The Journal of Extension Education (JEE) is a peer-reviewed open-access journal in the field of extension education published by the Extension Education Society (EES). The journal is published in both print and online versions. [Print ISSN: 0971-3123; Online ISSN: 2456-1282]. The CODEN assigned to JEE is JEEOBM .
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This editorial (JEE , 35 (4)) deals with the strategies for enhancing extension's role in agritourism.
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Awareness and Perceptions of Farmers about Water Pollution in Rajasthan
This study assessed 120 farmers’ awareness and perceptions of water pollution in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India using Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Findings revealed that most of the farmers had low legal literacy (67.50%), with limited awareness on laws such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. While 85.83 per cent perceived visible effects of water pollution, such as foul smells, only 13.33 per cent were aware of specific legal frameworks. Television and social media emerged as primary information sources. The study highlights the need for targeted legal literacy programmes to empower farmers in addressing water pollution issues.
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Rural Development in India: Lessons from the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (Improved India Mission) Programme
The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is an initiative by the Government of India that fosters collaborations between Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and rural communities to promote holistic rural development. The present study was conducted to examine the experiences, role, functions and perspectives of UBA Coordinators in transforming rural communities through UBA projects. Insights were drawn from a focus group discussion with 50 UBA coordinators from 50 HEIs from 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, a constituent state of India. The findings reveal that the UBA coordinators had made significant efforts to foster trust in community leadership, identify the needs of the community, and establish connections with partner organizations to carry out UBA projects. The findings of the study can be used to enhance UBA strategies, empowering rural communities across India with tailored, technology-driven solutions.
Impact of Kitchen Gardens as an Empowering Initiative for Mothers of Children with Disabilities
This study explores the impact of kitchen gardens as an empowering initiative for mothers of children with disabilities in Chennai City. Kitchen gardens, can be established on small patches of land with minimal technical input, offer a sustainable solution for supplemental food production and improving the livelihoods of urban and rural poor communities. The study involved training 50 mothers of children with disabilities at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College, Chennai in developing kitchen gardens within their small dwelling spaces. Participants were initially provided with seed kits, containing vegetables such as ladyfinger, brinjal, bottle gourd, cucumber and bitter gourd. This initiative led to increased income and enhanced nutritional security for the mothers. It also empowered them to balance work and family life by enabling them to sell produce in local markets. The study concludes that kitchen gardening is a sustainable and profitable initiative that economically empowers mothers of disabled children, allowing them to stay engaged in the home environment while providing care for their children.
This editorial (JEE , 35 (3)) deals with the need for extension interventions in urban agriculture.
Potential of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) for the Sustainability of Dairy Industry: Case of three Co-operatives in Kerala
The milk production in Kerala is almost static for the last few years, and the major reasons for this are the increased cost of production and the reduction in the number of dairy animals. Due to scarce resources, small-scale farmers are challenged to raise funds to increase the herd size. One way to solve the problem is to mobilise resources through collaboration with community-based organisations such as Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) formed under the dairy cooperatives. The present research investigated the impact of establishing JLGs under the ambit of dairy cooperatives and providing finance for purchasing dairy animals. The case study examined three dairy cooperatives in the Wayanad district and observed a significant rise in milk procurement within the societies through the establishment of JLGs.
