Agricultural Technology Transfer Research Articles

CFLD: An Effective Approach To Improve Production Potential Of Groundnut In Guntur District Of Andhra Pradesh

Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) is a unique approach to demonstrate the production potential of newly released technologies on the farmers’ fields. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, LAM, Guntur had conducted the Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLDs) on oilseeds during 2016 to 2019. The KVK had organized 150CFLDs on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in fivevillagesviz.,Yazilli, Danduvaaripaalem, Pachala Thaatiparru, Kaskarru and Karlapalem of Guntur district. To get the adequate size of the sample, 150 CFLDs beneficiary farmers were selected as the sample for the present study.Highest average yield of 40.25 q/ha was recorded in groundnut variety Kadiri 7 Bold, while the lowest average yield was 22.5 q/ha (Kadiri 6) with 12.9 and 12.4 percent increase in yield respectively. Extension gap were observed as 3.9, 4.6 and 3.6 in Kadiri 6, Kadiri 7 bold and Kadiri Haritandra. Technology index ranges from 9.75 to 19.6 in demonstrated groundnut varieties in CFLD programme. There was a significant increase in area from 25 to 230 ha (increased up to 205 %), 10 to 110 ha (increased up to 100 %), 30 to 190 ha (increased up to 160 %) area in Kadiri 6, Kadiri 7 bold and Kadiri Haritandra groundnut varieties respectively. Impact on adoption (per cent change) is prominent in case of Kadiri 6 (820 %), Kadiri Haritandra (533.3%) and Kadiri 7 bold (90.9 %) because of their yield potential, crop management practices fallowed by the farmers suggested by kvk scientists through CFLD. maximum (48.6%) number of respondents highly satisfied with the services rendered through CFLDThe Local variety of groundnut varietyTAG-24 was replaced by improved varieties developed by ANGRAU, Andhra Pradesh such as Kadiri-6, Kadiri 7 bold and Kadiri Harithandra‘. Thus, it can be inferred that CFLDs is an effective extension intervention to demonstrate the production potential of improved technologies in Groundnut on farmers’ field. Therefore, it is recommended that the extension agencies engaged in transfer and application of agricultural technologies on farmer‘s field.

Personal, socio-economic profile and attitude of farmers towards ICT usage for transfer of agricultural technology: A study of North Kashmir J&K State, India

Personal, socio-economic profile and attitude of farmers towards ICT usage for transfer of agricultural technology: A study of North Kashmir J&K State, India

Risk Identification from the Perspective of South-South Cooperation —Evidence from China and Mongolia Agricultural Technology Cooperation

Continuous growth, the transformation of animal husbandry, and economic policy offer substantial opportunities for agriculture development, alleviate poverty, food security gains, improve human nutrition, and grow the agriculture economy. In Mongolia, successive governments have brought revolutionary changes to establish the planting industry in the region. The Mongolian government vigorously implemented a "land reclamation" policy three times to promote and develop the plant industry. Plant industry is the only viable livelihood option for the impoverished Mongolian people. Therefore, South-South Cooperation agricultural technology transfer project is a significant component of China's international agricultural cooperation and assistance. It has carried out many exemplary agricultural projects to improve agriculture development and animal husbandry in Mongolia, positively enhancing agriculture productivity. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the modes, achievements, and risks critically. This introductory article examined the existing difficulties and risks related to the dairy cow, sheep, and freshwater fisheries in China and Mongolia during 2000-2020. It concluded that lack of supply chain cooperation and unsustainability are significant problems. Finally, this study provides guidelines to promote the agricultural economy, technology, and market mechanisms to gain the mutual benefit of economic and trade cooperation. This study suggests transforming the existing single project-driven cooperation mode of government and enterprises into a deepen corporation by multiple projects in agriculture, animal husbandry, technological management, metrology, crops, and veterinary medicine. Moreover, to increase renewable energy, the government should support, cooperate, and implement the “One Billion Trees" campaign as part of the "Recovery Policy" to mitigate climate change.

