Mysore District Research Articles

Occupational exposures among women beedi workers in Mysore District, India: A mixed-methods study protocol.

Beedi is the most common smoking form of tobacco used in India. The rolling of beedis is performed primarily by women in settings that lack occupational safeguards. The aims of this protocol are to establish methods for the study of occupational exposures among women beedi workers and their experiences and challenges working with unburnt tobacco. This protocol employs a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. Qualitatively, we plan to explore the experiences and challenges faced by women beedi workers using photovoice, a community based participatory method. Occupational exposures to pesticides will be assessed through the use of silicone wristbands worn for seven days by workers, and exposure to toxic metals and metalloids will be assessed in dust samples collected in the homes of workers. The outcomes will be analyzed to form policy recommendations to improve the occupational health of women beedi workers.

New distribution and breeding record of Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from Meghalaya, India

Abstract The Wroughton’s free-tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List due to inadequate information on its distribution, population, and ecology. The species was previously recorded from Belgaum district of Karnataka and from East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya and from Cambodia, represented by a single specimen. Through our study on Chiroptera taxa across 19 Community Reserves between October 2021 and January 2022 using physical search, mist netting and acoustic study we have identified a new colony of O. wroughtoni from the Mikadogre village in South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, which extends the current distribution to 135 km from the nearest known distribution site. Interestingly, unlike other known roosts of O. wroughtoni which are in large caves with high roofs and deep crevices or cupolas, this roost was in the open limestone cliff located next to a stream. In addition to this, we have also documented the breeding colony of the species from a previously known site at Pynurkba. This new finding emphasises that there are more potential roosts across the Northeast region of India with similar habitats and altitudes waiting to be identified.

IJCM_38A: Impact of perinatal death audit on healthcare delivery in two districts of Karnataka- A health system intervention research

Background: Perinatal mortality is a sensitive indicator of maternal and child health care. However, there is no universal perinatal death (PND) audit system in India. Objective: To identify the impact of the proposed model of PND audit on health care delivery in two districts of Karnataka. Methodology: Hospitals with maternal and child care facilities which met inclusion criteria in Dakshina Kannada (DK- high performing) and Koppal (low performing) districts were included after institutional ethics committee approval and permission from Mission Director, National Health Mission, Directorate of Heath and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka. The healthcare delivery system was analyzed in both districts. A PND audit system was designed. All neonatal deaths during the study period were analyzed by an expert committee (Local senior pediatricians and obstetricians). Following variables were studied: (i) Documentation and reporting systems in these hospitals; (ii) Role of health care personnel in documentation and reporting (iii) Existing system of audit, if any. Doctors feedback, in-depth interviews, death certification analysis, risk analysis, PND reporting format, expert committee feedback, medical social worker feedback, data from district health office were recorded and analysed. The changes in documentation, information yield, reporting of PND, time taken for submitting death report and changes in infrastructure in facilities in the two time periods of 6 months was analysed. Results: Significant changes were recorded in documentation of care delivered in the facility specially in Koppal district. There was an increase in reporting of PND in the second half. The PND audit assisted in preventability of death assertion. Improved data resulted in better performance of expert committee, thereby reducing the proportion of unclassified segment of neonatal deaths. There was significant improvement in infrastructure in the health facilities. Conclusion: Auditing perinatal deaths had a positive impact at point of care resulting in improved documentation, reporting and infrastructure upgradation.

IJCM_45A: Inter-district variation in preterm deaths identified by a perinatal death audit: a health system intervention research