University-Industry Collaboration in Dairy and Poultry Sectors of Andhra Pradesh: Status of Stakeholders’ Participation
This study examines the extent and purpose of university researchers and industry personnel participation in University Research-Industry (UR-I) linkages within the dairy, poultry, and pharmaceutical sectors of Andhra Pradesh. Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India was selected as the technology-generating unit, and three sectors - dairy, poultry, and pharmaceuticals - were chosen as technology-utilizing units. Data were collected from 60 university researchers and 40 industry personnel using semi-structured interviews, coded, and analysed for percentage and frequency. Findings indicate that most university researchers (51.67%) and industry personnel (45.00%) exhibit low participation in UR-I activities, primarily due to a focus on small-scale farming and lack of awareness about university capabilities, respectively. Key activities such as trainings, research sponsorships, and joint funding were underutilized, with telephone calls and personal visits being more common. The study underscores the need for universities and industries to enhance collaboration for mutual benefits and the advancement of the livestock sector. Effective communication, regular meetings, and leveraging each other’s expertise are crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Recommended Rice Cultivation Practices by Farmers of South Kerala
Rice is a fundamental staple crop and plays a significant role in agricultural production across the southern part of Kerala, India. Implementing recommended rice cultivation practices is essential for boosting yield, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers. However, even with the scientifically proven practices developed by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), the extent of adoption among farmers differs considerably. The present study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts to find out the factors affecting adoption of recommended rice cultivation practices by the farmers of South Kerala. A total of 105 respondents were selected from one panchayat of each of these seven districts. The extent of adoption of selected KAU technologies in rice varieties was found to be ‘medium’ among the majority of farmers. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that out of 11 independent variables selected for the study, three variables were positively and significantly related to the dependent variable adoption of recommended practices by rice farmers. The main factors that influence technology adoption of recommended practices were extension participation and achievement motivation followed by innovativeness.
An Empirical Analysis of Scientific Attitude among Undergraduate Students in Agricultural Sciences
This study explored the determinants of scientific attitude among undergraduate agriculture students in Telangana State of India, analyzing their attitude levels and demographic influences. A sample of 250 B.Sc. Agriculture students from Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University was surveyed using random sampling. Factor analysis, normal probability curve, and inferential analysis revealed that most students exhibited a moderate scientific attitude, with significant differences based on gender, age, and parental occupation. Male students and those below 19 showed higher engagement, while students from government-employed families had the highest scores. Findings suggested the need for targeted educational strategies, including curiosity-driven learning, hands-on experiments, gender equity, early exposure, and infrastructure upgrades, to enhance scientific attitudes in agricultural education.
Assessing the Satisfaction of Women Members of Cooperative Societies
In Kerala, a constituent state of India, the expansion of agricultural and related cooperatives indicates the general degree of contentment among its members. This study aims to analyse data from a primary survey among agricultural and milk cooperatives to elucidate the elements contributing to members’ satisfaction. Descriptive statistics indicate that most female members of the cooperatives have completed only a basic level of education, and furthermore, only a minority of them occupy important roles within these organizations. The estimated structural equation model depicts the dynamics of satisfaction in detail. According to the study, members’ participation in cooperative activities yields a variety of benefits, thereby increasing their overall satisfaction.
Constraints Experienced by Women Entrepreneurs in Managing Poultry and Handicraft Enterprises
A study was conducted with 150 women entrepreneurs managing poultry and handicraft enterprises in Tirupattur District of Tamil Nadu, India to identify the constraints they faced. The main production constraints experienced by the women entrepreneurs in poultry were high mortality rates, high costs of good-quality feed, and other inputs. The major marketing constraints they encountered were rumours about hormone injection and other alleged health hazards associated with consuming poultry meat and products. Similarly, the major constraints experienced by them in handicraft production were shortages of raw materials, lack of skilloriented training, and inadequate finance. The major marketing constraints the women entrepreneurs faced were lack of transportation and price fluctuations. These insights can help address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in these sectors.
From the Editor's Desk - 35(2); Common Service Centres in India
Determinants of Knowledge Level on Kiwi Cultivation Practices in Phek District of Nagaland
The paper examines the knowledge level of kiwi growers and its determinants in Nagaland. The study was conducted among kiwi growers in Phek district of Nagaland during 2023-24 and the sample size was 120. A knowledge test index was adapted with suitable modification. More than half of the respondents were above 50 years of age, majority were illiterate, had marginal size of land under kiwi, had ‘medium’ farming experience and had an average annual income of Rs. 139391.67. The findings of the study concluded that majority of the respondents had ‘fair or moderate’ level of knowledge on kiwi cultivation and the determinants of knowledge level on kiwi cultivation were education, extension contact, training exposure & farming experience.