Antecedent of KVK scientists about their attitude towards organizational design

This present study entitled “Antecedent of KVK scientists about their attitude towards organizational design” was conducted in 2022 in four states of India viz., Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Goa with a sample size of 240 KVK scientists. The ex-post facto research design was used for the research study. Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an institutional project of ICAR for testing, training and transfer of agricultural technologies for the benefit of farmers, farm women and youths. Organizational design is the term frequently employed to describe the psychological structure of organization and their sub units. Good organizational design helps improve communication, increase productivity, and inspire innovation. Owing to the importance of organizational design in KVKs for effective communication and innovation. It was, therefore felt necessary to analyze the KVK scientists’ attitude towards organizational design. The action of individual KVK scientist is governed by personal, economic, social, communicational and psychological factors involved in situation. KVK scientists’ shows different level of attitude towards organizational design. Thus, it may be stated that the attitude towards organizational design differs with such characteristics. Hence, considering the importance of these characteristics and review of past research studies, an attempt has been made in this investigation to ascertain the relationship if any, between profile of KVK scientists and their attitude towards organizational design. The result concluded that majority of KVKs scientists had perceived organizational design of KVK as most favorable. The result also revealed that out of eighteen independent variables nine variables viz. knowledge about ICT, achievement motivation, attitude towards extension work, professionalism, job satisfaction, job involvement, level of exposure to new farming idea, empathy and planning orientation were found to be positive and highly significantly correlated while education had negative and highly significant correlation with attitude towards organizational design. While professionally training received had negative and significant correlation with attitude towards organizational design. Regression coefficient indicated that one-unit change in job satisfaction and job involvement would affect 0.323 units and 0.167 units change in attitude towards organizational design, respectively.

Determinants of KVK scientists about ability to organize training programme

This present study entitled “Determinants of KVK scientists about ability to organize training programme” was conducted in 2022 in four states of India viz., Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Goa with a sample size of 240 KVK scientists. The ex-post facto research design was used for the research study. Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an institutional project of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for testing, training and transfer of agricultural technologies for the benefit of farmers, farm women and rural youths. The scientist working in KVKs performs two main functions namely research and extension activities. Organize training to update the extension personnel and vocational training is the main mandates of KVK. Owing to the importance of training programs in KVKs for the agriculture development of districts. It was, therefore felt necessary to analyze the KVK scientists’ ability to organize training programme. The action of individual KVK scientist is governed by personal, economic, social, communicational and psychological factors involved in situation. KVK scientists’ shows different level of ability to organize training programmes. Thus, it may be stated that the ability to organize training programmes differs with such characteristics. Hence, considering the importance of these characteristics and review of past research studies, an attempt has been made in this investigation to ascertain the relationship if any, between profile of KVK scientists and their ability to organize training programme. The result concluded that vast majority of scientists had very high to high level of ability to organize training programme. The result also revealed that out of eighteen independent variables nine variables viz. knowledge about ICT, achievement motivation, attitude towards extension work, professionalism, job satisfaction, job involvement, level of exposure to new farming idea, empathy and planning orientation were found to be positive and highly significantly correlated while native place had positive and significant and education had negative and significant correlation with ability to organize training programmes. Influence of different indicators was not alike in determination of ability to organize training programmes.

The field schools in the national institute of forestry, agricultural and livestock research

One of the objectives of the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) is to promote and support the transfer of forestry, agricultural and livestock knowledge and technologies, according to the priority needs and demands of producers and society, as well as How to contribute to the training of human resources. To achieve this goal, according to Cadena et al 2015, INIFAP has implemented 14 technology transfer models, from those linear schemes from abroad, to participatory methods, such as the Livestock Groups Technology Validation and Transfer model (GGAVATT) and Experimental Producer, among others. He highlights that, in the southeastern region of Mexico, a paradigm shift has been marked with the Field Schools. Regarding this last model, this article describes the process by which the INIFAP research staff began to use the Field Schools model in the training of technicians and producers and the process of methodological adaptation to be used as a model of training, as well as some experiences of its use in different entities and contexts, and finally the perspectives that are displayed with its application.

