Punjab State Research Articles

Learning and capability building in firms of a developing economy: A study of Ludhiana machine tools manufacturing cluster

Frontier and laggard firms are always engaged in the process of building capabilities through continuous ‘learning’ to compete in the technologically driven world. Firms focus on ‘learning by Doing, Using and Interacting’ (DUI) and/ or ‘learning by Science, Technology, and Innovation’ (STI) modes. Usually, in the initial stages, firms learn through the DUI mode; subsequently they upgrade through combining DUI with the STI mode of learning, followed with an advanced stage where they increasingly invest in the STI mode of learning. In this context, it is important to determine how ‘learning’ happens within the clustered firms in a developing economy. Therefore, we have taken the case of machine-tools firms located in the district of Ludhiana in the north Indian state of Punjab. We draw data through self-structured questionnaires from 101 machine-tools manufacturing firms and employed exploratory factor analysis to identify the factors through which the industrial advances are ‘learned’ by the firms. It was found that in the sample firms the five important factors that affect ‘learning’ are ‘networking’, ‘imitation’, ‘industrial institutions’, ‘customer feedback’ and ‘codified knowledge’, in that order of the importance. It was observed that the firms are mainly, ‘technology adopters’ and ‘technology modifiers’ rather than ‘technology developers’.

Analysis of Resource Use and Production Efficiencies of Broiler Farming in Punjab

The study was conducted and examined using primary data collected from 100 broiler farms, which were applied through a probability proportion sampling method across all the regions of Punjab state. The Cobb-Douglas production function was used to determine the factors affecting broiler production and resource-use efficiency. The coefficient of day-old chicks and broiler feed were positive and significant at a 1 per cent level and affected the gross return of all three categories and overall units. The miscellaneous items were positively significant at a five per cent level only on overall broiler farms. If expenditure on items comprising miscellaneous costs increased by one per cent, it may increase the gross returns by an average of 0.074 per cent. The efficiency indicators of broiler feed showed that feed was overutilized in all categories. The overall ratio of meat-feed was 1.70, which clearly showed that for every rupee spent on feed, it could return to 1.70. The large broiler farms were more desirable value in both feed conversion ratio and meat-feed or output-input ratio. The study suggested that broiler feed was over-utilized, and there is a need to stop wastage of broiler feed.

Heritage clay brick characterization and assessment with compatible contemporary bricks for retrofitting of heritage monuments

Various mughal architecture clay brick masonry monuments were built in the Punjab state of northern India from the late 14th to late 19th centuries. Nanakshahi monuments (era of 1st Sikh Guru-Guru Nanak Dev Ji) are gigantic clay brick masonry structures constructed of lime and lime surkhi mortar (a powdered form of red burnt clay brick). Currently, this study is focused on identifying a suitable material for repairing and strengthening heritage clay brick monuments. Using the mineralogical composition of heritage Nanakshahi clay bricks (NSCB), the study compares them with contemporary clay bricks (CCB) from the same region, and then compares them to newly prepared clay bricks (NPCB), which have similar composition and dimensions to NSCB. The X-ray fluorescence confirms that the NSCB samples of southeast Punjab have an elemental composition consisting of filler SiO2 and binding elements like Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, K2O and MgO. The average density of ancient NSCB and CCB has been found to be similar; the ancient NSCB has a lower water absorption rate and porosity in contrast to the present-day clay bricks. The Initial rate of absorption of an ancient NSCB is quite higher. In comparison to the heritage NSCB, the CCB's compressive strength value is lower and uniaxial compression strength of newly prepared clay bricks (NPCB) of similar mineralogical composition and dimensions is comparable to that of the heritage NSCB from Punjab districts. The significance of the study is to suggest a compatible material for strengthening of heritage clay brick monuments of northern India.

Potential impact of climate change on water productivity and water footprints of rice and wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India.

Agriculture faces a significant problem as a result of the decline in per capita freshwater supply that has been observed over the past couple of decades. Better water management strategies are required in order to make agriculture water secure, environmentally sustainable, and economically attractive. The goal of this study was to develop water productivity scenarios for rice and wheat crops in India's Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) by analysing agricultural production from the perspective of water consumption. To pinpoint the areas that are hydrologically suitable for growing rice and wheat crops under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios, water footprints and water productivity have been mapped. The study found that changes in temperature trends under future climate scenarios are probably going to increase crop water requirements, leading to greater water footprints for IGP regions. Water risk hotspots have been identified in the IGP for the rice- and wheat-growing states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. In order to achieve food security in a sustainable way, attention should be given to increase the water productivity of both crops.

