KVK Journal Special Issue on women empowerment

Dear Colleagues,
I am deeply honoured to be the secretary of
the Society of Krishi Vigyan (SKV).With a deep
sense of gratitude, I express my heartfelt thanks
to all members for reposing faith in my capabilities
as the secretary of this society, since its inception
in June 2011 to till date. I am extremely thankful
to the editorial board members and peer reviewers
for their constant encouragement and help
extended to me in progress of Journal of Krishi
Vigyan.
There is no tool for development more
effective than empowerment of women. The
number of female scientists is steadily increasing
but the big picture reflects that there number is
still meagre. A study by Indian National Science
Academy in 2004, revealed that percentage of
women professors, associate professors and
assistant professors in ICAR was 3.5, 6.2 and 10.4
% respectively. The under-representation of
women in science, particularly at the senior levels
of teaching and research in India, has become a
serious cause of concern for women scientists and
women policy planners. Hence there is a need to
make women aware of a career in agriculture
science as a possible option of career and then to
retain them in the profession. With that, I applaud
all the women scientists in the field of agriculture
and encourage them to create a niche for
themselves. I dedicate this special issue to women
empowerment.
The first issue of Journal of Krishi Vigyan,
official journal of the Society of Krishi Vigyan
was released in July, 2012. As a founder member
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(MANOJ SHARMA)
Secretary’s Message

CONTENTS
Sr. No. Title Page No.
1. Awareness Regarding Women Empowerment Programmes in Rural Households of
Ludhiana.
Jatinder Kaur Gill, Surinderjeet Kaur and Ritu Gupta
2. Bee Keeping Enterprise Among Rural Men and Women in Moga District.
Gagan Jyot Kaur and Jagbir Rehal
3. Consumption Pattern of Green Leafy Vegetables by Rural Women in District
Thiruvananthapuram.
J R Krishnendu and B Prasannakumari
4. Cultivation of Pusa Narangi Variety of Marigold for Crop Diversification and
Empowering Farm Women in Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh.
Rekha Tiwari, D S Tomar, A K Dixit and A K Saxena
5. Empowering Tribal Women Through Backyard Poultry in Bastar District of
Chhattisgarh.
A K Chaturvedani, Niranjan Lal, Khalid, N K Khyalia and Jitendra Pratap
6. Empowerment of Self Help Group Members of Virudhunagar District Through
Vocational Trainings on Mushroom Production.
S Muthuramu, V K Paulpandi, S Sakthivel, K Ramakrishnan and R Karthik.
7. Empowerment of Women Through Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) Cultivation.
Sharmila Bharathi C, B Mohan, S Alagudurai, R Sangeetha, G Gohila and
K Paneerselvam
8. Ensuring Better Natural Resource Management Through Gender Mainstreaming.
Amarinder Kaur
9. Farm Women Empowerment Through Commodity Group Approach.
Noorjehan A K Hanif and V Krishnamoorthi
10. Farmers Driven Value Chain of Kadali Banana: A Gadget For Women
Empowerment.
R Sendilkumar
11. Feminization ofAgriculture: Reflections from the Female Participation in Training
Programmes onAgriculture andAlliedActivities.
Manisha Bhatia and Jugraj Singh Marok
12. Impact Assessment of Skill Development Programme For Rural Women in District
Ludhiana.
Prerna Kapila
1
4
9
14
19
23
27
32
40
44
50
55

Sr. No. Title Page No.
13. Impact of Trainings of Fruits and Vegetable Preservation on the Knowledge and
Attitude of Rural Women.
Kanta Sabharwal and R D Panwar
14. Knowledge andAdoption Status of Training on ValueAddition.
R G Manjarekar, P M Mandavkar and M S Talathi
15. Nutritional Evaluation of Quince Fruit and its Products.
Sangita Sood and Mrinalini Bhardwaj
16. On Farm Testing on Assessment of Different Type of Weeders in Direct Seeded
Rice. Mouneshwari R Kammar and Pramod Katti
17. Pull and Push Factors for Women Entrepreneurship in Thrissur District of
Kerala.
K A Sunandha
18. Revival of Kasuti Embroidery Motifs in Knitted Kurties Through Computer
Aided Designs.
K Kaur and D Kaur
19. Role of Women Fish Workers for Food Security in Assam.
Deepjyoti Barua
20. Social and Economical Empowerment of Rural Women Through Self Help Group
Formation in Jaipur District of Rajasthan.
Smita Bhatnagar and S S Rathore
21. SocialApprobation Towards Women Empowerment:AGlimpse.
Gulzar S Sanghera, Lenika Kashyap, Gagandeep Kaur and Manoj Sharma
22. Status of Women Empowerment in Assam.
Paramita Medhi
23. Use of Improved Sickle for Drudgery Reduction in Farmwomen of Gir-Somnath
District of Gujarat.
Hansa S patel , A O Kher and Minakshi K Bariya
24. Women Empowerment as a Component of Social Responsibility in Participatory
Varietal Selection.
Parvaze A Sofi
25. Women in Sugarcane Farming: Challenges and Opportunities.
Gulzar S Sanghera and Manoj Sharma
59
62
67
70
75
84
89
94
97
105
109
113
119

1
Corresponding Author’s Email: rgupta@pau.edu
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00025.2
J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 3(Special Issue) : 1-3
Awareness Regarding Women Empowerment
Programmes in Rural Households of Ludhiana
Jatinder Kaur Gill, Surinderjeet Kaur and Ritu Gupta
Department of Family Resource Management
College of Home Science
PunjabAgricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
The government of India declared year 2001 as women empowerment year and launched
many useful programmes for awakening women. The present study was an attempt to know
utilization of these programmes by rural home-makers. The study was conducted in 60 rural
households of two villages selected from two blocks of Ludhiana district. The results revealed
that few respondents (18.3 %) were aware of the year of women empowerment as well as
various empowerment programmes. Only 11.7 and 16.7 per cent were found having an
awareness of Kishori Shakti Yojna and Sampooran Shiksha programmes, respectively. However,
30 per cent women started using women friendly technologies in their households for drudgery
reduction and hence improving their quality of life. Further, none of the respondents was making
use of credit facilities for starting their own enterprise to supplement family income as they
were completely ignorant about various schemes. Schemes like Widow Pension Scheme,
Maternity Benefits and Girl Child Benefits were fully utilized as these provide direct economic
gains. Respondents strongly agreed that these programmes will make women aware of their
rights but disagreed that these programmes will help to develop ability to make better decisions.
They had no particular opinion whether these programmes will enable women to act as self
sufficient. The suggestions from the respondents for the effective utilization of various schemes
included expert guidance for starting any enterprise (96.7%) followed by training programme
for elderly for changing their attitude towards women workforce participation (93.3%),
programme for skill development (83.3%) and awareness generation programmes for credit
facilities by government and non government organizations (86.7%).
Key Words: Awareness, Women empowerment. Rural households, Development programmes.
INTRODUCTION
The process of women empowerment is
multidimensional. It enables women to realize
their full potential, empowers them in all spheres
of life. Women’s empowerment, in fact, begins
with the awareness about their rights and
capabilities. Women play a pivotal role for the
overall development of the family but still defied
equal status. In order to equal opportunities,
improve their overall status, to remove various
gender biases, the government of India had
declared year 2001 as women empowerment year
and has launched many useful programmes for
awakening women, who in turn can think of
raising standard of living of their families.
Government has chalked out impressive
programmes and enacted many laws to empower
women but how far these were effective and being
implemented could only decide the success of
such programmes. Keeping all this in view, present
study was intended with the objective to know
the utilization of women empowerment
programmes by rural home-makers, to know the
opinion regarding various empowerment
programmes for women and make suggestions
for effective implementation of these programmes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in two blocks of
Ludhiana district. One village from each block

2
was selected with the help of CDPO (Child
Delopment Project Officer) of concerned block.
Thirty women respondents of age group 20-50 yr
were randomly selected from each village, thus
making a sample of 60 respondents. The data were
collected through structured interview schedule
and presented with the help of simple percentage.
Scoring technique was used to express opinions
of home-makers. It was done by giving 3, 2, and
1 score to agree, neutral and disagree responses,
respectively. The mean scores were calculated to
express the findings.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
It was evident from the data (Table 1) that in
rural areas, few home-makers (18.3%) were aware
of declaration of year 2001 as women
empowerment year. The data further revealed that
only (16.7%) home- makers were aware of rights
of women and Sampooran Shiksha Programme.
There were only (11.7%) home-makers who were
aware of Kishori Shakti Yojana, which aimed at
empowering the teen-aged girls. As regards the
women friendly technologies, 30 per cent women
started using the same in their homes for drudgery
reduction and hence improving the quality of life.
It was observed that none of the respondents wad
making use of credit facilities for starting their own
enterprise to supplement family income as they
were totally ignorant about these schemes.
Interestingly schemes like Widow Pension
Scheme, Maternity benefits and Girl Child benefits
were fully utilized by the women as these provide
direct economic gains to them.
Scores of opinion of respondents towards the
women empowerment programme were given in
table 2. The results revealed that the respondents
strongly agreed to the statements that these
programmes make women aware of their rights
(2.63), will help them in fighting against
discrimination (2.55) and also help in improving
health of family members (2.33). whereas, they
disagree with the statements that these programmes
will help to develop ability to make better decisions
and will provide equality of rights between women
Table 1. Distribution of respondents according to awareness and use of women empowerment programmes.
(N=60)
Programme Response
Knowledge regarding Yes No
a) Declaration of year 2001 as Women EmpowermentYear. 11 (18.3) 49 (81.7)
b) Importance of year 2001, rights of women 10 (16.7) 50 (83.3)
c) Kishori Shakti Yojana 7 (11.7) 53 (88.3)
d) Credit facilities for starting an enterprise. 0 (0.00) 60 (100.0)
e) Women friendly technology for drudgery reduction. 18 (30.0) 42 (70.0)
f) Sampooran Shiksha Programme 10 (16.7) 50 (83.3)
Figures in parentheses indicate percentage.
Table 2. Opinion scores of respondents regarding the women empowerment programmes. (N=60)
Sr. No. Statement Score
These women empowerment programmes will
i Make women aware of their rights 2.63
ii Help women in fighting against discrimination 2.55
iii Help in improving health of family members 2.33
iv Help in getting financial aid from banks 2.16
v Enable the women to act as self sufficient women 2.03
vi Help in strengthening family relations 1.96
vii Give women confidence to persue their goals 1.95
viii Help to improve the status of women 1.93
ix Provide equality of rights between women and men 1.86
x Help to develop ability to make better decisions in the family 1.86
Gill et al