Background: Analyzing preterm deaths is crucial due to the significant contribution of preterm babies to neonatal mortality rates. However, there is no universal perinatal death (PND) audit system in India Objective: To analyze the preterm deaths in two districts of Karnataka with study model of PND audit Methodology: Hospitals with maternal and child care facilities which met inclusion criteria in Dakshina Kannada (DK), high performing and Koppal (KPL),low performing districts were included after institutional ethics committee approval and permission from Mission Director, National Health Mission, Directorate of Heath and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka. A PND audit system was designed. Personnel with training in medico-social history taking were utilized for data accumulation. Causal analysis of death as certified by independent expert panels and certifying physician was carried out and was compared for functionality. To determine optimality of care, facilities were categorized depending upon available levels of maternity and neonatal care. Preterm deaths during the one-year study period with complete data were analyzed. Results: 119 preterm deaths in DK and 97 preterm deaths in KPL were analyzed. In utero transfer was 81.5 % in DK and 11.3% in KPL. More preterm deliveries were documented in public hospitals in both districts. Deaths of preterm babies in private hospitals at KPLwas 41.2% against 27.8% private deliveries. In KPL 22.6% babies died at home despite delivering in hospitals. Risk factor documentation was poor in both districts. Expert committee review increased preventability assertion from 7.5 to 11.7% in DK, 2 to 62.8% in KPL. Conclusion: Auditing perinatal deaths and analysing preterm deaths resulted in identification of specific deficiencies in healthcare system. DK had reasonably good facilities but KPL had serious concerns. The study model enhanced the preventability assertion in preterm deaths

IJCM_338A: Burden Of Common Mental Health Disorders Using GHQ-12 Scale Among The Tribal And Rural Elderly Population In Mysore District.

Background: Common mental disorders (CMD) are a group of distress states manifesting with anxiety, depressive, and unexplained somatic symptoms and are the contemporary equivalent to the older concept of neurotic disorders. Various prevalence studies have shown that elderly population are more vulnerable to such mental health disorders as compared to the younger population. The available literature indicates that there is hardly any effort to understand the morbidity and the needs of such elderly people. Objective: i. To estimate the burden of common mental disorders among tribal and rural elderly population using GHQ -12. ii. To estimate the association between common mental disorders and sociodemographic factors. Methodology: This is a community based cross sectional study. It was among the tribal and rural elderly population of Mysore district from June to September 2023 using General Health Questionnairre-12(GHQ-12). The 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is the most extensively used screening instrument for common mental disorders. The GHQ-12 has generally demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in various populations. The sampling method adopted for this study was multistage sampling and in the final stage participants were selected using simple random sampling Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders was 35% among rural elderly population and 43% among tribal elderly population. The prevalence of common mental disorders was found to be high among women in both rural and tribal elderly population and the difference was found to be statistically significant Conclusion: There are limitations in the study as cross-sectional type of study design was used. Further, analytical studies can be conducted to prove the causative association between common mental disorders and various socio- cultural factor. However, the findings of the study can be used to plan the necessary interventions in the field of elderly mental health

IJCM_60A: Menstrual hygiene management practices in tribal areas of Mysore district: A cross-sectional study

Background: Menstrual Health Management is defined as women and adolescent girls using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect blood that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of menstruation period, using soap and water for washing the body as required and having access to facilities to dispose of menstrual management materials. Since considerable amount of tribal population belong to Mysore district it is important to study the practices among the most vulnerable population. Objectives: 1. To estimate the knowledge on menstrual hygiene among the study population. 2. To measure the impact of socio-demographic and cultural determinants on menstrual hygiene management practices among the study population. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study on menstruating women residing in tribal areas of Mysuru district was conducted from July to September 2023. Sample size was calculated using single proportion formula and it was estimated to be 130. All menstruating women/girls who were present during the time of visit were included in the study after getting their consent/ ascent. Multistage sampling was adopted to select the study participants. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for collection of data. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS v29 trial version. Results: 99% of the study population knew that menstruation is a physiological process and poor menstrual hygiene causes urinary and reproductive tract infections. More than 80% of the study population have access to sanitary napkins for managing their menstrual cycles. Conclusion: Majority of the study participants are aware about menstruation as a physiological process and have access to sanitary napkins for management. But the disposal of sanitary waste and cultural barriers that persists in the society are still existing as a roadblock for improving reproductive health.