A Comparative Study of Women Empowerment among Rural and Urban Female Secondary School Teachers in Punjab State

Teacher empowerment means a teacher who has the power of taking decisions, opportunities to get knowledge and professional growth, and also have the recognition and autonomous power. The present research designed to study and compare the women empowerment of female secondary school teachers. The descriptive survey research method was used for the present study. A representative sample of 500 (250 rural and 250 urban) female secondary school teachers selected randomly from twenty (10 rural and 10 urban) randomly selected school from five randomly selected districts of Punjab. A self-constructed tool in the form of scale using Likert method of scale construction for measuring empowerment of female secondary school teacher. Mean, S.D. and t- test were used to draw the conclusions. Finding of the study shows that no significant difference was found between rural and urban female secondary school teachers on women empowerment.

The role of farm subsidies in changing India’s water footprint

Dwindling groundwater supplies threaten food security and livelihoods. Output subsidies for farmers are a ubiquitous agricultural policy tool, yet their contribution to growing groundwater stress remains poorly quantified. We show how output subsidies guaranteeing the purchase of crops at higher than market prices may have contributed substantially to declining water tables in India. Our analysis suggests that these policies may have led to a 30% over-production of water intensive crops. In the northwestern state of Punjab, rice procurement can potentially account for at least 50% of the groundwater table decline over 34 years. In the central state of Madhya Pradesh, wheat procurement adopted in the late 2000s appears to have driven a 5.3 percentage point increase in dry wells and a consequent 3.4 percentage point increase in deep tubewells. These results suggest that well-intentioned but poorly designed subsidies can impose harmful externalities on the environment and undermine long-term sustainable development.

Energy Consumption in Wheat-Rice Cropping System in Punjab

Energy consumption for crop production depends on the availability of energy sources and the capacity of the farmers. This study analyzed energy sources used by farmers for wheat and rice production and identified agricultural operations where energy consumption can be reduced so that operational costs in wheat-rice production system can be lowered. Data on energy use in wheat and rice cropping system was collected by interviewing the farmers using specially designed questionnaire. Relevant information pertaining to human labour use, sources of irrigation, number of irrigations to each crop, quantity of farm inputs, utilization of mechanical power sources and grain yield etc. were collected. The average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy for wheat crop in the state of Punjab were 68347 MJ ha-1, 15644 MJ ha-1, 8.4 and 3.08 MJ kg-1, respectively. The average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy for rice were 115888 MJ ha-1, 16438 MJ ha-1, 14.8 and 2.09 MJ kg-1, respectively. For wheat-rice cropping system, the average output energy of grain, input energy, energy ratio and specific energy were 184234.4 MJ ha-1, 32081.4 MJ ha-1, 11.7 and 2.48 MJ kg-1, respectively. Energy ratio (output energy to input energy ratio) of rice is higher than the wheat, indicating rice efficiently utilized energy resources to convert into output of the harvested crop. Similarly, lower specific energy (input energy to yield ratio) of rice as compared to wheat also indicates lower energy consumption to produce per unit of rice. This analysis clearly indicates that rice production is more energy efficient than wheat production in rice-wheat production system. Further, the energy ratio, specific energy and energy productivity of wheat-rice cropping system were estimated as 11.6 to 11.9, 2.44 to 2.51 MJ kg-1 and 0.40 to 0.41kg MJ-1, respectively. This study will be helpful to identify the agricultural operations and implementing suitable interventions for improving energy use efficiency.

A Preliminary Study on Perception of Non – Vegetarian Consumers about Backyard Poultry Farming

The present study was conducted in District Ludhiana of Punjab state to know about perception of non-vegetarian consumers about backyard poultry farming. The study was conducted by personally interviewing randomly selected Urban (Group A, n=50) and Rural (Group B, n=50) non vegetarian consumers. None of the respondent was above 60 years. Most of the non vegetarian consumers were having education level of graduation. Majority of the respondents were consuming non vegetarian food 1-2 times per week. Most of the Group A consumers were purchasing non vegetarian products from local market, while Group B consumers were purchasing it from farmers. Most of the Group A consumers has no knowledge about breeds of backyard poultry. A large chunk of consumers belonging to both Group A and Group B did not know about differences between exotic and indigenous breed. The present study highlighted the importance of strengthening of extension activities related with backyard poultry and strengthening of marketing linkages of backyard poultry farmers to the urban consumers. Fast-tracking the supply of a backyard poultry farmer’s produce to a city dweller’s doorstep ensures fresher, higher-quality food by reducing transit time, which helps to minimize spoilage and waste. It also expands market access for farmers, increases convenience for consumers, supports local economies, and can lower environmental impact by reducing transportation distances. Overall, it enhances food security and fosters a more efficient food system.