3
and men. However, they had no specific idea about
whether these programmes will enable women to
act as self sufficient. Similarly statements like helps
in strengthening family relations, give women
confidence to pursue goals, help to improve the
status of the women could get relatively low scores
in terms of attaining overall betterment of the
women folk.
Suggestions for proper implementation of
these programmes were also invited from the
respondents. The data pertaining to this aspect
was presented in table 3.
The results revealed that the suggestions of
respondents for better implementation of these
schemes and programmes included provisions for
expert guidance (96.7%) at the top most priority
followed by training programme for elderly to
change their rigid attitude for women workforce
participation (93.3%). Empowerment of women
also requires the participation and co-operation
from men. We can catch up with the rest of the
world through changing traditional mind-sets that
accord women second class status in society
Table 3. Division of respondents according to their suggestions for proper implementation of these programmes.
Sr. No. Suggestion Response
Yes No
1. Government and NGO must play role for generating awareness 52 (86.7) 8 (13.3)
about various schemes.
2. Expert guidance should be made available at various stages for 58 (96.7) 2 (3.3)
improving quality and marketing.
3. Training programmes for elderly men and women of households 56 (93.3) 4 (6.7)
for changing their rigid attitude towards women workforce participation.
4. Training programme should be conducted for developing 5 (83.3) 10 (16.7)
entrepreneurial skills.
Figures in parentheses indicate percentage.
(Jayanthi, 2001). Further, 83.3 per cent of women
desired training programmes for skill
development and 86.7 per cent respondents about
awareness generation programmes. All the
respondents were of the opinion that these
programmes if implemented in true spirit will
definitely improve the quality of life and status of
women.
CONCLUSION
Empowerment of women calls for strict and
rigid implementation of all the programmes that
have a bearing on their lives. Mere passing of laws
and launching of welfare schemes have a little
meaning for women. So, it can be concluded that
careful planning and implementation of women
empowerment programmes on the part of the
government across the country with the
cooperation of the civil society will go a long way
in empowerment of women.
REFERENCES
Jayanthi C (2001). Empowering women. Yojna 45 : 32-40.
Received on 25/3/2015 Accepted on 15/4/2015
Awareness Regarding Women Empowerment Programmes

4
Bee Keeping Enterprise Among Rural Men and
Women in Moga District
Gagan Jyot Kaur and Jagbir Rehal
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga 142 001 (Punjab)
ABSTRACT
A survey was conducted to evaluate the adoption trend of bee keeping as a subsidiary enterprise
among the rural men and women in the district. The period taken in consideration was from
year 2005 to 2014. All the beekeepers practiced bee keeping with Apis mellifera and before
starting the enterprise the beekeepers took a formal training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
Availability of flora, government policies and quick transfer of technology were important
factors affecting the adoption in the area. The productivity of the boxes varied significantly
depending upon the practice followed i.e., stationary or migratory. The average number of
boxes owned by an individual outnumbered the number of subsidised boxes. A cluster of
beekeepers was existing in the Baghapurana block and another upcoming cluster was located
in Moga 1. The farmers were satisfied and wanted to start the enterprise due to quick returns,
low investment and less time requirement. Rural women are showing an increased interest in
getting the training and adopting the enterprise for enhancing the household income.
Key Words: Bee keeping, Moga, Productivity, Survey, Bee keepers Cluster.
INTRODUCTION
Bee keeping is an important subsidiary
enterprise which has an integral role in agriculture
providing economic, nutritional and ecological
balance to the rural India. In the past honey
production was mainly dependent on four
indigenous species viz. Apis cerena, Apis dorsata,
Apis florae and Trigona sp. The attack of Thai
Sac Brood Virus disease (TSBVD) in 1992 first
identified in Karnataka lead to the eradication of
Apis cerena , opening the other options. It was
then that Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
scientist introduced an improved imported
crossbreed honey bee Apis mellifera in Punjab.
Slowly these species replaced all other due to better
honey production and immunity against TSBVD.
The present study was done with an objective to
study the trend of beekeeping in the district, to
evaluate the trend of women participation in the
enterprise, to identify the bee keepers cluster and
analyse the productivity of the honey bee hive.
The study was conducted for a period from
April 2005-March 2014 in the district Moga. The
district has 323 villages, divided into five blocks
namely Moga1 (M1), Moga2 (M2), Nihal Singh
Wala (NSW), Baghapurana (BG) and Kot Ise Khan
(KIK) The beekeepers data were obtained from
both the primary and secondary sources. The
primary information was collected through
household survey, which verified the information
collected from group meetings and discussions.
The secondary information was collected from
other departments like Department of Horticulture,
Department of Agriculture, bee breeders and
various other organisations. A survey
questionnaire was prepared reviewing relevant
references and personal communications with
apiculturists.
Data analysis and Productivity evaluation: The
collected data were managed and analysed using
computer software, MS Excel.
Total Honey Produced (kg) X 100
Total Number of boxes from which
honey produced
The data collected from the survey showed
high population of bee keepers in Baghapurana
Productivity (kg/box) =
Corresponding Author’s Email: gagan@pau.edu
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00026.4

5
and Moga1 followed by Kot Ise Khan, Nihal Singh
Wala and Moga 2. Minimum colonies (175) were
reported in Moga 2 as it falls under urban and
peri-urban region. It was reported that area under
cultivation in Moga 1 is minimum (28,588 ha.) in
comparison to other four blocks. Baghapurana
tops the list with 4,91,345 ha.of cultivated area,
followed by Kot Ise Khan (48,230.5 ha.), Nihal
Singh Wala( 33,822 ha.) and Moga1(32,898 ha.).
Baghapurana reported highest number of bee
keepers (56) followed by Moga 1(25), Kot Ise
Khan(15) and Nihal Singh Wala (13). It was found
that number of beekeepers and number of boxes
had a direct correlation (Table 1). As the number
of bee keepers increased the number of boxes also
increased. The average number of boxes owned
per individual were 61 for Baghapurana, 56 for
Nihal Singh Wala, 41 for Kot Ise Khan, 68 for
Moga 1 and 58 for Moga 2.
The block wise population and location of bee
keepers in different villages is shown in Fig 1-4.
Maximum number of beekeepers was reported in
Malke (18), Samalsar (12) and Daudhar Garbi
(11). The first two villages fall in Baghapurana
and latter in Moga 1 block.
Beekeepers with the highest number of boxes/
individual (61) were reported in Baghapurana
forming a cluster. The number of beekeepers in
Moga 1 are increasing rapidly and is predicted to
be another upcoming cluster of bee keepers.
Clusters grow faster in the presence of strong
related neighbouring clusters and the increase in
number of bee keepers would increase the bee
colonies finally increasing the honey production,
processing and packaging. The establishment of
any industry depends upon the availability of raw
material. With the increase in honey production
in the area, it has scope for establishment of honey
processing and packaging plant. A strong cluster
of bee keepers exists in Baghapurana,
encouraging the farmers to enhance the growth
Table 1. Number of beekeepers and bee boxes in the district.
Block Number of Bee Keepers TotalNumber of Boxes Number of Boxes /Individual
Bagha Purana 56 3,400 61
Nihal Singh Wala 13 730 56
Kot Ise Khan 15 619 41
Moga 1 25 1,710 68
Moga 2 3 175 58
opportunities with adoption of the beekeeping
enterprise, other industries and clusters. The
increase in bee keepers’ population could be
mainly due to three factors namely flora, quick
transfer of technology and government policies.
Flora
Flora is the key for the honey production and
its products (royal jelly, propolis etc.). Its
availability around the year is very important.
There is a wide variation in the availability of
desirable flora in five blocks due to different soil
types. Soil type varies from sandy in Kot Ise Khan
to medium and heavy soils in Baghapurana and
Nihal Singh Wala. An area having a cropping
pattern that includes oilseeds (mustard,
sunflower), pear, cotton, arhar, eucalyptus,
barseem in rotation results in higher honey
production. Horticulture crops cover an area of
414 ha. in Moga with a production of 16,112 MT.
Considering the fruit and vegetable production in
these blocks it is highest in Kot Ise Khan (44,273
MT and 2,874 MT) followed by Baghapurana
(3,290MT and 1,079 MT) and Nihal Singh Wala
(3,267 MT and 713MT). Flora is an important
factor which influences the productivity of the
box.
Farmers normally would follow (i) Migratory
or (ii) Stationary bee keeping practice. In case of
stationary beekeeping the boxes are kept in the
fields at a fixed location restricting their
movement, while in the other case the boxes are
mobile and are moved from one location to
another depending upon the availability of flora
and conducive weather conditions.
During the lean season when the flora is not
available in abundance the bee farmers migrate
the boxes to the adjoining areas of Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir and Rajasthan. The
number of boxes owned by an individual affects
the type of practice. It is observed that the farmers
Kaur and Rehal

6
having higher number of boxes per individual
practice migratory bee keeping for sustainability
and economic benefit in comparison to farmers
with small number of boxes (Table 1). Fig (1)
shows Baghapurana reported maximum number
of boxes (5,700) and the percentage of beekeepers
practicing migration is also higher, similar trend
was recorded for Moga 1. In Moga 2 there are no
farmers practicing the stationary bee keeping.
Comparing the productivity of the boxes in
migration, highest productivity (22.05kg/box) was
reported for Moga 1 followed by Kot Ise Khan
(19.72kg/box), Nihal Singh Wala (18.8kg/box),
Baghapurana (17.3kg/box) and Moga2 (14.72kg/
box) (Fig 2) while the productivity for beekeepers
practicing stationary beekeeping was 5.81 for
Moga 1, 13.3 for Kot Ise Khan, 10.0 for Nihal
Singh Wala and 12.5kg/box for Baghapurana. The
average productivity of stationary boxes to
migratory boxes varied significantly from 8.33-
18.43 kg/box. The results were in agreement with
those reported by Bhusall and Thappa (2005).
Stationary boxes reported a significant difference
in productivity varying from 5.8kg/box to 12.5
kg/box. It could be due to various reasons like
bee keeping practice (single box/supers), pest
infestation, lack of training and book keeping.
There is a high potential of increasing the honey
yield in stationary boxes.
(ii) Quick transfer of technology
The geographical location confirms Moga1
proximity to Ludhiana and Baghapurana’s to
Faridkot. This allows them to have access to
neighbouring KVK’s. These institutes provide
formal technical knowhow to start the enterprise.
It was found that 90 per cent of bee keepers had
acquired formal training in bee keeping from Govt
recognised institution. The trend could be due to
the present subsidy policy of government. For an
individual to avail subsidy a bee keeping training
is mandatory. The survey revealed majority of bee
keepers took the training from their native district
(Moga) and very few took it from the
neighbouring districts Ludhiana, Bathinda and
Faridkot (Fig 3).
The data show that the number of women
participants have increased from 1 (in 2009) to
26 (in 2014) which sums to an increase from 5
per cent (2009) to 17 per cent (2014) of women.
This change in trend could be due to various
factors like education, previous involvement of
the family in bee keeping and subsidy. It was seen
that 67 per cent of the participants fell in the age
Bee Keeping Enterprise Among Rural Men and Women

