Coimbatore District Of Tamil Nadu Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Profitability, Water and Energy Productivity in Curry Leaf Cultivation: Drip vs. Conventional Production Systems in Coimbatore district, India

The aim is to analyze the cost and returns of curry leaf production under different irrigation methods, assess water and energy productivity and draw conclusions regarding the sustainability and profitability of drip irrigation. The study utilizes a sample of 60 respondents from two blocks in Coimbatore district, employing a multi-stage random sampling technique. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires administered via personal interviews between June and September 2023. Cost concepts were employed to calculate cultivation costs, while water and energy consumption were assessed to determine productivity. This study investigates the economic and environmental implications of adopting drip irrigation over conventional furrow irrigation for curry leaf cultivation in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The results demonstrate that drip irrigation significantly reduces operational costs and improves yields compared to furrow irrigation. Gross and net incomes are substantially higher with drip irrigation, highlighting its economic advantages. Moreover, drip irrigation shows higher water and energy productivity, indicating its potential for resource conservation and sustainability. The results emphasize the importance of governmental support in promoting drip irrigation adoption to enhance water efficiency and facilitate value-added product export. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of drip irrigation in enhancing profitability, conserving resources and promoting agricultural sustainability in curry leaf cultivation within the Coimbatore region.

Markov Chain analysis of rainfall of Coimbatore

Rainfall is considered one of the most important weather parameters which helps in deciding the time of sowing, pest and disease management and harvesting. Markov chain analysis deals with predicting future values based on past values. In the present study, Markov Chain analysis was used to predict the future probability of monthly rainfall and examine the pattern and distribution of rainfall using daily rainfall data from the year 1982 to 2016 (34 years) in the Coimbatore district. This study mainly analysed the probability of rainfall in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu based on Markov chain process. Based on the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, the intensity of rainfall per day was categorized and a day is considered as no rain if rainfall was less than 0.1 mm, low rain if rainfall was between 0.1 mm to 10 mm, moderate rain if rainfall was between 10 mm to 20 mm and heavy rain if rainfall was above 20 mm. By calculating the transition probability matrices and steady-state probability matrices for each month based on the conditional probability of rain on a particular day given that rain on the previous day which is to predict the state of rainfall on the next day. This study reported that the availability of water for crop production is higher during the winter, pre-monsoon, the onset of the southwest monsoon, and at the end of the northeast monsoon. There may be a scarcity of water from August to November for agricultural activities. Based on this study, farmers can plan for a better cropping system in advance to get a better yield.

Effectiveness of Financial Inclusion through PMJDY Scheme: A Study of the PMJDY Beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu

The study explored whether various banking dimensions, viz. savings and borrowings, literacy and promotions, bank facilities and other bank services, contributed to the PMJDY beneficiaries' satisfaction in the Coimbatore region. Moreover, the study examined whether the satisfaction of the beneficiaries obtained through banking dimensions led to the frequent usage of bank accounts under the PMJDY. The data were collected from 380 beneficiaries of PMJDY from 12 administrative blocks in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, the Southern part of India. Factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used for the analysis. The results showed that the banking dimensions, viz. savings and borrowings and literacy and promotions, had positively influenced the beneficiaries' satisfaction. There was a linkage between the beneficiaries' satisfaction with frequent bank accounts under the PMJDY in rural areas of the Coimbatore region. It was found that an enriched banking service through politeness and benevolence of bank employees would enhance satisfaction, which helped the bank to acquire and retain existing beneficiaries for a thriving business environment.

Integrating Adopter Categories into Adoption Trends among Coconut Growers in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu

Coconut, a versatile tropical fruit, holds significant importance globally, with India being a major contributor to its cultivation. In recent years, innovative practices in coconut cultivation have gained momentum by enhancing yield, quality, and resilience. However, the adoption of coconut production technologies among small-scale farmers remained slow. Therefore this research study aimed to shed light on the dynamic adoption behaviour of coconut growers’ in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The study comprised of 120 farmers, who were selected through proportionate random sampling from two villages in the Coimbatore district. Based on the adoption of the latest technology available in coconut production, coconut grower’s adoption level was measured using percentage analysis. Findings revealed that the largest adopter category was innovators. The deviation was attributed to the uniqueness of the recommended varieties and coconut tonic adoption, regional cultural influences, and targeted awareness campaigns. The study highlights the importance of tailored awareness campaigns and incentives aimed at promoting innovation adoption among farmers to enhance production. With enhanced adoption of these practices, the coconut farming sector in the Coimbatore district and beyond can experience improved productivity, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Yield Forecast of Sugarcane Using Two Different Techniques in Discriminant Function Analysis

