• Abstract
• |

Content

• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.2

• Abstract
• |
Kiwifruit cultivation is a promising avenue for horticultural development in the mid-hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh. An attempt has been made to study the economic and financial feasibility of Kiwifruit cultivation in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. This study was conducted in the Lower Subansiri district Employing a comprehensive approach through purposive sampling, a diverse array of 60 respondents, comprising farmers were engaged across selected villages, namely Tajang, Hija, Hong and Hari and two blocks- Ziro I and Hong-Hari within the district. Utilizing established analytical frameworks, including cost concepts and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). From the study it was revealed that the total costs for establishing a kiwifruit orchard per hectare are ` 2,72,512.77 for small, ` 2,82,199.412 for medium, and ` 2,89,991.34 for large orchards, with an overall average of ` 2,81,567.8421. The total maintenance cost per hectare is ` 31,728.69 for small, ` 34,009.76 for medium, and ` 35,046.64 for large orchards, with an overall average of ` 33,595.03. The gross return from Kiwifruit orchard of small, Medium and large was ` 506700/ha, ` 5,01,750/ha and ` 4,93,200/ha respectively. Despite these cost escalations, returns above expenditure remain promising, with a combined benefit-cost ratio of 1.59, demonstrating the economic viability of kiwifruit cultivation, particularly for small-scale farmers. Moreover, the cost of establishing a kiwifruit orchard is high, thus the government may be advised to give direction to the financial institution to offer loans to the cultivators with fair interest rate. Majority of the orchardists do not get the better remuneration due to low prices of produce and price fluctuations as they are selling their produce immediately after harvest. The reasons for distress sale may be lack of cold storage and low shelf life of kiwifruit. Therefore, to tackle the problem cold storages should be established. Efforts
are essential to unlocking the full economic potential of kiwifruit cultivation for fostering sustainable agricultural development and livelihood improvement within the hilly regions of Arunachal Pradesh. 
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.1

• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.3

• Abstract
• |
In India, handloom industry is based on a large number of artisanal skill-based enterprises that produce traditional fabrics from both industrially produce and naturally produced yarn. Assam, a state of North East Region, produces varieties of handloom products by using different types of silk and cotton yarn. The weavers in the state are preserving their traditional arts, skills and representing cultural identities through their weaving fabrics and designs. The objective of the paper is to investigate the product practices and production performance of handloom based micro-enterprises in Assam. The paper used primary data collected from 312 handloom enterprises spread across the four districts of Assam using multi stages sampling technique. It is observed that revenue per loom of multi loom enterprises is significantly higher than that of single loom enterprises. The concentrations of handloom enterprises are more in the
production of low-price products in comparison to high price products. The result of Cobb-Douglass production function found that value of handloom production can be increase by increasing labour and yarn inputs.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.4

• Abstract
• |
The study was conducted in 2023 in Balipatna and Balianta blocks of Khurda district and in Barpali and Bargarh blocks of Bargarh district of Odisha to determine the obstacles faced by farmers using Information Communication Technology in agriculture. The study used purposive sampling for selection of districts and blocks and random sampling procedure for selection of villages and respondent farmers and collected data through personal interviews and focussed group discussion method with 200 respondents. To analyse the constraints faced by farmers under the social, economic, and technical dimensions, Garrett’s ranking technique was employed. Lack of education and confidence are major societal limitations affecting ICT adoption among farmers while ICT instruments having high beginning expenses and the absence of physical assets as credit collateral are major economic constraints and insufficient knowledge on operation of ICTs platform is important constraints under technical dimension. As a result, important stakeholders
must take the necessary action to eliminate the identified obstacles. It is essential to solve these issues if we want to boost the productivity of farmers in Odisha.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.5

• Abstract
• |
Farmers in East Champaran, Bihar are frequently exposed to unexpected climatic events that affect crop yields and income. Climatic aberrations adversely affects rainfed rabi crop performance. This study attempted to assess the loss in productivity and monetary losses incurred by farmers due to climatic aberrations. Data was collected from four villages covering randomly selected 332 farmers using a pretested structured interview schedule. Occurrence of floods and heavy rains reduced yields of paddy and maize crops by 50%, while deficit or delayed rainfall led to a yield decline of 26% in paddy, 24% in maize and 18% in wheat. The occurrence of frost, reported to be a regular feature by 26% of the respondents led to a yield decline of 18% in wheat and 21% in winter maize and potato. Due to these unforeseen events, annual income (from all sources) of INR 1.46 lakhs/year declined to just INR 1.0 lakhs/year, which gets further aggravated due to a lack of non-farm activities during adverse situations. The study revealed that farmers incur significant losses due to unexpected climatic events and it is necessary to popularize in-situ soil moisture conservation practices for the post-monsoon season to ensure satisfactory yields from rainfed rabi crops.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.7