Students’ Life Skills with Reference to the Socio-Economic Status and Discipline of the Study in the Context of NEP-2020

Objective: The main aim of this paper was to examine the relationship between life skills and the socioeconomic status of the students enrolled in different disciplines of study in universities and colleges of Punjab State. Method: 600 students who were majoring in science, the arts, or business programs in the universities and colleges of Punjab State, India served as the sample. Modified Kuppuswamy (2022) Socio-economic scale (SES) was used. As per scale- families are placed into one of five categories: upper class, upper middle class, lower middle class, upper lower class, and lower class. A family’s total score can range anywhere from three to twenty-nine points, and it can only be determined by combining information about the members of the family’s education level, occupation level, and income level. Life skills were measured by self-developed tools. This test measures 10 life skills, including critical thinking, self-awareness, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, empathy, stress management, and dealing with emotions. Each dimension has five statements, and a 5-point scale is used to rate each. Findings: It has been found in the present study that students of science disciplines have higher life skills in comparison to Commerce and Social science Streams. Similarly, students from higher SES backgrounds tend to have better Life Skills compared to those from lower SES backgrounds. Novelty: This research uniquely compares socio-economic status, academic discipline, and students' life skills within the NEP-2020 framework. It stands out by examining how these variables collectively impact life skills development, providing a nuanced understanding of their interdependence. By focusing on the diverse socio-economic backgrounds and varied academic disciplines, the study offers novel insights into tailoring educational strategies that foster essential life skills. In this research paper, an analytical approach has been applied to analyze the data as per NEP-2020's holistic and inclusive vision, aiming to bridge educational disparities and enhance student outcomes in a comprehensive manner. Keywords: Life Skills, Socio-Economic Status, Science, Social Science and Commerce Disciplines of study, NEP 2020

Socio-economic Characteristics of Farmers Practicing Rice-wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in Haryana, India: A Comparative Analysis

The Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) is a cornerstone of India's food security, particularly in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. However, the sustainability of RWCS is increasingly threatened by issues such as soil degradation, groundwater depletion, and climate vulnerabilities, exacerbated by the resource-intensive practices introduced during the green revolution. The study was conducted during 2023-24 using an ex-post facto research design. Multistage sampling by simple random sampling method was used to derive sample for the study and the data was collected through personal interview. This study focuses on the socio-economic profile of small and large farmers practicing RWCS in Haryana, a critical region for this cropping system. By comparing personal, economic, social, and behavioral characteristics between these two groups, the research highlights the disparities in access to resources, extension services, and agricultural technologies. These differences have significant implications for the adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions especially for small farmers and effective extension services to bridge these gaps, thereby enhancing the sustainability and profitability of the RWCS in Haryana. Understanding the socio-economic characteristics of small and large farmers is crucial for policymakers aiming to ensure the long-term viability of this vital agricultural system.

How Innovative Activities Impact Firm Performances in Latecomer Countries? An Analysis of Five Manufacturing Clusters from Indian Punjab

Firms engage in innovative activities, either to maintain the status quo or to catch up with the front-runners. Innovation is difficult to comprehend as it may include efforts to introduce something ‘new to the world’ or it may include simply the efforts to introduce something ‘new to the firm’. It is equally difficult to comprehend how the clustered firms located in latecomer countries are coping with the fast technological changes happening within the industry at the global level. Therefore, taking the case of five manufacturing clusters belonging to the Indian state of Punjab, an attempt is made to comprehend the impact of innovative activities on firm performances. We have done a survey for collecting the primary data for different variables reflecting four types of innovations and four types of performance indicators from the firms belonging to bicycles, hand tools & machine tools, pharmaceuticals, sports goods and textile clusters located in the north Indian state of Punjab. The focus on different clusters belonging to a particular region was done with intent to control the broad social, economic, cultural, political and historical aspects of the different clusters. Estimating the structural equation model with partial least-squares method, we found that the impact of process innovation, organizational innovation and marketing innovation is significant for firm innovative performances, production performance, market performance and financial performance. Specifically, we found that the introduction of new machines with advanced production systems, improvements in the manner of doing routine activities, improving product quality and modernization of human management systems within the firms have a positive impact on firm performance.

