Agriculture Update

M. Kumar ¹, S. K. Saini ¹, D. S. Dhillon ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), IN

Abstract

The investigation was undertaken to study the socio-personal characteristics of capsicum growers and to find out the level of adoption of recommended PAU, practices by them. The results showed that all the respondents visited Kisan Melas and attended demonstrations regularly followed by 52.50 per cent who attended field days regularly. Majority of the respondents attended group discussions regularly and 92.50 per cent contacted officials of Punjab State Farmers Commission (PSFC) once in a month and only 7.50 % contacted them once in a season. Progressive farmers were the main source of motivation for all of the respondents followed by the officials of PSFC (97.50%) and friends (80.00%). All the respondents who used non-recommended quantity used less then recommended quantity of FYM and potash fertilizer. All the respondents (100%) used recommended method and recommended time of application of FYM. Majority of respondents applied more than recommended quantity of nitrogenous fertilizer, did not follow the recommended time and method of fertilizer application. Majority of the respondents followed only mechanical method of weed control and 93.75% used recommended weedicides. All the respondents followed recommended time of application of weedicides and irrigated the crop following recommended duration in summer as well as in winter. Majority (90.00%) of respondents did not face any disease problem in cultivation of capsicum crop. All the respondents (100%) started picking fruit at the recommended time and stage.

Keywords

Adoption, Recommended Practices, Capsicum Growers.

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D. S. Dhillon ¹, Prabhjot Kaur ¹, S. K. Saini ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), IN

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, over two-third of the population is dependent upon agriculture in a direct or indirect way for its subsistence. As a result of hard work of the farmers and adoption of the recommended agricultural technologies, the production of food grains has improved. The increase in the production is due to the adoption of recommended agricultural practices and over exploitation of the natural resources without caring the law of nature. In the name of progress forests were fallen, lakes poisoned with hazardous chemicals and air polluted with obnoxious gases. The present cropping system is no more sustainable in Punjab. Sustainable agriculture aims at meeting the needs of present generation without hindering the natural resource base of future generation. To achieve sustainability, available inputs and natural resources must be used most efficiently with minimal damage to the environment. Efficient input use can be achieved by assessment of available inputs and conservation against possible losses, integrated use of inputs, maximizing input use efficiency by developing suitable site specific technologies (Abrol and Sangar, 2006). Further, constantly rising food demand and highly stressed production environment demand for infusion of technologies on a massive scale for resource conservation, improving input use efficiency diversification, post harvest processing, value addition and energy management to accelerate agricultural growth rate, enhance farmer’s income and generate employment.

Keywords

Sustainable Agriculture, Resource Conservation Technologies.

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S. K. Saini ¹, Prabhjot Kaur ¹, Shabana Yasmin ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab), IN

Abstract

Agriculture is still the single largest livelihood system in Asia, employing nearly 60 per cent of the work force. It is not only the main source of employment, income and food for over 70 per cent of the population but also the main culture for rural families. Women play a significant and crucial role in agriculture and allied fields. Rural Indian women are extensively involved in agricultural activities. However, the nature and extent of their involvement differs with variations in agro-production. Their roles range from managers to landless labourers. Women are the sole providers of the household food supply. In animal husbandry women have a multiple role. Their activities vary widely ranging from care of animals to processing of milk. Women are typically involved in post harvest processing of food and non-food products. Women’s employment in family farms or business is rarely recognized. Access to assets is the single most urgent need for the upliftment of women in general and farm women in particular. Rural women still do not have ownership on land. Due to this they cannot take independent decisions. Education can be an effective tool for empowering women to contribute to social development. Empowering women with economically productive work will enhance their contribution to agricultural development. Women have not an easy access to inputs and credit. Majority of the women remain unemployed. It is necessary to develop entrepreneurship among women and encourage them to take a independent income generating activities so that significant work force of the country may be utilized more efficiently in order to generate more income, reduce unemployment, minimize incidence of poverty etc. But women entrepreneurs have been facing many problems such as twin responsibility, lack of information and experience, scarcity of raw materials, marketing problems, limited mobility, problem of finance, lack of risk bearing capacity etc.

Keywords

Empowerment, Livelihood, Self-Help Group, Technological Entrepreneur.

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