Perception of farmers towards natural farming in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka

Perception of farmers towards natural farming in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka

Personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of sugarcane growers in Vijayapura district of Karnataka

Personal, socio-economic and psychological characteristics of sugarcane growers in Vijayapura district of Karnataka

IJCM_122A: Factors affecting physical inactivity among youth

Background: Non-communicable diseases pose significant public health problem, and prevention efforts are mainly aimed at addressing their risk factors. Unhealthy lifestyle including physical inactivity gets initiated early in life. Hence identifying the factors associated with physical inactivity among youth is essential for developing targeted interventions. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among youth in Kolar district, Karnataka. Methodology: The present study is a secondary data analysis of a cross- sectional study undertaken in the Kolar district of Karnataka. Information on various risk factors was collected as part of the Kolar Youth Health Survey. Physical inactivity is defined as any those achieving less than 600 MET minutes of physical activity in the previous week and was assessed using WHO tool GPAQ. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analysis was undertaken to identify the factors associated with physical inactivity. Results: In Kolar, 82.7% of youth had less than recommended level of physical activity (<600 MET minutes per week). Residing in urban area, being female increased the risk of physical inactivity. Individuals involved in occupations like cultivators, agricultural labourer’s and skilled workers had lower risk of physical inactivity. Students too had lower risk. Youth engaged in community volunteering activities had lower risk of physical inactivity. Some of the risk factors or risk conditions like smokeless tobacco use, gambling, anxiety, history of road traffic injury and unintentional injury lowered the risk of physical inactivity. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity is high among youth in the Kolar district. Some of the sociodemographic factors pertaining to youth increases the risk of physical inactivity and these information needs to be utilized for implementing targeted interventions. However, the association between smokeless tobacco use, gambling, anxiety and injury with physical inactivity needs further exploration.

Availability, utilization and challenges for implementation of Nikshay Mitra scheme in Mandya district of Karnataka: A cross-sectional mixed method concurrent evaluation study

BackgroundNTEP has launched Nikshay Mitra to link patients in need (providing consent for donation) with a willing donor to provide food items including locally available, culturally accepted, nutritious food kits worth Rs 800 every month, till the completion of treatment. It has been around six months since the launch of this scheme and complaints related to the regularity of the supply of nutritional kits are surfacing. Our study aims to describe availability and utilization pattern of the Nikshay Mitra scheme and explore provider challenges for its implementation in Mandya District. MethodsA mixed-method study was conducted on 255 TB patients from Mandya district. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit details related to socio-demography, Nikshay Mitra utilization pattern and beneficiary experience. Qualitative data collection was done using FGD and matrix ranking methods. ResultsThe majority (25.49%) were in the age group of 56–65 years. Only 140(54.90%) participants were informed about the scheme. Among the informed, 117(83.57%) patients gave consent to enrol into the scheme. Out of those who consented, 97(82.90%) were receiving the Monthly food kit. Major challenges expressed on FGD were stigma related to disease, concerns regarding confidentiality, difficulty in retaining the donors and interrupted supply. Participants also felt that the quantity of the kit was not sufficient. ConclusionNikshay Mitra scheme is a new endeavour. There are still issues that must be resolved to optimize availability and utilization pattern. Though the initial identification of donors was smooth, continued support is not possible by current guidelines.

Assessment and Grading of Accredited Social Health Activist Workers Based on Simulation, Awareness, and Writing Skills in Urban and Rural Karnataka: A Comparative Study

Abstract Introduction: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and their activities are regarded as a critical component linking the community and health-care facilities. They are the cornerstone of the Indian public health-care system responsible for spreading awareness and recommending preventive measures in the community. This study aims to assess the awareness, writing skills, and practical-based performance of the ASHA workers in urban and rural Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ASHA workers in rural and urban Mysore district. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for selecting the participants. The ASHA workers were asked to fill out a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. An unpaired t-test was used for inferential statistics. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the workers in urban areas was 36.38 ± 5.877 years, while in rural, it was 41.53 ± 6.755 years. The overall average score for rural ASHA workers was more (70.49 ± 14.018) when compared to the urban ASHAs (65 ± 13.400). The average years of experience were 6.14 ± 1.44 years in urban and 10.5 ± 2.66 years in rural areas. The daily working hours ranged from 3 to 10 h in urban and 2 to 10 h among rural ASHA workers. Conclusion: The overall score of rural ASHA workers was higher when compared to urban ASHAs. Even though the grading and performance of the ASHA workers were good, their expertise in identifying and tackling life-threatening conditions remains inadequate. This can be improved with more vigilant and periodic training and monitoring along with periodic recruitment at regular intervals.