Awareness and Consumption of Millets among Young Adults of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
The present study was conducted with the objective to identify the awareness levels and consumption of millets among young adults from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India . A total of 232 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years were interviewed in this concurrent nested design-based study. The objective of this study was to identify the awareness of millets and investigate the consumption patterns of millets among young adults. The results showed that although 80.20 percent of the respondents were aware of millets in general, only 23.20 percent knew of more than 5 types of millets. The recognition rate was lowest for Barnyard millet (35.60%). The consumption pattern showed majority of the respondents were consuming millets but the frequency was only ‘few times a year’. The study concluded that young adults need to be made aware about the importance and ways of consuming millets for better mainstreaming of millets among the population.
Challenges and Constraints in Adopting Modern Horticulture Practices in Apple Orchards
In many developing countries the adoption rate of new agricultural technology especially by small-scale farmers is low. The factors influencing farmers’ adoption of new technologies vary from specific circumstances to local conditions. The most essential aspect in the adoption of new tools and techniques is the farmer’s perception of these technologies which often remains unidentified. Using a mixed method approach, this study explored marginal and small-scale apple orchardists of rural Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India for their perceptions, challenges, and limitations of adaptive capacity to modern horticulture practices. Via in-depth interviews, the growers shared multifaceted challenges and fears impeding their adoption decision, the most noticeable ones were - the high cost of horticulture inputs, unpredictable weather conditions, small orchard size, inadequate labour, insufficient knowledge on modern horticulture practices and lack of information from the government departments. Based on these interviews, a thematic analysis and a survey were conducted - broadly representing the common horticulture problems and factors restricting these orchardists from adopting new technologies.
An Analysis of Expenditure Pattern of Farm Families in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh
The study was conducted in the Chaka and Kundhiyama blocks situated in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Altogether, 200 farmers were randomly selected from four villages of the selected blocks. The results of the study revealed that the average monthly family expenditure increased as the land size increased, except in the case of medium-sized farm-holders, as the average family size was larger than that of small-sized farm holders. The percentage of expenditure was found to be more on food; it was found that the percentage of the amount spent on food decreased as the income increased. The percentage of expenditure on food items decreased with the increase in holding size.
Cocoa Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Extension Services in Ghana
Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity, resilience, and sustainability of farming systems, particularly for smallholder farmers. In Ghana, cocoa farming remains a vital economic activity, contributing significantly to livelihoods and national revenue. However, the effectiveness of extension service delivery has often been limited by inadequate resources, infrequent farm visits, and a lack of tailored support to address farmer-specific needs. As farmers increasingly face challenges, the demand for improved extension services has become more urgent. This study explores cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved extension services in Ghana. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, selecting 394 respondents through the multi-stage sampling process. Majority of the farmers were willing to pay for improved extension services, thus, arrangement for the supply of inputs, financial literacy and farm management training, and access to high-quality, certified seeds. Factors influencing willingness to pay included age, household size, household headship, farm size, sex, farming experience, access to credit, and skilled labour. There is strong consensus on three critical features of an improved extension system: the frequency of farm visits, prompt response from extension agents, and availability of essential tools and equipment. For improved extension services, the Ghana Cocoa Board must design and promote financial mechanisms that facilitate farmers’ ability to pay for extension services through flexible payment options or subsidies for disadvantaged farmers.
From the Editor's desk - evaluating information sources
Editorial on evaluating information soruces ; Journal of Extension Education; 35 (1)
Socio -Economic and Demographic Characteristics of Kadar Tribe of Anamalai Tiger Reserve
This article provides a descriptive glimpse into the socio-economic and characteristics of the Kadar tribe who live in all six settlements within the Pollachi division of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu viz., Kavarkkal, Nedungundru, Ethakuli, Erumparai, Theppakadu, and Udumanparai. The study reveals that the tribals have varying age distributions, gender and marital status. Primary education is the most common, with a significant portion engaged in agriculture. Low-income households rely on traditional livelihoods, and occupational diversity is limited. Access to government funds is limited, and housing consists of traditional 'kutcha' mud-houses.