The present study aims to develop yield forecast models for the Sugarcane crop of the Coimbatore district in Tamilnadu using two different techniques namely Variables and Months in Discriminant function analysis. For this, the Sugarcane yield data for 57 years along with the monthly data on seven weather variables have been taken. For applying discriminant analysis, the yield data of sugarcane has been divided into two categories namely two groups and three groups. The discriminant scores from the two and three-group discriminant functions were employed as independent variables in the development of yield forecast models. The yield forecast models for both strategies were created utilizing scores and trend values as independent variables. The first 52 years of yield data (1960-2012) were used to create the model, and the last five years of data (2012-2016) were used for validation. The comparison has been made between two and three groups for both techniques. The results indicate the technique using the variable-wise method gives better results based on goodness of fit. Among the two categories in the variable-wise method, three groups performed better.

Adoption of Cashless Transaction by the Farming Households in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: The research study aims to study the level of adoption and factors influencing the adoption of cashless transaction by the farming households in farming and non-farm activities.
 Study Design and Methodology: A development index for Tamil Nadu districts, prioritizing e-infrastructure, was crafted from secondary data on agriculture, health, infrastructure, and telecommunication. Coimbatore, with a high development index, was selected using a three-stage stratified random sampling approach involving 120 households. Utilizing tools like the development index, econometric models, scoring/ranking techniques, and non-market valuation methods, values ranged from 0 to 1, indicating low to high development. An adoption index classified respondents into low, medium, high, and very high adopters, evaluating cashless transaction adoption. The logit model pinpointed factors influencing cashless transaction adoption among farm households.
 Results and Conclusion: This study shows a gradual shift towards cashless transactions among farmers, primarily driven by government policies promoting bank account usage for subsidies and loans. In Coimbatore, a developed district in Tamil Nadu, the adoption index is 63 per cent for non-agricultural and 44 per cent for agricultural transactions, highlighting a significant difference. The slow adoption is attributed to incomplete sales portal transformation and farmers' limited awareness of online platforms for input purchases. Despite challenges, farmers exhibit a positive attitude, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues such as financial literacy, internet connectivity, and infrastructure for successful cashless transactions.

Long-term impact of biofortified iodine on tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) growth, yield, and quality

Background: Naturally occurring iodide iodine exhibits complex soil behavior. Even though higher plants don’t consider iodine a vitamin, living things need it. Iodine is part of the thyroid hormone, which is vital to human health and metabolism. Potassium is the most effective cation for tomato plants and has a crucial role in improving several post-harvest quality characteristics in tomato fruits as well as in almost all vegetables. Methods: In the present work, we assessed the growth, yield and quality (Ascorbic acid, Titrable acidity and soluble solids) of tomatoesfrom different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations. The field experiment was carried out in the Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2022. The experiments were performed in randomized block design with three replications in palaviduthi soil series using hybrid tomato “Shivam”. Result: The chitosan iodate complex and foliar application combination enhanced the growth, yield and quality of tomato. Potassium iodate alone applied to soil and foliar, improved fruit quality but did not prevent acid loss during ripening. Chitosan reduces respiration and oxygen permeability to preserve losses. Thus, potassium iodate chitosan complex was favoured for boosting plant growth, fruit yield and quality.

Prerequisites for Learning Cued Speech in Tamil Language among Individuals with Hearing Impairment

A study was conducted to assess the prerequisite skills for learning Cued Speech in Tamil language among 45 individuals with hearing impairment in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Purposive sampling method was followed to select the participants. A questionnaire was developed by the authors which included three domains: a) Awareness on Tamil speech sounds, b) Skill to identify the mouth shape for Tamil speech sounds, and c) Skill to form compound letters. Data was gathered and collected through administering the questionnaire and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the study suggested that the individuals were poor achievers in identifying the speech sounds vital for linguistic performance and effective communication. The study recommends exposure to Tamil speech sounds, their formations, and following Mouth shape, which will help to learn the cued speech effectively to enhance the verbal communication skills of individuals with hearing impairment.

Interactions of urbanisation, climate variability, and infectious disease dynamics: insights from the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.

