Karnataka State Research Articles

Impact of social media marketing on consumer behavior:A comparative study of traditional marketing channelsand digital platforms

Today’s businesses are using social media marketing as a powerful method. It would help businesses to achieve their marketing goals in an effective way. It is possible by leveraging the power of various social media channels. Social Media Marketing utilizes social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat to advertise products and services. The main aim of social media marketing is to connect with existing customers and reach new customers. In social media marketing a number of strategies are involved. This comparative study examines the impact of social media marketing on consumer behavior in comparison to traditional marketing channels. Through the analysis of data from both digital and traditional channels, the study highlights the significant impact of social media marketing on consumer behavior. Digital platforms offer more benefits like interactive communication and customized content, which contribute to increased consumer engagement. The results of our study demonstrate the significance of utilizing social media marketing to enhance consumer engagement and satisfaction, presenting valuable insights to marketers in the current digital environment. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from 100 respondents in the Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka State in this study. Our research revealed that customers are more inclined toward social media marketing than traditional marketing.

Watershed Development and its impact on LULC Changes in Bedwatti of Koppal district, Karnataka: A Geo Spatial Techniques

Present study focuses on analyzing the impact of watershed development on land use/land cover and cropping pattern changes using Spatial techniques. Bedwatti Sub-watershed of Koppal district in Karnataka state where Sujala watershed development project was implemented.simple method used to analysis and Methodology is used as High resolution LISS IV and Cartosat imageries were procured and analyzed by generating hybrid products to carry out change detection between 2015 and 2020. The results show that there is an increase in the areal extent of agriculture, forestand water bodies. On other hand, fallow land and waste land are significantly reduced due to watershed development,and significantly increased over a period of 5 years.Due to supply of water in the study area. Key Words Remote Sensing, GIS, Watershed, Land Use/Land Cover, Cropping Pattern etc,

An empirical investigation of determinants of practicing sandalwood cultivation in Karnataka

Santalum album is a culturally and commercially important plant species. Due to the robust depletion of this resource in its natural habitat and consistent demand, caused huge demand-supply gap for sandalwood globally. The domestication of sandalwood on the farm fields through various silvicultural practices can increase the supply of sandalwood. Sandalwood being a high value crop, its cultivation requires a deep understanding of farmers’ perceptions and the various socio-economic and psychological factors that influence their decision to practice sandalwood farming. Hence, the study was conducted in the Karnataka state using the snowball sampling method and the primary data was collected from 200 sample farmers. The multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the determinants for practicing sandalwood cultivation in the study area. This study aims to offer empirical evidence highlighting the significant impact of these factors on the cultivation of sandalwood along with the socio-economic characteristics of sandalwood farmers. The study highlights the importance of influential factors like landholding size, farmer’s age, family income, government support and market demand. By addressing these factors, the area under sandalwood can be enhanced so that India can revitalize its position in the global sandalwood industry.

Workplace Stressors, Levels of Burnout Among Faculty in Educational Institutions – A Case Study

Purpose: The study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout among faculty in educational institutions, identify specific stressors contributing to it, and develop targeted interventions and support systems to mitigate burnout and improve well-being. The findings highlight the prevalence of work stress among faculty, varying in intensity and frequency, emphasizing the need for effective interventions and support systems to alleviate stress. The study recommends implementing stress management programs and providing support for faculty in educational institutions to effectively address work-related stress. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study investigates workplace stressors and the levels of burnout among faculty members in educational institutions. Using a well-structured questionnaire, data was collected from 40 faculty members working in undergraduate colleges located in Mangalore City, Karnataka State. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: a) Socio-Demographic Information, and b) Level of Occupational Burnout. A representative sample of faculty members from different educational institutions was selected. The determination of the sample size is guided by statistical power calculations, aiming to guarantee sufficient representation and applicability of the study's findings. Findings: The overall findings indicate that work stress is prevalent among faculty members in educational institutions. The survey reveals that a significant number of respondents frequently or sometimes feel physically exhausted, find it difficult to meet work schedules, and perceive their job as tedious. Additionally, a considerable proportion of participants experience anxiety related to their work. On the positive side, the majority of respondents reported receiving cooperation from their colleagues and feeling enthusiastic at work. However, a notable portion of faculty members expressed dissatisfaction with their returns. The results imply a necessity for implementing interventions and support mechanisms to effectively tackle work-related stress and promote job satisfaction among faculty in educational institutions. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its examination of workplace stressors and burnout specifically among faculty members in educational institutions. While previous research has explored burnout in various professions, this study focuses on the unique context of educational faculty. Furthermore, the study contributes to the field by identifying specific stressors that contribute to burnout in this specific population and proposing targeted interventions and support systems tailored to the needs of faculty in educational institutions. Overall, the study's originality lies in its contribution to the understanding of burnout in the educational setting and its potential impact on faculty well-being. Paper Type: Case Study.