7
group of 20-40 years, 3 per cent fell in the age
group of under 20 and the remaining 30 per cent
fell in the age group of 40-60 years. The 90 per
cent of women were educated at least till the grade
10th and had shown an interest in engaging
themselves in earning extra income through
subsidiary occupation.
Analysing the adoption trend in the Moga
district during the last. Fig 4 shows the adoption
was at a steady rate (under 5 from the year 1995-
2005).The trend picked up from 2007 onwards
which could be due to establishment of a bee
keeping unit at the KVK farm and the availability
of an expert to guide the individuals for quick
adoption, bringing awareness among the rural
youth and farmers in regards to the economic and
environmental benefits. The economic benefit
from honey has increased by 100 per cent during
the last one decade. In the year 2005 the whole
sale rate of honey was Rs 65/kg in comparison to
Rs 130/kg in 2014. In the year 2013-14, training
programs sponsored by the National Horticulture
Mission (NHM) were hosted at KVK and other
government departments to train more people in
bee keeping and boost the self-employment
avenues. Bee keeping trainings (vocational and
short duration) were organised, more people were
trained; their exposure and horizons widened and
quick adoption took place.
(iii) Government Policies
Government has introduced various schemes
under NHM (pollination support through bee-
keeping) to encourage the landless/marginal/small
scale farmers to adopt it as subsidiary enterprise.
A number subsidies are been given away under
various schemes which includes subsidy on (i)
bee colonies, (ii) bee hives, (iii) equipments and
(iv) production of bee colonies by bee breeders.
To avail the above subsidies (i, ii, iii) it is required
that the applicant must have completed a formal
training in basic bee keeping course (from SAU,
KVK or Department of Agriculture) and its
certificate should be furnished along with the
completed form available from Department of
Horticulture. To claim subsidy bee colonies and
the hives should be purchased from the registered
bee breeders. The Government has given license
to thirty registered bee breeders in the state, who
are certified to commercially sell the bee keeping
equipment and related material. From the list of
thirty breeders, thirteen are located in Moga and
adjoining districts (Bathinda, Faridkot and
Ludhiana). Amongst them three are located in
Moga; two in Baghapurana and one in Moga1
block. Presence of bee-breeders confirms easy
availability of the bee keeping equipment (smoker,
extraction unit, knives) bee keeping boxes, comb,
protection gear, and is an important factor for
cluster formation. To avail the subsidy the
purchase bills should be attached along with the
completed forms. Individual entitlement for
subsidy is 50 boxes, considering the entire district
an average of 57 boxes per individual was
calculated, which out numbers the subsidised
boxes (50 boxes/ individual). This implies that
even if the farmer is getting subsidy on 50 boxes
they are increasing the number of boxes (>50).The
economic benefit (income enhancement) with low
investment could be the major driving force for
adoption.
CONCLUSION
Beekeeping is one of the most respected and
satisfied subsidiary profession which can generate
significant secondary income to beekeepers. The
location of Moga district is appropriate for the bee
keeping and number of bee keepers has increased
which could be due to cumulative effect of low
investment, government policies, less labour
intensive and expert guidance in close vicinity.
An upcoming trend of women participation in
adoption of bee keeping as an enterprise has come
up and the women belonging to reserved category
needs to be encouraged for enterprise adoption.
It is significant that an individual owns an average
of 57 boxes in the district which out numbers the
subsidised boxes (50). This trend shows wide
popularisation and acceptance of the enterprise
among the farmers. The average productivity of
the stationary box is significantly low which can
be improved by incorporating diversification in
cropping pattern and timely management of hives
during the lean period. High population (clusters)
of bee keepers were found close to the location
of bee breeders. The breeders play an important
role in adoption of the enterprise so the
government should try to introduce policy
Kaur and Rehal

8
allowing at least one bee breeder in each block.
Kot Ise Khan block has a favourable conditions
for bee keeping, recording the highest average
productivity. Special training program or camps
should be organised to encourage farmers in the
area for its adoption. Government has taken an
initiative to widen the earning horizons of small
and marginal farmer which are bearing fruits as
the adoption is increasing.
REFERENCES
Bhusal S J and Thapa R B (2005). Comparative study on the
adoption of improved beekeeping technology for Poverty
alleviation . J Inst Agric Anim Sci 26:117-125.
Bee Keeping Enterprise Among Rural Men and Women

9
Corresponding Author’s Email: jrkrishnendu@gmail.com
Consumption Pattern of Green Leafy Vegetables by
Rural Women in District Thiruvananthapuram
J R Krishnendu and B Prasannakumari
Department of Home Science
College ofAgriculture,Vellayani- 695 522, KeralaAgricultural University ( Kerala)
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted with the objective of promoting consumption of green
leafy vegetables among rural women through an intensive educational programme employing
participatory techniques. The impact of this programme was assessed after three months by
conducting a post test. The results showed that there was a significant gain in knowledge and
change in attitude of the respondents thus pointing out the positive impact of the nutrition
education programme. The post test revealed a significant change in the consumption of green
leafy vegetables by the respondents. Locally available leafy vegetables were found to be included
in the supplementary feeding programme of the five selected anganwadi centers. The study
proved that this programme can be successfully implemented in all anganwadi centers of the
state. The increase in the actual green leafy vegetable consumption will surely help to alleviate
the micronutrients deficiency prevalent in the state especially among women and children.
Key Words: Green leafy vegetables, Anganwadi workers, Awareness programme, Nutrition.
INTRODUCTION
Green leafy vegetables represent an excellent
component of the habitual diet and a daily intake
of at least 100g of fresh green leafy vegetable has
been recommended by the Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR, 1999). India’s flora
comprises of 6,000 species of plants used for
consumption, one third of which are green leafy
vegetables. Leafy vegetables not only supply the
protective nutrients, add variety to a monotonous
diet but also have an alternative taste, pleasing
appearance and aroma. Green leafy vegetables are
also inexpensive and locally available and studies
have proved that their consumption can be
improved greatly if people are convinced of the
necessity for including them in the diet.
The study was conducted in rural area of
Athiyannoor ICDS Block in Thiruvananthapuram
district. Hundred rural women who were
participants of the Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS) programme selected from five
Anganwadi centers of Athiyannoor formed the
study sample. Knowledge about green leafy
vegetables and their nutritive and health benefits
was collected from the respondents through a
knowledge test developed for the purpose. Data
on consumption of green leafy vegetables and
nutrition related practices of the respondents were
assessed using an interview schedule.
In order to measure the knowledge level of
the rural women regarding green leafy vegetables,
a nutrition knowledge test was developed by
means of a simple teacher made objective type
test constructed following the procedure adopted
by Kumar (1990) with slight modifications. Care
was taken to ensure that the questions covered
the entire range of subject matter selected for the
study. An item pool of 35 statements relevant to
green leafy vegetables on selected areas such as
nutritive needs, nutritive value, medicinal
importance, bioavailability and antinutrient factors
was prepared. These statements were prepared
from relevant literature. Both positive and negative
statements were formed. Care was taken to use
simple and clear statements with no ambiguity in
language or idea to avoid confusion and doubts.
A jury of subject experts analyzed the statements.
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00027.6

10
In light of the suggestions made by experts, 25
statements were selected and were pre-tested.
Based on the result of the pre-test five statements
were discarded and remaining 20 items were
selected for constructing the knowledge test.
The responses were collected in a dichotomous
pattern i.e., Yes or No. Each correct response was
given a score of one and the incorrect response
was given a score of zero. Finally the scores were
added up to get the knowledge score for each
respondent. The maximum score for the test
developed was 20 and the minimum score was 0.
Frequency of use of different leafy vegetables in
the dietaries of respondents was also assessed.
Frequency of use of leafy vegetable was measured
using a 6 point rating scale. The frequency score
of use of each leafy vegetable used by the
respondents was calculated separately using the
formula suggested by Reaburn et al (1979).
Percentage of total score for each green leafy
vegetable
R1
S1
+R2
S2
+R3
S3
+….........................………Rn
Sn
n
S1: Scale of rating given for frequency of use of a
green leafy vegetable (i=1, 2, 3, ……….5)
R1: Per centage of respondents coming under each
frequency group (i=1, 2, 3,……………5)
n: Maximum scale rating (n = 6 )
The mean value calculated using the formula given
below
Mean score for each green leafy vegetable
=R1
S1
+R2
S2
+R3
S3
+…………………………Rn
Sn
100
The percentage of respondents using each
green leafy vegetable and also their preference
were thus ascertained. Based on the knowledge
and consumption practices, the rural women were
imparted nutrition communication employing
participatory approaches. This was achieved by
means of discussions, demonstrations on leafy
vegetable preparations, video show on different
types of leafy vegetables and their nutritive value
and distribution of leaflets so as to improve
consumption of micronutrient rich green leafy
vegetables. Finally, in order to assess the impact
of the programme post test was conducted among
the subjects to gain information regarding
knowledge gained and also change in
consumption practices of green leafy vegetables.
The present study emphasized the need for
utilization of green leafy vegetables as a source
of micro-nutrients and as a home based remedy
and preventive measure for widely prevalent
deficiency diseases.
Use of green leafy vegetables by the respondents
Data presented (Table 1) revealed that
coriander and curry leaves were the only leaves
used by the respondents even though these cannot
be considered as leafy vegetables of nutritive
significance in the diet considering the amounts
consumed. Cabbage and amaranthus were found
to be consumed thrice a week by 16 and 15 per
cent, respectively. Red and green amaranthus,
drumstick leaves and cabbage were consumed
twice a week by 22, 10, 16 and 21 per cent
respectively. Cauliflower was consumed once a
week by 16 per cent. Agathi and chekkurmanis
were consumed occasionally, 27 and 77 per cent
of respectively by the respondents. Basella (Valli
cheera) which is a locally available leafy vegetable
was not consumed at all by 94 per cent of the
respondents. Cowpea leaf, water leaf (Sambar
cheera) and agathi were never used by 88, 81 and
73 per cent of the respondents. From the table 1 it
can also be seen that the highest food frequency
score were obtained by coriander and curry leaves
(82.4 and 94). Cabbbage obtained the next highest
score of 60.6 followed by red amaranthus (58.4),
drumstick leaf (53.2), green amaranth (52.0),
cauliflower (46.4), chekkurmanis (45.0), agathi
(25.4), water leaf (24. 4), cowpea leaf (22.4) and
Basella 21.2 respectively.
Leafy vegetables are rich sources of minerals
like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, and
vitamins like A, C, E and K and many of the B
vitamins. When consumed regularly they can
substantially improve micronutrient status of the
Indian population (Gupta and Prakash
2009).Green leafy vegetables also contain many
helpful phytochemicals or phytofactors in
scavenging the dreadful free radicals generated
as metabolic byproducts in alleviating many
serious diseases (Kaur and Maini, 2006).
Krishnendu and Prasannakumari