• Abstract
• |
The present study looks into farmers perception of risks and effectiveness of major risk management strategies being adopted by dairy farmers of Kerala. Primary data was collected from 226 farmers of Calicut and Malappuram districts. Majority of the farmers opined there was only moderate increase in both production and price during the past five years. Lack of capital, unavailability of inputs on time, high temperature, input price hike, volatility in prices and price policy of government were the major sources of risks perceived by the farmers. Membership in cooperative societies and adoption of value addition were found to be effective strategies for risk reduction. Whereas coping strategies like reduction of spending on management practices when faced with income shock was found not effective as it leads to long term negative effects. The study stressed on the need for awareness creation and further support measures
for risk management and for continuing with proper adoption of recommended management practices.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.8

• Abstract
• |
The study analyzed time series secondary data of nutrient-wise production, consumption and import of fertilizers in India. The overall period taken for the study was from 1961-62 to 2021-22 which was further divided into six sub-periods: sub-period-I (1961-70), sub-period-II (1971-80), sub-period-III (1981-90), sub-period-IV (1991-2000), sub-period-V (2001-10) and sub-period-VI (2011-21). The compound growth rates (CGRs) of production, consumption and imports were estimated for all the sub-periods and for the overall period. The overall production trend was found significantly positive for nitrogen and phosphorus (~7%), despite a continuous decline in the consecutive decades which signifies a plant-level production saturation. The overall consumption trend exhibited a positive picture for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (6-7%) but consumption instability is reported highest in the potassium fertilizers. The overall
import was found significant for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium but the decadal trends have been quite erratic with the highest overall growth reported in phosphorus (11.11%).
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.9

• Abstract
• |
This research paper presents a microeconomic assessment of government welfare programs in rural India, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in poverty alleviation. The study encompasses data collected from 963 households across five states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The research objectives were to assess awareness and participation rates, examine the perceived impact on economic well-being and education, and understand the reasons for non-participation. The methodology involved stratified random sampling and in-person questionnaires. The key findings indicate that while there is substantial awareness of government welfare programs among rural households, participation rates are lower, signaling the need for enhanced outreach strategies. Respondents perceived these programs as effective in improving economic well-being and education, underscoring their positive contributions to rural development. Furthermore, satisfaction with the application process was high, indicating efficient program administration. Lack of awareness emerged as a prominent reason for nonparticipation. These findings align with prior literature emphasizing the critical roles of government welfare programs in poverty alleviation. The study’s implications extend to policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders in the field of rural development. Recommendations include targeted awareness campaigns, expansion of education-focused initiatives, and continuous efforts to improve the application process. Overall, this research underscores the significance of government welfare programs in addressing rural poverty and fostering sustainable development in India. 
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.10

• Abstract
• |
Indian economy is an emerging economy, but it is still an agricultural economy because here, most people earn their livelihood from agriculture. The present study for temporal changes in Rajasthan time series, data on area, production and yield per hectare of food grain and oilseeds crops were collected from 1976-77 to 2018-19. The area under wheat, bajra, maize, urad, moong, rapeseed & mustard and soybean was increased by 67.12 %, 2.68 %, 12.91 %, 333.19 %, 1009.40 %, 729.27 % and 3089.07 %, respectively from 1976-79 to 2016-2019. The area under barley, gram, sesamum, was reduced by -47.01%, -12.41 % and -34.59 % which was shifted towards pulses, and oilseeds and cereal crops like moong, urad, soybean, rapeseed & mustard and wheat. During the study period, production of wheat, barley, bajra, maize, gram, urad, moong, rapeseed & mustard, sesamum and soybean was increased by 360.62 %, 39.42 %, 256.42 %, 166.65 %, 11.23%, 565.41 %, 1776.25 %, 2487.47 %, 32.73 %, and 6019.05 %, respectively. The
yield of wheat, barley, bajra, maize, gram, urad, moong, rapeseed & mustard, sesamum and soybean was increased by 174.96 %, 161.39 % 242.27 %, 138.83 %. 26.78 %, 55.40 %, 69.25 %, 214.14 %, 103.16 % and 90.61 %, respectively period of study. The area under barley, gram and sesamum reduced during the study period. Therefore, technological support through varietal improvement and extension support is required. Enhance minimum support prices of cereals, oil seeds and pulses crops farmers motivated
for cultivation of these crops. 
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.11