CHALLENGES OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS – A STUDY IN UTTAR KANNADA DISTRICT

The economic development has changed the scenario of social and cultural environment within the country specially, for women. Studies also prove that rural sector women have engaged in small-scale entrepreneurship programme and turned as successful entrepreneurs. Government programmes for women entrepreneurship development associated with banks financial support and the Self-help Groups moment made women to turn as entrepreneurs. However there are several challenges to empower women as entrepreneurs. Still they have challenges which are case specific region specific in nature. This paper attempts to analyse such challenges of women entrepreneurs in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state. The main objective of the study is to identify the challenges associated with empowerment of women entrepreneurs. This paper is descriptive in nature and the analysis is based on secondary data and information collected from published articles, case studies, internet sources and review papers. Studies gives insights into main challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The study posits the financial support by banks helps the women entrepreneurs to increase their income and support for economic development of the country by creating job opportunities. It is been found that government support, funding family support and technical knowledge are considered helpful to overcome these challenges.

Blinded by sunspots: Revealing the multidimensional and intersectional inequities of solar energy in India

Studies of energy transitions have historically lacked a holistic, multi-scalar and multi-site accounting of social and environmental impacts of projects. Scholars increasingly point to the need for integrated studies that highlight impacts at various stages of lifecycles and scales of governance in the normative pursuit of energy justice. In this study, we examine the social and environmental inequities within the solar PV value chain in India from multiple scales using an original dataset and comparative case study approach, including multiple site visits and embedded ethnography. We utilized a mixed methodological approach to data collection that included household surveys (n = 120), semi-structured interviews (n = 43), focus group discussions (n = 6) and naturalistic observation (n = 9 site visits over 24 days) across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi and Tamil Nadu at six different locations. We buttress recent work examining solar injustices from a ‘whole systems’ perspective, taking a multidimensional approach through an intersectional lens. Drawing from fieldwork and the literatures of energy justice and political ecology, we ask : What are the social and ecological impacts or equity concerns of each stage of the solar photovoltaic value chain in India? At each solar node, there are demographic, spatial, interspecies and temporal inequities occurring. Demographic inequities include resource dispossession, loss of livelihoods and hazards exposure for marginalized groups. Spatial inequities include distributional injustices for capital and electricity, rural land enclosures and substandard infrastructure. Interspecies inequities include ecosystem contamination, habitat destruction and imperiling wildlife. Temporal inequities include time burdens placed on marginalized groups, multi-decadal time horizons for inequitable projects to pay off and the long-term degradation of the environment. We conclude by reflecting on the stakes of solar development in India and offering policy recommendations that could engender a more equitable solar sector and chart future research agendas.

The Molecular Detection of Bacterial Infections of Public Health Importance in Hard Tick (Ixodidae) Nymphs Collected from the Forest Fringes of Western Ghats in the Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra States of India.

