Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Extent of Adoption of Recommended Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivation Practices among Growers in Maharashtra, India

Ramesh Jadhav — 2026-05-09

India ranks second in the world in total fruit production, with production estimates around 106 million tonnes annually, behind China’s roughly 242+ million tonnes. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are the main fruit-growing states in India. The present study was conducted in Maharashtra with the specific objective of determining the “Adoption Level of Pomegranate Growers.” Nashik, Solapur, and Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar) districts were purposively selected, as they are among the major pomegranate growing districts in the state. A total of 180 pomegranate growers were selected from six tehsils across these districts. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the majority (67.78%) of pomegranate growers had a medium level of adoption of recommended cultivation practices, followed by 18.33% with a high level of adoption and 13.89% with a low level of adoption.

Factors Influencing Consumer Preference towards Potato Based Savoury Snacks in Rajkot District, Gujarat, India

Zinal R. Viradiya — 2026-05-01

Potato based savoury snacks hold an important place in the Indian food market, particularly in Gujarat, were both traditional and packaged snack consumption is widespread. The expansion of this market has been driven by lifestyle changes, increasing urbanization, and the rising preference for convenience foods. However, consumer choices are not uniform and are shaped by a combination of demographic, economic and product related factors. This study was undertaken to identify the major factor influences on consumer preference for potato based savoury snack in Rajkot district of Gujarat. Primary data were collected from 180 respondents through a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and consumer perceptions of price, taste, freshness, packaging, branding, advertising, retailer influence and family influence. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The findings reveal six key principle components shaping consumer behaviour, highlighting that snack choices are guided by a mix of personal habits, product qualities, economic conditions, and social influence.

Impact of Agricultural Credit on the Employability of Rice Farmers in a Context of Ecological Change: A Causal Analysis in the Logone Valley, Chad

Mahamat Mallah Choukou — 2026-04-10

Aims: In a context of demographic pressure and ecological change in sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural credit is promoted as a key lever for rural employment. This study assesses its causal impact on the employability of rice farmers in the Logone Valley in Chad.

Study Design: A mixed methodology combining a survey of 96 rice farmers with qualitative interviews.

Place and Duration of Study: Logone Valley, Chad; data collected in November 2025.

Methodology: Econometric models (Negative Binomial regression, OLS with interaction terms, Instrumental Variable (2SLS), and Propensity Score Matching) were employed to control for endogeneity bias linked to selective access to credit.

Results: The results reveal that credit preferentially targets farmers already endowed with land, social capital (cooperative) and human capital (training). Nevertheless, its causal effect is positive: it multiplies the creation of seasonal employment by 2.32 (IRR = 2.321, p = 0.003) and increases incomes (elasticity of 0.176, p < 0.001). However, this impact is doubly conditioned. It is amplified by access to training (interaction effect: +0.341, p = 0.047) and membership in a cooperative (interaction effect: +0.412, p = 0.008), but is severely attenuated by climatic shocks, which reduce incomes by 41.2% (β = -0.412, p = 0.003). Economic diversification is favored (OR = 3.459, p = 0.009), but the jobs created remain precarious.

Conclusion: Agricultural credit is an effective but imperfect and vulnerable lever. Its potential is conditioned by complementary services and cancelled out by uncovered climatic risks. A transformation of financial policies is required, integrating climate insurance, technical support and a systemic "service package" approach for inclusive and resilient rural transformation.

Impact of Solar Water Pumps Adoption on Crop Productivity and Farm Profitability in Rain fed Areas of Northeast Karnataka, India

Sai Sreekanth — 2026-04-14

In Northeast Karnataka, energy constraints often hinder irrigation and limit crop productivity. To address this, solar-powered irrigation pump units were introduced to improve water accessibility for marginal and medium farmers in the Yadgir district. This study evaluates the impact of these pumps on productivity and profitability across three intervention blocks. Data was collected from 25 purposively selected beneficiaries through personal interviews, comparing pre-intervention (2021-2022) and post-intervention (November 2024) outcomes. Key metrics included changes in irrigation methods, energy sources, irrigated land holdings, crop cycles, yields, and income. The results show a significant shift from traditional methods; the number of farmers using flood irrigation dropped from 15 to 6, while adoption of sprinkler systems increased. Overall, land utilization grew by 47%, yields by 84%, and income per acre by 136%. These findings demonstrate that solar powered irrigation pumps serve as a sustainable, superior alternative to fossil fuel and electric sets, enabling farmers to cultivate high-value crops and significantly boost their net income.