The effect of agricultural technology transfer on Zimbabwe’s economic development: a dynamic global trade analysis project approach

ABSTRACT Since 2000, Zimbabwe’s agricultural output has fluctuated despite the transfer of agricultural technology by various organisations and international partners. The low output response to technology transfer is attributed to the twin problems of lack of access and adoption of technology, which are largely explained by weak institutions, financial constraints, skill and knowledge deficiency, and poor rural infrastructure. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect of agricultural technology transfer on economic development using a dynamic Global Trade Analysis Project model for the reference year 2011. The study results indicated that economic performance improves when quality fertilisers, certified seeds, and machinery from other countries are used more intensively. Thus, policy interventions are required that enhance credit extension, roads, capital equipment, and good institutions such as property rights that incentivise farmers to adopt and invest in technology.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) PRODCTION IN KANKE, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Cowpea farmers in sub-Saharan Africa obtain low yields; sole cropping system with the use of improved technologies can yield 1,500-2,000 kg/ha of cowpea. However, 200-500 kg/ha yield is obtained by smallholder farmers. It is a multipurpose crop and despite its importance, high level of inefficiency in its production persists. Therefore, the determinants of efficiency in cowpea production were analyzed; the decline in cowpea yield in the study area was attributable to several socioeconomic variables. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 70 cowpea farmers from the study area. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function were the analytical techniques adopted. The results indicated that the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents significantly affected cowpea production. The mean technical efficiency index was 0.59. Furthermore, the stochastic frontier analysis revealed that coefficients of farm size (0.297), labour (0.394), quantity of seed (0.433) and agrochemicals (0.057) were all positive and statistically significant. Also, the inefficiency model revealed that the coefficients of household size (-0.284), education (-0.493) farm experience (-0.402), extension contact (-0.45) and access to credit (-0.255) were negative but statistically significant Thus, the significant variables were the determinants of technical efficiency in cowpea production. The identified constraints adversely affected farm productivity and efficiency. Formation of cooperatives, adoption of measures that improve access to agricultural credit, agro-services centers, input supply, technology transfer and subsidies; extension services, information exchanges and market linkages are recommended to mitigate technical inefficiency in cowpea production among smallholder farmers.

Impact of climate change on productivity of food crops: a sub-national level assessment for India

Climate change is considered as a potential threat to sustainability of agriculture in India. Considering the importance of agriculture in the pursuit of the India’s development objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, understanding possible impacts of climate change on productivity of major food crops in the country assumes importance in developing appropriate policies and programmes for agricultural technology development and transfer in general and for climate change adaptation in particular. Such an understanding at a scale where most of the development planning is done will be more useful in policy planning. This paper analysed climate change impacts at district level for major food crops using the district level climate projections for two time periods viz., mid-century (2021–2050) and end-century (2071–2098). Yields of most crops are projected to decrease in a majority of districts during mid-century period. The yield impacts are deeper and wider during end-century period. The yield impacts are relatively smaller and even positive in case of rapeseed & mustard and soybean. Some of the policy implications emerging from this study are: (i) Efforts are to be targeted and prioritized in the districts where the yields are likely to suffer more (ii) Concerns related to abiotic stress, especially those related to heat/temperature stress, need more attention in crop improvement and natural resource management programmes and (iii) Considering the dimension of climate change along with other bottlenecks to sustainable agriculture in the research and development process is a desirable way of mainstreaming climate change in to economic development programmes.

Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstration in Black Gram at Pudukkottai District of Tamil Nadu

Aims: India is the largest importer, producer, and consumer of pulses in the world. In order to protect indigenous pulse production, India must not only produce enough pulses, but also remain competitive. It was recommended that extension agencies involved in the transfer and application of agricultural technologies to farmers' fields prioritise organising frontline demonstrations on a cluster basis to maximize pulse crop productivity.
 Study Design: Expost-facto study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among farmers from Pudukkottai district which covered under KVK, Vamban. The demonstration period was 2016 – 2019.
 Methodology: By simple random sampling technique, 30 farmers were selected and VBN 6 variety was demonstrated in the area of 6 ha.
 Results: The maximum yield was 9.74 qtl/ha and average yield was 9.48 qtl/ha. The yield gap minimized was 0.2%. The B.C ratio was 4.06 which indicated the profit level.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that VBN 6 in recommended practice proved beneficial in respect of yield and economics of blackgram.

Technology Transfer and Everyday Life among Smallholder Farmers: Notes on the Small Inconveniences that Slow the Transition to Industrial Agriculture in Ethiopia

Abstract Global technology transfers reshape agriculture with profound influences on everyday life. Substantial research has documented broader constraints that influence technology transfer among farmers, yet existing theories give us a narrow view into how wider dynamics manifest in everyday life. Using tractor farming in Ethiopia as a case study with ethnographic and historical data, we contribute an account of the everyday social and ecological interactions that shape agricultural technology transfer as well as the wider historical context in which these practices play out. Historically, we find an uneven transition that faltered repeatedly over 50 years. Ethnographically, we identify three types of interplays between actors and the local ecology that shaped the ways that faltering technology transfer actually plays out on the ground: (1) socio-ecological frictions; (2) communicative frictions; and (3) status-based frictions. This study contributes a humanistic account of how farmers and local technology providers experience technology transfers.

Das tansanische Reisfeld als lebendes Labor? Eigenlogiken des Übersetzungsprozesses einer technologiezentrierten Pilotstudie in ein Agrarentwicklungsprojekt

Abstract. Against the backdrop of food security and supposedly untapped agricultural potential in Africa, international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) remain important intermediaries for the transfer of agricultural science and technologies. Realizing the limited transferability of Western technologies to the Global South, they increasingly shift to trial-and-error-approaches to generate adapted innovations. In this vein, the Spatio-Temporal Agribusiness Support System (STASS) was introduced to Tanzania not only to intensify agricultural production but also to further develop the technology itself. Following Tilley's approach to „Africa as a living laboratory“, and concepts of experimentation from Science and Technology Studies (STS), this article explores the different logics and (unintended) effects of merging a development project with a technological pilot. Participant observation during the deployment of the digital drone and satellite-based information technology highlighted how experimentation for technological innovations sought to reconcile a highly complex actor network which focused primarily on data generation. Yet, through technology breakdowns and an emphasis on the interests of external experts this newly generated digital knowledge appeared to be of constrained applicability and, ultimately, pointed to the limited compatibility of testing and developing.

Livelihood profiles and adaptive capacity to manage food insecurity in pastoral communities in the central cattle corridor of Uganda

Adaptive capacity is the capabilities, resources and institutions of a country or region to implement effective adaptation measures. This article aims to highlight pastoral communities’ differential adaptive capacity to buffer household food insecurity. We use mixed methods including case households and key informants to provide qualitative data on determinants of adaptive capacity. Subsequently cluster analysis is applied to combine survey data from respondent households on the basis of the livelihood capitals. Three distinct, heterogeneous livelihood profiles are identified. The Minimally-endowed face uncertain access to livelihood capitals; Large-herd Landlords are endowed with physical and financial capital – ownership of land and large numbers of livestock; while the Land-rich are endowed with natural capital – access to large sizes of land. This denotes different types of adaptive capacity and underscores the need for agricultural extension, technology transfer and other interventions to be differentiated based on the variance in adaptive capacity and challenges of the existing heterogeneous livelihood clusters. We argue that if such differences are not first identified, development strategies including those of agricultural extension could fail in their attempts to ensure sustainable household food security. Rather than being a homogenous community, pastoralists in the central cattle corridor of Uganda belong to three heterogeneous livelihood profile clusters. Each cluster is differentially endowed with livelihood capitals which denote different types of adaptive capacity. As an empirical study done at household level, this work contributes insights that can be considered in designing and undertaking studies of other rural communities, prior to planning and execution of interventions.