A survey was conducted to determine the human tick-borne bacterial infections in the nymphs which were collected from Western Ghats' fringe forest areas. Tick nymphs were collected using the flagging method from the villages where cases Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) were previously reported in the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. A total of 200 tick pools consisting of 4587 nymphs were tested by PCR for the detection of bacteria of public health importance, such as Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. Of these, four pools (4.8%) in Karnataka and three pools (4.4%) in Maharashtra were positive for Coxiella burnetii, while none of the samples from Goa state were positive. Rickettsia spp. were positively obtained from Maharashtra (51.5%), Goa (35.42%) and Karnataka (26.19%). The sequence results of Rickettsia spp. showed similarity to the spotted fever group Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii, Rickettsia conorii subsp. heilongjiangensis and Rickettsia spp. strain koreansis. Individuals are entering into the forest areas for various reasons are more likely to infect with Coxiella burnetii. and Rickettsia spp.

Factors Influencing Digital Transformation in Learning in Universities with Special Reference to Karnataka State

Factors Influencing Digital Transformation in Learning in Universities with Special Reference to Karnataka State

Constraints and strategies of smallholder farmers for successful protected cultivation of capsicum: A critical appraisal

The study was framed to assess the challenges/constraints in protected cultivation of capsicum by small holder farmers in Karnataka state, India and provide strategies for sustained profitability. Ex-post-facto research design was followed for conducting study in three districts (Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban and Chickballapur) of Karnataka. From each district, 50 smallholders capsicum cultivation farmers under protected cultivation were selected through purposive random sampling, constituting 150 respondents. Garrett’s ranking technique was adopted to analyse the constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. The various constraints experienced by the farmers were broadly grouped in to production constraints, market constraints, financial constraints, technological constraints, institutional constraints, weather-based constraints, health and labour constraints. These finding demonstrated urgent need to intervene towards the constraints experienced by the smallholder capsicum grows under protected cultivation, which not only ensures to get stable income but also sustain their livelihoods.

Is the quality of public health facilities always worse compared to private health facilities: Association between birthplace on neonatal deaths in the Indian states.

The role of place of delivery on the neonatal health outcomes are very crucial. Although the quality of care is being improved, there is no consensus about who is the better healthcare provider in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), public or private facilities. The aim of this study is to assess the differentials in neonatal mortality by the type of healthcare providers in India and its states. We used the data from the fourth wave of the National Family Health Survey 2015-16 (NFHS-4). Information on 259,627 live births to women within the five years preceding the survey was examined. Neonatal mortality rates for state and national levels were calculated using DHS methodology. Multi-variate logistics regression was performed to find the effect of birthplace on neonatal deaths. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the relationship between place of delivery and neonatal deaths to account for the bias attributable to observable covariates. The rise in parity of the women and purchasing power influences the choice of healthcare providers. Increased neonatal mortality was found in private hospital delivery compared to public hospitals in Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states using propensity score matching analysis. However, analysis on the standard of pre-natal and post-natal care indicates that private hospitals generally outperformed public hospitals. The study observed a significant variation in neonatal mortality among public and private health care systems in India. Findings of the study urges that more attention be paid to the improve care at the place of delivery to improve neonatal health. There is a need of strengthened national health policy and public-private partnerships in order to improve maternal and child health care in both private and public health facilities.

Alleviation of Poverty Through Panchayat Raj Institutions: A Critical Study of Challenges and Prospects in Karnataka, India

