51.3 %) had low income followed
by medium (38.6 %) and low (10.0%). The study
Table 1. Socio-personal profile of rural women.
S.
Characteristics
No.
1.
2.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Age
Young (18-30 years)
Lower middle (31-45 years)
Upper middle (46-60 years)
Education
Illiterate
Primary
Secondary
Higher secondary
College
Family type
Joint
Nuclear
Marital status
Married
Unmarried
Widow
Divorced
Occupation
Agriculture
Labour
Service
Home makers
Income
Low
Medium
High
Land
Landless
Marginal
Small
Large
Herd Size ( Number)
Small (2-3)
Medium (4-10)
Big (Above 11)
N=150
No.
Percentage
28
99
23
18.6
66.0
15.3
25
39
42
34
10
16.6
26.0
28.0
22.6
6.6
77
73
51.3
48.6
119
14
11
6
79.3
9.3
7.3
4.0
91
17
6
36
60.6
11.3
4.0
24.0
77
58
15
51.3
38.6
10.0
17
53
48
22
11.3
35.3
32.0
14.6
77
40
33
51.3
26.6
22.0
revealed that 35.3 per cent farm women families

had marginal land followed by small farmers (32.0
%). It was also observed that 14.6 per cent were
large farmers and 11.3 per cent were landless.
Regarding herd size, 51.3 per cent families had
small live stock holding whereas 26.0 and 26.6
per cent were in medium and big category
respectively.
Participation of women in different activities
The study emphasized mainly on five major
operations of dairy farming. The findings of the
study were depicted in table 2.
Feeding and watering: The study revealed
that most of the work regarding watering the
animals, storage of feed and fodder, feeding the
animals and mixing green fodder with roughage
were the sole responsibility of the farm women.
Similar results were reported by Chayal et al
(2009). Most of the respondents (84.6%) were
involved in soaking of concentrates, chaffing the
fodder (37.3%), harvesting & fodder & carrying
harvested fodder (38 %) and fodder collection
(34.6 %). While less involvement (6.6 %) was
found in taking animals for grazing.
Management: Another major dairy activity
where women participated actively was the
management of livestock. The study revealed that
95.3 per cent women were involved in disposal
of cow dung followed by milking activity 93.3
per cent. The work of cleaning of animal shed
and washing and grooming of animals were also
performed by women. However, participation of
women in maintaining milk records (58.0%) was
found lower than all other management activities.
Health care: The study revealed that 98.6 per
cent rural women were engaged in health care of
pregnant animals. The study also revealed that
care of sick animals was exclusively performed
by farm women. The findings were in conformity
with the findings of Rathod et al (2011). The
study reported that women were involved in care
of new born (65.3 %), deworming (55.3%) taking
animals for treatment (52.0%) and vaccination
(30.6%). Only 16.6 per cent women were
interested in maintaining health record.
Processing and marketing: Participation of
women in processing and marketing was not so
much appreciated. The women rarely participated
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 72-75
73
Kulvir Kaur
Table 2. Distribution of respondents on the basis of their participation in dairy farming. N=150
Sr. No. Activities

1.
Feeding and watering
Taking animals for grazing
Fodder collection
Chaffing fodder
Soaking of concentrates
Mixing green fodder with roughage
Feeding the animals
Harvesting the fodder crops
Storage of feed and fodder
Watering the animals
Carrying the harvested fodder
Maintaining feed record
2.
Management
Cleaning of animal shed
Washing and grooming of animals
Disposal of cow dung
Milking
Maintaining milk records
3.
Health care
Care of sick animals
Vaccination /Medication 0
Care of new born
Care of pregnant animals
Deworming
Taking animals for treatment
Maintaining health record
4.
Processing and marketing
Processing of milk into milk products
Sale of milk
5.
Miscellaneous
Making cowdung cakes
Getting loans/credit from banks/cooperatives
Maintenance of account and financial record
in milk processing and making different milk

products like ghee, butter, khoa etc. to earn more.
They emphasized to supply milk to milk collection
centres or neighbourer. They felt that preparation
of milk products is more taxing job. Other
perception was that these activities required more
time. Hence only 64.6 per cent women took up
processing on small scale only. They preferred to
produce milk products for only household
consumption. The study also revealed that 74.0
per cent women were involved in sale of milk
activity.
Miscellaneous: Majority of women were
ignorant about record maintenance and hence, it
was observed that only 12.0 per cent women
maintained financial records in diary or on a piece
74
Frequency
Percentage
10
52
56
127
135
137
57
140
146
57
18
6.6
34.6
37.3
84.6
90.0
91.3
38.0
93.3
97.3
38.0
12.0
133
107
143
140
87
88.6
71.3
95.3
93.3
58.0
126
46
98
148
83
78
25
84.0
30.6
65.3
98.6
55.3
52.0
16.6
97
111
64.6
74.0
122
40
18
81.3
26.6
12.0
of paper. Similar findings were observed by

Yadav et al (2005) with regard to maintenance
of record. Women perceived the activity of
getting loans/credit from banks/cooperatives were
solely responsibility of men and hence only 26.6
per cent women were actively involved in this
activity. Majority (81.3 %) of women were also
found to be involved in making cow dung cakes
activities due to the reason that cow dung cakes
are used as fuel to save expenditure .
CONCLUSION
Though women play a significant role in dairy
farming but their control over live stock and its
products is very minimal. The income incurred
from dairy animals neither remains in hands of
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 72-75

women nor the decision making regarding sale
and purchase of the various items required in a
dairy unit. Hence, there is an urgent need to
develop technologies which will help them to
minimize drudgery and physical exertion which
ultimately affects their physical and psychological
well-being.
REFERENCES
Chayal K, Daaka B L and Suwalka R L (2009). Analysis of role
performed byfarm women in dairy farming. Indian J Dairy
Sci 62(6):491-494.
Rathod P K, Nikam T R, Lande S, Vajreshwari S and Hatey A

(2011). Participation of rural women in dairy farming in
Karnatka. Indian Research J Ext Edu 11(2):45-50.
Vallapureddy M (2013). Performance of women cooperative dairy
- A study on Mulkanoor women cooperative dairy in Andhra
Pradesh. International J Contemporary Business Studies
4(3):49-62.
Yadav J P, Sharma K and Saini H (2005). Role performance of
farm women in animal husbandry practices. In: National
Extension Education Congress on Revitalization of Extension
System in New Economics Order, 27-29 April, Karnal, pp.
111-112 (Abst.)
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75
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 76-79
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00065.3
Promotion of Neglected Old Crops For Nutritional

Security
Chanderkanta Vats
Krishi Vigyan Kullu - 175101 ( Himachal Pradesh)
ABSTRACT
Many valuable and highly nutritious traditional and under-utilized crops are extremely important
for nutritional security. They are locally well adapted to marginal lands and constitute an
important part of the local diet, providing valuable nutritional essentials, often lacking in staple
food crops. Modern daily diet includes only selected food crops (rice, wheat ,maize , vegetables).
More refined carbohydrates and more of fats and oils, which lead to many nutritional disorders.
For the proper growth functioning of our body, different types of micro nutrients which are not
available in staple food crops required. Traditional diets and crops with their rich diversity are
under threat due to urbanization and changed food habits. Mountain food crops are rich in
essential micronutrients as compared to the staple food crops. In the present study, efforts were
made to supplement these important mountain crops (Amaranths, Buck-wheat and Finger millet)
in the daily food preparations. Study proved that these crops can successfully be supplemented
up to 40 percent in wheat based recipes without affecting the organoleptic parameters and
physical appearances. Supplementation with these food crops showed a remarkable enhancement
in the nutritional composition and quality. It was observed that supplemented products were
nutritionally superior. A variety of value added products, including local preparations, snacks,
sweets and weaning baby foods have been standardised. The study convinced that these
underutilized mountain crops have a great potential for nutritional food security. Food
supplementation with these crops would foster the value addition, nutritional quality in general
and will help in alleviating the nutritional deficiencies in particular.
INTRODUCTION
Traditional and valuable food crops such as
amaranths (Amaranths sp.), buckwheat
(Fagopyrum esculentum L.) and finger millet
(Eleusine coracana L.) are nutritionally recognized
for being a good source of micronutrient content,
especially calcium, iron and good quality dietary
fiber. The protein content is richer in sulphurcontaining and other essential amino acids
compared to all other major cereals (Shashi et al,
2007). For this reason, they are known as
nutritious millets, rather than coarse grains. By
virtue of their high dietary fiber and low glycemic
index these are receiving high attention. Their
consumption reduce the incidence of diseases like
cardio vascular, diabetes, obesity, blood pressure
and improve the overall health. These crops are
also eco-friendly, suitable for fragile areas and
venerable agro -ecosystem. Their easy
adaptability, low cost of cultivation and hardy

nature towards the adverse climate compared to
that of rice and wheat makes them more accessible
to the poor people and those living in
economically backward mountain areas. Thus,
these crops can play an important role in the food
and nutritional security to the masses.
Supplementation of these crops in staple food
showed positive results on health by lowering
blood glucose, lipids and cholesterol levels in
human ( Shrivastva and Grover, 1999).
Their presence in food basket has been
declining due to the changed food habits,
commercialization of other crops and neglect in
research and development. Little has been done
to identify the most effective commercialization,
processing, value addition, to promote their use
and maximize their economic and nutritional
value. The lack of modern technologies for their
Corresponding Authors Email: ckvats.klu@gmail.com
76
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 76-79

effective processing and utilization is a major
reason for their declining importance. The new
generation is even not aware of these traditional
food crops and their nutritional values. They
associate traditional foods with the poor and
backwardness (Bala Ravi, 2004) due to
increasing recognition of favorable nutrient
composition and utility as healthy food, these
underutilized crops are gaining a new role as crops
for healthy food and for high income people
(Veena, 2003). To give the traditional crops and
foods a positive image, there is a need to provide
information on Nutritional data as well as potential
benefits of using them.
Therefore, it is important to revive these
neglected and underutilized crops and foods which
can offer the most practical means of solving the
nutritional problems and to alleviate hidden
hunger. In the present study attempts were made
to incorporate and blend these neglected
nutritionally valuable mountain crops in common
food items for promotion of traditional mountain
crops.
Grains of amaranths (Amaranths sp.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.), and finger
millet (Eleusine coracana L.) were obtained from
local market/ farmers and analyzed for basic
proximate nutritional composition .Value added
products by utilizing theses crops were prepared
using standard techniques. Different blends were
prepared to select the best ratio. Sensory
evaluation following 5-point hedonic scale was
used to select the best blending ratio. The blend
rated highest score selected for final preparation
and further analysis. Standard AOAC methods
were followed to determine the nutritional
analysis.