Social Innovation in Farm Business Development of Small Farmers in Bangladesh: A Case Study from Chattogram District

Sohel Rana — 2026-04-14

The purpose of this study is to assess the multifunctionality of the Common Interest Group (CIG) approach in creating social innovation by transforming smallholder farming into a farm business for sustainable agriculture and rural development in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district, Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews from two-selected farm entrepreneurs and key informants' interviews (KIIs) with various stakeholders. We have introduced a Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) analysis based on the semi-structured interview case studies. The analytical results clarified that the CIG approach has been found to provide farmers with access to better knowledge and technologies. It is an approach that meets the needs of rural households in order to improve their knowledge and skills for better farming practices and their livelihoods. Second, their efficiency in the use of resources, particularly land and labour, has improved, as their agriculture has been diversified. It has improved institutional access at the local level and empowered farmers. So, we could call this a social innovation. Third, the CIG approach helps farmers to promote their farming business both directly and indirectly. Therefore, our policy implications suggest that the CIG approach could be enhanced through the mainstream agricultural extension services from Department of Agricultural Extension. However, farmers have encountered major difficulties in entering the right value chain to sell their agricultural products. It therefore requires the necessary attention from policymakers.

Understanding the Constraints Faced by the Beneficiaries of Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme in Kerala, India

G. S. Shytha — 2026-04-17

Aims: The present study aims to analyze the major constraints faced by beneficiaries of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) in Kerala.

Study Design: The study was carried out using a descriptive research design to understand the constraints faced by beneficiaries of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS). An ex-post facto approach was followed since the study dealt with situations and experiences that had already occurred. Data were collected through focus group discussions with the help of a pre-structured interview schedule. This method made it possible to identify and analyze the financial, social, technical, administrative, and facility-related challenges faced by the beneficiaries.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kerala, India, among AUEGS beneficiaries during the period October 2025 to February 2026.

Methodology: A total of 180 beneficiaries (90 each from the Malappuram and Sreekandapuram Municipality) were surveyed through focus group discussion using a pre-structured interview schedule to identify the major constraints faced by them. The identified constraints were categorized into financial, social, technical, administrative, and facility-related groups. The Garrett ranking technique was used to convert ranks into scores and determine the relative importance of each constraint.

Results: The results revealed that delay in wage payments (Garrett mean score: 65) was the most significant financial constraint, followed by non-payment of unemployment allowance (56). Accident coverage (43), despite being a scheme provision, was perceived as a constraint, indicating implementation gaps. Lack of financial literacy (27) was also observed. Among social constraints, lack of knowledge about the program (64.25) ranked first. Technical constraints were led by lack of awareness and information (64.65) and a lack of proper knowledge about work (56.35). Administrative constraint of non-availability of assured 100 days of work (62.65) was significant. Facility constraints were most severe, with a lack of drinking water (74.19), resting facilities (60.80), and childcare support (49.96) affecting beneficiaries.

Conclusion: The study concludes that implementation gaps, inadequate awareness, and poor worksite facilities hinder the effectiveness of AUEGS. Timely wage payments, improved infrastructure, awareness programmes, and simplified procedures are essential to enhance the performance of the scheme

Constraints Faced by Tribal Women Beneficiaries of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme in Palakkad District, Kerala, India

S. Amrutha — 2026-04-21

Aims: The present study aims to identify and analyse the major constraints faced by tribal women beneficiaries under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP) in Attappady block of Palakkad district, Kerala.