Climate change and shifts in land use/land cover (LULC) are critical factors affecting the environmental, societal, and health landscapes, notably influencing the spread of infectious diseases. This study delves into the intricate relationships between climate change, LULC alterations, and the prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, between 1985 and 2015. The research utilised Landsat-4, Landsat-5, and Landsat-8 data to generate LULC maps, applying the maximum likelihood algorithm to highlight significant transitions over the years. This study revealed that built-up areas have increased by 67%, primarily at the expense of agricultural land, which was reduced by 51%. Temperature and rainfall data were obtained from APHRODITE Water Resources, and with a statistical analysis of the time series data revealed an annual average temperature increase of 1.8°C and a minor but statistically significant rainfall increase during the study period. Disease data was obtained from multiple national health programmes, revealing an increasing trend in dengue and diarrhoeal diseases over the study period. In particular, dengue cases surged, correlating strongly with the increase in built-up areas and temperature. This research is instrumental for policy decisions in public health, urban planning, and climate change mitigation. Amidst limited research on the interconnections among infectious diseases, climate change, and LULC changes in India, our study serves as a significant precursor for future management strategies in Coimbatore and analogous regions.

Impact of Iodine Biofortification on Tomato Bioaccessibility through Cooking, Soaking and Simulated Digestion

Background: Even though iodine is not an essential micronutrient for the plant, it is very much needed for a person's mental and physical development. Due to the presence of negative charge on iodine it is highly susceptible to leaching. Further iodine is also highly prone to volatilization loss due to biochemical and physiochemical properties of soil leading to iodine deficiency. Agronomic biofortification of iodine is one of the ways to address iodine deficiency globally. Numerous studies have focused on the process by which plants absorb iodine from the soil, but there is still paucity of knowledge on stability of biofortified iodine in fruits. Methods: In our work, we assessed iodine bioavailability (Cooking, soaking and digestion) in tomato fruit from different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations using main and residual crop trials. The field experiment was carried out in Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village at Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2021. Potassium iodate and chitosan were applied in the form of soil, foliar, and chitosan iodate complex at different stages of plant growth. Results: The results suggested that combination and potassium iodate and chitosan complex has increased the iodine stability in fruits of main crop and also retained the iodine in residual crop. As electrostatic interaction between chitosan and iodate prevents volatilization and gradually stabilizes the bioavailability of iodine in fruits. Our findings offer more details on iodine mobility and behaviour in fruits when it is used alone and combination with chitosan at different rates

A study on factors influencing consumption of millets in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

A study on factors influencing consumption of millets in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

Financial analysis of tender coconut plantation in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

Financial analysis of tender coconut plantation in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

Attitude of Farm Youths towards Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu

The agricultural sector holds significant importance in India and stands to gain substantial benefits from the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Therefore, it is crucial to encourage widespread adoption of Information Technologies (IT) solutions at the grassroot level to facilitate the dissemination of technological advancements. The primary focus of the research was centered around the attitude of farm youths towards Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Ex-post facto research design of social research was used in this present study, as the phenomenon has already taken place. Proportionate random sampling method was used to select 120 Farm youths from the four selected Blocks of Coimbatore district. The findings revealed that a predominant majority of farm youths (70.83%) held a favourable attitude towards ICTs, while a smaller percentage (08.33%) exhibited a highly favourable attitude, and the remaining group (20.83%) displayed a less favourable attitude towards ICT. The outcomes from the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the collective influence of all thirteen independent variables accounted for 52.80 per cent of the overall variability in farm youths' attitudes towards ICT. Factors such as interaction with extension agencies, achievement orientation and decision making all played a notable role in fostering a more favourable disposition towards attitude regarding Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Social Media Utilization by the Farmers of Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu – An Analysis

Social Media Utilization by the Farmers of Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu – An Analysis

Problems Encountered by Coconut Growers by Adopting TNAU Coconut Tonic and their Perceived Benefits