Vegetable Marketing Practices followed by Farmers in Dibrugarh District of Assam
Agriculture is crucial to India’s rural economy, with vegetable cultivation being a key component. This study focuses on 150 rural farmers in Assam’s Dibrugarh District, exploring their socioeconomic characteristics, marketing practices, factors influencing these practices and the barriers they experience. The rapid sale of vegetables, driven by their perishable nature, emerged as the most influential factor in farmers’ marketing practices. It was found that farmers face various barriers like perishability of vegetables, limited access to ICT tools and low level of knowledge. Findings revealed a significant association between socioeconomic characteristics and marketing practices.
Usage of Selected Botanicals for Grain Flour Storage among Rural Households in Tamil Nadu
Storage of processed grains is a very common and crucial practice for every family, especially those in rural areas of India. This study assessed the usage of botanicals for grain flour storage among the rural families of Tamil Nadu, India. A training intervention was planned and implemented on eco-friendly storage practices in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. A sample of 100 respondents were selected based on their willingness and availability to participate in the intervention programme in randomly selected villages of Salem District . The responses from the trainees before and after the training intervention programme provided insights into the extent of the adoption of eco-friendly storage practices. The assessment indicated a significant change in the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of rural households. All the respondents gained knowledge and awareness about eco-friendly storage techniques, and the adoption rate was around 50 percent after the training intervention. Participants also began using eco-friendly storage materials such as containers, particularly in stainless-steel. The study suggests that every state department of agriculture, district KVKs, rural development departments and other line departments should take simple steps to improve storage practices of food grains and flour using eco-friendly methods among consumers in their respective areas.
Dairy Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Kerala, India
During the recent times, studies on entrepreneurship are found to shift their focus from entrepreneurcentered to environment-centered; outlining the role of entrepreneurial ecosystem in creating productive entrepreneurship. An attempt was made to map the dairy entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kerala state in India, to understand the actors and factors, functional stages of the actors and the linkages among them. The methodology followed was desk research, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Mapping exposed the major actors under the financial, support, technology, human capital, culture and legal domains; and factors were direct, partially direct and indirect. The actors were grouped under the different functional stages of ideation, establishment, survival, early and late growth and maturity; as well as their linkages were portrayed. The findings shall enable appropriate planning and interventions to refurbish the ecosystem for a more dynamic dairy entrepreneurial development.
This editorial of Journal of Extension Education , 34 (4) deals with various forms of aberrations in research misconduct.
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Problems and Complexities in Rural Schools of the Himalayan Region: Challenges for Community Development
The educational system of rural areas in India especially in the Himalayan region, is facing various problems like infrastructure, transportation, communication, and quality education. In the present paper, the focus has been given to identifying the problems and challenges faced by rural schools and factors affecting the quality of education in Himalayan region with particular reference to the Paddar sub-division in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Using purposive sampling technique, data were collected from 19 schools, with 180 students as a sample. The findings of the study revealed that low educational qualifications of both parents, low socioeconomic status and low occupational status of parents were the major factors affecting the quality of education. Natural obstacles like harsh winters, heavy snowfall, a high mountainous area, and a lack of transportation also hinder the progress of education. Hence, there is a need to bring structural changes in the rural schools of Jammu & Kashmir.
Rural Community Teachers’ Awareness and Attitude on Learning Challenges
In rural landscapes, teachers are unsung education heroes, facing challenges like limited professional growth, inadequate infrastructure, and the need to innovate teaching methods for diverse student needs. They shape their communities’ education through adaptability and evolution. A September 2022 study conducted in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu surveyed 149 rural primary school teachers, using self-developed questionnaires on background information, awareness of learning challenges, and attitudes toward them. Reliability, measured with Cronbach’s Alpha, showed scores of 0.829 for awareness and 0.854 for attitudes. Results revealed that most teachers had moderate awareness, with some displaying low awareness and many holding neutral attitudes, which could turn unfavorable over time. Linear regression highlighted associations with age, experience, and class type. Experience emerged as the main predictor for both awareness and attitude, implying that more experience leads to improved awareness and attitude. These findings can guide stakeholders in supporting rural educators, benefitting students across geographical boundaries.