Nutritional characteristics
The nutritional characteristics of millets and
cereals are presented in table 1. The study revealed
that millets are overall nutritionally superior than
staple grains, particularly micronutrients (Ca, iron,
minerals, fiber) which are normally deficient in
Indian diet which are important for health. . Fiber,
iron and total minerals were found higher in buck
wheat that other two millets whereas calcium was
found higher in amaranths (430 mg) followed by
finger millet (340 mg). The protein content of
amaranth flour was highest (17.9g) followed by
buck wheat flour (15.3g). Finger millet flour
observed the lowest protein content among the
millets. Carbohydrate was the main constituent
representing over 50 per cent% in all the millets
and cereals (Table 1).
Supplementation of minor millets to wheat for
culinary products
Composite Flour
To utilize the millets as a main and basic
substitute for other grains and cereals
Supplementations of these millets to prepare
different culinary products were standardized by
testing organoleptic acceptance and overall
acceptance of the products. Study observed that
substitution to the maximum level of 40 per cent
of amaranths and buckwheat with wheat flour
produced good sensory acceptability with slight
variation in color particularly in finger millet.
Amaranths supplemented flour scored the highest
acceptance followed by finger millet and buck
wheat, respectively. Replacement (40%) of wheat
flour with millets also improved the protein, iron
and calcium content whereas, substitution more
than 40 per cent lead to decline in the acceptance
Table 1. Nutrient composition of mountain crops and other cereals. (Per 100 g edible portion)
Crop
Wheat
Rice
Maize
Amaranths
Buck wheat
Finger millet
Protein (g)
11.3
6.8
11.1
17.9
15.3
7.7
Fat(g)
1.6
3.6
1.9
4.2
1.5
CHO (g)
69.7
78.2
66.2
58.9
58.7
72.6
Nutritional value
Fibre (g)
Iron(mg.)
1.5
2.0
0.2
2.7
9.6
10.4
18.0
15.3
3.6
7.4
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 76-79
Ca (mg.)
38.1
10.0
9.3
430.1
64.0
340.0
Minerals (g)
1.5
0.7
1.5
3.1
4.1
2.7
77
Chanderkanta Vats
Table 2. Nutritional composition of Mountain crops supplemented to wheat (40:60) for different culinary products (Per 100
g edible Portion)
Supplementation
100% Wheat
40:60 (Amaraths:Wheat)
40:60(Buck-wheat:wheat)
40 :60(Fingermillet: Wheat
CHO(g)
69.70
65.37
65.18
70.74
Nutritional value
Protein (g) Fat(g) Dietary Fiber Iron(mg.) Ca (mg.) Minerals (g)
11.34
1.57
1.50
2.01
38.07
1.50
13.97
1.71
4.74
5.37
194.95
2.14
12.93
2.60
8.10
7.33
48.44
2.54
9.88
1.54
2.34
4.17
158.84
1.98
parameters. Hence, the blend of wheat and millets

in the ratio (60 : 40) was found to be the best
suitable for making different local dishes (Table
2). Traditional products were also prepared by
blending these millets in different proportions and
were evaluated for quality characters for
acceptability. Study revealed that products
prepared by blending up to 40 per cent of millet
have excellent taste, texture and acceptability. The
blending of wheat improved the nutritional quality
of all products significantly; it might be due to
higher nutrient content and quality of traditional
mountain crops.
Chemical composition of the supplemented
biscuits
Attempts have been made to incorporate millets
in bakery products (biscuits, Bread cookies and
cake) (Table 3). The results revealed that millets
can easily be incorporated up to30 per cent level
in wheat flour whereas, 20 per cent replacement
of millet was found suitable and acceptable for
making wheat based biscuits. Study reported that
20 per cent addition of small millets (amaranths,
buckwheat and finger millet) to wheat flour was
the highest level tested in biscuits. The addition
of millet to biscuits had a positive effect on
nutritional and sensory qualities of biscuits. The
colour ,flavor ,texture and taste of biscuits
78
prepared by substituting of different millets

showed non- significant difference with controlled
one (100% wheat). Product showed soft and
crunchy texture and acceptable overall
appearance. In general 30 per cent incorporation
of millet flour was found ideal for preparation of
biscuits with slight decrease in color and
appearance. Above this resulted in hardness of
texture and decreased appearance and
acceptability qualities (Table 4).
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that small millet grains are
nutritionally superior and are good source of
quality protein, minerals, photochemical and
vitamins. Though their consumption is very low
and limited but supplementing these grains with
staple cereals can provide hidden nutrients which
are essential to health for proper functioning. In
changing climate scenario and food habits these
traditional mountain crops have a positive aspect
in terms of qualitative and nutritional food security
for children, women and urban riches. Therefore,
domestication and inclusion of these vanishing
crops in daily food is important for nutritional
security. Specific blended foods and value added
acceptable products can help in promoting these
underutilized crops in the mainstream of food
chain. With appropriate processing and value
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 76-79

Table 3. Nutrient composition of Mountain crops Supplemented biscuits (80:20).
Supplementation
Nutritional value
Wheat(100%)
Wheat: Amarathus(80:20)
Wheat:Buck wheat(80:20)
Wheat:Finger millet(80:20)
Protein (g)
9.07
10.25
9.70
8.48
Fat(g)
9.27
9.27
9.57
12.56
CHO(g)
65.60
62.54
57.51
64.21
Iron (mg)
1.60
3.52
4.17
2.47
Minerals(g)
1.20
1.45
1.61
1.39
Mean value of score

Texture
4.30
4.10
4.30
4.00
4.17
0.25
NS
Taste
4.10
3.80
4.40
3.80
4.02
0.26
NS
Overall Acceptance
4.30
3.90
4.40
3.80
4.10
0.21
NS
Table 4. Acceptability score of biscuits supplemented with millet.
Ratio
Wheat(100%)
Wheat: Amarathus(80:20)
Wheat:Buck wheat(80:20)
Wheat: Finger millet (80:20)
Mean
SE+
CD
Color
4.20
4.30
4.40
3.90
4.20
0.25
NS
Flavor
4.00
3.80
4.40
3.70
3.97
0.23
NS
added strategies, these crops /grain can find a

place in the health food products as well as in
daily preparation.
REFERENCES
Bala Ravi S (2004). Neglected millets that save the poor from
starvation. LESA India(1): 34-36.
Shashi B K, Sharan S, Hittalamani S, Shanker A G and
Nagarathna T K(2007). Micronutrient composition,
antimicronutrient factors and bioaccessibility of iron in different
finger millet( Eleucine caracona) genotype. Karantka J Agric

Sci 20 (3): 583-585.
Shrivastva S and Grover S (1999). Special traditional
foodproducts with low glycemic index for diabetics. In :
Sovenir National Saminar on Traditional Health Foods- Status
and prespective, March 26-27 Pantnager 1999.
Veena B (2003). Nutritional ,functional and utilization studies on
bamyard millet. M.H.Sc. Thesis, University of Agricultural
Sciences, Dharwad.
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J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 80-83
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00066.5
Performance and Adoption of Direct Seeded Basmati

in Sri Muktsar Sahib District of Punjab
Balkaran Singh Sandhu and Nirmaljit Singh Dhaliwal
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri Muktsar Sahib-152 026 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is a promising resource conservation technology in rice-wheat cropping
system. A field study was conducted during kharif 2014 to work out the performance of DSR
in Sri Muktsar Sahib district of Punjab. The ground water in the district is not fit for irrigation in
most of the villages however the canal water in the district is in sufficient quantity. Due to this
reason, DSRwas introduced in the district to check its suitability and adaptability. The result of
these demonstrations showed that the grain yields under direct seeded basmati and transplanted
puddled method were approximately same. The average grain yield of all the demonstrations
under transplanted puddled and direct seeded basmati were 55.4 and 55.2 q/ha respectively.
Although the average income under transplanted method (Rs 1,55,050/-) was slightly higher as
compared to direct seeded method (Rs 1,54,616/-) but the benefit-cost ratio was more in direct
seeded basmati as compared to transplanted puddled method. By spending one rupee the
farmers get benefits of 5.64 rupees in puddled basmati crop whereas in direct sowing the
farmers get benefits of 6.17 rupees. This was due to less cost of cultivation under direct seeded
technique.
Key Words: Direct seeded basmati, Yield, Economics, Benefit-cost ratio.
INTRODUCTION
The major emphasis in the ricewheat
cropping system has been on alternative resource
conservation technologies (RCTs) for both rice
and wheat crops to reduce the cost of cultivation,
to sustain productivity, and to increase the profit
margin of farmers (Singh et al, 2006).
Transplanting of paddy seedlings is the major
method of crop establishment in the irrigated rice
systems in Asia and Punjab but transplanting is
labour intensive and land preparation for
transplanted paddy (puddling) consumes about
20-40 per cent of the total water required for
growing the crop (Walia et al, 2011). In Punjab,
rice is transplanted after puddling and it make
adverse effects on the soil environment for the
succeeding wheat and other upland crops. It
destroys soil structure and adversely affects soil
productivity (Walia et al, 2011). It also degrades
the soil and water resources thereby threatening
the sustainability of the system. The main concern
is deepening of water table, which is going down
every year at the rate of 74 cm per year. The
80
transplanted puddled rice (TPR), leads to higher