Taxonomic Review of the Genus Didymocorypha Wood-Mason, 1877 (Mantodea: Eremiaphilidae) with description of a new species from India

The genus Didymocorypha Wood-Mason, 1877 (Mantodea: Eremiaphilidae: Iridinae), distributed in the Oriental Region, is revised with data on morphology, ecology, distribution and life history. A new species, D. wayanadensis sp. nov., is described from three specimens from India. This new species is the first record of Didymocorypha from Kerala and Punjab states, India. A key to the world species of Didymocorypha is included.

Prevalence of Procrastination and its Associated Factors with a View to Develop “Task and Time Management Strategies” to Combat Procrastination among Nursing Students

Background: Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something. It is a common human experience involving delays in everyday chores. The importance of assessing the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with view to develop “Task and Time Management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students are preponderant. Moreover, researches have despite that procrastination tends to be significantly higher among students specially those who have difficulty in time management. Objectives: This study was conducted with an object to assess the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with view to develop “Task and Time Management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students. Materials and methods: An exploratory study was conducted on 750 nursing students in the year of 2023 in selected nursing institutes of state Punjab. The subjects were selected by using quota sampling technique. Modified Procrastination Assessment Scale – Students given by Linda J. Solomon and Esther D. Rothblum in 1994 for assessing the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors among nursing students. Data was collected by self report (pen and paper) method. Results: This study revealed that out of 750 students most of the nursing students (mean age ± sd=20.43±1.726) showed moderate level of procrastination i.e., 661(88.1%). Others nursing students have 89 (11.9%) have mild procrastination. In reasons for procrastination majority i.e., 90 (12%) of nursing students gave the reason that they had too many other things to do while 77(10.3%) of nursing students procrastinate due to fear of having bad grades. The significant difference between the prevalence of procrastination and socio demographic variables found to be significance with the gender (p=.000), birth order(p=.002). Conclusion: It has been concluded that the most of the students were found to have moderate procrastination and the major reason for procrastination is that nursing students do not want to face the problems as a result of their avoidance they suffer from more stress and anxiety. Gender and birth order have significant association with prevalence of procrastination. Nursing students need to manage time and divide their tasks according to the priority.

Water accounting of groundwater over exploited districts in Haryana and Punjab states to analyse impacts of water conservation measures on water availability

ABSTRACT Escalating water scarcity threatens to sustainable food production, necessitating enhanced water use efficiency through effective water management practices. The present study aims to conduct water accounting in the groundwater-depleted districts of Haryana and Punjab, India, analysing the potential irrigation water savings achievable through the implementation of efficient management techniques in these selected districts. The study area encompasses Kaithal and Karnal districts in Haryana and Patiala and Sangrur districts in Punjab with water availability assessment for 2015. Results showed that there is a mismatch between the annual groundwater pumped and replenishable groundwater recharge in all selected districts indicating a need for improved water management. Adjusting the timing of rice sowing to align with the onset of the rainy season can significantly save water and reduce groundwater extraction. For instance, delaying rice transplanting from May 21st to June 15th can reduce crop water demand by 10.89%. Similarly, transplanting rice on June 15th can reduce water demand by 9.03%, 6.23%, 4.31%, and 2.46% compared to transplanting on May 26th, May 31st, June 5th, and June 10th, respectively. Shifting of a rice-wheat cropping system to a maize-wheat system can substantially decrease crop water demand. Replacing rice with maize can result in a 54.66% reduction in crop water demand per hectare.

Research Insights into Punjab’s Stubble Burning Menace

The current investigation endeavors to evaluate the prevalence of stubble burning in India, with a special focus on the state of Punjab. The study emphasizes the enormity of stubble burning by examining farm fire incidents, pollutant emissions, its detrimental impacts. It supports the effective management of crop residue along with proposing alternatives to stubble burning. The article conveys the message that stubble burning can result in deleterious effects on the environment, human health, crop growth, natural ecosystems, visibility, and physical infrastructure. The key solutions lie in education, functional literacy, a heightened awareness of environmental laws, rights and duties, stringent governance, and socially responsible public, promoting adherence to the National Green Tribunal’s guidelines for managing crop residue and enlightening farmers about the ill effects of stubble burning on animal, soil, human health, crop biodiversity, and climate change. The available data of districts of Punjab indicates the recent waning trend in stubble burning, thus heralding a positive indication of environmental preservation. Decreased stubble burning is the reward of untiring government initiatives, support and subsidies, awareness programs, advanced research and technology, and enforcement of stringent regulations combined with recognition of the deleterious environmental impacts of stubble burning. This research article indicates that there is still a need for efforts to be made to eliminate stubble burning altogether.

Outcome of early detection approach in control of breast, cervical, and oral cancer: Experience from a rural cancer center in India.