Unearthing the Knowledge of Natural Farming through Content Analysis of English YouTube Videos
Amidst the vast realm of digital content, YouTube covers agricultural videos that exhibit the marvels of natural farming. This content analysis, conducted in 2023, encompasses a comprehensive synopsis of YouTube videos communicated in English on natural farming. By employing a meticulously prepared checklist, the study delved into both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the videos. A total of 150 videos were selected through systematic random sampling, assuring recurrent themes and subthemes. An accurate and consistent analysis was ensured by conducting intra-coder reliability. The analysis includes categorization in respect of type of enterprise, type of crop, place of program, shot type, Type of operational practices, type of manure, type of mulching, type of compost, type of soil water conservation techniques, type of pest management techniques, the theme of the channels, number of subscribers, and type of content. The analysis focused on YouTube’s coverage of promoting knowledge about natural farming practices by serving as a comprehensive resource for empowering and motivating people on their sustainable agricultural journeys.
Understanding the Information Network among Farmers through Content Analysis of Farmers’ Facebook Groups
Facebook groups have emerged as a powerful tool for connecting individuals with shared interests, and the agriculture sector is no exception. Examining the significance of Facebook’s involvement in agricultural extension within India is essential because of the nation’s significant agricultural industry, growing digital presence, and the necessity for prompt and precise information distribution. This research aims to investigate the origins of the Bengali Facebook groups, the profiles of members and administrators, and the manner in which information is shared through posts within these groups. The study also seeks to delve into the broad themes of these posts and their specific focus on agricultural topics, including general agriculture, identification of plant diseases, crop varieties, recommended practices, and more. Furthermore, this study analyses the content of posts concerning agricultural operations, implements, agricultural products, and livestock. Out of 995 Facebook groups, 84 core agricultural groups and 24 Bengali groups were purposively sampled. Among the 1442 posts, 206 were screened randomly for the study. Results revealed that 50 percent of these groups emerged during the lockdown period and the most discussed agricultural operation in these groups was ‘plant protection measures’ . The study suggests that Facebook groups should be mainstreamed by public and private extension agencies to reach even those farmers with low levels of formal education.
Functional Roles of Farmer Producer Companies: the Stakeholders’ Perception
This study explored the perception of stakeholders of selected Farmer Producer Companies (FPC) of Kerala, India, on the functional role of such companies in the livelihood betterment of farmers. Five roles were identified and ranked based on the percentage scores for understanding the perception of the role of FPCs. The five roles analyzed included facilitate development of member farmers, increase the cultivation of particular crop, identify needs of farmers and conduct trainings/ exposure visits, delivery of services to farmers and creation of more employment among farmers. Based on results it was inferred that stakeholders from various FPCs in the state identified delivery of services to farmers as the most important functional role of FPCs. This was followed by the role of farmer development facilitation which was agreed by over 75 percent of all categories. Creation of more employment opportunities for farmers, and impart of trainings and exposure visits to them was given comparatively less importance by all the stakeholders. The least important role identified was increasing the crop cultivation.
Entrepreneurial Attributes of Floriculture Farmers
Floriculture has emerged as an important agribusiness, providing employment opportunities and entrepreneurship in both urban and rural areas. This study calculated the entrepreneurial attributes of floriculture farmers in Nashik, Maharashtra, India were calculated based on seven parameters viz., innovativeness, achievement motivation, economic motivation, decision making ability, leadership ability, risk orientation and management orientation. Majority of the flower growers belonged to medium entrepreneurial category. There was a highly significant and positive relationship of entrepreneurial attributes of respondents with Annual Income, Mass Media Exposure and Extension Agency Contact.
Attitude of Undergraduate Students of Agriculture towards Online Mode of Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic had prompted higher institutions around the globe to relocate traditional classes to online classes. Due to the pandemic, students were compelled to use online platforms that the university provided, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom, to resume their studies. This study aims to evaluate the attitude of undergraduate students of agriculture in using these new platforms for online mode of learning so that in future, academicians and the Government can design online learning platforms that will enhance the learning of students . The results of this study show that distance learning is still in the development stage, and although traditional classrooms appeared to be indispensable, the positive attitudes and willingness of the majority of students to engage in distance learning classes in the post-COVID19 pandemic indicate that there is an immense potential future for e-learning platforms in higher education institutions.