Mysore sentinel-2: deep learning for image classification with optimizer exploration

The classification of Sentinel-2 image is presented in this work using a tile based methodology. The Mysore district of India's Karnataka state serves as the subject region of this research. By tiling Sentinel-2 images, we were able to construct a distinct dataset and get approximately 3,000 training samples for the five classes. These images are manually labelled and geo-referenced. Three different optimizers were employed in a thorough analysis with deep learning models such as ResNet50, MobileNetV2, ShuffleNet, and VGG16 to achieve better performance metrics. With a classification accuracy of 98.1% on RESNet50 using ADAM surpassed the others. This facilitates investigating various geographical data analytics applications of the study region.

Factors affecting on Agricultural Labour Supply in Davangere district of Karnataka: An economic analysis

This study conducted in Davangere district of Karnataka has analysed the factors affecting on agricultural labour supply. The study is based on the primary data collected from 200 sample agricultural labours. The study revealed that socio-economic factors like age, education, caste and land holding are negatively influenced on agricultural labour supply. As far as age is concerned, young labours of the rural area are reluctant to work as agricultural labourer even though they have no alternative works available in their locality. Participation in agricultural activities is the lowest among the young labours compared to middle age group labours. Education plays a vital role in selection of employment. Labours participation in agricultural works is found to be relatively more among the illiterate labours compared to educated labours. Educated youths are not willing to work as agricultural labour and they want to work as salaried employee in urban areas or government employee. Agricultural labour supply is also affected by the caste. This study revealed that labour participation in agricultural activities is more in scheduled caste followed by scheduled tribe and other category. And, the most significant feature is that among the all castes labours are engaged in non-agricultural works. Another important factor is land holding of the family. Labours participation in agricultural activities is more in land less (having no land) families compared to land holding (<than 2acres) families. For all these reasons agricultural labour supply has been declining drastically and it has affected the farm productivity. On the other hand wages are increasingly for agricultural operations due to labour scarcity and it has increased the production cost for the farmers.

Economic Analysis of Cost and Returns in Turmeric Production and Processing in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India

This study investigated the economic dynamics of turmeric production and primary processing in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, emphasized the significant role of this region in enhancing India's reputation for producing high-curcumin-content turmeric. Despite the growing domestic and international markets for turmeric, which have contributed to the crop's substantial increase in production and productivity over recent decades, there remains a significant gap in organized processing units at the local level. The analysis employed different cost concepts and the Garrett Ranking Technique. By examining the economic aspects of both turmeric cultivation and primary processing phases among farmers in the district, the findings revealed that farmers accrue a net return of ₹18,134 per acre from cultivation after incurring costs of ₹86,424, and a higher net return of ₹24,775 per acre from primary processing with an incurred cost of ₹99,439 per acre. The cost-benefit analysis further underscores the economic viability of turmeric cultivation, with ratios of 1.21 without primary processing and 1.25 with it, thereby highlighting the substantial profitability of turmeric production for local growers. However, the study identifies significant challenges, such as labour shortages and elevated wage rates, attributed to the crop's labour-intensive nature. Moreover, while primary processing increases profitability, it also demands considerable labour and time, potentially compromising the quality of turmeric powder. The research suggests that the adoption of advanced technologies and machinery in curing and processing operations could mitigate these challenges, enhancing efficiency and product quality in turmeric cultivation and processing sectors.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Watermelon Cultivation in Haryana and Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