11
Dietary surveys conducted among different
segments of the population revealed that
consumption of green leafy vegetables is much
lower than the recommended dietary allowance
of 100g/d. National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau
(2000) Survey of Kerala also revealed that
consumption of green leafy vegetables was
grossly inadequate particularly among preschool
children. Data indicated that even low cost and
locally available leafy vegetables like amaranth,
drumstick leaves, agathi and chekkurmanis not
consumed daily by most of the respondents.
The traditional green leafy vegetables like
ponnaviram and lettuce leaf are never used by
the respondents. Ponnaviram leaves are the good
source of protein and fibre as compared to the
other green leafy vegetables. However now it is
not consumed due the pungent smell of the
ponnaviram leaves. It is also revealed that more
than 70 per cent of the respondents never
consumed agathi leaf, water leaf, cowpea leaf and
basella which have been used traditionally.
Vitamin A rich leafy vegetables like amaranth,
cabbage and drumstick leaves which are locally
available were used by 60 per cent of the
respondents. Most of the respondents stated that
plucking of drumstick leaves for preparing dish
was a time consuming process so they avoided
the use of drumstick leaves in their daily diet. All
this may be mainly due to their ignorance about
the nutritional value of these leaves.
Table1. Consumption of green leafy vegetables by the respondents. (n=100)
Green leafy vegetables Daily (%) Thrice a Twice a Once a Occasionally Never Frequency
week (%) week (%) week (%) (%) (%) score
Red amaranthus 0 10 22 18 50 0 58.4
Green amaranth 0 5 10 25 60 0 52.0
Drumstick leaf 0 8 16 10 66 0 53.2
Agathi 0 0 0 0 27 73 25.4
Water leaf 0 0 0 3 16 81 24.4
Cowpea leaf 0 0 0 0 12 88 22.4
Cabbage 0 16 21 13 50 0 60.6
Basella 0 0 0 0 6 94 21.2
Cauliflower 0 0 8 16 76 0 46.4
Chekkurmanis 0 3 6 4 87 0 45.0
Coriander 46 34 18 2 0 0 82.4
Curry leaves 70 30 0 0 0 0 94.0
It was evident from the result that majority of
respondents used colocasia leaves, chekkurmanis,
cowpea leaf and water leaf only occasionally.
Cauliflower is a vegetable grown in cold climate
and is not easily available in the local market. Also,
the cost factor of cauliflower may be another
reason for it being occasionally used by the
respondents. However other leafy vegetables are
available but their consumption was also found
to be low among the respondents. Similar results
have been reported by Unnithan (2008), Ramlath
(2007). Similar study done by Kumari and Singh
(2001) on secondary school children also reported
that green leafy vegetables are inadequate in
adolescent diet.
Distribution of subjects based on their
knowledge score
Data (Table 2) showed the mean score for
knowledge for pre test was 14.81 while for the
post test it increased to 18.69. Result of the paired
t- test shows that the gain in knowledge was
significant at 1 per cent level. From the score
obtained for post test it is clear that there was
significant gain in their knowledge. This may be
because of the effectiveness of intervention
programme. The respondents were exposed to
multimedia education programme like video
show, charts, leaflets which enabled them to
understand the importance of green leafy
vegetables.
Consumption Pattern of Green Leafy Vegetables by Rural Women

12
Table2: Gain in knowledge of the respondents (n=100)
Group Mean score Gain in knowledge
Pre test 14.81 18.27**
Post test 18.69
Several studies have shown that nutrition
education and intervention increases the
nutritional knowledge of the respondents
(Razeena, 2000). Meenambigar and Seetharaman
(2003) in their study on role of media in rural
communication concluded that an appropriate
combination of communication media can make
people apply knowledge as well and motivate
them to seek more information.
Changes in Frequency of use of green leafy
vegetables
Summative evaluation was conducted to find
out the change in green leafy vegetable
consumption of the respondents after the
participation in the nutrition communication
programme. Pre and post education scores of the
frequency of use per cent of leafy vegetables
consumption given in the table 3 reveal that there
was an increase in the frequency of use of green
leafy vegetables.
Frequency scores of other leafy vegetables
like agathi leaf, water leaf (sambar leaf), cowpea
leaf and basella were less than 30. After the
intervention it can be seen that consumption of
cauliflower and cabbage was reduced while use
of all the other leafy vegetables increased. The t
value calculated shows that there was significant
change in the consumption of leafy vegetables
after the intervention.
After the intervention programme, the leafy
vegetable consumption of the respondents was
assessed once again by conducting diet survey.
The result showed that the frequency of use of
green leafy vegetables by the respondents who
participated in the nutrition intervention increased
significantly in the present study. After the
intervention programme the most frequently used
leafy vegetables were found to be curry leaves,
coriander leaves, amaranth, drumstick leaves,
agathi, sambar leaves (water leaf) and cowpea
leaves. This may be due to the fact that the
respondents became aware of the nutritive value
of locally available green leafy vegetables. Similar
studies by Gopalan (2000) and Hemalatha and
Prakash (2002) also proved that respondents who
participated in nutrition intervention improved
their frequency of consumption of green leafy
vegetables.
Result of the paired t- test shows that the gain
in knowledge was significant at 1 per cent level.
From the score obtained for post test it is clear
that there was significant gain in their knowledge
due to nutrition intervention programme. The
study proved that nutrition communication
Table3. Use of green leafy vegetables by the respondents before and after the intervention.
(n= 100)
Frequency of use
Green leafy vegetable Before intervention After intervention ‘t’ value
Frequency score Mean score Frequency score Mean score
Red amaranth 58.4 2.920 63.4 3.170 4.890**
Green amaranth 52 2.580 57.4 2.770 2.374*
Drumstick leaf 53.2 2.660 64.6 3.220 5.668**
Agathi leaves 25.4 1.270 32 1.600 6.193**
Water leaf 24.4 1.220 35 1.750 9.192**
Cowpea leaf 22.4 1.120 26.2 1.310 4.533**
Chekkurmanis 45 2.250 47.6 2.380 2.802**
Cabbage 60.6 3.030 59.4 3.140 1.521**
Basella 21.2 1.060 23 1.250 4.533**
Cauliflower 46.4 2.320 45.2 1.260 1.179**
Coriander leaf 82.4 4.120 86.6 4.310 2.802
Curry leaf 94 4.700 100 5.000 2.730**
** Significant at 1 per cent level ; * Significant at 5 per cent level
Krishnendu and Prasannakumari

13
programmes can be successfully implemented for
rural women through anganwadi centers of the
state. The increase in the green leafy vegetable
consumption will surely help to alleviate the
micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in the state
especially among women and children.
CONCLUSION
Leafy vegetables are rich sources of minerals
like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, and
vitamins like A, C, E and K and many of the B
vitamins. When consumed regularly they can
substantially improve the micronutrient status of
the Indian population. Green leafy vegetables also
contain many helpful phyto-chemicals or phyto-
factors in scavenging the dreadful free radicals
generated as metabolic byproducts in alleviating
many serious diseases. The present study revealed
that the frequency use of green leafy vegetables
was low initially but after intervention it increased
significantly. Initially, low level of consumption
observed may due to lack of awareness regarding
importance of green leafy vegetables in the diet
which was improved by giving proper nutrition
education.
REFERENCES
GopalanC(2000).Healthandnutritioneducationofthecommunity
choosing the appropriate channels. Nutrition foundation of
India bulletin, New Delhi. P 28.
Gupta S and Prakash J (2009). Studies on Indian green leafy
vegetable for their antioxidant activity. Pt Fd Hum Nutr 64:
39-45.
Hemalatha K and Prakash J (2002). An awareness creation
programme for women on nutrition through green leafy
vegetables. Ind J Nutr Dietet 40:64-66.
IndianCouncilofMedicalResearch(1999).NutrientRequirements
and Recommended DietaryAllowances for Indians. National
Institute of Nutrition. Hydrabad.11-67.
Kaur N and Maini D (2006). Impact of nutrition councelling on
the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of at risk coronary
heart diseases subjects. Ind J Nutr Dietet 43:82-89.
Kumari P and Singh U (2001). Impact of supplementation of
qualityproteinmaizeladoosonthenutritionalstatusofpregnant
women. Ind J Nutr Dietet 28:48-54.
National Nutrition Monitorig Bureau Reports, 2000. http:// www.
nnmbindia.org.
Ramlath P (2007). Effect of counseling under dietary habit of
fisher folk. M.Sc. (H.Sc) thesis, KeralaAgricultural University,
Thrissur,17-99.
Razeena K A ( 2000). Impact of educational programmes on the
health and dietary practices of the workers of sewage farm
in Thiruvananthapuram. M.Sc. (HSc) thesis, Kerala
Agricultural University, Thrissur,17-79.
Reburn JA, Krondle M and Lau D ( 1979). Social determinants in
food selection. Am J Dietet 74: 637- 42.
Santhoshkumar S (1990). An experimental study on the relative
effectiveness of selected visual aids in teaching neoliterate. M.
Sc. (Ag) thesis, KeralaAgricultural University,Thrissur.198p.
Unnithan A G ( 2008). Contributing factors and problems
associated with overweight among rural and urban school
children, Ph.D thesis KAU, Thrissur. 140-147p.
Consumption Pattern of Green Leafy Vegetables by Rural Women

14
Corresponding Author’s Email: rekhaup_2007@rediffmail.com
Cultivation of Pusa Narangi Variety of Marigold for
Crop Diversification and Empowering Farm Women
in Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh
Rekha Tiwari, D S Tomar , A KDixit and A KSaxena
KrishiVigyan Kendra, (RajmataVijayaraje Scindia KrishiVishwaVidyalaya)
Ujjain 456 010 (Madhya Pradesh)
ABSTRACT
Flower cultivation is a profitable venture for the small and marginal farmers, as the traditional
crops are becoming less remunerative. Marigold cultivation in rural areas by farm women suits
the most as it requires care and nurturing, picking and packing with care in which the female
workers have an edge over the male counterparts. Cultivation of marigold variety Pusa Narangi
in Malwa plateau of Madhya Pradesh has successfully demonstrated that this crop can be grown
round the year. The variety was introduced in the year 2007 and was assessed through on farm
trials, followed by front line demonstrations for three consecutive years. The present study was
undertaken to assess the benefits of cultivating Pusa Narangi variety of marigold for crop
diversification and boosting the income of farm women exclusively for which they were imparted
practical training on the package of practices and marketing strategy. The result showed that
round the year cultivation yielded 1.25 t/ ha and giving a net profit Rs 1,17,609/- as against Rs
35,975/- with the local cultivar Saathi. Hence, it can be stated that this was a novel diversification
model to economically empower the farm women on sustainable basis.
Key Words: Marigold, Participatory Rural Appraisal, Farm Women.
INTRODUCTION:
The Government of India has taken several
initiatives for Women’s Empowerment by passing
a policy, much of the rural women’s work has not
been accounted in official statistics. Women’s
limited ability to own land and property negatively
affects their ability to participate in producer
groups, receive income for their labour, and
benefit from agricultural services (Ellis et al,
2007). The growth in agricultural in the country
has been associated with an increase in female
employment, a process that is often claimed to
enhance women’s empowerment. However,
empowerment is a contested concept and several
studies have highlighted that far from empowering
workers, employment can often be precarious,
exploitative and harmful.
Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state and
ranks seventh in population, located centrally
surrounded by the states of Rajasthan to the
northwest, Uttar Pradesh to the north, Chhattisgarh
to the east and Maharashtra to the south, and
Gujarat to the west. The State is primarily an
agriculture State. About 73 per cent population of
the state is rural; hence agriculture is the main stay
of the state economy. The Agriculture and allied
services contributes about 44 per cent share in
state economy and 78 per cent of its working force
is directly engaged in agriculture. In recent years,
greater emphasis has been given to horticultural
sector and at present state is producing about 7.69
MMT of horticulture produce from an area of 0.75
M ha. The major share of horticulture produce is
from vegetables (48.1%), fruits (43.8%) and only
8.1 per cent from flowers. Flower cultivation in
peri urban areas accounts to 9.16 M ha with total
production of 7.14 MT and a poor productivity
of mere 0.78 MT per ha.
Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh lies in the
Malwa plateau region characterized by low
rainfall, recurrent drought with a frequency of one
in every four years and three out of five years
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00028.8