Study Design: The study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design to examine the multidimensional constraints experienced by tribal women beneficiaries.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Attappady block of Palakkad district in Kerala, which is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities and is considered one of the most socio-economically backward regions in the state. The data for the study were collected during the period from October 2025 to February 2026.

Methodology: A total of 180 tribal women beneficiaries were selected using purposive sampling. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The Garrett ranking technique was employed to prioritise constraints under social, psychological, institutional, and worksite dimensions.

Results: The results revealed that lack of awareness about programme provisions (mean score: 74.46), delay in wage payments (74.22), non-availability of crèche facilities (73.83), and delay in obtaining employment and unemployment allowance (64.30) were the most severe constraints. These findings indicate significant administrative and informational gaps affecting programme effectiveness.

Conclusion: Although MGNREGP contributes to livelihood security and women empowerment, its impact in tribal areas remains constrained by structural and institutional bottlenecks. Strengthening awareness programmes, ensuring timely payments, and improving worksite facilities are critical for enhancing programme outcomes.

Socio-Ecological Resilience and Sustainable Aquaculture: Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with Community-Based Fish Farming in the Deltaic Regions of Tamil Nadu, India

B. Vishnu Priya — 2026-04-22

The present study documents the indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) associated with traditional fish pond management practices in the deltaic regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly in Kumbakonam (Thanjavur district) and Thiruvarur. Fifty traditional fish farmers were purposively selected to record their long-standing aquaculture practices using semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. The findings revealed that traditional pond systems, locally called Kulam Meenvalam, still play a significant role in ensuring fish productivity, biodiversity conservation, and community cohesion. A high level of adoption of ITK practices was observed among the respondents, with 72.00% of farmers adopting organic pond fertilization methods, 66.00% practicing traditional water and pond management techniques, and 60.00% utilizing herbal-based disease control measures. Major traditional practices identified include the use of cow dung and goat manure for pond enrichment, neem and turmeric-based disinfection, natural lime sources for pH regulation, sun drying for mud conditioning, rainwater harvesting, and the use of locally made bamboo fish traps. These eco-friendly methods rely entirely on locally available organic inputs and community participation, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Scientifically, these methods promote nutrient cycling, water quality improvement, and fish health, aligning with the principles of sustainable aquaculture. The study concludes that integrating traditional knowledge with modern aquaculture technologies can enhance climate resilience and sustainability in small-scale fish farming systems.

Growing Greens in Cities for Healthy Lives and Spaces: The Case of Community Gardens in Chicago, Illinois Imparted to Philippine Situation

Rosana P. Mula — 2026-04-23

Community gardening is a movement founded in the cultivation of crops reminiscent of home as food and those with healing properties alongside with the preservation of the environment to ensure health and socio-economic development. The movement allows accessibility of food directly to urban and peri-urban communities to pull off a healthy lifestyle that starts with pesticide-free vegetables and supply of affordable crops of their preference amidst an imbalance situation of race, ethnicity, economic resources, and of disruptive situations like the covid pandemic. The shared work and access to harvest among its members and volunteers also result in an enhanced solidarity that leads to participation and fairer decision-making akin to food sovereignty. The 15 community gardens visited, documented and described, and their leaders interviewed. The study show the utmost importance of ‘saving own seeds’ because of the dominance and practice of growing traditional crops (heirlooms) which are inbred lines or open pollinated varieties (OPVs). Their conservation is of prime concern for ensuring diversity, mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, and ensuring health and nutrition as these are grown organically which results to better tasting vegetables (and of meat, in few gardens). Other relevant insights are reorienting mindset specifically commitment, walking the talk, and users’ perspective like the youth; crafting a manual outlining the minimum requirements of gardens (i.e. clean water and soil analysis); heeding to clustering and consolidation of the entire value chain; and educating health workers on promoting a community of practice in their service facilities and area coverages.