losses of water through puddling, surface
evaporation and percolation (Farooq et al, 2011).
There have been concerns related to shortage of
labour which raises the cost and delay the planting
of the rice crop.
The most promising option for the future is to
adopt direct sowing of rice in place of
transplanting, reducing its dependence on water
and labour, reducing the risk of cracking of soil
under limited water supply. Direct seeding of rice
(DSR) offers certain advantages such as low
labour costs, low soil degradation, early crop
maturity by 7 -10 d, less drudgery, high tolerance
to water deficit, saving of water, energy and fuel,
lower production costs and more profit and less
methane emissions (De Datta, 1986). It allows
more effective growth period to paddy crop within
the same duration. A physiological shock to crop
due to uprooting and harmonizing during reestablishment after the transplanting is clearly
avoided. With direct seeding, rice seed is sown
and sprouted directly into the field, eliminating
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 80-83

laborious process of planting seedlings and also
greatly reducing the crop water requirements. DSR
is a plough towards a new set of principles based
on minimal soil disturbance, management of crop
residues and innovative cropping systems is the
good option of farming under rice-wheat cropping
system (Singh et al, 2012; Singh et al, 2012).
Hence, in order to protect natural resources
especially water, there is need to replace puddled
transplanted rice with the DSR. Direct seeding of
rice is possible provided there is a good crop
establishment as well as adequate weed control
methods are available to keep the crop free from
weeds (Rao et al, 2007; Mishra and Singh, 2012)
, however in absence of proper weed control, rice
yields are reduced by 35-100 per cent in DSR
(Kumar et al, 2008).
Keeping the above facts in view, the present
study was undertaken for resource conservation
in basmati by introducing DSR at the farmers
fields of Sri Muktsar Sahib District in Punjab
during kharif 2014 season.
A field experiment was conducted during
Kharif 2014 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri
Muktsar Sahib on farmers field at Muktsar district
of Punjab (lie between 30 69' and 29 87' latitude
and 74 21' and 74 86' longitude, 184 m above
mean sea level) to work out the suitability of direct
seeded basmati in the district. The area is
characterized by sub-tropical and semi-arid type
of climate with hot and dry early summers from
April-June followed by hot and humid period
during July-September and cold winters during
December-January. The mean maximum and
minimum temperatures show considerable
fluctuations during different parts of the year.
Summer temperature exceeds 380C and may go
up as high as 450C with dry summer spells. Winter
experiences frequent frosty spells especially
during December and January and minimum
temperature records as low as 0.50C. The annual

rainfall of the area is 430.7 mm, most of which is
received during July to September (Anon, 2007).
Sri Muktsar Sahib district is major rice and
cotton growing pockets of Punjab, selected for
the present study since direct seeded rice is very
popular in this region. In Punjab during Kharif
2014, the direct seeded rice/basmati was cultivated
on 1,12,000 ha. Out of this 29,000 ha was only in
Sri Muktsar sahib district which consisted of 25.9
per cent of total area of Punjab. The ground water
in the district is not fit for irrigation in most of the
villages however the canal water in the district is
in sufficient quantity. Due to this DSR is
introduced in the district to check the suitability
and adaptability. From district, five suitable fields
were selected randomly. Soil sample from each
demonstration site was collected and analyzed for
pH, EC, OC (%), available P and K status (Table
1).
Out of these five demonstrations, the soil was
loamy sand to loam in texture. However, the soil
is medium in OC and available P and rich in
available K in the entire demonstration site. After
proper ploughing of field, basmati variety pusa
basmati 1121 seeds were directly sown in the field
using seed cum fertilizer drill. All P, K and N were
applied by soil test basis. Recommended chemical
weed control was applied during study period and
irrigations were applied according to the
requirement of the crop. Desired data were
collected through field observations. Collected
data were further analyzed by using appropriate
statistical tools.
Grain yield
Direct seeded rice (DSR) was demonstrated
in the selected farmers field along with
recommended IPM techniques in an area with
pusa basmati 1121variety. It has been observed
Table 1. Soil Characteristics of different demonstrations.
Villages
Bhullar
Buttar Sharinh
Kothe Dashmesh
Lalbai 1
Lalbai 2
pH (1:2)
8.6
8.7
9.1
8.5
8.7
EC (dS m-1 )
0.40
0.35
1.17
0.27
0.36
OC (%)
0.48
0.58
0.44
0.53
0.43
P (kg/ha)
24.6
23.2
20.5
24.3
22.3
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 80-83
K (kg/ha)
235.2
532.0
148.3
199.0
130.6
Soil Texture
Loam
Sandy loam
Loamy sand
Sandy loam
Sandy loam
81
Sandhu et al
Table 2. Grain yield, economics and benefit-cost ratio of different demonstrations.
Village Name
Transplanted puddled basmati

Cost
Yield Income
Benefit
(Rs/ha) (q/ha) (Rs/ha)
(Rs/ha)
Bhullar
23,100
57.0 1,59,600 1,36,500
Buttar Sharinh
26,400
55.0 1,54,000 1,27,600
Kothe Dashmesh 24,300
52.4 1,46,720 1,22,420
Lalbai 1
21,500
52.5 1,47,000 1,25,500
Lalbai 2
21,500
60.0 1,68,000 1,46,500
Average
23,360 55.37 1,55,050 1,31,690
that puddling doesnt have much influence on rice

yields. In transplanted puddled basmati the higher
grain yield was recorded with Lalbai 2 site (60 q/
ha) and lowest with Kothe Dasmesh site (52.4q/
ha). The average grain yield obtained under
transplanted puddled basmati in all the
demonstrations was 55.4 q/ha. The grain yield
under direct seeded in Kothe Dasmesh was low
due to medium textured soil as compared to heavy
texture soil at other demonstration. The average
grain yield under direct seeded basmati of all the
demonstrations was obtained as 55.2 q/ha. The
grain yield under direct seeded basmati and
transplanted puddled method were approximately
same. On considering individual demonstration,
it was found that one farmer obtained higher yield,
two obtained at par and two obtained lesser yield
under direct sowing as compared to traditional
transplanted method.
Economics and benefits-cost ratio
The income obtained was calculated by grain
yield obtained under both methods of planting and
multiplying it by Rs 2,800/- quintal grains. A
perusal of data revealed that there was an higher
average income obtained from transplanted
puddled method as compared to direct seeded due
to slightly higher grain yield obtained from TPR
where as the average cost of cultivation was much
higher in transplanted puddled method as
compared to direct seeded. Due to this, the benefit
obtained from the direct seeded was higher from
the transplanted method. However, the benefitcost ratio was more in direct seeded basmati as
compared to transplanted method. Singh et al
2012 also observed the similar results that direct
seeded rice gave the higher profit as compared to
transplant method. On an average by spending
one rupee the farmers get benefit of 5.64 rupees
82
B:C
Ratio
5.91:1
4.83:1
5.04:1
5.84:1
6.81:1
5.64:1
Cost
(Rs/ha)
19,600
24,300
23,850
19,750
20,300
21,560
Direct seeded Basmati

Yield Income Benefit
(q/ha) (Rs/ha)
(Rs/ha)
57.0 1,59,600 1,40,000
54.6 1,52,880 1,28,580
51.0 1,42,800 1,18,950
52.5 1,47,000 1,27,250
61.0 1,70,800 1,50,500
55.22 1,54,616 1,33,056
B:C
Ratio
7.14:1
5.29:1
4.99:1
6.44:1
7.41:1
6.17:1
in puddled transplanted basmati crop where as in

direct sowing demonstration the farmers get
benefit of 6.17 rupees ( Table 2) . This indicates
that DSR production can be a profitable venture.
Direct seeded rice facilitates timely
establishment of rice and succeeding crops as crop
matures 7-10 d earlier. It saves water, saves
energy, labour and fuel besides solving labour
scarcity problem and reduces drudgery of labours
significantly well in the district.
CONCLUSION
During kharif 2014, efforts have been made
for resource conservation in basmati by
introducing direct sowing method. In some
demonstration the yield under direct sowing was
less, in some yield remaining same and in some
demonstrations its more from the puddled basmati
crop. The grain yield was higher in heavy textured
soil as compared to light texture soil. The grain
yield was slightly higher in transplanted method
as compared to direct seeded. Whereas if we
considered the benefit-cost ratio, which is more
in direct seeded basmati demonstration as
compared to transplanted method due to less cost
of cultivation in direct sowing method. The study
concludes that the direct sowing is well suitable
and had good adoption among the farmers due to
its less availability of water and it reduces the
dependence on labour for transplanting rice. It
allows more effective growth period to paddy crop
within the same duration.
REFERENCES
Anonymous (2007). Report of central ground water board,
Ministry of water resource. Government of India, North
Western Region, Chandigarh.
Anonymous (2014). Area and production of rice in India. httpl /
www.indiastat.com.
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Anonymous (2015). Package of practices for crops of Punjab Kharif 2015. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, pp. l.
crop establishment methods in a ricewheat rotation in North

