scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness Level of COVID-19 among the Farm Women and Its Impact on Agricultural Operation in Sikar District of Rajasthan

Author(s):  
Subhita Kumawat ◽  
Priyanka Kumawat ◽  
Mukesh Nitharwal ◽  
Balbir Singh Badhala ◽  
Hanuman Singh Jatav ◽  
...  

In India, agriculture and related industries constitute the most important source of income. Around 120 million small-scale farmers play an important role in the country's food supply system. People's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding any contagious disease, such as COVID-19, all play a role in determining a society's willingness to accept behavioural change strategies aimed at disease prevention. The majority of respondents (35.00 percent) are between the ages of 35 to 45, with 77 of the total respondents belonging to the OBC categories. The majority of respondents' educational levels were indicated as high school (49.17 percent). The findings of this study revealed that there was a high level of awareness, particularly among farm women, about the nature of disease, its symptoms, and the preventive actions that should be followed to prevent disease transmission. COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a virus, according to the majority of respondents (79.17%), and respiratory droplets are the virus's primary method of transmission, according to 75.00 percent of respondents. Farmers should bring their own food and water from home to their agricultural field, as well as soap and water, according to all of the respondents (81.67 percent). Besides, 73.34 percent of respondents believe that wearing a mask and maintaining social distance are necessary during agricultural tasks. COVID- 19 has also had an impact on agriculture. Farm women faced many constraints during this period. Out of which it is difficult to get agricultural inputs, animal feed and vaccines, lack of outside traders for product procurement, lack of technical experts to fix the problem in time, ignorance about government programs during the lockdown.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80
Author(s):  
S. A Dattijo

Due to many ways by which they are exploited, insects and their products could be a very big business. They are sold for agricultural protection, crop pollination, as well as human, livestock and pet nutrition. In addition, their products are sold for pharmaceuticals, health, and the implements for research, art works and a host of other uses. This review focused on commercialization of insects and their products with a view of sharing existing knowledge on global commerce of various insects and their products. Available literature revealed that there was an increase in demand for edible insects in the United States of America and prices were as high as $150 kg-1. Similarly, between 2010 and 2015, animal feed market in the United Kingdom grew at 3.5% annually and is currently worth £5 billion. Because of its scarcity, high demand, and recognition of its healing properties, royal jelly, one of the most sought after from bee products commands astronomical price internationally. In addition, no any other industry could generate high level of employment as sericulture, especially in rural areas where it takes 11 workdays to produce a Kg of raw silk. The contribution insects and their products can give to improve the economy of a developing country such as Nigeria is considerable, but underestimated or neglected. Insects are unlikely to make a major contribution in the near future, but the idea that they are potential source of overcoming the economic problems is not as farfetched as it seemed. Therefore, there is the need to adopt an added value approach to insects and their products and sensitize as well as encourage small-scale farmers, who are disadvantaged in international market participation due to lack of access to information, services, technology or the capacity, to produce larger volumes of quality insect products.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
S. Espinosa Diaz ◽  
S. Speelman ◽  
R. Moruzzo ◽  
H. De Steur

While it is recognised that insect farming as an alternative feed production system can yield substantial benefits for rural communities, farmers will ultimately have to decide whether to adopt these systems or not. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the intention of farmers to adopt insect farming for animal feed in the context of a developing country. Building upon two well-established theories (theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance model), a survey was administered with 100 small-scale farmers in the region of Santander, Colombia. Findings demonstrate that the majority of farmers are positively oriented towards the implementation of this alternative feed production strategy. Both psychological and technology-oriented aspects related to this innovative practice play a crucial role in decision-making of small-scale farmers. Thereby, adoption intention was mainly determined by their subjective norms and perceived ease of use, with education and importance of feed attributes as significant external variables.


Author(s):  
Ibitunde Ibidun Olatohun ◽  
Farinde Akinloye Jimoh ◽  
Adereti Francis Oke

The study identified the problems of access to inputs by the small-scale farmers; and analyzed the structure and operations of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) on input supply to small-scale farmers in Southwestern Nigeria with the view to investigate the effectiveness of GESS in South western Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting 420 GESS farmers. The interview schedule was used to collect data which were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis to test the hypothesis. Results showed that the mean age of the small-scale farmers was 49.57±10.49 years and a high level, 75.70 per cent were males. A higher percentage (55.80%) showed a high level of identified problems of access to inputs. Analysis of the structure and operations of GESS on input supply showed that GESS was structured and operated by the government among the various stakeholders using the top-down approach. Out of the nineteen GESS effectiveness indicators, none was effective at solving the problems of inputs delivery to the respondents. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between the effectiveness of GESS and respondents' sex (χ2=46.159; p≤ 0.01). Correlation analysis showed a negative and significant relationship between the effectiveness of GESS and identified problems of access to inputs (r=-0.214, p≤0.001). It was concluded that GESS recorded a low level of effectiveness of GESS in the study area as a result of the high level of identified problems of access to agricultural inputs through GESS. The study therefore recommends that there should be better orientation for future likely programmes and a reorientation of the farmers about the GESS in which there will be more extensive sensitization and enlightenment, especially at the grassroots level, also that quantity of input supply be increased and that more inclusive participatory approach instead of top-down approach should be adopted for planning, execution and evaluation of the GESS programme.