In low- and middle-income countries most of the cancer patients attend the hospital at a late stage and treatment completion of these cases is challenging. The early detection program (EDP), in rural areas of Punjab state, India was initiated to identify breast, cervical, and oral cancer at an early stage by raising awareness and providing easy access to diagnosis and treatment. A total of 361 health education programs and 99 early detection clinics were organized. The symptomatic and self-interested (non-symptomatic individuals who opted for screening) cases visited the detection clinic. They were screened for breast, cervical, and/or oral cancer. Further diagnosis and treatment of screen-positive cases were carried out at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Sangrur. Community leaders and healthcare workers were involved in all the activities. The EDP, Sangrur removed barriers between cancer diagnosis and treatment with the help of project staff. From 2019 to 2023, a total of 221,317 populations were covered. Symptomatic and self-interested individuals attended the breast (1627), cervical (1601), and oral (1111) examinations. 46 breast (in situ-4.3%; localized-52.2%), 9 cervical (localized-77.8%), and 12 oral (localized-66.7%) cancer cases were detected, and treatment completion was 82.6%, 77.8%, and 50.0%, respectively. We compared cancer staging and treatment completion of cases detected through EDP with the cases attended HBCH from Sangrur district in 2018; the difference between two groups is statistically significant. Due to the early detection approach, there is disease down-staging and improvement in treatment completion. This approach is feasible and can be implemented to control these cancers in low- and middle-income countries.

From Suffering to Sovereignty: The Dimensions of Euthanasia and Right to Die with Dignity

Provided the complex socio-legal fabric of India, the discourse on Euthanasia and the Right to die with dignity provokes profound ethical, legal, and societal questions. Therefore, a need to meticulously examine the varied dimensions of Euthanasia arises. Beginning with the basic understanding of the concept, a comprehensive analysis shall be made in regard to various philosophies associated of renowned political thinkers and philosophers. Additionally, comparative insights from foreign legal frameworks shall be drawn. The research includes judgments passed by the Indian judiciary regarding the legalization of Euthanasia with a clear debate in its context. The High Court Judgement of Gian Kaur v. The State of Punjab (1996) and Supreme Court judgments of Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) and Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) proved to be the turning points in Indian legal history and shaped the stance of Indian judiciary on the legislation of Euthanasia. The breakdown of Law Commission reports (2006 & 2008) also finds their mention. Can the freedom to choose a dignified death—the ultimate act of human autonomy—be recognized by the law in a culture that is highly pro-life? If so, there’s a need to structure and strengthen regulations to adopt this choice.

Comparative evaluation of real-time polymerase chain reaction, conventional PCR and microscopy for detection of Babesia bigemina in bovines of Punjab (India).

Babesia bigemina is a major cause of bovine babesiosis, an economically devastating tick-borne disease that needs timely diagnosis for precise treatment. In present investigation, the detection efficacy of real-time PCR (qPCR) in comparison to conventional PCR and microscopy targeting 18S ribosomal gene was evaluated on 95 bovines (70 cattle and 25 buffaloes) suspected for babesiosis. Real-time PCR was standardized with the 10-fold serial dilutions in duplication of the given positive control (2 × 106 copy number) ranging from 106 to 100 copy number/µL and mean Ct value of each dilution was taken to extrapolate the curve. The samples with Ct value 36.92 of 10 copy number/µL were considered as positive. Out of 95 samples, 5 (5.26%), 21 (22.10%) and 49 (51.58%) positive by microscopy, conventional PCR and real-time PCR were in corresponding range of > 106-104, 104-103, and 103-<10 copy number/µL, respectively. The concordance of real-time PCR with conventional PCR and microscopy was moderate (Kappa = 0.523) and slight (Kappa = 0.09), respectively. The cows were at four times risk than the buffaloes for B. bigemina infection (Odds ratio:3.85, CI:1.4255-10.4370). This pioneer report from Punjab state (India) of application of real-time PCR to detect B. bigemina in bovines was found to be more sensitive than conventional PCR and microscopy that needs further investigations on a greater number of random samples.

COVID-19’s impact on food environment in the Indian states of Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Punjab: a descriptive qualitative study to build further research in India’s food environment resilience building

Background and aimGlobally, COVID-19 has had a profound impact on food and nutrition security. This paper aims to gather the perspective from Transforming India’s Green Revolution by Research and Empowerment...

Saving Surge: Analyzing the Growth of Postal Saving Schemes in India and Punjab State of India

Saving Surge: Analyzing the Growth of Postal Saving Schemes in India and Punjab State of India