15
receive sub-optimal rainfall i.e. below 890 mm.
This poses a serious situation for the farmers
particularly the small and marginal farmers whose
earnings are not sustainable owing to lack of crop
and enterprise diversification. Agriculture can be
an important engine of growth and poverty
reduction but the sector is underperforming
because women, who are often a crucial resource
in agriculture and the rural economy, face
constraints that reduce their productivity.
To take care of this precarious situation, Krishi
Vigyan Kendra took an intervention among the
farm women who could exclusively devote their
time, energy and land for the cultivation of flowers
particularly the marigold which has round the year
demand in the holy city of Ujjain for garland and
decorative purposes at various kinds of religious
and social functions. Keeping this in mind, the
study was conducted to know personal and
economic characteristics of the farm women, to
introduce new variety of marigold- Pusa Narangi
and to assess the income generation by adopting
this new variety of marigold.
Selection of Village
The cultivation of flowers is predominant in
two major blocks of the district Ujjain and Ghatiya;
hence they were selected for the present study
based on their area and production. Participatory
Rural Appraisal (PRA) was used to access the real
information of the village and villagers. The
farming pattern of the village was assessed in
which the cultivators group was categorised in
grain, cereal, potato, vegetable and flower
cultivator etc. Among them the major group of
flower cultivator were approached. The main
focus was given on those groups where women
either participated or were fully engaged in all the
process of cultivation of flowers.
Package of Practices
Full package of practices were adopted by the
target group. The land was ploughed once
followed by cross harrowing and planking and
the soils were medium black having good water
retention capacity. Farm yard manure was
incorporated at the rate of 10 t/ha followed by
recommended dose of N: P: K @ 150:80:100 kg/
ha. Nursery was raised under raised beds with low
tunnel poly-house arrangement. Raised beds were
prepared prior to transplanting with a width of 75
cm and plants were transplanted at a spacing of
60 cm followed by 2 to 3 manual weeding to take
care of weeds. To facilitate irrigation and promote
healthy growth water was applied in furrows. After
45-50 days nipping was done to promote growth
of lateral branches and check the apical dominance
and get more flower buds per plant.
A well structured questionnaire was prepared
for assessing the information and data. The
questionnaire was fulfilled through personal
interaction of each farm women. The main focus
was given on the age group also and the selected
group was not more than 45 years. The experiment
was conducted by taking two treatments as under:
Treatment (T1): In the Malwa region local
variety of Marigold -Saathi is very popular but
from the economic point of view its production
was not satisfactory. Hence for replacing the
Saathi variety, a new variety of marigold was
introduced.
Treatment (T2): Pusa Narangi variety from
IARI was first assessed at farmer’s field in the year
2008. This variety was chosen as varietal
intervention along with full package of practice
and having the following traits such as, attractive
price in market due to appealing saffron colour,
big size, compact and each petal well shaped,
good keeping quality(4-5 days) and high yield
as compared to the local variety.
An area of 0.4 ha was chosen for this
intervention. Farm women were provided with 150
g seed to raise the nursery. Seedlings of about 35
to 40 d were transplanted on ridges and furrows.
Nipping of the plot was done after the initiation
of first flower bud to break the apical dominance
and promote branching and more bud formation.
Regular plant protection measures were adopted
till the last picking and the last flush was allowed
to mature to form the seed for the successive year.
The data recorded on various parameters of
growth, flower attribute, yield attributes and
flower yield were subjected to statistical analysis
(Panse and Sukhatme, 1989).
Tiwari et al

16
Personal profile of farm women
Personal characteristics and profile of the
selected farm women as depicted in the Table 1
gives a clear indication that the age of the farm
women varied between 20 yr at the lower level
and 45 yr at the upper age limit. Among them
maximum farm number of women ( 37.5 %)
belonged to age group more than 35 yr whereas
only (05) women were of 31 -35 age group
category. A total of 35 women were young coming
in the age group (20-25 years). Nine women were
between 26-30 yr. In case of literacy level, it was
evident that in rural areas, still education of
women’s is neglected phenomenon as in the other
part of the country and the same was reflected in
the PRA. None of the farm women had even
passed high school. Fourty per cent farm women
were illiterate and 40 per cent were educated up
to primary school. Only 8 women (20 %) had
passed middle school examination.
An important fact which came to the notice
was that nuclear family system was growing faster
in the rural areas also and not a phenomenon
limited to the urban areas exclusively. The data
revealed that 25 families (62.5 %) lived in the
nuclear family whereas only 15 farm women
(17.5 %) belonged to the joint family system. This
means that due to certain socio-economic and
personal reasons craze of nuclear family pattern
was increasing in rural area very drastically. Sixty
per cent families had 4-6 family members and only
10 per cent had more than 7 members at home.
Land holding
Land holding in the village ranged between 1
to 5 ha/ family. Maximum number (32.5%) of the
families had small land holding i.e. 1 to 2 ha and
minimum (17.5 %) owned more than 4 ha/family.
Hence, the economic condition of the village was
Table 1. Personal profile of the selected farm women.
Parameter No. of Respondents(N=40) Percentage Mean + SD Variance
Age (yr.)
20-25 14 35.0 30.725
26-30 09 22.5 + 73.281
31-35 02 05.0 8.56
35and above 15 37.5 (20 to 45)
Education
Not Literate 16 40.0 1.825 3.328
Up to Primary 16 40.0 +
Middle School 08 20.0 1.824
High School 00 00.0 (0 to 6)
College 00 00.0
Family type
Nuclear 25 62.5
Joint 15 37.5
No. of members 4.475
1-3 12 30.0 + 2.051
4-6 24 60.0 1.432
>7 04 10.0 (2 to 7)
Land holding (ha)
1.0 - 2.0 13 32.5 2.838
2.0 -3.0 10 25.0 + 1.018
3.0 -4.0 10 25.0 1.009
4.0 and more 07 17.5 (1 to 5)
Income of the family (000) 2.025
0.8-1.0 06 15.0 + 0.701
1.0-2.0 18 45.0 0.838
2.0 and more 16 40.0 (0.8 to 4.0)
(Figures in the parenthesis indicates the maximum and minimum value)
Cultivation of Pusa Narangi Variety of Marigold

17
also not very satisfactory. The per annum income
of the family was 0.8- 4 lac. Maximum number
of the family fell in the income range of 1- 2 lac
(45 %) while 15 per cent families earned only 0.8
– 1 lac per annum. Hence, it was clear that, the
landholding of the villagers was less and hence
could be designated under the marginal category.
So, in order to boost the economic viability a shift
in the existing crop through diversification and
introduction of the new crop and variety with
reasonable market opportunity was essential
keeping in view about the age group and literacy
level.
Performance of crop and economic outcome
The data (Table 2) indicated that the existing
local cultivar Saathi was out performed by the
variety Pusa narangi in all the crop growth
parameters. The improved variety was
significantly taller than the local by more than 31
cm. Similarly, T2 had significantly more number
of branches thus giving more floral buds and
flowers per plant. Both these parameters were
higher over T1 by 65 per cent. Data further
revealed that the yield of T2 varied significantly
and was higher by 126 per cent. This was probably
due to the scientific package of practice followed
in T2 along with prolonged duration of flowering
spread over 90 d as against on 45 to 60 d in the
local cultivar. Besides this, T2 was found suitable
for growing in this agro-climate for almost nine
months in succession except the period from April
to June when the irrigation facilities are limited in
this part of the malwa plateau. The above findings
were in line with the findings of Yadav et al (2000)
and Kumar et al ( 2009).
Table 3 depicted the cost involved in the
cultivation of both the cultivars which vary
significantly because of the fact that the farmers
grow the local cultivar with least input in terms of
manure and fertilizer. Further this variety is
restricted in its growing period from August to
October, so the tendency of the farmer is to grow
it with least input, harvest it around the Diwali
festival and make some money. After that period
they had no alternative for marigold. T2 variety
has given an almost round the year option for the
farmers and farm women for the most demanded
flower in this region. The cost of cultivation per
quintal of T2 was Rs 184/- as against Rs 329/-
under T1. The initial cost in terms of input in T2
may seem to be higher but the total net return as a
result of higher yield leads to a benefit cost ratio
of 6.0 as against only 2.9 inT1. Larger sized
flower as depicted in table 2 also fetched
handsome price in the market as compared to T1
and hence was more viable, economical and an
alternative to higher income to the family in a
staggered manner on a continuous basis.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that all category of farmers
particularly farm women if devote a small piece
of land to flower cultivation, round the year the
net income of the family can be increased many
folds. Higher B:C ratio suggested that the
Table 2. Growth parameters and yield of marigold variety pusa narangi.
Treatment Height (cm) Branches /Plant Flowers/Plant Flower Dia. cm Yield qt / ha
T1: (Sathi) 68.3 3.678 17.12 3.14 56.49
T2: (Pusa Narangi) 99.448 6.085 28.25 5.36 128.52
Coefficient of Variation 2.99 8.24 3.72 10.83 19.09
CD (0.05) 1.13 0.18 0.38 0.21 7.99
Table 3. Economics of marigold cultivation.
Treatment Cost Of Gross Income Net Income Benefit
Cultivation (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) Cost ratio
T1: (Sathi) 18,636 55,053 35,975 2.9
T2: (Pusa Narangi) 23,752 1,41,362 1,17,609 6.0
Coefficient of Variation 9.16 19.58 25.03
CD (0.05) 878.5 8701.2 8693.9
Tiwari et al

18
enterprise was viable and the continuous
demonstrations of farmers field suggested that the
yields were sustainable and sufficient to meet the
price fluctuations when averaged over longer
period of time in a year, particularly if the crop
was grown in succession for more than nine
months.
REFERENCES
EllisA, Cutura J, Dione N, Gillson I, Manuel C and Thongori G
(2007). Gender and Economic Growth in Kenya: Unleashing
the Power of Women. Washington, D.C., World Bank.
Kumar Dhiraj, Singh B P and SinghVivekanand (2009). Effect of
integratednutrientmanagementongrowth,floweringbehaviour
and yield ofAfrican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv.African
Giant Double Orange. J Hortl Sci 4 (2): 134-137
Govindasamy Agoramoorthy , Minna J Hsu (2012). Impact of
floriculture development enhances livelihood of India’s rural
women. Journal ofAgriculture and Rural Development in the
Tropics and Subtropics 113 ( 1) : 69–76.
Panse V G and Sukhatme P V (1989). Statistical methods for
agricultural workers. 5th ed., ICAR, New Delhi.
Yadav P K, Singh S, Dhindwal A S and Yadav M K (2000).
Effect of nitrogen and FYM application on floral characters
and yield ofAfrican marigold. Haryana J Hort Sci 29:69-71
Cultivation of Pusa Narangi Variety of Marigold