Agricultural Research and Extension Linkage: Review on Roles in an Improved Agricultural Technology Transfer in Ethiopia

Agricultural research and extension services are two structures which can be connected via information flow, capacity building and feedback on the technology. Ethiopian agricultural research system is prepared by means of a decentralized structures in which there are federal and regional research institutes.The concept of linkage implies the communication and working relationship established between two or more organizations controlling commonly shared objectives in order to have regular contact and improved productivity. The ultimate objective of both research and extension systems is to increase agricultural production. Their roles of generating and transferring technology are complementary.Agricultural research and extension are complementary acticities to achieve the common goal of increasing agricultural productivity. Strong formal linkage, coordination and cooperation among research centers, development agents and farmers need to be created on the technologies of research centers are able to implement on farmers field and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers. Keywords: role, linkage, research and extension, technology transfer DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-4-02 Publication date: February 28 th 2022

Fostering Entrepreneurship And Supply Chain In Agri-Business In The Farming Community To Achieve Sustainable Rural Development In Namseling, Bhutan

Fostering Entrepreneurship And Supply Chain In Agri-Business In The Farming Community To Achieve Sustainable Rural Development In Namseling, Bhutan

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO GOAT BREEDS REARED IN SOUTH EAST OF ALBANIA

The study was conducted at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Korca in South East area of Albania. Two imported goat breeds, Alpine and Saana not previously characterized were included in the study. Their characterization is of great importance, and the information provided is of great value, especially for the ATTC which use these breeds for the improvement of the local populations by crossbreeding. Morphometric measurements of 50 animals were analyzed. Both breeds have similar values of body measurements. All morphometric traits were positively correlated, where most of them were statistically significant. Body weight has the highest positive correlation with CC (0.763), which is statistically significant. The PCA of all morphometric parameters indicated that the three components accounted 80.1% of the cumulative variance. The PCA and discriminant analysis indicated admixture between breeds. A regression analysis was performed to predict the body weight from morphometric measurements, which indicated that HG and CBC were best fitted to the model with R2 (adj) values 66.87 and 65.29 respectively. The information obtained could be used by the ATTC in a near future for the the management, conservation, and for designing the breeding programes.

Simulation of Staple Crop Yields for Determination of Regional Impacts of Climate Change: A Case Study in Chonnam Province, Republic of Korea

This study sought to simulate regional variation in staple crop yields in Chonnam Province, Republic of Korea (ROK), in future environments under climate change based on the calibration of crop models in the Decision Support System for Agricultural Technology Transfer 4.6 package. We reproduced multiple-year yield data for paddy rice (2013–2018), barley (2000–2018), and soybean (2004–2018) grown in experimental fields at Naju, Chonnam Province, using the CERES-Rice, CERES-Barley, and CROPGRO-Soybean models. A geospatial crop simulation modeling (GCSM) system developed using the crop models was then applied to simulate the regional impacts of climate change on the staple crops according to the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Simulated crop yields agreed with the corresponding measured crop yields, with root means square deviations of 0.31 ton ha−1 for paddy rice, 0.29 ton ha−1 for barley, and 0.27 ton ha−1 for soybean. We also demonstrated that the GCSM system could effectively simulate spatiotemporal variations in the impact of climate change on staple crop yield. The CERES and CROPGRO models seem to reproduce the effects of climate change on region-wide staple crop production in a monsoonal climate system. Added advancements of the GCSM system could facilitate interpretations of future food resource insecurity and establish a sustainable adaption strategy.