From Harbor to High Seas: A Qualitative Exploration of I-boat Awareness among Small-Scale Fishing Communities

M. Preenu Antony — 2026-05-05

Small-scale fisheries constitute a critical livelihood for coastal communities across India. Small-scale fisheries sector undergone significant modernization since 1980s. The emergence of AI-driven maritime technologies such as I-boat, an autonomous, wind-propelled, sensor-integrated vessel capable of monitoring coastal-maritime ecosystems and enhancing navigational safety for small-scale fishing operations. However the extent to which this potential is realized depends fundamentally on the awareness and readiness of the fishing community itself. This qualitative study explores the awareness levels of small-scale fishermen at Chellanam Harbour, Ernakulam district, Kerala regarding I-boat technology. Primary data collected from 60 active fishermen through in-depth interactions conducted in Malayalam. The study finds that awareness of I-boat among fishermen in Chellanam harbor is partial and uneven. The absence of Malayalam language interface, infrastructural constraints and lack of systematic institutional training are the critical barriers, making I-boat inaccessible to the majority of fishermen. The findings of the study underscore the need for community-embedded, harbor-based awareness programmes delivered through fisheries department. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on ICT adoption in small-scale fisheries.

A Decadal Assessment of Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation in Kerala, India

Ashraf Panancheri — 2026-05-06

Background: Kerala, a consumer state with insufficient vegetable production, relies heavily on imports from other states and has recently promoted greenhouse cultivation to boost local high-tech vegetable production, though its overall impact remains limited.

Aim: The study aims to analyse the economic viability and decadal performance of greenhouse vegetable farming in Kerala using the Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR), with a comparative assessment of various sizes of greenhouses under subsidised and non-subsidised conditions.

Study Design: An analytical and empirical research design was adopted, focusing on cost–return analysis and comparative evaluation of greenhouse units across different size categories.

Place and Duration: The study was conducted across all fourteen districts of Kerala, covering a period of eleven years from 2009–10 to 2020–21.

Methodology: The study utilised farm-level data collected from 165 greenhouse units (out of the population of 837) classified into very small, small, medium, large, and very large categories. A detailed cost and return (net revenue) analysis was carried out from the inception of each unit up to 2020–21. The primary analytical tool used was the Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR), which was calculated both with and without subsidy to assess financial viability and intrinsic economic efficiency. Descriptive and comparative analyses were employed to evaluate performance across different size groups.

Results: The findings reveal that without subsidy, a majority (78.8%) of greenhouse units were economically unviable (BCR < 1), with an overall average BCR of 0.715. With subsidy, performance improved significantly, reducing unviable units to 44.8% and increasing the average BCR to 1.10. Medium and large-sized greenhouses showed relatively better performance, while very small and very large units remained less efficient. However, even with subsidies, a considerable proportion of units continued to exhibit low profitability.

Conclusion: The study concludes that greenhouse vegetable farming in Kerala is largely subsidy-driven rather than intrinsically profitable. While subsidies enhance adoption and improve short-term returns, long-term sustainability requires improvements in cost efficiency, productivity, and management practices to reduce dependence on government support.

Determinants of Sustainable Purchase Behavior toward Organic Vegetables: Evidence from Urban Consumers in Vientiane, Laos

Lattana Soulibouth — 2026-05-07

Background: Rising global concerns about health, food safety, and environmental sustainability have increased demand for organic vegetables, but consumer adoption remains limited and underexplored in developing countries like Laos.

Aims: This study aims to examine the factors influencing sustainable purchase behavior toward organic vegetables among urban consumers in Vientiane, Laos.

Study Design: A quantitative research design was employed using a structured survey questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Vientiane Capital, Laos, between November and December 2025. Data processing and statistical analysis were carried out from February to March 2026.

Methodology: A total of 350 respondents were surveyed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and inferential analysis with SPSS.