Aims: To analyze the costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Haryana and Karnataka state during the year 2021-22. Methodology: For the study, 120 farmers (60 farmers from each state) were selected from Haryana and Karnataka which are selected purposively. From Haryana state, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and from Karnataka, Koppal and Chitradurga districts were selected purposively based on highest area under watermelon production. From each district two blocks were selected randomly. Further from each selected block two villages (15 farmers each) were selected. Results: Farmers of Karnataka investing more on seeds and plant protection chemicals (PPC) compared to farmers of Haryana. The cost of cultivation is higher in the Karnataka state (₹1,70,034.37/ha) compared to Haryana state (₹1,49,450.59/ha) farmers. The variation in cost of cultivation is due to Karnataka farmers were spending more on seeds, neem cake and PPC. The gross and net returns obtained per hectare was more in Karnataka state compared to Haryana state, because Karnataka has the suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing watermelon. Conclusion: The cost and return analysis revealed that watermelon production in the study area was profitable with returns per rupee of investment (B: C ratio) of 1:51 in Haryana and 1:75 in Karnataka.

Assessing the Effects of Flood on Crop and Livestock Production in Bagalkot District of Karnataka, India

Aims: India is the second most flood-affected country, trailing behind Bangladesh. Over the past two decades, Karnataka has been subjected to severe flooding. Keeping the above in view, a research initiative to analyze the effect of floods on crop and livestock production was undertaken.
 Study Design: Multi stage purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Bagalkot district of Northern Karnataka was purposively selected for the study.
 Methodology: The study is based on primary data collected from 90 respondents belonging to Ghataprabha and Krishna river basins in Mudhol (45) and Jamakhandi (45) taluks.
 Results: Analysis of cropping patterns reveals sugarcane as the dominant crop with maize also significant. Floods in 2019 caused substantial crop damage, particularly affecting sugarcane and maize, resulting in significant income losses for farmers. The results indicated that the, during 2019, 78.03 and 21.97 per cent of sugarcane and maize areas were affected by floods with a percentage income reduction of 65.84 and 62.87 percent, respectively. The severity of flood was quite less during 2020 where 76.72 and 23.27 percent of sugarcane and maize areas were affected by floods with 29.47 and 33.24 percent, reduction in income respectively.
 Conclusion: Livestock losses were also considerable, with farmers facing economic burdens due to animal deaths and injuries. Soil erosion, predominantly splash and sheet erosion, was prevalent during both years, affecting agricultural productivity. Compensation for losses remained inadequate, highlighting challenges in addressing flood-related damages in the region.

Economic Efficiency of Banana Production in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India

Aim: Banana cultivation holds significant agricultural importance, contributing substantially to global dietary staples. This study Examines the economic efficiency of banana production in Uttara Kannada district.
 Sampling Design: Employed purposive and multistage sampling, the study focuses on Sirsi and Siddapur taluks, selecting 80 farmers through random sampling.
 Methodology: The research examines resource utilization by employing the Cobb-Douglas production function and evaluate efficiency levels by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).
 Results: Allocative efficiency in banana cultivation is apparent through positive MVP/MFC ratios for inputs like suckers (15.89), manure (1.91), fertilizers (7.21), machine labor (1.75), and propping material (6.66), indicating underutilization. Conversely, plant protection chemicals (-22.35) and human labor (-1.20) show negative ratios, signifying overutilization. The ratio of MVP to MFC was differed from unity indicating scope for reallocation of expenditure among various resources. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, individual farm technical and economic efficiency was assessed. Banana, Crop I had a mean technical efficiency of 70.30, while Crop II had 49.40. The results highlight room for improvement, especially in Crop II, emphasizing the need for better resource allocation. Major production constraints include labour scarcity, poor planting material, and pest issues. Marketing hurdles encompass price fluctuations, limited storage, and distant markets.
 Conclusion: The study emphasizes the banana cultivation revealed significant impacts of resource utilization on yield, with suckers, fertilizers, and plant protection chemicals showing substantial effects. Allocative efficiency analysis indicated underutilization of resources, suggesting potential for yield improvement. However, farmers face challenges including labour scarcity, quality planting material, price fluctuations, and inadequate storage facilities in production and marketing.