Author(s):  
Mtyobile Mxolisi

Maize is considered as one of the important grain crop in the world. Maize is in high demand within district because it is one of the staple food and also used for animal feed. Current yield attained by small scale farmers is lower than the potential of our existing varieties. In field experiment at Njizweni situated in Gqeleni sub-district was conducted in November 2018 to evaluate the agronomic and yield performance maize cultivars in a semi-arid environment. Plant population, plant height, leaf area, number of cobs/plant, cob length, number of grains per cob, 100 grain weight and number of cobs were significantly different (p<0.05) between cultivars. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) on maize grain yield although maximum number of cobs per plant (1.76) was recorded on PAN 6R-710BR, PAN5R-591R, BG 5285 and WE 6208B.


2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 756-762
Author(s):  
Z. R. Kadhim

The main objective of this study is to compute margin of safety of hiring decision of agricultural machinery services in Iraq. A cost-volume-profit analysis by using breakeven point technique has been followed to find out the margin of safety by using cross- section data in rice production farms in Alnajaf province. Results showed that the break-even point for different types of original agricultural field machinery were 427, 6.5, and 221 hours for tractor and machinery of soil preparation, farm sprayer, and combine harvester, respectively, while the values of break-even point for different types of used agricultural field machinery were 309, 10, and 319 hours for tractor, farm sprayer, and combine harvester, in that order. Results also pointed out that the negative sign of safety margin of areas of all machineries indicated that there are losses faced by small scale farmers in case of ownership these machineries, and the minimum lose amounted about $ 316116 for original tractor, $ 52611 for used tractor, $ 220.5 for original farm sprayer, $ 88 for used farm sprayer, $ 664664 for original combine harvester and $ 584650 for used combine harvester. The study recommended that it is useful for small scale farmers in Alnajaf province to continue hiring various agricultural machinery services rather than purchase them due to the absence of safety margin of holding areas. Therefore machine stations of agricultural machineries services maybe developed by Iraqi government in the study region to provide these services to the farmers with supported prices.


Author(s):  
Kapweke Kandondi ◽  
Davis Samzala Marumo ◽  
Benedict Kayombo ◽  
Thembeka Mpuisang

The adoption of conservation agriculture among small-scale farmers is still low despite the proven economic and environmental benefits of the technology. This study was conducted at Pandamatenga of Chobe District in northern Botswana. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence the adoption of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of the socio- economic and demographic characteristics of the sampled smallholder rainfed farmers. The socio - economic characteristics of the smallholder rainfed farmers included land holding size (ha), labour availability, livestock possession, education level, and farming experience. Demographic characteristics considered in the study included smallholder rainfed farmers’ age, marital status, gender, and average number of family members in the household. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the logistic regression model. The results have shown that gender and farm size had a significant influence on smallholder rainfed farmers’ decision to adopt CA technologies in Pandamatenga. Smallholder rainfed farmers had a positive perception and a high level of acceptance of CA technologies that were tried in their area.


2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Quddus

In Bangladesh, usually, small scale farmers are not adopted to use all kinds of improved technologies in dairy farming. But, high level of technology adoption has a direct impact on milk yield and household’s income generation as well as dairy development. The objectives of this study was to determine the causes of adoption and non adoption of high yielding breed, the level of practices and constraints in adopting the improved technologies. The study was carried out in three different agro-ecological zones and 180 dairy cattle farmers were interviewed. Self practiced dairy technologies were listed, adoption score for each technology and adoption index for each farmer were studied. One-fourth farmers used artificial insemination for breeding purpose and two-fifth belonged to medium or high level of technology adoption. Only 35% farmers adopted crossbred cows and some others upgraded indigenous with exotic breeds. About 17.5% rural farmers and 70% semi-urban farmers reared crossbred cows and rural farmers are reluctant to utilize all kinds of improved technologies. Secondary and higher educated farmers were 9.7 times more likely to be adopting improved technologies compared to illiterate farmers. Top ranked constraints were ill equipped and negligible services at AI centre, no provision for testing of animals, poor knowledge of farmers about health care of animals and inadequate knowledge about proper feeding and balanced ration. Need more knowledge on improved technologies through training, availability of reliable and continuous technical assistance, availability and low price of concentrate feeds, increased and timely provision of medicine, increasing AI facilities, providing pure breed and strengthening extension services were the main suggestions from farmers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i2.14132Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2012. 41 (2): 124-135