Results: The findings reveal that environmental concern is the only significant and dominant predictor of purchase behavior (p < 0.001), while product availability has a significant but negative effect (p < 0.05). Health concern, price perception, and product quality were not statistically significant. The model explains 25.8% of the variance in purchase behavior (R² = 0.258; F = 23.874, p < 0.001). In addition, socio-demographic analysis indicates that education level and household income significantly influence purchase behavior, whereas gender and age show no significant differences.

Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of environmental concern as a key driver of sustainable consumption. The study also identifies a value–behavior gap, where positive attitudes toward health and product quality do not translate into actual purchasing behavior. These findings provide important implications for policymakers and businesses to promote organic vegetable consumption in developing country contexts.

Farmer Producer Organisations and Smallholder Welfare: Evidence on Input Benefits, Marketing Performance, and Livelihood Impact from Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Balakrishna Ankalam — 2026-05-11

Background: FPOs in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Guntur district, have become crucial institutions supporting high-cost agriculture by enabling input access, collective marketing, and linking farmers to credit, technology, and welfare schemes.

Aims: The study is to analyze the input access benefits, marketing performance, price realization and livelihood impact of Farmer Producer Organization membership among marginal farmers of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and also to predict the socio economic factors influencing the same.

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was followed and the data were collected through structured interview schedule by conducting face to face interviews in Telugu with the FPO member farmers from the selected mandals (blocks) of Guntur.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was undertaken in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India which ranks as a leading district in agriculture in the state, the district also stands first in chili, cotton and paddy cultivation. Data were collected in the agricultural year 2024–25.

Methodology: A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 75 farmers who are members of FPOs from five FPOs that were purposively selected across different mandals in Guntur district, the sample was drawn considering the factors viz., landholding categories, type of crops and period of membership. A composite Benefit Perception Score, Price Realisation Score, and Livelihood Impact Score were calculated by summing Likert-scale answers within each of the item sets, and these scores were utilized as dependent variables in the regressions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test of association, and OLS multiple regression analysis. Data analysis Descriptive statistics, chi-square test of association and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression were used.

Results: Overall, 73.3 per cent of respondents showed moderate and above savings in input costs, 89.3 per cent of the respondents reported better price realisation and 81.3 per cent gained higher net farm returns per acre after becoming the members of FPO. Chi-square analyses revealed significant relationships between education and input benefit perception (χ² = 16.84, p = 0.002), and between size of landholding and improvement in price realisation (χ² = 14.62, p = 0.023). Regression results showed length of membership, market channel diversity and training exposure as the best predictors of price realisation (R² = 0.63) and livelihood impact (R² = 0.67).

Conclusion: FPOs provide quantifiable, and statistically significant, advantages in input, marketing, as well as livelihood aspects to smallholder farmers of Guntur district. But, structural biases towards bigger, and better-educated members needs to be redressed through proactive policy reforms, infusion of working capital, and through enabling capacity building measures that allow for equitable and sustainable farmer welfare outcomes in all categories of members.

Economic and Value-added Utilization of Armored Catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.): Implications for Rural Fisheries Sustainability

Karina González-Izquierdo — 2026-05-11

Background: Invasive aquatic species such as armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) threaten freshwater biodiversity and fisheries livelihoods but also present opportunities for value-added utilization through circular economy approaches that can enhance rural income and support sustainable fisheries management.

Aims: To evaluate the economic feasibility of value-added utilization of the invasive armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.) and to design a strategy supporting sustainable rural fisheries development in southeastern Mexico.

Study Design: Applied research using a mixed-methods approach with descriptive–analytical and propositional scope.

Place and Duration of Study: Fishing communities in the municipality of Centro, Tabasco, Mexico, between April 2024 and December 2025.

Methodology: The study combined literature review, contextual analysis, techno-economic evaluation, and value chain design. Three processing alternatives were analyzed: vacuum-packed raw fillet, marinated fillet, and breaded fillet. Productive parameters, processing costs, commercialization potential, and rural implementation conditions were evaluated to identify economically viable alternatives for fishing communities.