Western IGP. Field Crops Res 116: 260267.
Datta, De ( 1986). Technology development and the spread of

direct seeded flooded rice in Southeast Asia. Exp. Agric., 22:
416-17.
Singh N, Singh B, Rai A B, Dubey A K and Rai A (2012). Impact

of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) For Resource Conservation.
Indian Res J Ext Edu Special Issue 2: 6-9.
Farooq M, Siddique K H M, Rehman H, Aziz T, Dong J L,

Wahid A (2011). Rice direct seeding: Experiences, challenges
and opportunities. Soil Tillage Res 111: 8798.
Singh S, Bhushan L, Ladha J K, Gupta R K, Rao A N, Sivaprasad

B (2006). Weed management in dry-seeded rice (Oryza sativa)
cultivated in the furrow-irrigated raised-bed planting system.
Crop Protection 25: 487495.
Kumar V, Bellinder R R, Gupta R K, Malik R K and Brainard D

C (2008). Role of herbicide resistant rice in romoting resource
conservation technologies in rice wheat cropping systems in
India: A Review. Crop Prat 27: 290-301.
Mishra S and Singh V P (2012) Tillage and weed control effects
on productivity of a dry seeded ricewheat system on a Vertisol
in Central India. Soil Tillage Res 123 : 1120.
Rao A N, Mortimer A M, Johnson D E, Sivaprasad B and Ladha
J K (2007). Weed management in direct-seeded rice. Adv Agron
93: 155-57.
Saharawat Y S, Singh B, Malik R K, Ladha J K, Gathala M, Jat
M L, Kumar V (2010). Evaluation of alternative tillage and
Singh Y, Bhardwaj A K, Singh S P, Singh R K, Chaudhary D C,

Saxena A, Singh V, Singh S P, Kumar A (2002). Effect of
rice establishment methods, tillage practices in wheat and
fertilization on soil physical properties and ricewheat system
productivity on a silty loam Mollisol of Uttaranchal. Indian J
Agric Sci 72: 200205.
Walia U S, Gill G, Walia S S and Sidhu A S (2011) Production
of direct seeded rice ( Oryza sativa) under differential plant
densities and herbicides in central plains of Punjab J Crop
and Weed 7(2): 1-5.
Received on16/5/2015 Accepted on 18/6/2015
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 80-83
83
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 84-87
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00067.7
Performance of Early Cauliflower Variety Sabour

Agrim vis a vis Different Dates of Transplanting in
Arwal District of Bihar
K P Singh, Rakesh Kumar, R K Sohane and A K Das
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lodipur Farm, Arwal - 804401 (Bihar)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years with a view to assess the response
of early cauliflower variety (Sabour Agrim) to different dates of transplanting in kharif. The
trial was conducted in randomized block design with four treatments replicated ten times. The
treatments were T1 Farmers practice, T 2- Transplanting on 1st July, T3 -Transplanting on 15th
July and T4 -Transplanting on 30th July . The results revealed that transplanting on 15th July
had a significant effect on growth and yield of cauliflower followed by maximum plant height
(67.3 cm.), the best marketable size of curd (430.8g), maximum curd length (13.4), curd greatest
diameter of curd (15.6cm.) and the maximum yield (223.5 q/ha.). Cauliflower can be grown
better at places which are cool, frost and litter free than other Brassicaceae. It is difficult to
grow cauliflower as a spring crop because it tends to bolt during the condition of extreme heat.
The height of the plants at different weeks after transplanting was observed to vary significantly
among different planting times.
Key Words: Cauliflower, Sabour Agrim, Plant Height, Curd Length, Curd Diameter, Marketable
Curd Weight, Yield/ha., B:C Ratio.
INTRODUCTION
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
belongs to family Brassicaceae and is popular for
its white tender, head or curd. Cauliflower is one
of the most important winter flower vegetables of
India. India produces 4.694 mt of Cauliflower per
year from 256 M ha area with an average
productivity of about 18.3 mt/ha. The major
cauliflower producing states are Bihar, Uttar
Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana
and Maharashtra. In the plains, it is available in
the market from September to May. It is consumed
as a vegetable in curries, soups and pickles.
Timing of curd initiation is a key determinant of
yield and maturity which is totally influenced by
date of transplanting (Muhammad Din et al,
2007). Vegetative growth parameters like plant
height, number of leaves, whole plant weight,
marketable curd weight and yield were influenced
significantly by the date of planting Ara et al
(2009). Cauliflower thrives best in a cool moist
climate. It does not withstand very low temperature
or too much heat. The optimum temperature that

cauliflower withstands is 10 to 15oc.
Cauliflower cultivation in Arwal district during
summer is adversely affected by high temperature.
Under such situation, existing cauliflower varieties
need to be replaced by suitable high yielding
variety which is tolerant to high temperature.
Hence, planting at the appropriate time using the
suitable variety is essential to ensure a healthy crop
and to get good curd yield with high market value.
According to Gill and Sharma (1996), sowing
times depend on the varieties and the agro climatic
conditions prevailing in a particular region. In
North-Indian plains, early cauliflower is sown
from May end to mid-July, mid season varieties
from July to August end and snowball types from
September to October. Therefore, present
investigation was carried out to evaluate the
performance of early cauliflower variety Sabour
Agrim planted on different dates during kharif
season in Arwal district of Bihar.
Corresponding Authors Email: arwalkvk@gmail.com
84
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 84-87
Performance of Early Cauliflower

A field experiment was conducted during the
month of June, 2013 and 2014 at farmers field
to evaluate the growth, yield and economical
parameter vis--vis different dates of transplanting
of cauliflower var. Sabour Agrim. The
experiment was laid out in randomized block
design involving four treatments replicated ten
times. The treatment involved were T1 Farmers
practice (do not cultivate early cauliflower in this
period), T 2 - Transplanting on 1 st July, T 3 Transplanting on 15th July and T4 -Transplanting
on 30th July. The plot size was kept 20m x 4m
per treatments. The seeds were collected from
Department of Horticulture Bihar Agricultural
University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar). Seeds were
sown in the nursery beds at 15 days intervals (1st
, 15th and 30th June). For early season crop, the
seeds were treated with copper oxychloride (2.5
g/lit) mercurial fungicide to save the young
seedlings from damping off. Seeds were sown in
the month of June for early season crop @ 400 g/
ha. The seeds were sown and covered with fine
and well-rotten farm yard manure (FYM). Beds
were immediately misted with the help of sprinkler
and all the beds were covered with wheat straw.
After three days, germination of seeds started and
completed within six days. Irrigation was given
at intervals of three days with the help of sprinkler.
When the seedlings attained the height of 3 cm,
thinning was done to get healthy and strong
seedlings. After thirty days, transplantation of the
seedlings was carried out at intervals of 15 days
(1st , 15th and 30th July) in the evening time. Plant
to plant spacing was kept 45 cm and row to row
spacing was 60 cm. Healthy seedlings of uniform
size were selected for the transplantation. Nursery
beds were irrigated before uprooting of seedlings
so that the seedlings could be easily taken out
from the beds without any damage to the roots.
Full dose of P 2 O 5 (90kg/ha) as single super

phosphate (SSP) and K2O (60kg /ha) as sulphate
of potash (SOP) with half dose of N (60kg/ha)
was applied at the time of soil preparation through
broadcast method, while the remaining N was
applied as urea 30 days after transplanting. Before
transplantation, the experimental field was irrigated
and the second irrigation was applied 3- days after
transplantation. After this, irrigation was given at
4-6 days interval up to the harvest of crop.
Cauliflower was ready to harvest in approximately
60-80 days after transplanting . As soon as the
compact head was formed and blanched, it was
cut off with the help of a sharp knife, along with
the leaves for its protection. Harvesting was done
when the curds were still smooth. For the
determination of total fresh plant weight,
marketable curd weight and curd diameter, five
randomly plants in each treatment were selected.
Curd diameter was obtained with the help of the
following formula. Diameter = circumference/
3.14. Plant height was recorded at the time of
harvesting of curd. B:C ratio was computed by
dividing the gross income by cost of cultivation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
Plant Height
The plant height of Cauliflower varied from
56.9 cm to 67.3 cm. The perusal of data (Table 3)
revealed that plant height was maximum (67.3 cm)
in case of transplanting on 15 th July (T 3) and
minimum (56.9 cm) in case of T2. It was also found
that T3 showed highly significant effect on plant
height. Maximum plant height in T 3 might be
attributed to the prevailing conducive climatic
conditions which was in conformity with the
findings of Ara et al(2009). Reduced plant height
with respect to delay in planting time was observed
during 2013-14. Positive response of transplanting
date on the height of plant was also noted by
Table1. Meteorological observations during experimental period.
Month
June
July
August
September
October
Temperature-2013
Temperature-2014
Min.
Max.
Minimum Maximum
Temp.(c) Temp.(c) Temp.(c) Temp.(c)
29.2
44.3
25.5
43.2
29.9
42.5
26.5
44.6
29.1
40.6
25.7
41.5
29.1
39.3
24.8
38.5
30.0
38.8
22.3
37.2
Humidity (%)
2013
2014
(Max)
(Max)
85.3
84.4
86.0
88.1
87.6
89.4
87.8
89.9
89.2
88.6
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 84-87
Rainfall(mm)
2013
2014
20.2
73.6
144.3
98.2
3.1
19.9
83.3
155.1
104.4
2.9
85
Singh et al
Table 2. Soil status of the experimental plots.
Replication
pH
ECe(d Sm-1)
OC(%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5.72
5.97
5.81
5.80
5.97
5.90
5.73
5.88
5.76
6.03
0.17
0.16
0.19
0.26
0.24
0.31
0.21
0.29
0.31
0.25
0.59
0.61
0.67
0.32
0.12
0.74
0.68
0.58
0.53
0.50
272.0
291.0
300.0
211.0
159.0
318.0
301.0
251.0
239.0
226.0
Srivastava et al (2002) & Bing Liang et al (2005).