19
Empowering Tribal Women Through Backyard
Poultry in Bastar District of Chhattisgarh
A K Chaturvedani, Niranjan Lal, Khalid, N K Khyalia and Jitendra Pratap
Division of Extension Education
IndianVeterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar, Bareilly- 243 122 (Uttar Pradesh)
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. A multi-stage random sampling
procedure was used to select 120 respondents from 10 villages of two blocks. A structured
interview schedule duly pre-tested and validated was used to elicit information from the
respondents during February to April, 2014. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage.
It was found that majority of the poultry growers have primary to secondary level education
and small size family. Agriculture was noticed as primary (51.7%) and poultry as secondary
occupation (35.4%) with average flock size of 13.3±4.2 desi birds , reared with locally available
materials at the household level. The egg productivity of desi birds was 36.5±0.2 eggs and
selling price @ Rs 7.0±0.07/egg in local market whereas body weight gain was 1.4±0.02 kg/
bird/yr and selling price @ Rs 310.2±2.1/kg live bird. It was also observed that involvement of
women was more in housing ,feeding, breeding, health care, marketing and consumption than
joint and collective participation of family members which contributed to a large extent in
increasing the household income of a small family. Later on, this income generated from
backyard poultry rearing was invested for household, poultry production and recreation purposes
depending upon the felt needs. From this study, it can be concluded that the backyard poultry
rearing with full participation of rural women helped in empowering women’s of tribal
communities in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
Key Words: Women, Backyard Poutry, Egg, Meat, Management Practices.
Corresponding Author’s Email: lal_niranjan@yahoo.co.in
INTRODUCTION
Backyard poultry is an important livelihood
component of rural tribal’s, providing valuable
animal protein source through egg and meat and
aid in economic improvement by providing
subsidiary income. Market oriented backyard
poultry enterprises are being recognized as a
stepping stone for the poorest households enabling
them to take the first step towards breaking out of
the vicious circle of poverty and deprivation. There
is also growing evidence to demonstrate the role
of rural poultry farming in enhancing the food
and nutrition security of the poorest households,
reducing the livelihood vulnerability and
insecurity and promotion of gender equity (Ahuja
and Sen, 2007)
Chhattisgarh State has about 142.45 lakh total
poultry population. The estimated number of
layers in Chhattisgarh was 62.6 lakh and egg
production about 12,385 lakh during the year
2011-12. Average productivity per layer was 198
eggs/yr and per capita availability was 52 eggs.
In Bastar district, about 70 per cent of the total
population is tribes which is 26.8 per cent of the
total tribal population of Chhattisgarh state. The
major tribes of the Bastar region are the Gond,
Abhuj Maria, Bhatra, Halbaa, Dhurvaa, Muria
and Bison Horn Maria. Gonds are also the largest
tribal group of central India.
The Bastar Integrated Livestock Development
Project (BILDP), implemented by the Government
of Chhattisgarh and initially supported by the
Danish International Development Assistance
(DANIDA), made an effort to enhance livelihood
based on indigenous poultry rearing. The
experience from the project showed how simple,
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00029.X

20
cost-effective interventions, with adequate
extension and support systems, contributed to the
improvement of poultry and the farm management
capabilities of tribal farmer in the Bastar region
of Chhattisgarh. In this context, an attempt was
made to study the role of women in backyard
poultry farming system in bastar district of
Chhattisgarh so that in future such programmes
can be undertaken for the women empowerment.
The Bastar district comprises of 7 blocks, out
of which two blocks namely Bakawand and
Jagdalpur were chosen randomly. From each
block, 5 villages were selected and from each
village, 12 poultry growers were selected
randomly, thus making a total of 120 poultry
growers for the study. The data were collected
using a well-structured and pre tested interview
schedule by covering all the dimensions of
involvement of women in management and health
care i.e. housing, feeding, breeding, health care,
marketing of desi backyard poultry birds and
income from poultry. Data were interpreted by
using frequency and percentage analysis.
Production potential
Majority of the respondents reported
agriculture as primary (51.7%) and poultry as
secondary occupation (35.4%) whereas 64.6 per
cent respondents reported backyard poultry as a
subsidiary source of income for rural woman. The
data (Table 1) revealed that average flock size of
desi poultry was 13.3 birds which indicates that
farmers kept poultry at small scale, as a secondary
source of nutritional and livelihood security. The
average age of maturity was 27.0 weeks, average
egg production per year was 36.5 eggs sold @ Rs
7.0/egg. Live body weight of bird (1.93 kg) was
sold @ Rs 310.2/kg. It was noticed that in this
area, the surplus live birds and eggs were marketed
directly to consumers. Similar results on
unorganized poultry farming in Uttar Pradesh were
reported by Nandi et al (2007) and Saha (2003) on
backyard poultry rearing in west Bengal. Although
the productivity was very low of desi birds reared
by tribal’s but selling price of eggs and live birds
very high than cross bred poultry which helps in
compensating livelihood security.
Distribution of work among family members
It was noticed that most of management
practices viz., housing, feeding, breeding, heath
care, marketing and consumption practices were
carried out by the women. Veeranna et al (1998)
reported that women took active part in farm
oriented activities in poultry production and Motin
et al (2014) found that rural women’s role in
backyard poultry production has significant
importance. They are performing most of the
activities in backyard poultry rearing system with
utmost care and interest.
Income utilization from poultry
As evident from data (Table 3) that majority
(87.5%) of the respondents utilized their income
for household, (77.5%) for poultry production,
(74.2%) for recreation, (43.3%) for medicine,
(29.2%) for education of children, (10.0%) for
agriculture and allied purposes and only (5.8%)
utilized their income for livestock purchasing
according to the need of money at that time. In
backyard system, the poultry growers spent their
money mostly on household, poultry production
and recreation which showed the active
participation of women’s in income generation
from the backyard poultry rearing and ultimately
helped in empowering women in tribal
communities of Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
Similar finding were also reported by Saha (2003)
on backyard poultry rearing in West Bengal.
Table 1. Production potential of backyard poultry farming.
Parameter Bakawan(n=60) Jagdalpur(n=60) Total(N=120)
Av. flock size (No.) 12.8±4.2 13.8±4.1 13.3±4.2
Av. age of maturity (weeks) 27.6±2.5 26.5±2.2 27.0±2.4
Av. egg production/yr/ bird (No.) 35.9±1.9 37.0±1.8 36.5±1.9
Av. selling price/ egg ( Rs) 6.9±0.8 7.1±0.6 7.0±0.7
Selling weight of live birds (kg.) 1.9±0.3 1.9±0.1 1.9±0.3
Av.selling price of meat/kg ( Rs.) 306.7±22.2 313.7±22.4 310.2±22.5
Chaturvedani et al

21
Table 2. Distribution of work among family members.
Distribution of work Response of family member (N=120)
1 2 3 4 5
Housing F % F % F % F % F %
Type of housing. 0 0.0 47 39.2 29 24.2 19 15.8 25 20.8
Time to release birds in morning. 0 0.0 18 15.0 0 0.0 13 10.8 89 74.2
Time to receive birds in the evening. 0 0.0 18 15.0 0 0.0 13 10.8 89 74.2
Number of birds to be kept. 11 9.2 19 15.8 0 0.0 24 20.0 66 55.0
Cleaning of poultry house. 0 0.0 12 10.0 0 0.0 0 0.00 108 90.0
Feeding
Feeding of balanced ration. 53 44.2 19 15.8 11 9.2 19 15.8 18 15.0
Feeding supplementary ration. 11 9.2 10 8.3 8 6.7 14 11.7 77 64.2
Scavenging. 0 0.0 9 7.5 0 0.0 19 15.8 92 76.7
Preparation of balanced ration. 52 43.3 20 16.7 11 9.2 19 15.8 18 15.0
Quantity of feed to be fed. 0 0.0 0 0.0 13 10.8 19 15.8 88 73.3
Time of feeding. 0 0.0 10 8.3 0 0.0 15 12.5 95 79.2
Breeding
Number of egg kept for natural incubation. 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 15 12.5 105 87.5
Purchase of chicks from hatchery. 74 61.7 29 24.2 0 0.0 17 14.2 0 0.0
Selection of cock for breeding purpose. 0 0.0 72 60.0 0 0.0 12 10.0 36 30.0
Health
Vaccination (s) to be done or not. 38 31.7 10 8.3 0 0.0 10 8.3 62 51.7
Treatment of sick birds. 18 15.0 10 8.3 13 10.8 20 16.7 59 49.2
Deworming. 25 20.8 17 14.2 0 0.0 18 15.0 60 50.0
Care of chicks and birds. 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 26 21.7 94 78.3
Marketing
Whether egg/meat to be sold or not. 0 0.0 27 22.5 0 0.0 64 53.3 29 24.2
Quantity to be sold. 0 0.0 27 22.5 0 0.0 64 53.3 29 24.2
Purchase of housing equipments. 0 0.0 58 48.3 19 15.8 30 25.0 13 10.8
Number and type of birds to be sold. 0 0.0 27 22.5 0 0.0 54 45.0 39 32.5
Place of sale of birds and eggs. 0 0.0 56 46.7 0 0.0 50 41.7 14 11.7
Place of purchase of birds. 0 0.0 62 51.7 0 0.0 43 35.8 15 12.5
Minimum price at which birds are to be sold. 0 0.0 39 32.5 0 0.0 67 55.8 14 11.7
Utilization of money earned from poultry. 0 0.0 32 26.7 0 0.0 31 25.8 57 47.5
Consumption
Amount of egg/meat consumed at home. 0 0.0 20 16.7 0 0.0 30 25.0 70 58.3
Amount of egg/meat to be given as gift. 0 0.0 21 17.5 0 0.0 68 56.7 31 25.8
Amount of egg/meat to be consumed by 36 30.0 8 6.7 0 0.0 56 46.7 20 16.7
lactating and pregnant mother.
Total 120 100.0 120 100.0 120 100.0 120 100.0 120 100.0
(1= No response, 2= Independent decision by husband only, 3= Collective decision by all family
members, 4= Joint decision by husband and wife only, 5= Independent decision by wife only)
CONCLUSION
Rural poultry production is being recognized
as important component of socio economic
improvement among the weaker section of
society; specially landless labourer, small and
marginal farm women. Tribal backyard poultry
generates self employment, provides
supplementary income with protein rich food at
relatively low cost. However poor tribal farm
women have maintained local desi strains with
traditional management generates a fruitful
income because taste of desi poultry was largely
accepted which created more demand in the
market. Its overall impact was observed on
improving livelihood and empowering the status
of women among tribal communities.
Empowering Tribal Women Through Backyard Poultry

22
Table 3. Distribution of respondents according to income
utilization from poultry.
Income utilization Total (N=120)
from poultry F %
Education 35 29.2
For household 105 87.5
Recreation 89 74.2
Medicine 52 43.3
Agriculture 12 10.0
Poultry production 93 77.5
Livestock purchasing 7 5.8
Total 120 100.0
REFERENCES
Ahuja V and Sen A (2007).Viability and future of small scale
commercial poultry production in developing countries. Paper
presented at International Conference on Poultry in the 21st
Century: Avian Influenza and Beyond, Bangkok, November
5-7, 2007.
Motin, GA, Goswami A, Mazumder D and Pal Biswajit (2014).
Backyard poultry farming system: women and its role.
International Journal of Development Research 4 (5):1122-
1124.
Nandi S, Sharma K, Kumar P and Nandi D (2007). Poultry
farming:A rapidly growing profitable business. Poultry Line
7 (12): 19-20.
Saha D (2003). Status of rural poultry production in North 24
Parganas district of West Bengal. M.V.Sc. Thesis, Indian
Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Veeranna K C, Tripathi H and Mandape M K (1998).Extension
approach for mobilizing rural women in backyard poultry
production. Indian Farming 48 (3):13-15.
Chaturvedani et al