Results: The results demonstrated that value-added processing of armored catfish can generate economically viable products with positive profit margins while improving shelf life, product differentiation, and commercialization opportunities. The proposed value chain model showed strong potential to diversify rural income sources, strengthen community-based fisheries management, and improve access to formal markets. Additionally, the utilization of this invasive species contributes to reducing ecological pressure on freshwater ecosystems and supports sustainable resource management through technology transfer and rural extension strategies.

Conclusion: The transformation of armored catfish into value-added products represents a viable strategy for integrating environmental management with rural economic development and social inclusion. The findings highlight the importance of value chain integration, training, and technology transfer to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of rural fishing communities.

Economic Analysis of Marketing Efficiency of Cauliflower Across Different Channels in Sikar District, Rajasthan, India

Renu Kumari — 2026-05-12

Cauliflower is an important winter vegetable crop in India, valued for its rich nutritional content and economic significance, and its marketing system plays a key role in determining farmers’ income through efficient price realization. The present investigation was conducted to examine marketing costs, margins, and price spread associated with cauliflower across different marketing channels. A multistage sampling design, incorporating both purposive and random techniques, was employed to select the district, tehsils, villages, and respondent farmers. A total sample of 60 farmers was drawn, representing 10 per cent from each category within the selected villages. The Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti, Sikar, was purposively chosen to analyse the structure and magnitude of marketing costs and margins in the cauliflower trade within Sikar district, Rajasthan. In addition, a sample comprising five petty traders, five wholesaler-cum-commission agents, and seven retailers was selected from the market for detailed assessment. Marketing costs, margins, and price spread were estimated based on the expenses incurred by intermediaries, along with the calculation of absolute and percentage margins. The findings revealed that farmers utilised three principal marketing channels: Channel I (Producer → Petty merchant → Wholesaler-cum-commission agent → Retailer → Consumer), Channel II (Producer → Wholesaler-cum-commission agent → Retailer → Consumer), and Channel III (Producer → Consumer). Within the study area, the total marketing cost of cauliflower was estimated at ₹333.78 per quintal in Channel I and ₹317.03 per quintal in Channel II, indicating relatively higher transaction costs in the more intermediary-intensive channel. The marketing margin earned by wholesalers-cum-commission agents was ₹146.65 per quintal, while retailers obtained a margin of ₹181.12 per quintal. The producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee was found to be 69.22 per cent in village-level sales, 73.93 per cent in regulated markets, and reached 100 per cent in direct sales to consumers. The findings are particularly relevant for researchers and policymakers in designing strategies to reduce intermediaries’ margins and enhance the producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee.

Youth Intentions toward Agricultural Entrepreneurship Careers: A Cognitive and Socio-psychological Analysis Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action

George Nyarigoti Mose — 2026-05-18

The Agriculture sector in Kenya, like most of the sub-Saharan African countries, is the backbone of the economy, contributing over one-third of the country’s GDP. The sector plays a strategic role in ensuring national food security, yet it faces an ageing workforce and low youth participation. The youth, with their entrepreneurial mindset and their versatility in adopting new technologies and practices, are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the sector. This study aims to understand what may motivate the youth to embrace agriculture by exploring the cognitive and socio-psychological factors that influence their intentions to pursue careers in agricultural entrepreneurship (agripreneurship). The study draws from the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as the guiding conceptual framework. A sequential mixed-methods design was used, where insights from key informant interviews informed the development of a TRA-based questionnaire, which was then administered to 256 final-year undergraduate students from two public universities in Kenya. The findings show that, contrary to the belief that young people in developing countries are disinterested in pursuing careers in agriculture, empirical evidence from this study reveals a notable pattern suggesting that youth generally have a positive inclination toward pursuing careers in agripreneurship. The positive intentions of the youth were found to be associated with their family background, socio-cultural norms, and socio-economic factors. However, despite their favourable inclinations, there are substantial cognitive and structural barriers that constrain their actual participation. Further, the study found that the youth's intentions to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship were strongly associated with subjective norms (r﹦0.225, p < 0.001), including external social pressures and expectations from family, peers, and broader community, rather than solely by their personal attitudes. Based on these study findings, youth will be more inclined to pursue agricultural careers if they perceive approval from important referents. This paper concludes that to improve youth participation in agriculture, there is a need for integrated policies that address both structural barriers (e.g., financing, mechanisation) as well as cognitive and socio-psychological factors that reshape youth perceptions.