Curd Length
The curd length of cauliflower varied from
10.8cm to 13.4cm. It was found that curd length
of Cauliflower was maximum (13.4 cm) with the
transplanting on 15th July 2013 (T3) and minimum
(10.8 cm) with T2. It was also found that T3 showed
highly significant effect on curd length than other
treatments. The results related to curd length were
in agreement with those reported by Shrivastava
et al (2002).
Curd diameter
It was observed that curd diameter varied
between 11.0 cm. to 15.6 cm. Maximum curd
diameter (15.6 cm) was observed in the treatment
T 3 where as minimum (11.0cm.) in the treatment
T2. It was also found that curd diameter in T 3 was
significantly superior to other treatments
(Table 3). Maximum curd diameter may be due
to optimum time of transplanting providing
suitable temperature and climatic conditions as
heaviest curd weight was found in early season
sown crop.
P
(kg/ha)
421.2
22.9
22.85
13.71
27.42
13.71
9.14
13.71
22.85
31.99
K
116.48
176.5
64.96
72.8
99.6
96.3
94.0
90.7
87.3
181.4
Marketable curd weight

Maximum marketable curd weight (430.9 g.)
was observed in treatment T3 whereas minimum
(308.0 g.) in treatment T2. It was also found that
marketable curd weight in T3 proved significantly
superior to other treatments. Marketable curd was
significantly affected by sowing dates in which
early planting recorded large sized leaves and
more days to curd maturity resulting in compact
white curds of maximum weight. In the present
study, curd weight decreased with delay in planting
which was in agreement with the observations
made by many workers (Jana and
Mukhopadhyay, 2006; Ajithkumar and Savani,
2007).
Marketable curd yield
Maximum yield of the marketable curd (223.5
q/ha). was observed in treatment T 3 where as
minimum (123.4 q/ha.) in treatment T2. The data
(Table 3) showed that T 3 proved significantly
superior to other treatments. Plants transplanted
after 15th July faced a rapid fall in temperature
which induced the curds formation, before
attaining the critical plant size and thus delay in
Table-3. Vegetative and reproductive characters of early Cauliflower var. Sabour Agrim (pooled 2013 and 2014)
Treatments
T1 -Farmers Practice
T2 Transplanting on 1st July
T3 - Transplanting on 15th July
T4- Transplanting on 30th July
C.D.
CV
S E Diff.
86
Marketable
Curd
Plant
Curd
curd weight
length
height
diameter
(g)
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)
Farmers do not cultivate Early Cauliflower in this period.
308.0
10.8
56.9
11.0
430.9
13.4
67.3
15.6
372.2
11.9
62.3
12.6
18.3
1.3
3.2
1.2
5.3
11.7
5.5
9.4
8.7
0.6
1.5
0.6
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 84-87
Yield of
marketable
curd(q/ha)
123.4
223.5
155.5
9.0
5.7
4.3
Performance of Early Cauliflower

Table-4. Cost of cultivation.
Treatment
T1-Farmers practice
T2 Transplanting on 1st July
T3 - Transplanting on 15th July
T4- Transplanting on 30th July
Gross income
Net return
B:C ratio
(Rs./ha)
(Rs./ha)
Farmer do not cultivate early cauliflower in this period.
145200.00
76645.00
2.11
268800.00
187820.00
3.31
187200.00
111525.00
2.50
sowing resulted in the short growing period for

winter cultivars and consequently poor yield of
curds.
Gross Income
Data on economics presented Table 4
revealed that gross income in different treatments
varied from Rs.1,45,200/- to Rs.2,68,800/-ha. The
maximum gross income per hectare was witnessed
in T3 and the minimum in T1 which indicated that
transplanting after summer proved most profitable
in respect of quality and quantity of the crop. It
was also observed that net income per hectare in
different dates of transplanting varied
significantly. Transplanting on 15 th July (T 3)
appeared to provide the maximum net return per
hectare which can be considered the optimum time
of transplanting.
CONCLUSION
Transplanting on 5th July during both the years
resulted in the maximum yield of good quality
marketable curds proved to be the most suitable
date of planting of the Cauliflower var. Sabour
Agrim in the region of Arwal district of Bihar.
Farmers can gain a handsome profit by growing
Sabour Agrim adopting the transplantation and
agronomic practices.
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for Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) using thermal
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BingLiang W, Min X and JiaShu C ( 2005). Effect of seeding
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Jana J C and Mukhopadhyay T P (2006). Effect of sowing dates
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Muhammad Din, Muhammad Qasim, Noor Elahi Jan and
Faridullah(2007).Response of Different Sowing Dates on the
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J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 84-87
87
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 88-90
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00068.9
Supplementation Effect of Bypass Fat on Production

Performance of Lactating Crossbred Cows
S M Soni and M V Patel
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganpat Vidyanagar
District: Mehsana- 384 012 (Gujarat)
ABSTRACT
An on farm trial was conducted on 20 lactating crossbred cows randomly divided into two
groups on the basis of milk yield (10 to 13 kg/d) and day of calving less than 60 d to note the
effect of supplementing bypass fat on milk yield and fat percentage for a period of three years
(2012 to 2015). Cross bred cows were fed concentrate, green and dry fodder and wheat straw
in control group and addition of 100 g of bypass fat was given in treatment group. Experimental
feeding was continued up to 90 d. The average milk production and fat percentage was
significantly higher in treatment group. Milk production efficiency was also significantly higher
in bypass fat supplemented group in comparison to control group. It was, thus concluded that
bypass fat supplementation @ 100 g per day per animal in cows significantly increased the
milk production and fat percentage over the control group.
Key Words: Bypass Fat, Cows, Milk Production, Fat Percentage.
INTRODUCTION
Role of bypass fat in diet of the high producing
crossbred cows is very crucial for enhancing the
energy density of the diet. Dietary fat, that resist
lipolysis and bio hydrogenation in rumen by
rumen micro-organism, but gets digested in lower
digestive track, is known as bypass fat. The
technology of bypass fat protects the nutrient from
degradation and bio hydrogenation in rumen with
increase in the energy density of the diet enabling
the animals to meet their energy and essential fatty
acid requirement expressing their milk production
potential to the fullest extent (Krishna Mohan and
Reddy 2009). Additional fat fed as bypass fat does
not interfere with rumen fermentation process, but
supply more energy to animal for more milk
synthesis after being digested in abomasums and
small intestine with absorption from the small
intestine this helps in increased unsaturated fatty
acid in milk which can produce softer butter and
safer milk for human consumption especially for
heart patient (Bobe et al, 2007, Garg et al, 2008).
The present study was undertaken to evaluate
feeding of bypass fat on milk yield and fat
percentage performance in cross bred dairy cows.

Twenty lactating crossbred cows were selected
from villages of Mehsana District with average
milk yield of 10 to 12 kg and lactation stage below
60 days. The study was conducted during winter
month of November to January for 90 days after
the adoption period of two weeks for consecutive
three years (2012-2015). The control animal were
given concentrate, green and dry fodder and wheat
straw whereas experimental group fed additional
100 grams bypass fat (Commercial product). The
animals were kept in well-ventilated byres with
access to fresh water and having separate mangers
for fodder and concentrate. The animals were
milked twice a day morning and evening and the
concentrate was given at each milking time.
Bypass fat was added and mixed in concentrate
uniformly in morning and fed individually to each
animal. Milk sample from each animal in both
groups were collected daily and analyzed for milk
production and fat percentage at their village
cooperative dairy regularly for 90 days.
Corresponding Authors Email: sharadvety@gmail.com
88
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 88-90
Supplementation Effect of Bypass Fat on Production

Table 1. Effect of feeding bypass fat on milk yield in crossbred cows.
Year
Parameter
2012-13
Average milk yield per animal
2013-14
2014-15
Pooled of three years
Values in rows are significance at P < 0.01
Control
10.50 0.96
12.30 0.59
12.10 0.48
11.63 0.59
Treatment group
10.90 1.02
12.91 0.63
12.80 0.40
12.20 0.62
Significance
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
control
3.91 0.43
4.01 0.24
3.81 0.34
3.91 0.25
Treatment group
4.31 0.36
4.33 0.26
4.10 0.30
4.23 0.21
Significance
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
Table 2. Effect of feeding bypass fat on milk fat in crossbred cows.
Year
Parameter
2012-13
Average fat percentage per animal
2013-14
2014-15
Pooled of three years
Values in rows are significance at P < 0.01
Table 3. Effect of supplementation of bypass fat on milk yield (kg).
Particulars
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
yield
yield
yield
yield
yield
yield
yield
Bypass fat
Control
Treatment
15.51
18.88
17.57
18.65
9.49
10.68
11.40
13.18
17.80
19.00
11.17
12.04
20.42
21.55