• Abstract
• |
Agricultural credit plays a vital role in supporting Indian agriculture, and to enhance farmers’ access to formal credit, several reforms have been introduced. This study examines the response of agricultural credit to policy reforms using data on outstanding agricultural credit from scheduled commercial banks in the southern region during 1976-2021. It also investigates the distribution of agricultural credit beyond the regional level, revealing a concentration of half the advances in just 100 districts, primarily in the Southern region. To identify distinct phases, the study employed the Bai-Perron test, which identified multiple structural breaks in 1983, 1990, 1997, 2004, and 2011. Garrett scores are then calculated for each phase to determine periods of high growth. Notably, Phase-V (2004-2010) recorded the highest agricultural credit growth, attributed to policy reforms such as doubling the volume of credit, groundlevel credit policies, interest subvention, and prompt repayment incentives. Phase-I (1976-1982) also witnessed significant growth, driven by policies like establishing regional rural banks, intensifying priority sector lending targets, and nationalizing banks for the second time. This study underscores the importance of direct credit reforms in augmenting agricultural credit accessibility and emphasizes the need for continued efforts in this direction.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.12

• Abstract
• |
Vermicompost tea (VCT) is an emerging bio-stimulant that enhances plant growth, soil fertility, and economic sustainability in organic and integrated farming systems. This study evaluates the economic viability and agronomic impact of VCT application in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) cultivation over two consecutive years (2021–22 and 2022–23). A sensitivity analysis of VCT production revealed a profit margin of 58.4% and a break-even price of ` 20.8 per liter, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. Further economic assessments showed that integrating VCT with chemical fertilizers improved yield, net returns, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratios. Treatments T3 (100% RDF + SS) and T4 (100% RDF + DS) recorded the highest leaf count and net returns, while T7 (90% RDF + DS) exhibited comparable performance, indicating that a 10% reduction in fertilizers along with dual VCT application could maintain optimal yields. The B:C ratio and return-on investment (ROI) were highest for T3 and T4, reflecting their superior profitability. Fresh leaf production generated higher economic returns than dry leaves, as additional postharvest processing costs reduced profitability in the latter. The results highlight the synergistic benefits of microbial inoculants in improving nutrient uptake efficiency and soil health. The study supports sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with SDGs 2, 8, 12, and 13, and suggests that medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) can be effectively integrated into existing cropping systems for enhanced economic resilience and environmental sustainability. These findings provide a scientific foundation for scaling up VCT-based interventions in organic and low-input farming systems. 
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.13

• Abstract
• |
Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to analyze the impact of financial development and governance in India on environmental quality within the time frame of 1998 to 2021. Design/methodology: The present study utilizes Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a method for constructing an index that encompasses the factors of financial development and governance. Subsequently, the long-run association and direction of causality (short-run and Long-run) among the Environmental Quality(EQ), Financial Development (FD), and Good Governance (GOV) have been explored using Johansen-Juselius (JJ) cointegration test and Granger causality under the VECM framework respectively. Findings: The empirical data support long-term cointegration among variables using the Johansen-Juselius (JJ) cointegration test. VECM-based Granger causality analysis shows a unidirectional positive causal link between FD and EQ. However, increasing GOV decreases carbon emissions, which increases EQ. This discovery revolutionizes carbon emissions research. Practical implication: The unique notion of green financial development may solve this problem. Green project investment may change outcomes. Good governance can strategically promote financial development and environmental quality through a strong regulatory framework, incentive mechanisms, education, and corruption prevention. In CSR, Indian companies must prioritize environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Environmental enforcement agency capacity must be increased. Environmental policy benefits from good governance and transparency. Originality: The
current study contributes to the existing corpus of research by constructing a comprehensive Index of Financial Development and Governance which has not been attempted before. The impact of financial development on environmental quality in India has not been extensively investigated in earlier academic research, particularly in relation to the role of governance.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.14