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to: Analyse the role of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in alleviating poverty in Karnataka, India. Identify the challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs. Explore potential solutions to overcome these challenges and improve program effectiveness. Provide recommendations for strengthening the role of PRIs in poverty alleviation efforts. Theoretical reference: This paper draws on several theoretical frameworks, including: heories of poverty alleviation, focusing on the role of local governance and community participation. Theories of decentralization and the devolution of power to local governments. Theories of social justice and equity, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of poverty. Theories of sustainable development, highlighting the importance of integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations. Method: This research is primarily a doctrinal study, relying on a variety of primary and secondary sources: Primary Sources: Statutory enactments: Constitution of India, 1950, Central Government Schemes implemented by PRIs, The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Policy documents: National Rural Development Policy, Karnataka State Rural Development Policy, Poverty alleviation scheme guidelines Secondary Sources: Statistical analysis: Government reports and data sets, Research reports and surveys, Research publications: Peer-reviewed articles and books on poverty alleviation, local governance, and development. Case studies: Examples of successful poverty alleviation programs implemented by PRIs Results: This research identified several key challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs in Karnataka: Corruption: Misuse of funds and resources hinders the effectiveness of programs and prevents benefits from reaching the intended beneficiaries. Caste: Deep-rooted social inequalities limit access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities. Lack of awareness: Many people remain unaware of available schemes and benefits, leading to underutilization of resources. Limited capacity: PRIs often lack the necessary skills and resources to effectively plan, implement, and monitor programs. Lack of coordination: Poor coordination between different levels of government and stakeholders can lead to delays, duplication of efforts, and inefficient resource allocation. Despite these challenges, the research also identified several promising practices and potential solutions: Transparency and accountability: Initiatives like social audits and public hearings can improve transparency and hold PRI officials accountable for program outcomes. Community participation: Engaging communities in program design and decision-making can ensure programs are relevant and address local needs. Capacity building: Training programs can equip PRI officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage programs effectively. Technology and innovation: Utilizing technology can enhance program efficiency, data management, and communication with beneficiaries. Partnerships: Collaborations with NGOs, civil society organizations, and private sector can contribute resources, expertise, and innovation. Conclusion: PRIs play a crucial role in alleviating poverty in India. While they face numerous challenges, there are also promising solutions and opportunities for improvement. By investing in capacity building, promoting transparency, fostering community participation, and embracing technology and innovation, PRIs can be empowered to become more effective agents of poverty alleviation in Karnataka and beyond. Implications of research: This research has several key implications for policy and practice: The need for strengthened capacity building for PRI officials to improve program planning, implementation, and monitoring. The importance of enhancing transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of resources for poverty alleviation programs. The necessity for increased community participation in program design and decision-making to ensure programs are responsive to local needs and priorities. The need for better coordination between central, state, and local governments to ensure effective implementation of poverty alleviation programs. Originality/value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on poverty alleviation by: Providing a detailed analysis of the role of PRIs in Karnataka, India, a context that is often overlooked in research. Identifying unique challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs. Offering practical recommendations for strengthening the role of PRIs and improving program effectiveness. Contributing to the understanding of how local governance can be leveraged to achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

Farmer’s Perception and Efficacy of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in North Eastern Transition Zone of Karnataka State in India

A primary survey during the year 2021-22 was carried out among the 240 farmers of Bidar and Gulbarga districts of North Eastern Transition Zone in Karnataka to study the farmer’s perception on climate change for the period 1979 to 2019 and validate their opinions with the change in the meteorological indicators. About 74 percent of farmers expressed that there is a decline in crop yield while 83 percent of farmers opined that is a shift of employment from farm to non-farm activities during the period of forty years. Farmers practice various farm adaptation strategies activities to overcome the effect of climate change. Through Garatte ranking, it is revealed that most of the farmers prefer to practice alteration of sowing dates of crop (rank 1) as adaptation strategy followed by using of drought tolerant varieties (rank 2) and mixed cropping (rank3). Binary Logit analysis was used to identify the socio- economic attributes of households influencing the adoption of adaptation strategy to climate change. The results showed that, the variables like farm size, access to institutional credit, live stock ownership and climate information are the factors which positively shows significant influence on adoption. Economic incentives play an important role in the adoption of modern technologies. Access to institutional credit will support the farmers financially in adopting water conservation techniques like farm ponds, micro irrigation products.

An Application of Social Accounting Matrix to Analyse the Growth Linkages of Sericulture in a Village Economy

Sericulture is an important avenue in rural areas. Karnataka stands second in position in the mulberry silk production of the country during 2020-21. The study describes constructing a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework for Naguvanahalli village, Mandya district, Karnataka state, to understand the effect of investment in sericulture on the income distribution of the selected village economy. Sericulture is practised in the Naguvanahalli village through the State Department of Sericulture, Karnataka, and Central Silk Board, Bangalore. Purposive sampling was adopted for data collection from 30 households and 42 economic agents during 2020-21. The SAM framework provides inter-sectoral linkages across the sectors within the village. With `10 lakhs further investment in sericulture as a simulation, there was an impact of 1.82 per cent rise in the aggregate volume of transactions or `14,26,100, implying 4754 labour days or full-time employment to 14 households for 320 employment days per annum per household. The indirect impact on labour employment was 71.17 per cent of the effect of 1.82 per cent. The promotion of sericulture succeeded in generating higher employment and income multipliers, but it still requires strengthened awareness creation in the village.