Effect of feeding bypass fat on milk yield and
milk fat
Feeding of bypass fat resulted in significant
(P<0.01) increase in milk yield and fat percentage
(Table 1 and 2). Milk yield and fat percentage
increased by 5 and 9 per cent in bypass fat fed
group over the control group.
Similarly, Naik et al, 2009; Tyagi et al, 2009;
Thakur and Shelke 2010, Sirohi et al, 2010;
Gowda et al, 2013; Parnerkar et al, 2011; and
Wadhwa et al, 2012 also reported significant
improvement in milk yield from 5.5 to 24 per cent
(Table 3).
Mishra et al., 2004; Skalan et al., 1991;
Thakur and Shelke 2010; Sirohi et al., 2010 and
Parnerkar et al., 2011; also reported a clear cut
rise in milk fat percentage with bypass fat
supplementation.
CONCLUSION
Results obtained under on farm testing of
technology showed that supplementation of
Increase in MY
Kg
(%)
3.37
21.7
1.08
6.2
1.19
12.5
1.78
15.6
1.20
6.8
0.87
7.8
1.13
5.5
References
Naik et al. (2009)
Tyagi et al. (2009)
Thakur and Shelke (2010)
Sirohi et al. (2010)
Gowda et al. (2011)
Parnerkar et al. (2011)
Wadhwa et al. (2012)
bypass fat to high yielding crossbred cows was

beneficial in terms of increased milk yield and fat
percentage. Further research is necessary to find
out the supplemental effect of the bypass fat on
dairy animals fed various types of basal rations at
different production levels and stage of lactation.
REFERENCES
Bobe G, Zimmerman S, Hammond E G, Freeman A E, Porter P
A, Luhman C M and Beitz D C( 2007). Butter composition
and texture from cows with different milk fatty acid
compositions fed fish oil or roasted soybeans. J Dairy Sci 90:
25962603
Garg M R, Sherasia P L, Bhanderi B M, Gulati S K, Scott T W(
2008). Effect of feeding bypass fat supplement on milk
production and characteristic of buffaloes. Indian J Dairy Sci
61 (1): 5661.
Gowda N K S, Manegar A , Raghavendra A, Verma S, Maya G,
Pal DT , Suresh K P and Sampath K T (2013). Effect of
protected fat supplementation to high yielding dairy cows in
field condition. Animal Nutr and Feed Tech 13: 125-130.
Krishna Mohan D V G and Reddy Y R( 2009). Role of bypass
nutrients in small holder animal production. In: Proc. Animal
Nutrition Association World Conference, New Delhi, India.
pp 4548.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 88-90
89
Soni and Patel

Mishra S, Thakur S S, Raikwar R (2004). Milk production and
composition in crossbred cows fed calcium salts of mustard
oil fatty acids. Indian J Anim Nutr 21: 22-25.
Naik P K, Saijpaul S, Sirohi A S and Raquib M ( 2009). Lactation
response of cross bred dairy cows fed indigenously prepared
rumen protected fat - A field trial. Indian J Anim Sci 79: 10451049.
Parnerkar S, Kumar D, Shankhpal S S and Thube Marshala (
2011). Effect of feeding bypass fat to lactating buffaloes during
early lactation. In: Proceedings of 14th Biennial Conference
of Animal Nutrition Society of India Livestock Productivity
Enhancement with Available Feed Resources, Nov. 3-5, 2011,
Pantnagar, India, pp. 111-112.
Sirohi S K, Wali T K and Mohanta R ( 2010). Supplementation
effect of bypass fat on production performance of lactating
crossbred cow. Indian J Anim Sci 80: 733-736.
Sklan D, Moallem U and Folman Y(1991). Effect of feeding

calcium soaps of fatty acids on production and reproductive
responses in high producing lactating cows. J Dairy Sci 74:
510-17.
Thakur S S and Shelke S K (2010). Effect of supplementing
bypass fat prepared from soybean acid oil on milk yield and
nutrient utilization in Murrah buffaloes. Indian J Anim Sci 80:
354-357.
Tyagi N, Thakur S S and Shelke S K((2009a). Effect of feeding
bypass fat supplement on milk yield, its composition and
nutrient utilization in crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Nutr 26:
1-8.
Wadhwa M, Grewal R S, Bakshi M P S and Brar P S (2012).
Effect of supplementing bypass fat on the performance of
high yielding crossbred cows. Indian J Anim Sci 82: 200203.
90
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 88-90
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 91-94
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00069.0
Quality Evaluation of Honey from Stingless Bee

(Trigona sp) Reared by Garo Tribes in West Garo
Hills of Meghalaya
Tarun Kumar Das, Tanmay Samajdar and Greatush Marak
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region
Sangsanggre, Dobasipara, West Garo Hills -794 005 (Meghalaya)
ABSTRACT
The study was designed to evaluate nutrient content of honey samples of Trigona sp. obtained
from beekeepers of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya of Northeast India. Twenty samples were
collected for evaluation their quality parameters moisture, pH, acidity, ash, Hydroxy Methyl
Furfural (HMF), Water insoluble solid, TSS, and conductivity. The result revealed that locally
produced honey had moisture, ash, acid, and pH content ranging from 18.8-19.3 per cent,
0.003-0.005 per cent, 0.87-1.30 per cent and 4.43-4.49 at 21 C, respectively, which was
within the standard limits. Similarly, TSS content of locally produced honey ranged between
76.8-76.9 per cent. The water insoluble materials content of the honey samples were1.97-2.40
per cent while the conductivity was 3.21-3.22 S/cm for the tested samples of locally produced
honey. All the samples were found to be within the acceptable range of national as well as
standards for all of the tested parameters.
Key Words: Nutrient, Farmers, Apis, Trigona, Quality, West Garo Hills.
INTRODUCTION
Meghalaya one of the states of Northeast India
has been blessed with unique floral and faunal
varieties spread out in diversified agro climatic
areas viz. tropical and sub-tropical to temperate
or near temperate conditions. In West Garo Hills
of Meghalaya, many species of honey bees are
found but four species mainly Rock bee (Apis
dorsata, locally known as Bija Nokma), Little bee
(Apis florae, locally known as Kalmik), Indian bee
or common bee (Apis cerena indica, locally
known as Bija kol) and Stingless bee (Trigona ,
locally known as Mengkari) are commonly found.
There are scattered reports of occurrence of other
species, which resembles the rock bee but it could
also be European bee or Italian bee (Apis mellifera)
as reported by some local beekeepers. Of all the
species found locally in West Garo Hills, Indian
bee or Bija kol and the stingless bee or Mengkari
is most widely reared in captivity for commercial
production of honey. They also serve an
ornamental purpose being hived in earthen pots.
Honey contains a complex mixture of

carbohydrates, mainly glucose and fructose; other
sugars are present as traces, depending on floral
origin. It also contains small quantities of organic
acids, lactones, amino acids, minerals, vitamins,
enzymes, phenolic compounds, volatile
compounds, pollen, wax and pigments
(Crane,1980). The contents of these components
in honey are the most important criteria and are
important determining the quality of the honey
(Sahinler and Gul, 2004). The variation in the
composition of honey constituents is due to
various physiological factors such as climate, soil,
flora, bee species, etc. Such variation in
composition directly or indirectly affects both the
local price and difference in preferences which in
turn affect prices and the export earnings of the
country.
The Codex Alimentarius Standard for honey
quality includes several chemical and physical
parameters, comprising moisture content, mineral
content, acidity, hydroxyl-methyl-furfural (HMF)
Corresponding Authors Email: tsamaj@rediffmail.com
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 91-94
91
Das et al
content, diastase activity, apparent sugar content,
and water insoluble solids content. These criteria
help the food analyst to determine the chemical
quality of the honeys analyzed (Cantarelli et al,
2008).
Stingless bees are small just few mm in length.
The resident species nest among boulders, old
walls, dead trees and tree cavities and are widely
distributed in tropical and sub temperate region
of the world (Kumar et al, 2012). In rural West
Garo Hills, the tribal (Garos) people have learnt
about the occurrence and behaviour of the local
bee species over the years from their ancestors.
The beekeepers of this region collect the bees
(colonies) from undisturbed branches of trees or
crevices found naturally in forests and hive the
colonies in the wooden boxes or earthen pots.
Therefore, the study was initiated to analyse the
nutrient contents in the honey produced by
stingless bees in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya,
India.
Study Area
The study was conducted from January to
December, 2013 in the West Garo Hills district
located in Meghalaya which is situated at Northeastern part of India. The area experience a warm
climatic which encourages great bio-diversity
giving great potential for human manipulation and
management. The rainy season extends from April
to September with highest rainfall usually
recorded in August. The mean annual rainfall is
4851.48 mm. with average maximum and
minimum temperatures of 24.53 0C and 19.570 C
, respectively. The area is between 90 to 1418 m
above sea level.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Twenty samples of locally produced raw
honey (200g each) were collected from local
honey producer (HS-1 to HS-20). The collected
samples were analyzed at the Food Processing and
Preservation Department, Polytechnique Institute,
Tura, Meghalaya.
Moisture Content, pH, TSS and Acidity
The moisture content of the honey samples
was estimated by the oven drying method and the
92
pH of honey was determined by using