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (30) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekuria Teshome Mergia ◽  
Ermias Deribe Weldemariam ◽  
Ole Martin Eklo ◽  
Girma Tilahun Yimer

Background. Inappropriate use and application of pesticides in Ethiopia pose a major threat to the health of farmers and the environment. Objective. The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of small-scale vegetable farmers towards the use of pesticides in Ethiopia along the Lake Ziway watershed. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 210 farmers randomly selected during a period of pesticide application from a purposively selected village located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Data were generated through structured in-depth interviews and on-site observations on farms. A Chi-square test was applied to evaluate whether the collected data and their probable associations were significant. Results. World Health Organization (WHO) class II pesticides (moderately toxic) were the most frequently used pesticides in the study area. There was no reported use of WHO classes 1a and 1b and banned or restricted pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan. Most (92%) farmers reported indiscriminately disposing of empty containers in the field, while 86.7% applied the leftover pesticides to other crops. More than 90% of small-scale farmers did not use any personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. About 95% of farmers had poor knowledge regarding pesticides. A significant association (p &lt; 0.001) was observed between the knowledge of farmers and their practices related to pesticides. Conclusions. Generally, the knowledge of small-scale farmers on pesticides was poor. Moreover, the inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers poses a risk to the environment. The findings of the present study underline the need to train farmers concerning the safe and proper use of pesticides to mitigate hazards to human health and the environment. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. The study was granted an exemption from requiring ethics approval from the Hawassa University College of Natural and Computational Science, Research and Review Committee. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Astere Bararyenya ◽  
Phinehas Tukamuhabwa ◽  
Paul Gibson ◽  
Wolfgang Grüneberg ◽  
Reuben Ssali ◽  
...  

This study investigated the phenotypic variation of continuous storage root formation and bulking (CSRFAB) growth patterns underlying the development of sweetpotato genotypes for identification of potential varieties adapted to piecemeal harvesting for small scale farmers. The research was conducted between September 2016 and August 2017 in Uganda. Genotypes from two distinct sweetpotato genepool populations (Population Uganda A and Population Uganda B) comprising 130 genotypes, previously separated using 31 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used. Measurements (4 harvest times with 4 plants each) were repeated on genotypes in a randomized complete block design with 2 replications in 2 locations for 2 seasons. We developed a scoring scale of 1 to 9 and used it to compare growth changes between consecutive harvests. Data analysis was done using residual or restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Data showed a non-linear growth pattern within and between locations, seasons, and genotypes for most traits. Some genotypes displayed early initiation and increase of bulking, while others showed late initiation. Broad sense heritability of CSRFAB was low due to large GxE interactions but higher in other traits  probably due to high genetic influence and the effectiveness of the methodology. A high level of reproducibility (89%) was observed comparing 2016B and 2017A seasons (A and B are first and second season, respectively) at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge, Uganda. Choosing CSRFAB genotypes can more than double the sweetpotato production (average maximum yield of 13.1 t/ha for discontinuous storage root formation and bulking (DSRFAB) versus 28.6 t/ha for CSRFAB, demonstrating the importance of this underresearched component of storage root yield.


2019 ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
E. A. Volkova

A monograph “Vegetation and biotopes of the “Narochansky” National Park was published in Minsk, Belarus in 2017, edited by A. V. Pugachevsky (Grummo et al., 2017). It includes the Map of terrestrial vegetation (S. 1 : 60 000) and the Map of biotopes (S. 1 : 60 000). Some small-scale maps such as the Map of changes in forest cover of the “Narochansky” National Park for the period 1985–2016, the Map of forest loss in the “Narochansky” National Park for the period 1985–2016 and a series of inventory and analytical maps on the basin of the Naroch Lake are given. This monograph can be considered as a small regional Atlas with detailed explanatory texts to the maps. It presents the experience on vegetation mapping accumulated in the Laboratory of Geobotany and Vegetation mapping of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Despite some critical comments, mainly concerning the biotope map, this publication of Belarusian geobotanists deserves an approval. They received the full answers to the questions posed: “What do we protect?” and “What is a current state of the vegetation of the National Park and the main trends of its dynamics? Cartographic design is made at a high level; the maps have both scientific and practical importance in the planning of environmental and economic activities.


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