Impact of the agricultural technology transfer to the production of independent palm oil smallholders: a review

Oil palm is the most efficient oil crop that is vital to oil commodity due to its versatility for being a practical raw material in producing a number of commercial products globally. Therefore, the supply of palm oil is believed to increase in order to meet the growing demand of the world population. Malaysia is the second-largest palm oil exporter in South -East Asia after Indonesia with 40% of the total output is contributed by Malaysia’s smallholders. However, reports stated that the yield among smallholder’s plantations is low and eventually will affect the national Gross Domestic Products (GDP). In 2019, Malaysia’s palm oil total GDP was estimated to be 38.24 billion Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). In relation to the issue, low yield among the smallholders is believed to be caused by the lack of application and awareness of current technology available to aid plantation operation. Hence, agricultural technology transfer is the modern agricultural invention to improve oil palm production productivity. A review paper on the agricultural technology transfer was carried out to identify the impact of the technology transfer on palm oil smallholders' production. This approach encompassed the introduction of technology to smallholders, the technology transfer process and technology applications awareness for smallholders. The data was collected through reading on research papers, especially on productivity and engagement of smallholders on the understanding of the technology transfer through the questionnaire. The review concluded that smallholders had practised a good agricultural practice. However, low productivity was caused by the inadequate inputs among the farmers regarding the available technology, crop protection and management. Therefore, technology transfer and technology recommendation is proven to effectively help broaden smallholders’ inputs and knowledge to increase their socioeconomic status and plantation productivity.

Exploring the research trends of entrepreneurship and innovation for agricultural competitiveness: a bibliometric analysis

Entrepreneurship and innovation have a positive impact on competitiveness, including in the agricultural sector. Since much research is conducted on entrepreneurship and innovation, it is challenging to map the research trends and obtain directions for future research, especially in agricultural competitiveness. This study aims to provide a systematic overview by analyzing the research trend and main topic of entrepreneurship and innovation studies related to agricultural competitiveness. Next, this study also analyzes the potential topic for future research. Data collected from the Scopus database and bibliometric analysis using the Biblioshiny (R package) and VOSviewer software. The results showed that the number of publications on research interest in this area increases over time. The increasing research on this topic can be seen in the trends of documents produced. This study focused on four main topics: agricultural development, agricultural sustainability, agricultural economy, and agricultural technology. The hot topic mainly discusses in the last three years related to agricultural robots, investment, agro-industrial complex, biotechnology, technology transfer, crops, international trade, alternative agriculture, agricultural trade, and supply chain management. Further, the keywords: agribusiness, financial resources, manufacture, agricultural enterprises, strategy, organizational framework, industry, economic competitiveness, development, and social entrepreneurship still need to explore and potentially discuss in the future.

Patterns for cost-sharing of agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria

With recent changes in the financing and delivery of agricultural technology transfer worldwide due to inability of many governments to cope with varied needs of clients, most reforms currently being initiated by governments tend towards a pluralistic approach and financial participation of all stakeholders. One of such reforms is through cost-sharing. The authors examined stakeholders’ (extension professionals and farmers) opinions on the appropriate patterns for cost-sharing of agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria. The study was carried out in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was applied in the selection of 268 farmers and 272 extension professionals. Mean scores and t-test statistics were utilized in realizing the objectives of the study. Results show that the stakeholders’ overall opinion on the appropriate pattern for cost-sharing was for beneficiaries of service to pay specified amounts of money to extension organizations every farming season through their cooperative societies. Results further showed that farmers proved to have more ideas on the best patterns of sharing the cost of technology transfer than the extension professionals. It was concluded that for cost-sharing to be effective, all the stakeholders have to participate in decision-making and implementation processes of agricultural technology transfer in the country.
 Key words: cost-sharing, agricultural technology transfer, farmers, extension professionals, Nigeria