Microprocessor pH. The Total Soluble Solid
Content (TSS) of the honey samples was estimated
by the Abbes refractrometer method and the
acidity of the honey was determined by using
titrimetric method.
Hydroxyl- Methyl-Furfural (HMF) and Ash
Content
The Hydroxyl-Methyl-Furfural content of the
honey samples was estimated by the spectrometer
method and the ash content of honey was
determined by using Gravimetric method.
Water Insoluble Solids Content and
Conductivity
The water insoluble solid content of honey
sample was estimated by Gravimetric method and
the conductivity content of honey was determined
by using conductometry method.
The results of moisture, pH, acidity, ash,
estimation of HMF and water insoluble solids, total
soluble sugar and conductivity content of locally
produced honey were presented in Table 1.
Moisture content
The data revealed that the moisture content
of the honey was between 18.8 to 19.3 per cent.
Gairola et al ( 2013) reported or moisture content
of Apis Cerana- indica honey from Uttarkashi
district of Uttarkhand, India to be between 19 to
25 per cent. Generally, the Indian honey has
significantly higher moisture content which ranges
between 20 25 per cent compared to western
honey (12 to 15%) (Singh and Bath,1998). The
mean value of moisture content of the honey
samples in the study of Mohmoudi et al ( 2012)
was in the limits of international standards of
acceptability a moisture content d 20%. Similarly,
moisture content of honey of different origins
showed varietal differences and varied between
13 to 29 per cent (Saxena et al, 2010). The control
of the water content is an important requirement
of proposed Codex Alimentarius Commission
Standards for honey (2001), which sets an upper
limit for moisture of 21.0 per cent for honey in
general.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 91-94
Quality Evaluation of Honey from Stingless Bee

Table 1. Comparison of honey quality in the study area compared to national and international standards.
Sr.
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Parameter
Unit
Moisture content
%
Ash
%
Water Insoluble Solid
%
pH
TSS
%
Conductivity
S/cm
Acidity
%
Hydroxymethyl furfural mg/kg
Study Area Test

Result (Average)
18.80 - 19.30
0.003 - 0.005
1.97- 2.40
4.43-4.49 at 21 C
76.85 76.99
3.21 3.22
0.87 1.30
-
Indian Standards
Not > 25 % by mass
Not > 0.5 % by mass
Not < 65 % by mass
Not > 0.2% by mass
Not > 80 mg/kg
World Honey
Standards*
18-23
0.25-1.0
0.1
3.2-4.5
60-70
50
-
Source: 1. Indian Standards- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, 2010. Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare, Govt. of India
2. World Honey Standards- Kinati et al (2011)
pH and TSS Value

The pH value of the Edirine, Turkey honey
samples varied between 4.43-4.49 at 21 f C. The
pH value of the honey samples used ranged
between 3.70 5.90 with an average of 3.87
0.33 (Elif Sari and Nusret Ayyildiz, 2012). The
low pH of honey inhibits the presence and growth
of micro-organisms and makes honey compatible
with many food products in terms of pH and
acidity. This parameter is of great importance for
the storage as it influences the texture, stability
and shelf life of honey.
Similarly, in the all honey samples,
monosaccharide
glucose
and
fructose
predominate. These are defined as total soluble
sugar (TSS). The results of the analysis showed
that the TSS content of honey was 76.85 76.99
per cent for the tested samples, which was more
than World Honey Standard. TSS of the Zambia,
African, honey ranged from 85.7 to 83.6 per cent
(Nyau et al, 2013). As per Alimentarius
Commission Standards (2001), a minimum TSS
content of 65 per cent is required.
Acidity and Total ash
The acidity of the tested honey samples ranged
between 0.87 1.30 per cent. Variation in free
acidity among different honey depends on nearby
floral origin and the harvesting season. When the
acidity becomes high, the honey becomes sour.
Certain nitrogen compounds, minerals, vitamins,
pigments and aromatic substances contribute to
the ash content of honey. The ash content of
locally produced tested honey samples ranged
from 0.003 - 0.005 per cent which was within the
Indian standard limits. Nyau et al (2013) reported

ash content of Zambia, African honey samples to
be within the range of 0.27 to 0.19 per cent. The
ash content of locally produced honey in Gomma
Woreda, South Western Ethiopia, ranged between
0.20 0.25 per cent which was within the standard
limits ( Kinati et al, 2011). Similarly, Aloisi (2010)
evaluated the Argentina honey samples and the
ash content ranged from 0.00 to 0.54 per cent.
The result indicates that if ash contents were less
than the standard limit which means beneficial
substances were also less concentrated in that
honey.
HMF values
The HMF values of Uttarkhand, Indian honey
were recorded between 13.80 to 36.86 mg/ kg
(Gairola et al, 2013). The HMF contents of locally
produced honeys ranged between 0.05 and 17.70
mg/ kg. Hence, all of the samples met the HMF
standard for quality. Previously, Jose et al (2009)
analysed the honey samples and found the HMF
content ranged from 0.9 to 22.8 mg/kg. Similarly,
Duthil (1983) also reported that mean HMF
content of different Cuban honey samples ranged
from 5.47 to 5.95 mg/kg . Significant differences
were observed in ash, water insoluble solid content
and TSS of honey samples in the tested samples
but no significance difference was observed in
other parameters.
CONCLUSION
Honey bees are primarily distinguished by the
production of honey. Nearly all the samples were
found to be in acceptable range of national as well
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 91-94
93
Das et al
as world standards for all of the tested parameters
except for ash content materials which was below
the standard limit. These samples were marked to
be safe for human consumption. Usually the
honey of stingless bees is used for home
consumption by the Garo tribe. The results shows
the potential of the honey of this area is very high
for export. The range of ash content material could
easily be brought within the standard range by
changing month and season of harvesting. Hence,
it can be concluded that with some small
intervention from the technical experts as well as
the Government , the honey of the region has a
tremendous potential to catch the export market
leading to better earning of the local tribes as well
as improving their livelihood.
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Aloisi P A (2010). Determination of quality Chemicals of Honey
from Chubut (Argentinean patagonia). Chilean J Agril
Res70(4) :640-645
Cantarelli M A, Pellerano R G, Marchevsky E J and Camina, J M
(2008). Quality of honey from Argentna: study of chemical
composition and trace elements. In The Journal of the
Argentine Chemical Society 96 (1-2),Pp. 33-41.
Codex Alimentarius Commission Standards (2001). Codex
Standards for Sugars. FOA/ WHO official food standards,
rvision 2.
Duthil A (1983). Behaviour of quality indices of Cuban honey
after extraction. Apiculture Abstract, 98 (10): 366-372.
Elif Sari and Nusret Ayyildiz (2012). Biological Activities and
Some Physicochemical Properties of Sunflower Honeys
Collected from the Thrace Region of Turkey. Pakistan J
Biological Sci. 15(23): Pp 1102-1110.
Emarah M L, Missoten and Khalaf M A (1997) .The use of bee
honey in the treatment of external eye diseases. International
Symposium on Apitheropy, National Research Centre, Cairo,
Egypt.
Finola M S, Lasagno M C and Marioli J M (2007). Microbiological
and chemical characterization of honeys from central
Argentina. In Food Chemistry vol. 100, Pp. 1649-1653.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (2010). Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare,Govt. of India,FDA
Bhawan,Kotla Road, New Delhi- 110002
Gairola A, Tiwari P and Tiwari J K (2013). Physico-Chemical
Properties of Apis cerana- indica F. honey from Uttarkashi
district of Uttarkhand,India. J Global Bioscience 11(2): Pp.2025.
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from Different Areas of Pakistan. Asian J Exp Biol Sci 2(3):
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Jose Pires, Mara Letcia Estevinho, Xess Fes, Jess
Cantalapiedra and Antonio Iglesias (2009). Pollen spectrum
and physico-chemical attributes of heather (Erica sp.) honeys
of north Portugal. J Sci Food and Agri, 86(11): 1862-1870
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J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 95-97
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00070.7
Short Communication
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) : A Potential

Raw Material for Developing Handicraft Sector in
Assam
Rupjyoti Bhattacharjee, Rizwanul Helim, Rinku Moni Phukon, Sanjukta Saikia and
Pabitra Kr. Bordoloi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Darrang -784 15 (Assam)
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) known
as Pani meteka is a free-floating aquatic plant or
hydrophyte, native to tropical and sub-tropical
South America. It is native to Brazil and has been
introduced in India as an ornamental plant by a
British lady for beautification in West Bengal in
early 20th Century. In India water hyacinth is a
very common water weed found in almost every
state including Assam with vast water bodies
where in it causes havoc especially in the fisheries,
choke lakes and provide a breeding ground for
mosquitoes. Water hyacinth reproduces primarily
by way of runners or stolen, which eventually
form daughter plants. Each plant can produce
thousands of seeds each year, and these seeds can
remain viable for more than 28 years.
Apart from various uses like compost and
mulch; animal feed as hay and silage; bio- fuel
etc., a number of value added decorative products
can be made from water hyacinth. Decorative
water hyacinth products have already gained
popularity amongst people globally and have
profitable market. The stem of water hyacinth is
the raw material for making the most important
value added products which include items like
ladies hand bags, purse, mobile covers, file
covers, hand fans, sofa set, pencil stand, dustbin,
lamp stand, wall hanging, jewellery, show pieces
like tortoise, teddy bear, Rhinoceros, model of
Eiffel tower etc. It is observed that presently only
a handful of artisans in Assam are practicing this
art of making handicrafts with water hyacinth
though the industry has immense potentiality in
the region. Such ventures will not only boost up
the handicraft sector and the artisans but also
create employment avenues.