Aim: The study aims to analyse the problems encountered by Coconut growers by adopting the TNAU Coconut tonic and their perceived benefits.
 Study Design: Ex post facto research design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Coimbatore district which represents a major coconut-growing tract of the Western zone of Tamil Nadu.
 Methodology: From the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, 120 Coconut growers from three different blocks namely Pollachi (North), Pollachi (South) and Anaimalai block were purposively selected for conducting the study. Data were collected from coconut growers who are all adopting TNAU Coconut tonic. The well-structured pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from farmers. Garrett ranking and weighted average method were computed to analyse the constraints and perceived benefits of coconut growers who are all adopting the TNAU Coconut tonic as their nutrient management practices.
 Results: The major constraints were reported by the growers viz., availability of tonic at TNAU (8.75%), Unskilled labour (8.57%), difficulty to identify the root (8.04%), the absorption rate of tonic is low (7.92%), non-availability of labour (7.31%), high cost of labour (7.13%), High cost of crop boosters (6.81%), poor knowledge on the availability of tonic at TNAU Agri cart, Coconut Research Station, Aliyar & Courier services (6.45%) as major constraints. The obtained key benefits include increased chlorophyll content and greenness of leaves (16.93), improved photosynthetic efficiency of leaves (11.73), decreases button shedding (30.53), increased number and size of nut (22.27), increased nut yield up to 20 per cent (18.20), increased longevity and vigour of the palm (19.40) and resistance to pests, diseases and environmental stresses (24.20) shows that maximum number of coconut growers benefited by adopting TNAU Coconut tonic.
 Conclusion: To overcome these constraints, concerted efforts from researchers with government and institutional support set forth the easy adoption of TNAU Coconut tonic. The adoption of TNAU Coconut tonic technology brings forth a multitude of perceived benefits to the coconut growers, along with their conventional, recommended nutrient management practices and the livelihood of coconut growers will be improved.

Addition of three lesser known endemic species to the state flora of Tamil Nadu

Three lesser known endemic flowering plant species are reported here as additions to the flora of Tamil Nadu based on specimens collected from Bolampatty Reserve Forest of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu

Land suitability evaluation for cattle grazing through multi-criteria approach using remote sensing and GIS

The current study aimed to map the potential grazing areas available in the Thondamuthur block of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, India. Factors like distance from cattle location, distance from water sources (natural and manmade), slope, enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and land surface water index (LSWI) were considered. Various suitability classes (very high, high, moderate, low and very low) were derived for each factor and the final suitability map was prepared by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted overlay techniques using Sentinel-2A data. The results revealed that the high suitability category occupied the largest area (14.81%) followed by the very high suitability category (3.57%). The moderate, low and very low suitability categories occupied a small per cent of the total area viz., 1.66%, 0.20% and 0.03%, respectively. The identified areas could be brought under scientific management for pasture development.

A Study on Healthcare Access and Utilization with special reference to Textile Women Workers in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu

A Study on Healthcare Access and Utilization with special reference to Textile Women Workers in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu

Evaluating the Soil Nutrient Status using GIS and Remote Sensing Technology-A Case Study at Coimbatore District

Background: Soil nutrients are the major source of plant nutrition that helps for the plant growth. Soil resource is currently facing threats due to various soil nutrients deficiency. Assessing the spatial variability of soil nutrients quality is necessary for agriculture. Quickly and efficiently monitoring soil nutritional status using remote sensing technology is of great significance for farmland soil productivity, food security and sustainable agricultural development. Methods: The present study focuses on spatial variability of soil quality. Current research has been conducted to estimate and map soil nutrient contents in large areas using GIS technology and other related maps were prepared from remote sensing data in ArcGIS 10.1. 288 soil samples were collected for the study from different Blocks of the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. The Organic carbon, N, P, K, pH and EC status of the soil were analysed and reported. Result: The organic carbon status of the soil is very low in most of the parts of Coimbatore and the pH status is slightly alkaline. The primary nutrients N, P and K were found to be low and found to have micronutrient imbalance which is highly influenced by the changes in pH.

Assessment of land use/land cover change detection of Mettupalayam Taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, using RS and GIS

Understanding changes in land use land cover is essential managing and monitoring natural resources and development, particularly where urbanization is expanding. In present study, describes land use/land cover (LU/LC) mapping and change detection analysis of Mettupalayam taluk of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. Estimation in ArcGIS for LU/LC classification from LANSAT images, is the best method for classifier for the different features were used to classify the satellite images are used to classify the land use/land cover change s for the given period. The results indicated that land cover changes have occurred in slight decrease in forests, vegetation and mountain and a corresponding tremendous increase in settlement. The comparison of LU/LC in 2000 and 2019 derived from topo-sheet and satellite imagery interpretation indicates that the settlement area shows variations. Settlement is an area of human habitation, which has a cover of buildings and a network of transport and other civic amenities, due to increasing population and the land is converted into habitation. The (Urbanization) settlement/ built-up areas have increased by 7.29% in 2000 while in 2019 it has increased to 16.43 %. It is found urban area increased due to population growth cum rapid economic progress.