Estimation of Prevalence of Hyperacusis in High School Students of Mysore District.

Hyperacusis, characterized by an abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds, is a condition associated with subjective distress and physiological changes in the auditory system. Prevalence rates have varied significantly worldwide, emphasizing the need for standardized criteria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperacusis among high school students in Mysore district and explore gender differences. A diverse cohort of 597 high school students participated in this cross-sectional study. The Modified Khalfa Hyperacusis Questionnaire assessed hyperacusis symptoms. Demographic data included age, gender, and educational status. A cut-off score of 28 on the questionnaire identified hyperacusis cases. Data were analyzed descriptively. The study revealed a substantial hyperacusis prevalence of 17.25% among high school students in the Mysore district. Out of 103 identified cases, 43.69% were females, and 56.31% were males. These results suggest a potential gender disparity in hyperacusis prevalence. The study's findings highlight the high prevalence of hyperacusis among Indian high school students, emphasizing the need for attention to this issue in adolescent health. Gender differences observed in this study align with previous research, indicating a higher prevalence among males. Hyperacusis is a prevalent condition among Indian high school students, warranting further research on its causes and co-occurrence across different age groups. These findings underscore the significance of addressing hyperacusis as a critical health concern among adolescents and emphasize the need for tailored interventions and increased awareness.

Constraints faced in production and marketing of arecanut in Karnataka

The arecanut is one of the most important crops grown in Karnataka and the state’s area under arecanut cultivation has nearly doubled in the last 15 years. Shivamogga, Davanagere, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada. Tumkur and Uttara Kannada are the major arecanut producing districts of Karnataka, the accounting for a sizable share of 60 per cent of the area and 65 per cent of arecanut production in the state. The random sampling method was used for selection of arecanut growers and four districts were selected namely Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Davanagere and Shivamogga. Each districts two talukas were selected based on highest area and production of arecanut, each talukas six villages were selected and four farmers from each village were chosen for the study. Thus a total of 192 arecanut farmers were selected. To analyse the problems faced by the market intermediaries five traders, five wholesalers, five pre harvest contractors and five retailers were selected from talukas from selected districts. The total marketing intermediaries were 160. Thus, the total sample size was 360. The majority of the farmers are facing problems in production mammalians pest attacking on arecanut bunch (73.56) in Davanagere district, high wage rates of labour in Chikkamagaluru and incidence of pest and diseases attack in Shivamogga and Dakshina Kannada districts. In case of arecanut marketing problems were lack of storage facilities, poor transport facility and price fluctuations. The need of present era is to increase the productivity of arecanut crop. This could be achieved by adopting improved production practice, high yield varieties and new technologies of crop

Analyzing the cost of production and farmers' perception of Jeevamrut: An insight into an organic farming solution

The study was conducted in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The farmers practicing Jeevamruta production and its application were purposively selected for the study. A total of 50 farmers, comprising 25 from Sirsi and 25 from Yellapura talukas, were selected for the study. The major components in the production of a drum of Jeevamrut of 200 liters were cow dung (10 kg), cow urine (10 liters), jaggery (2 kg), pulse flour (2 kg), bio-agent (1 kg), labor (1) and water (200 liters). The study found that the cost of production of 200 liters of Jeevamrut was `900, which was sufficient to cover an acre of land. Farmers opined that they apply Jeevamrut for 4 times in the case of cereals and 8 times for vegetable crops. The majorityof the farmers were of the opinion that Jeevamrut was cost-effective compared to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, environmentally friendly, enhanced soil health, and promoted microbial activity. Regular use of Jeevamrut resulted in an increase in crop yields and better management of pests and diseases.Constraints faced by farmers in marketing organic produce were lack of consumer trust, absence of a specific market for organic produce, inadequate price premiums for organic produce, absence of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for organic produce, and lack of information regarding organic products price.