23
Corresponding Author’s Email: smuthuramu@gmail.com
Empowerment of Self Help Group Members of
Virudhunagar District Through Vocational
Trainings on Mushroom Production
S Muthuramu*, V K Paulpandi, S Sakthivel*, K Ramakrishnan and R Karthik
KrishiVigyan Kendra
Virudhunagar District, Tamilnadu – 626 107 (Tamilnadu)
ABSTRACT
Mushroom production can play a significant role to eradicate malnutrition, alleviate poverty
and create employment opportunity for unemployed farm women in rural area. Vocational
Training programme is generally conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras with a goal that the
trainee becomes an entrepreneur based on the acquired knowledge and skill. The vocational
training programmes were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Virudhunagar district to empower
income generating ability of Self Help Groups (SHGs). Out of twelve SHGs trained, twenty five
women from eight different SHGs were randomly selected for the present study. Findings of
the study revealed that most of the trainees were in the age group of 21-35 yrs of age. Majority
of them (36 %) were having education up to middle followed by matriculation (28 %). Four
respondents (16 %) were landless, more than half (64 %) of these mushroom producers were
small and marginal farm women and five (20%) were medium farm women. Total cost for
mushroom production per unit was Rs. 44,823/- and gross income was Rs. 1,35,000/-. Hence
each respondent may get Rs. 90,000/- as net income from their own unit every year. The mode
of marketing was mainly direct sale in the unit itself, door delivery and local sale etc.
Key Words: Empowerment, Mushroom production, SHG, Vocational training.
INTRODUCTION
Self Help Group (SHG) is a recent milestone
in the upliftment of women. Since women are a
vital part of the Indian economy constituting one-
third of the national labour force and a major
contributor to the survival of the family, they need
to promote and enhance participation on an equal
basis with men in social, economic and
empowerment process of rural development.
Rural women bring income with productive
activities ranging from traditional work in fields
to working in agro based industries. The efficient
role of SHGs proved through various results of
entrepreneurial training as better entrepreneurs
and development managers in any kind of human
development programmes. Most micro-finance
institutions (MFIs) in India are built upon the
grassroots infrastructure of SHG.
Deeply embedded cultural and institutional
characteristics are the primary drives of national
entrepreneurial activity. Individual’s
entrepreneurial capacity can be enhanced by good
education system. Krishi Vigyan Kendra at
Virudhunagar district is shouldering this
responsibility by training SHG members to take
up income generating activities like mushroom
production, preparation of value added products
and composting technologies. Virudhunagar
district consists of 987 women SHGs with a
membership of 13248 women in association with
13 NGOs. The vocational training programmes
were designed to empower income generating
ability of SHGs. Hence the present study was
designed to assess the socio economic profile and
economics of successful members among the
SHGs of the Virudhunagar district in mushroom
production.
The vocational trainings on mushroom
production were arranged at KVK, Virudhunagar.
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00030.6

24
The details of training schedules were disseminated
through mass media, group meetings and through
village meetings of various schemes. Twelve
interested SHGs were approached the KVK and
got benefit out of it. Vocational training on
Mushroom Production was conducted at KVK,
Virudhunagar. Skill demo and video show on
mushroom production were arranged to the
participants and they were taken to other
production units to learn firsthand information
based on the principle “seeing is believing”. The
trainees were given chance to visit the farmers’
day programmes at TNAU, Coimbatore, Agri Expo
at Madurai and other extension activities were
organized to them which encouraged the trainees
to adopt mushroom production in large scale.
Out of twelve SHGs trained, twenty five
women from eight different SHGs were selected
for the present study. An interview schedule was
developed to collect the data regarding socio-
economic profile of the respondents and
economics of Mushroom production. Data were
collected from all the 25 successful mushroom
producers using interview schedule. The data were
collected by conducting personal interviews with
the selected respondents. The data collected from
the respondents were tabulated and analyzed by
using frequency and percentage. The socio
economic profile of the women trainees was
studied in terms of age, education, category, land
holding and extension contact.
Socio-economic profile of women trainees
The result exhibits that majority of the
respondents were in young age group (76%) and
remaining (24%) were in the middle age group
(Table 1). This shows that mushroom production
can be successfully promoted in rural areas for
creating self- employment among rural women.
These results were in line with the findings of the
Rachna et al (2013). More than two third (64%)
of the trainees were having education up to metric
level, whereas, 24 per cent of respondents were
having education up to higher secondary. Only
12 per cent of the respondents were having
education up to graduation level. These results
were in accordance with the study conducted by
Sharma and Dhaliwal (2014).
Data (Table 1) revealed that majority of the
respondents (80%) were from backward category
Table 1. Socio-economic profile of trainees of different SHGs. (n=25)
Sr. No. Variable Frequency Percentage
1. Age
Young (21-35) 19 76
Middle (36-50) 6 24
2. Education
Middle 9 36
Metric 7 28
Higher secondary 6 24
Graduation 3 12
3. Category
General 2 8
Backward 20 80
Scheduled 3 12
4. Land holding
Landless 4 16
Marginal (<1ha) 9 36
Small (1-2ha) 7 28
Medium (>2ha) 5 20
5. Extension contact
Low 7 28
Medium 8 32
High 10 40
Muthuramu et al

25
background while small proportion (8%) from
general category. The number of respondents from
schedule caste category was only 12 per cent. This
may be due to the less participation of the general
and schedule caste category trainees in the training
programmes on mushroom production. This
implies that while selecting the trainees for any
entrepreneurship development programme, equal
emphasis should be given for all categories.
More than one third (36%) of respondents were
marginal category women farmers having land
holding less than one ha., while 28 per cent were
small category women farmers. The successful
mushroom producers were also from medium
category (20%) and 16 per cent were landless.
This indicates that the economic status of the
landless, marginal and small women farmers can
be improved by motivating them to adopt
mushroom cultivation as main profession or as
subsidiary occupation with the agriculture. This
is in line with the statement of Mishra (2008).
It was observed that the mushroom producers
were in regular touch with the scientists of the
Table 2. Economics of mushroom production per unit per year.
a. Fixed cost
1 Mushroom shed : Rs 45,000/-
Sprayer, irrigation pipes, straw cutting machine, ultra lamp and Auto clave : Rs. 15,600/-
Depreciation 2% and Interest at 12% for one year (Item No.1) : Rs. 9,000/-
Depreciation at 5% and interest at 12% for one year (Item No.2) : Rs. 1,872/-
Total for Item No. 1 and 2 : Rs. 10,872/-
b. Variable cost
1. Spawn bottle @ of Rs. 15/bottle ( 1000 bottles /6-8 cycle / one year : Rs. 15,000/-
2. Straw 3200 kg for 1000 beds @ 3 kg/bed / Rs. 2 / kg : Rs. 6,400/-
3. Polythene cover 30 kg @ Rs. 90/kg : Rs. 2,700/-
4. Labour charges 120 man days (Rs. 60 / da y) : Rs. 7200/-
5. Electricity charges : Rs. 1200/-
6. Marketing expenses Rs. 80 / kg : Rs. 1,440/-
7. Total cost of production / year (33,940 + 10,872.00) : Rs. 44,812/-
c. Cost and returns
1. Variable cost Rs. / year : Rs. 33,940/
2. Fixed cost Rs. / year : Rs. 10,872/-
3. Total cost Rs. / year : Rs. 44,812/-
4. Yield kg / year : Rs. 1,800/-
5. Cost of production / kg : Rs. 27.50
6. Market price / kg : Rs. 75/-
7. Gross income Rs. / year : Rs. 1,35,000/-
8. Profit / year (Rs., 1,35,,000 – 44,812.00) : Rs. 90,188/-
9. Profit / kg : Rs. 47.50
10. B:C ratio 2:1
KVK, Virudhunagar for gaining recent knowledge
on mushroom production. About forty three per
cent (40%) of the respondents were having high
extension contact with KVK scientists and
officials of Department of Agriculture. About one
third (32%) were having medium level of
extension contact while one fourth (28%) were
having low extension contact with the experts.
There is need to improve the contact with experts
for enhancing the profitability in mushroom
production.
Economics of Mushroom Production
Major expenditure was initial cost on the
erection of mushroom shed, sprayer, irrigation
pipes, straw cutting machine, ultra lamp and auto
clave. While calculating cost, all fixed and variable
costs were included in the study. Mushroom
producers got income from sale of mushroom. The
mode of marketing is mainly direct sale in the unit
itself, door delivery, sales at Collectorate and other
Government quarters of Virudhunagar and at
Uzhavar Sandhai as 100 g and 200 g packet at a
cost of Rs.10 and Rs.20 respectively. The fixed
Empowerment of Self Help Group Members

26
and variable costs as well as gross and net returns
of different respondents were arrived based on
the information collected from individual trainee.
The cost and benefit per unit was calculated and
tabulated in Table 2.
It is inferred that total cost for mushroom
production per unit was Rs. 44,823/- and gross
income was Rs. 1,35,000/-. Hence each
respondent might get Rs. 90,000/- as net income
from their own unit in every year. The B:C ratio
(2:1) shows that mushroom production will double
the income.
CONCLUSION
The socio-economic status of the members of
SHGs can be improved by different
entrepreneurship development programmes like
vocational trainings. The majority of women were
in young age group, it is a good sign for
generating self employment for rural women. The
need is to select the trainees on basis of their
resources and interest. Due to low expenditure
requirement and high income, mushroom
production can be adopted by small marginal and
even landless women farmers. The respondents
stated that the income and expenditure of the
mushroom production was shared by the members
of the SHGs. The Vocational training on
mushroom cultivation was empowered them
economically and paved way to get regular
income, job opportunity, increased farm and home
income. This facilitates them to admit their
children in better schools, higher studies and
enabled them to provide nutritional food. The
mushroom cultivation technique keeps the family
members to be active and cheerful.
REFERENCES
Mishra S (2008). Entrepreneurship development for farm women
through mushroom cultivation. Oryza 45 (1): 68- 71.
Rachna, Goel R and Sodhi G P S (2013). Evaluation ofVocational
Training Programmes organized on Mushroom Farming by
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Patiala. J Krishi Vigyan 2(1): 26-29.
Sharma K and Dhaliwal N S (2014). Socio Economic Profile of
Successful Beekeepers and Profitability of Bee Keeping in
Muktsar District of Punjab. J Krishi Vigyan 2(2): 69-73.
Muthuramu et al