• Abstract
• |
Walnut (Juglans regia), commonly regarded as the “Brain Food,” is a significant nut crop of temperate regions. It serves as a crucial contributor to the agricultural economy, generating substantial foreign exchange for the nation. Jammu and Kashmir, accounting for 80.58 per cent of the nation’s total walnutcultivation area and 91.16% of its production, stands out as the leading producer of  walnuts. Hence, this study aimed to analyze the seasonality in walnut’s arrivals and prices, along with investigating its
marketing pattern (marketing cost, marketing margins and marketing efficiency) within the markets of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. To achieve the research objectives, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The study revealed that walnut arrivals exhibited seasonal variations, with peak arrivals typically observed during October and November. Consequently, prices
also fluctuated across different months. The marketing process comprised two main channels: Channel I, involving direct sales to local retailers and Channel II, entailing sales through Farmer’s Cooperative (F/C) agent retailers. Besides, producer’s share in consumer rupee varied depending on the chosen marketing channel, ranging from 52.70 per cent to 67.41 per cent for Channel I and 60 per cent to 62 per cent for Channel II, respectively.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.15

• Abstract
• |
One of the significant oilseeds grown in Odisha, groundnut accounts for more than 68% of all oilseeds produced in the state. Odisha’s groundnut productivity, however, is lower than the national average. The state has a great deal of potential to increase peanut production and productivity. The goal of the current study was to examine the groundnut crop’s economics. The sampling has been done for the selection of Tehsils, clusters of villages, and groundnut farmers of different farm-size classes. The groundnut was selected because of the largest area under cultivation. The district of Odisha was specifically selected for the current study. Data were analyzed using various cost concepts, compound annual growth rate (CAGR), resource use efficiency, allocation efficiency, and technical efficiency of groundnut both at farm level and size group level to study the changes over time in different periods for the state of Odisha. The economics and efficiency of groundnut production were investigated in this study in Odisha (2008–09, 2012–13 and 2016–17). It discovered a peak B: C ratio of 1.41 in 2016–17 using Cobb-Douglas and stochastic frontier production models. In the aforementioned periods, explanations accounted for 61%, 55%, and 65% of the variation in groundnut productivity among farms in Odisha.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.16

• Abstract
• |
This study examines the determinants of food security amongst beedi workers’ households in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, focusing on Suti-II Block in the Jangipur subdivision. A sample of 90 households was selected through the SRSWOR method. Primary data was collected via pre-tested questionnaires, assessing food security based on an 18-question scale reflecting difficulties in meeting basic food needs. A binary logistic regression model was employed to analyse how socioeconomic factors such as income, education, family size, and expenditures influence food security. Results indicate that 80 percent of households are food secure. Education, income, and expenditures on food have a significant positive impact on food security. In contrast, medical and family size exhibit negative effects. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions, such as improving education and increasing
income, to enhance food security amongst minority groups in rural areas.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.17

• Abstract
• |
Oilseed prices are inherently volatile and uncertain, making accurate predictions is important for the stakeholders. In time series forecasting, fuzzy techniques have proven effective for managing complex and uncertain datasets. This study introduces an innovative approach to predicting oilseeds prices by developing intuitionistic fuzzy based machine learning models. The model integrates intuitionistic fuzzy logic with stochastic and advanced machine learning techniques to enhance predictive accuracy. The main objective is to assess how this integration improves prediction accuracy, focusing on monthly wholesale prices of Sunflower from various markets in Karnataka, covering the period from January 2010 to June 2024 from the AGMARKNET portal (https://agmarknet.gov.in/). Comparative analysis with traditional models demonstrated the superior performance of the intuitionistic fuzzy based models, particularly in reducing prediction errors and accurately capturing market trends. This research underscores the potential of integrating fuzzy logic into machine learning frameworks, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders in agricultural economics and commodity trading.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.18

• Abstract
• |
The decision to leave land fallow is primarily influenced by factors such as lower farm profitability, undulating topography, and the migration of rural youth to urban areas. To demonstrate the potential of the agri-horti system in overcoming these challenges, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa designed and implemented interventions in a community-owned farm of Gaondongrim village of Canacona Taluka in South Goa under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) programme. These interventions were: (i) rejuvenation of barren land through the planting of improved cashew varieties under the agri-horti system, (ii) improved nutrient and production technologies, (iii) effective utilization of interspace and available natural resources and (iv) value addition through the preparation of feni from cashew apples. Through repeated measures ANOVA and paired-t test, the impact of these interventions
was assessed. Findings revealed that the employment generated at the farm significantly increased from 730 mandays per year (2017-18 – before interventions) to 1,697 mandays per year (2022-23 – after the interventions) and net returns also significantly improved by ` 4,31,377. This community-owned farm acts as a role model for rejuvenating barren land, creating a sustainable production system at the village level for generating substantial employment options, promoting crop diversification and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.19