Determinants and Constraints of Natural Farming Adoption among Arecanut Growers in Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, India

K. S. Sahana — 2026-05-19

Natural Farming (NF) is increasingly promoted as a low-input agro-ecological approach for reducing cultivation costs and improving sustainability in Indian agriculture. However, empirical evidence on its adoption in perennial plantation crops remains limited. This study examined the factors associated with the adoption of Natural Farming and the constraints faced by arecanut farmers in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Primary data were collected during the agricultural year 2022–23 from 60 arecanut growers selected from Tarikere and Chikkamagaluru taluks. A binary logit model was used to analyse the factors associated with Natural Farming adoption, while marginal effects were estimated to interpret changes in adoption probability. Garrett’s ranking technique was employed to identify and prioritize major constraints. The results indicate that adoption of Natural Farming was more strongly associated with farmers’ perceived agronomic and economic benefits than with socio-demographic characteristics. Reduced pest attack, improved soil quality and reduced cost of cultivation were positive and statistically significant factors associated with adoption. Marginal effects showed that reduced pest attack had the largest positive association with adoption probability, followed by improved soil quality and reduced cultivation cost. Most socio-demographic variables were not statistically significant, although education showed a weak positive association with adoption. Constraint analysis revealed that labour scarcity, limited availability of desi livestock and raw materials, absence of dedicated market channels, lack of Natural Farming -specific certification, inadequate price assurance and weak technology transfer were major barriers to adoption. The findings suggest that wider adoption of Natural Farming in arecanut cultivation requires crop-specific extension support, standardized packages of practices, credible certification mechanisms and stronger market linkages. Given the localized and cross-sectional nature of the study, the findings should be interpreted as indicative rather than broadly generalizable.

Farmer Evaluation and Acceptance of Agricultural Advisory Services in a Pluralistic Extension System: Evidence from Tamil Nadu, India

A. M. Juno — 2026-05-19

Background: Agricultural advisory services have evolved into pluralistic, multi-actor systems in which farmers behaviourally evaluate advice from formal and informal sources based on relevance, trust, and contextual fit, shaping the acceptance of agricultural recommendations.

Aims: This study examined how farmers’ evaluation of advisory services influences the acceptance of agricultural recommendations within a pluralistic extension system.

Study Design: The study employed an ex-post facto research design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India, between January and March 2026.

Methodology: Primary data were collected from 120 farmers selected through snowball sampling across pluralistic advisory environments. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Friedman test, Chi-square analysis, Spearman rank correlation, multiple regression analysis, and Garrett ranking technique.

Results: The findings revealed that informal advisory actors, particularly input dealers and progressive farmers, were accessed more frequently than formal advisory sources. About 71.7% of farmers reported high acceptance of recommendations from informal advisory actors, while only 33.3% reported high acceptance of formal advisory recommendations. Chi-square analysis indicated a significant association between perceived advisory quality and acceptance of informal recommendations (χ² = 14.378, P= .001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that relevance had the strongest positive association with informal acceptance behaviour (r = .498, P < .01), while regression analysis identified relevance as the most significant predictor of acceptance (β = .433, P= .043). Trusted source emerged as the most important reason influencing acceptance decisions.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that advisory effectiveness within pluralistic systems is shaped not only by technical quality of recommendations but also by contextual relevance, trust, and relational dynamics embedded within advisory networks. Strengthening farmer-centred and context-responsive advisory approaches and improving collaboration between formal and informal advisory actors may enhance advisory effectiveness within similar pluralistic extension contexts.