27
Empowerment of Women Through Jasmine
(Jasminum sambac) Cultivation
Sharmila Bharathi C, B Mohan, S Alagudurai, R Sangeetha, G Gohila and
K Paneerselvam
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus,
Tamil NaduVeterinary andAnimal Sciences University,
Namakkal – 637 002 (Tamil Nadu)
ABSTRACT
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal popularized jasmine (Jasminum sambac) cultivation. For
this,7,660 three months old rooted cuttings of jasmine variety Ramanathapuram Gundu malligai
was supplied to twelve farm women covering an area of 1.66 ha. as a sustainable livelihood
income generating activity to mitigate poverty. Jasmine being a hardy crop withstood drought,
long dry spells and survived to yield flowers throughout the year and was a perennial source of
income (average profit Rs.40000/ 0.08 ha. / year) that helped sustaining interest of the farm
women. The income from jasmine cultivation improved the quality of life, mainly health of the
farm family and also helped them to build their asset base by repairing of home and vehicles
etc.
Key Words: Women empowerment, Jasmine cultivation, Income, Livelihood security.
Corresponding Author’s Email: namakkalkvk@gmail.com ; kvk-namakkal@tanuvas.org.in
INTRODUCTION
Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is one of the
leading traditional flowers of India. Jasmine is
grown in various climatic regions and soils across
India. Flowers are used for making garlands,
adorning hairs of women in religious and
ceremonial functions and for producing jasmine
oil for perfume manufacture (Thakur et al, 2014).
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) popularized the
jasmine (Jasminum sambac ) variety
Ramanathapuram Gundu malligai, which has been
recommended for cultivation under drought
condition in Vadavathur and Jambumadai villages
of Namakkal district.
Jasmine cultivation has emerged as an
alternative source of livelihood for small and
marginal farm women. Income for these farm
women, who were entirely dependent on
agriculture, was very low because of dwindling
natural resources and erratic weather condition.
Jasmine cultivation was adopted because of
various advantages associated with it, such as less
seed capital requirement since it was a small-scale
cultivation, it generated sustainable income
compared to other farming due to easy
management practices .
The objective of the study was to examine the
impact of jasmine cultivation by farm women in
mitigating poverty. The intervention consisted of
five components viz., promoting jasmine
cultivation through supply of rooted jasmine
cuttings, foliar spray of micronutrients, proper
pruning practices, drip irrigation and marketing
of flowers.
During the year 2011, KVK supplied 7,660
three months old rooted cuttings of jasmine variety
Ramanathapuram Gundu malligai to twelve farm
women covering an area of 1.66 ha. The soil type
was red sandy loam with a pH of 7.6 and EC of
0.036 dSm-1
with a fertility status of low Nitrogen
(251kg/ha), medium Phosphorus (12.5 kg / ha)
and medium Potassium (196 kg / ha). Jasmine
rooted cuttings were planted at a spacing of 5 x 5
ft in 1 cu ft pit size. Decomposed farm yard
DOI: 10.5958/2349-4433.2015.00031.8

28
manure @ 1 kg was applied as basal at the time
of planting. Irrigation was given at the time of
planting and three days after planting. Thereafter
irrigation was given once in a month.
Pruning was done one year after planting.
The bushes were pruned to 50 cm height from
the ground level during last week of November
by 10 farm women. Two Farm women have done
staggered pruning at monthly intervals started
from October. Manuring @ 200 g of 17:17:17
complex fertilizer was done at 6 months interval.
Foliar spray of ferrous sulphate @ 5 g /l and
borax @ 3 g /l of water was given at monthly
intervals to correct the iron deficiency in leaves
(Chlorotic symptoms) and boron deficiency in bud
(Pink bud). Low cost drip irrigation (without
energy for discharge of water) was installed in
one farm women land as a model unit with a water
holding capacity of 1,000 lt. Drip irrigation was
done at every eight days intervals during summer
and peak flowering period. For discharge of 1,000
l of water, 15 minutes was required for irrigating
0.08 ha. area consisting of 210 plants. Totally
8,000 l of water was required per irrigation. Then
need based plant protection measures were carried
out uniformly against pest (Profenofos 50 EC @
1 ml/ l of water + 0.5 ml teepol as wetting agent /
l of water against bud worm ) during the period
of crop growth as recommended by TNAU
(Anonymous, 2013).
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
During the study period, 405.4 mm of rainfall
was received in 31 rainy days in 2011, 469.6 mm
in 30 days in 2012, 639 mm in 24 days in 2013
and 689.5 mm of rainfall was received in 33 rainy
days in 2014. Maximum monthly mean
temperature was 38.5o
C and minimum was
21.0o
C. Maximum monthly mean relative
humidity was 84.8 per cent and minimum was
47.8 per cent at 07.22 and 14.22 hr, respectively.
In Vadavathur village, Jasmine plants started
flowering at 4 months after planting (Table 1) but
commercial flowering was started two years after
planting. From second year onwards, beneficiaries
harvested an average of 100 g of unopened flower
buds / plant for a period of seven months. Each
flower cluster consisted of nine buds with 2.8 – 3
cm of bud length, 1.1 – 1.3 cm of diameter and
50 g of flower contained 160 flower buds. The
peak flowering season was April – June and lean
period was October to January.
Jasmine variety Ramanathapuram Gundu
malligai withstood high temperature
(30.7 – 42.40
C) as well as drought and yielded
maximum (21.2 – 103. 6 kg) during the month of
April – June (Fig 1) and fetched good market
price. Similar result was also reported by Kailas
(2012). In peak flowering period, plants received
only 48 mm rainfall during 2013 and 288 mm
during 2014 respectively (Fig 2). Staggered
pruning induced flowering during the rainy
season. Hence, the farm women got better returns
throughout the year (Rs.59, 814 to 82,000 per
year) with minimum area (0.08 ha.) of cultivation.
Table 1. Vegetative and floral characters of one year old Jasmine plants.
Sr. No. Parameter Observation
1. Number of months taken for first flowering 4 months after planting
2. Plant height (cm) 27.9 - 41 cm
3. Number of primary branches 3- 4
4. Number of secondary branches 8-10
5. Number of flower cluster / branch 27
6. Number of buds/cluster 9
7. Number of flowers / 50 g 160
8. Bud length including corolla (cm) 2.8 – 3 cm
9. Corolla length (cm) 1.4 – 2 cm
10. Diameter of the bud 1.1 – 1.3 cm
11. Peak season of flowering April - June
12. Lean period October - January
Bharathi et al

29
Fig 2. Yield response of Jasmine with respect to high
temperature and rainfall.
Fig.1.Yield response of Jasmine with respect to
maximum temperature
Table 2. Flower yield / 0.08 ha. from July 2012- November 2014 .
S.No Year Month Flower yield Sales amount Debit amount Net sales
(kgs) (Rs) (Bus fare and amount (Rs.)
marketing
expenses @ 10%
in total sales
amount (Rs.)
1 2012 July 2012 1.350 186 19 167
2 August 2012 7.750 1447 145 1302
3 September 2012 8.300 1325 132 1193
4 October 2012 6.500 1603 160 1443
Total 23.9 4561 456 4105
5 2013 January 2013 3.700 1292 129 1163
6 February 2013 6.650 1734 173 1561
7 March 2013 21.2 2928 292 2636
8 April 2013 59 5582 558 5024
9 May 2013 52.3 5897 589 5308
10 June 2013 70.6 8452 845 7607
11 July 2013 51.3 9466 947 8519
12 August 2013 5.75 1557 156 1401
13 September 2013 8.500 2598 260 2338
14 October 2013 12.500 5016 664 4352
15 November 2013 4.550 1750 175 1575
Total 296.05 46272 4788 41484
16 2014 January 2014 1.900 1414 141 1273
17 February 2014 6.650 1738 174 1564
18 March 2014 91.25 14441 1444 12997
19 April 2014 119 15691 1569 14122
20 May 2014 103.55 12119 1212 10907
21 June 2014 33.75 4848 485 4363
22 July 2014 30.05 4381 438 3943
23 August 2014 8.35 2167 217 1950
24 September 2014 12.5 2241 224 2017
25 October 2014 6.7 1392 139 1253
26 November 2014 6.4 3763 376 3387
Total 420.1 64195 6419 57776
Grand Total 710 115028 11663 103365

30
MARKETING OF JAMINE FLOWERS
The twelve farm women involved in jasmine
cultivation sold the flowers at flower auction centre
located in Namakkal flower market. The flower
merchants maintained individual account for each
farm women and wherein the quantity of flower
sold, price prevailed in the market and commission
towards transport and local middle man for
Fig.3.YieldandMarketingofJasmineflowerin20centarea
carrying flowers from bus stand to auction centre
were recorded. The flower rates in the market
varied daily on the basis of demand and supply
(Table 3). The farm women were paid on a
monthly basis after deducting the expenditure
incurred on marketing. Each member spent 10 per
cent of the sale price towards transport and
marketing. The price of one kg flower bud of
Jasminum Sambac ranged between Rs.100 – 300/
- till July. Thereafter, the price of one kg of
Jasmine flower fetched around Rs.700/-. Similar
higher price was also reported by Ambika (2012).
It touched Rs.2000/- per kg during October end
to January (Fig 3).
For the past three years, the farm women have
earned more than Rs.40,000/- from selling jasmine
flower per year. Not only this money helped to
improve the quality of life, education and health of
the farm family but also helped them build their asset
base by repairing of their house / vehicles (Table 3).
Bharathi et al
Jasmine in full bloom stage Farmer Lady
Pruning in Jasmine Newly emerged leaves at two months after pruning.

31J Krishi Vigyan 2015, 3(Special Issue) : 27-31
Table 3 . Expenditure incurred from Jasmine cultivation of two farm women.
Sr. No. Details Particulars
Mrs.R.Pappathi Mrs.R.Padma
W/o P.Ramalingam w/oP.Radhakrishnan
1. Area under Jasmine cultivation 200 plants/ 0.08 ha 500 plants / 0.2 ha
2. Total family members 7 6
3. Average monthly income Rs. 5867/- Rs. 8292/-
4. Annual income Rs. 59,814/- Rs. 82,000/-
5. Crop cultivation Expenditure / Yr Rs.15000/- Rs.17,500/-
6. Food /Yr Rs.23000/- Rs.25,200/-
7. Dresses /Yr Rs.6000/- Rs.6000/-
8. Education / Yr Rs.3600/- Rs.32,000/-
9. Medical expenses/ Yr Rs. 2400/- Rs. 3800/-
10. Transport /Yr Rs.3000/- Rs.6000/-
11. Savings / Yr Rs.7000/- Rs.10000/-
CONCLUSION
All the farm women practiced jasmine
cultivation opined that jasmine cultivation is more
profitable as flower merchants from local markets
make arrangements for the daily procurement. The
price fluctuation is heavy and it ranges from
Rs.100/- to Rs.2000/-kg depending upon the
production and market demand. This gives daily
income for about nine months a year and in
addition to effective utilization of time and
resources. The present study revealed that the
interventions made by KVK, Namakkal at
Vadavathur village on jasmine cultivation have
empowered women farmers of Vadavathur village,
Namakkal District, through technological literacy
as well as income generation.
REFERENCES
Anonymous ( 2013). Crop production techniques of Horticultural
crops.HorticulturalCollegeandResearchInstitute.TamilNadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
Ambika T( 2012). Jasmine: Fit for small growers. Market Survey:
19-20.
Kailas Andhale( 2012). Collective marketing for better income
through floriculture. Leisa India 14 (3): 15 -17.
Thakur, A , Naqvi S M A, Aske D K and Sainkhediya ( 2014).
Study of some ethno medicinal plants used by tribals of
Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh India. Res J Agriculture and
Forestry Sci 2 (4): 9-12.

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