Trend Analysis of Seasonal Drought in Northern Karnataka, India

Trend analysis of climatic data is often carried out in water resources management studies to understand its distribution over a given region. This paper presents an analysis of trends in meteorological drought in 12 districts in the northern part of Karnataka state, India over the period 1991–2020. Trends in the 3-month timescale standardized precipitation index (SPI-3) were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test and Sen’s slope estimator for the Kharif season. The results of analysis showed an increasing trend of droughts in four districts however, the trend in most of the districts was not statistically significant. The findings were validated with the trend of the declared area under drought (AUD) by the state government for the study area. The findings of this work might be useful for a better understanding of regional drought trends and also for establishing effective water resources management policies.

Cross Sectional Study to Correlate the Stature and Percutaneous Length of Ulna Bone of Pediatrics Age Group in North Karnataka State of India

BACKGROUND: Estimating stature is important for clinical, anthropological, forensic as well as medico-legal standpoint. In clinical scenarios, its significances range from estimating the BMI (body mass index) to diagnosing certain physical growth disorders and assessment of nutritional status. Height is one of the key parameters in multiple vital decision-making setting, such as: body surface area, drug dosage calculations, glomerular filtration and prediction of pulmonary function. Moreover, lack of cooperation from patient in pediatric is much common which may delay the classical method of stature estimation. Above all, height measurement is restricted to ambulatory patients only. But measurement of ulna bone overcomes all these shortcomings. The long bone, ulna is mostly subcutaneous throughout its length and easily approachable for measurement makes it the most preferable to be selected for the study. AIM: To calculate age wise stature variations among pediatric groups, to estimate percutaneous length of ulna bone, to establish a relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone, and to formulate predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders METHODS: The study was conducted at the pediatric ward of a medical college in North Karnataka from August 1,2022 to December 31, 2022. Sample size for proportion was calculated to be 96, taking 33% as P (Pilot study) and at 5% absolute precision at 95% confidence level. All steps and precautions were followed appropriately as per guidelines published by World Health Organization. Length of ulna bone was measured using a measuring tape (0-152cm/60 inches) with rounded ends, from the tip of the olecranon process to the tip of the styloid process of ulna keeping elbow joint flexed and palm spread over opposite shoulder. Measurements of length of both the right and left ulna were taken separately for calculation. Both the stature and the length of ulna were measured in centimeters. Means of age, length of ulna and body height/length were analyzed amongst both the genders for each age group. Data analysis would be done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; SPSS version 23; p≤0.05 would be considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the study, relationship between stature and percutaneous length of ulna bone were analyzed and predictive equations for calculating stature with ulnar length, respectively for each of the genders were formulated as: For males, length or height = 6.545455 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. For females, length or height = 6.540540 × (mean ulnar length of both the arms) ±0.3cm. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that there is a linear correlation between stature and ulna bone length in pediatric age groups. The derived equation can be used to estimate the stature of pediatric age group, specific to the gender. Similarly, length of ulna bone may be estimated if the stature is known. It will contribute greatly towards anthropometry and its widespread applications in clinics and forensics.