Making crafts from water hyacinth involves
various steps which are as follows:
Selection of a region with mature plants of

about 15- 30 inches long stem with a thick
diameter of 0.5- 1.2 inches.
Collection of raw water hyacinth in bulk.
Chopping off leaves and roots with a sharp

knife.
Sun drying of the collected raw materials (split

stem) and cleaning them up.
Collection of the sun dried materials before

sunset to avoid moisture absorption.
The dried material will turn brown and will

make a cracking sound when crumpled.
Dyeing of the stems as per choice of the

product.
Giving the stems proper shape as per the final

product to make.
Making frames and weaving as per

requirement of the targeted product.
Varnishing the product for a glossy look.
The products derived from water hyacinth

plants have good market potential. They not only
have domestic market in the region but also can
fetch good foreign exchange. Developing and
encouraging such ventures also aids in reducing
unemployment. The products have good
popularity in exhibition stalls. Moreover, the
economics of the products can be increased as
these can be produced by the unemployed women
folk of the family in their leisure time. In the
Corresponding Authors Email: rupjyotibhattacharjya@gmail.com
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 95-97
95
Bhattacharjee et al
Table1. Performance of one self help group unit.
Average
production per
SHG unit
100-130
Product / Month
Average
production
cost /SHG unit
(in Rs.)
Rs-1200/Month
Average price
of the Product
in the market
where sold (Rs.)
Rs 150/product
present day context, when the agricultural

community at large is facing the challenges of
climate challenge and global warming, such ecofriendly and bio- degradable products can
contribute to sustainable agriculture. They can also
play a significant role in utilization of natural and
human resources for a better and safer tomorrow.
Product preparation from water hyacinth is
popular only in few districts of Assam viz.,
Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari and Morigaon. For
sighting the potential of value addition in water
hyacinth, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Darrang in
Assam started developing artisans by means of
hands on training at different parts of the district
which resulted in horizontal spread within a short
span of time. The effort also helped in formation
of several self help groups dealing with water
hyacinth products.
Maximum groups have 10 -15 members. All
these groups involved in water hyacinth products
making, earned an average annual income
generated through the enterprise is Rs-66,000/as net profit. Table below shows that average
production, cost, price of product, income and
cost, benefit ratio of per self help group/ unit. A
self help group unit consisted of 10 group
members.
Table 1 indicated that the average per unit
production was 100-130 products per month and
average per unit production cost was Rs- 12,000/
- per month. All the economics has been done
considering 10 members in one self help group/
unit. Average price of the product in local market
was Rs 150/product and average per unit income
was Rs-17,500/-per month. Lastly the average
annual income generated through the enterprise
was Rs- 66,000/- as net profit.
96
Average
income
/ SHG unit)
C:B ratio
Average net profit

generated through
the enterprise (Rs.)
Rs-17,500/month
1:1.46
Rs-66,000/-
The KVK recognized the immense potential

of a group led by Ms. Minuma Devi engaged in
converting water hyacinth, an aquatic weed into
attractive interior home decors. The KVK also
identified the crucial need for imparting proper
value addition skills among the group members
for improving the products and fetching much
more profit. Accordingly, the KVK arranged a
number of hands on training courses for the group
led by Ms Minuma Devi for upgrading their skills
in improving the product quality. Mrs. Devi was
even nominated for getting a practical exposure
by participating in the exhibition organized at the
Global Conference on Women held at New Delhi
during 13th to 15th of March, 2012 who reportedly
gained vast experience and further entrepreneurial
motivation to enlarge her enterprise.
Mrs. Devi and her group could able to earn a
good amount of money from their craft works.
The group earned Rs. 3,000/- to 10,000/- per
month as net profit. As the cost of raw material
had been very meagre the percentage of return
was more. The household decorative products
namely tortoise, lamp stand, bag, dustbin, tub
stand etc. made from water hyacinth gained
popularity among the customers.
It has been noted that the water hyacinth
products suffer from a major shortcoming, i.e.,
once it comes in contact with water for a longer
period of time, the chances of fungus attack
become higher for which the quality of the
products get deteriorated.
Handicrafts have a deep significance
in day to day life of our society. They form the
base in developing entrepreneurs and setting up
of small- scale cottage industries leading to
boosting up the economy of a particular region.
Value addition of water hyacinth products, which
are bio- degradable and eco- friendly, have an
immense role to play in minimizing the
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 95-97
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) : A Potential Raw Material
Decorative material
Different items prepared from water hyacinth
Sofa Set
Trainees learning preparation of handicraft items
Training imparted by KVK trainer
Practical on preparation of handicraft items
environmental pollution. Planned production with

good market linkage of products will decide the
popularization of such commodities and will
definitely help in controlling the noxious aquatic
weed to a great extent. The Government
organizations, reputed non government

organizations, financial institutions have a great
role to play in motivating especially the rural
masses and paving a better economy.
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 95-97
97
SOCIETY OF KRISHI VIGYAN

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For journals/periodicals
Mufeed S (1998). Evaluating employee performance: A successful instrument for human resource
development. Indian J Trg and Dev 28 (2): 72-93.
For books
AOAC (1980). Official Methods of Analysis. 13th edn. Association of Official Analytical Chemists.
Washington, DC.
For Chapters in book
Barnabas A P and Lakshmiswaramma M (1980). Assessment of Evaluation system for Rural
development. In: Monitoring and Evaluation of Rural Development: Some Asian Experiences.
(eds Kuldeep Mathu and Inayatulloah) Kuala Lumpur U.N. Asian and Pacific Development Centre.
Pp: 121-22.
Bray R A (1994). The leucaena psylid. In: Forage Tree Legumes in Tropical Agriculture
Gutteridge and H M Shelton). CAB International, Oxford. Pp. 283-91.
(eds. R C
For proceedings of conferences/symposia etc.

Vivero J L P (2002). Forest is not only wood: the importance of non-wood forest products for the food
security of rural households in Ethiopia. In: Proceedings of the Fourth, Annual Conference forestry
society of Ethiopia 14-15 January 2002, Ethiopia pp 102.
Elangovan A V ,Tyagi P K, Mandal A B and Tyagi P K (2007). Effect of dietary supplementation of

stain on egg production performance and egg quality of Japanese quail layers. Proceedings of
XXIV Annual Conference of Indian Poultry Science Association and National Symposium , 25-27
April, Ludhiana, India, pp. 158 (Abstr.).
For theses
Fayas A M (2003). Viability of self help groups in vegetables and fruit promotion council Keralam- a
multidimensional analysis, MSc (Ag.) thesis, Kerala Agricultural University.
For online (internet site) citation
FDA (2008). Effect of the use of antimicrobials in food producing animals on pathogen load: Systematic
review of the published literature. www.fda.gov/cvm/antimicrobial/PathRpt.PDF Accessed January
11, 2012.
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SCIENTISTS JOINED AS LIFE MEMBER OF SOCIETY OF KRISHI VIGYAN

Ameena Raheja, Assistant Professor ( Agricultural Engineering), Krishi Vigyan

K A Sunandha, Associate professor, College of Co- Operation, Banking and Management,

Milind C Ahire, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhuley (Maharashtra)

R G Manjarekar, Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan

New Presidents First Message

Assessment of Attributes of Supply Value Chain in Circular Knitwear Industry of

Testing of New Brand Formulations of Sulfonylurea Herbicides for the Control of

Constraints Faced by the Subject Matter Specialist of Selected Krishi Vigyan

Effect of Variability in Climate and Irrigation Regimes on Evapotranspiration and

Evaluation of Potato Genotypes for Yield Characters in Late Autumn Season.

Front Line Demonstration on Multiplier Onion (Allium cepa L.var aggregatum

Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Okra in Raigad District of Maharashtra.

Impact of Training Programme in Knowledge Enhancement of Farm Women

Income and Consumption Pattern of Punjab Cultivators.

Information Needs Assessment and Prioritization of Dairy Farmers.

Item Analysis Methodology to Measure the Knowledge of Farmer on Eco-Friendly

Management of Repeat Breeding Under Field Condition Using Ovsynch Protocol in

Nutrition Intervention and Homestead Kitchen Gardening-Improving Nutritional

Sr. No. Title

Participation of Rural Women in Dairy Activities.

Promotion of Neglected Old Crops for Nutritional Security.

Supplementation Effect of Bypass Fat on Production Performance of Lactating

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4

Assessment of Attributes of Supply Value Chain in

high volatility, low predictability, and a high level

Corresponding Authors Email: prernaats@pau.edu

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4

which has been a major factor in bringing down

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4

Attributes of Supply Value Chain in Knitwear Industry

Market status and its

from labour, frequent shifts of the trained labour

on machines that comes out to be around 19 per

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4

cluster of Ludhiana, then only the industry can

Received on 20/5/2015 Accepted on 10/7/2015

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 1-4

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 5-9

Testing of New Brand Formulations of Sulfonylurea

synthase (also known as acetohydroxyacid

Corresponding Authors Email: tarundhaliwal@pau.edu

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 5-9

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 5-9

Weed dry matter (g/m2)

Marksulfo 75 WG a new brand of

Weed count (No./m2)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

loamy sand with normal soil reaction and

Weed dry matter (g/m2)

Weed count (No./m2)

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 5-9

Effect on wheat crop

Markpower 75 WG a new brand of

The weed control efficiency (WCE) ranged

observation was recorded for Rumex dentatus.

Sulfonylurea Herbicides for Control of Mixed Flora in Wheat

Plant height Panicle length

Plant height Panicle length

compared to unweeded control (36.5 q/ha). The

recovers later on and have no adverse effect on

J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 4(1) : 5-9

Sulfonylurea Herbicides for Control of Mixed Flora in Wheat

Rusel M H, Saladini J L and Lichtner F (2002). Sulfonylurea