• Abstract
• |
Soybean cultivation in Amravati district has grown significantly as soybean has been labeled as major crop in the district. Farmers sell their produce majority in local markets situated at the Taluka places. The economy of Amravati farmers did not allow them to sell their produce at Ahmednagar, Nandurbar, latur, Kolhapur, Jalgaon markets . The issue of market arrival and prices needs to be handled critically because the arrival indices for soybean in selected APMC’s are maximum during the months of October-December every year, resulting in price indices substantially below 100. As such farmers are not benefited much by soybean cultivation. The price behaviour of soybean also indicated exactly identical picture where in the lowest prices with higher arrival. The price indices in selected APMC’s were above 100 during the months of February-May every year. However during peak arrival prices were 62%of the price index indicating farmers are substantially at loss selling their produce immediately after harvest. This cycle needs to be broken such that Amravati district farmers will get optimum price for their produce.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.20

• Abstract
• |
Apple is commercially one of the most important temperate fruits and is fourth among the most widely produced fruits in the world with India contributing 2.05 per cent of the total apple production in the world. This study focuses on the behaviour analysis of apple prices, their arrivals and trends from 2003 to 2022. AGMARK (Agriculture marketing) and National Horticulture Board were the secondary data sources for the study. For the empirical study, the seasonal index was calculated to evaluate seasonal trends in the demand for apples annually and a polynomial regression model was used for accessing the trends and predictive analysis. Besides, two-period and three-period moving averages were taken as technical indicators to determine the future course of the market. The findings of this study unraveled that June has the highest seasonal index for price with 2.25 followed by May and April with 1.78 and 1.39, respectively, whereas quarterly, the second quarter shows the highest seasonality of 1.63. For arrivals, the month of October records the highest seasonality of 5.39 followed by November and September with 2.43 and 2.38 respectively and if taken quarterly, the fourth quarter shows the highest seasonality of 2.91. CAGR was used as an instrument of analysis to figure out the growth in minimum, maximum and modal prices which were found to be 7.71%, 9.52% and 8.75% respectively. The forecasting model predicted the prices for the next eight years i.e., from 2023 to 2030 where the prices for the year 2023, 2025 and 2030 will be ` 6379.21/qtl, ` 7154.02/qtl and ` 9293.78 /qtl, respectively. Therefore, the novelty of the research is that the growth rate in the maximum prices of apples is higher than the minimum prices. Besides, the other indicators like the polynomial regression model and moving average also indicate uptrend signals. Hence, all analytical tools show a noteworthy hike and viable market potential. 
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.21

• Abstract
• |
The present study, entitled “Comparative Analysis of the Vegetable Crops Grown Under Natural Farming: A Case Study in Mandi of Himachal Pradesh,” explores the practice of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF/ZBNF) among 120 farmers in Sundernagar, Karsog, and Balh blocks in Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals that the literacy rate among the farmers is high, with 96.15% of the males and 81.58% of the females being literate. The average number of workers is 3.71, and the average landholding is 0.83 ha,
out of which 0.30 ha is under natural farming and 0.15 ha is under conventional farming. The cropping intensity under natural farming is high at 204%, and the agriculture income share in total household income is 58.11%. The study also highlights the presence of livestock among the farmers, with cows, bullocks, and improved buffalo being the most common. Four major crops, including tomatoes, French beans, peas, and cauliflower, were grown under natural farming, with estimated yields per hectare ranging from 60 to 101 q/ha. The yield from SPNF crops was found to be less than that of conventional crops, but with the intercropping system, it becomes similar to conventional farming and has more diversity under SPNF. The estimated net returns per hectare for the major crops ranged from ` 75509 to ` 117433/ ha, while the estimated costs per hectare ranged from ` 61620 to ` 86532/ha. The study suggests the need for a specialized and organized market for SPNF produce to increase the income of farmers and promote the practice of natural farming. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the practice of SPNF among farmers in Himachal Pradesh and highlights the need for market interventions to support the practice and increase the income of farmers.
• PDF Download

10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.22

• Abstract
• |
The present study explores the prospects of beekeeping and its probable constraints and opportunity as an Entrepreneurial activity in three districts of Tripura viz. West Tripura, North Tripura & South Tripura from August 2021 to March 2022. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to select a random sample of 100 respondents from three districts for the study. The paper mainly focused on the
constraints of beekeeping as an entrepreneurial activity. The study identifies the major problems of Bee Keeping for Entrepreneurial activity which include the usage of agrochemical products on the crops, lack of honey processing plants, no buyers of bee wax, & pest & predators. The identified problems need to be focused on at the policy level to support the sector, in the long run, to enhance entrepreneurship opportunities of beekeeping in Tripura.
• PDF Download