DRR Dhan 65 (IET 27641) – A High Yielding Low Soil Phosphorous Tolerant and Climate Resilient Rice Variety Developed from Wild Introgression Lines

The wild species of Oryza are an important source of genetic variability for the improvement of yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Phosphorus (P) is the second most important key nutrient, vital for plant growth and development at all stages. Phosphorous deficiency is one of the factors limiting rice yields and farmer’s profitability so it is necessary to identify genotypes with stable yield and tolerance to P deficiency. Keeping in view the unlimited potential of wild species for yield enhancement and stress tolerance, interspecific population between Oryza rufipogon in the back ground of Oryza sativa genotype KMR3 was developed by advanced back cross breeding strategy. DRR Dhan 65 (IET 27641) (RP Bio 4919-B-B NSR86) is an interspecific wild introgression line, a derivative of KMR 3 / O rufipogon with short bold grains which is high yielding under both normal and low soil phosphorous conditions. It has seed to seed maturity of 130- 135 days and gives an average yield of 6.5 t/ ha (under normal conditions; 60 kg/ha of P, i.e., recommended dose) and 4.7 t/ ha (under low Phosphorus; 40 kg/ha of P). It was released for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra states through Central Sub-committee on Crop Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties for Agricultural Crops vide S.O. 4065(E) dated 31st August, 2022 [CG-DL-E-31082022-238490].

Microfinance – A Key to Social Empowerment of Women: A Study with Reference to Dakashina Kannada District, Karnataka State

Microfinance – A Key to Social Empowerment of Women: A Study with Reference to Dakashina Kannada District, Karnataka State

Taxonomic note on the endemic genus Lophopogon (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) from India

Although the genus Lophopogon comprises only two distinct species, their identification has always been bewildering in some of the available grass literature in India. This confusion mainly stems from the tendency of Indian botanists to utilize weak key characters to differentiate the species. We have discussed both the variable as well as distinguishing features of the Lophopogon species and revised the key to make it more efficient. Upon a thorough morphological study of the recently described L. prasannae, we have concluded that it is but a variable form of an obscure species L. kingii. Therefore, we now consider it a new heterotypic synonym of the latter. While re-evaluating the previously misidentified specimens of Lophopogon, we have established two new distributional records of L. kingii for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, South India. In L. kingii a characteristic whitish indumentum is observed, which is confined to the base of the plant and is not observed in any of the variable forms of L. tridentatus. Based on this character, we have restructured and simplified the identification key for easy and accurate species delimitation. We have also provided a brief discussion on the phenotypic variability of both the species, along with photo plates to facilitate identification and showcase a variability spectrum in plant habit. Distribution of L. kingii is plotted on the map based on the available specimens at BSI, BSID, CAL and K herbaria.

High yielding, multiple resistant Spanish bunch groundnut variety, KADIRI LEPAKSHI (K1812), notified for All India Summer Zone III

Spanish bunch groundnut variety, Kadiri Lepakshi (K1812) is a derivative of complex cross ((ICGV 92069 x ICGV 93184)SIL4 x ICGV 98300) notified for All India Summer Zone IIIa consisting of Karnataka and Maharashtra states is developed at Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Kadiri by modified pedigree method. It gave an average dry pod yield of 3840 kg ha-1 and kernel yield of 2666 kg ha-1 which is 31.87% and 29.74% higher than the national check TAG 24 and 43.07% and 44.67% higher than zonal check-1, Kadiri Harithandhra and 13.81% and 20.84% higher than zonal check -II, R 2001-3 respectively during summer irrigated condition (2016, 2017 and 2020).

Phule Gold (SSF 15-65): A new high oil and high oil yield variety of Safflower (Carthamus tinctirius L.), suitable for cultivation in India

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) variety Phule gold (SSF-15-65) is derived by hybridization through pedigree selection method from a cross of Bhima x GMU 2724. It has semi-spreading habit with medium bold seeds. The variety is moderately tolerant to aphids and wilt. In various multilocation Coordinated trials conducted during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 i. e. for 3 years, Phule gold (SSF-15-65) consistently recorded better performance over national check A1 and PBNS-12. Phule gold (SSF-15-65) recorded 24.80% higher oil yield over A1 and 17.10% over the check PBNS-12. The average oil content was 34.60 %. It was responsive to higher doses of fertiliser and late sown conditions. The variety was released and notified in 2020 for rainfed and irrigated safflower growing areas of the country (Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telegana state).