Villupuram District Research Articles

Determinants of International Non-governmental Organization’s Aid Upon Dalit in Bringing Behavioral Policy Governance

The caste system is the stratification of social structure based on Hinduism that has placed the Dalits in the lower strata and made to face various forms of inhuman atrocities and discrimination. The post-independent era of India is influenced by the different types of aid from international non-governmental organizations (INGO). The study looked at the effectiveness of international NGOs intervention in the Dalit community especially in promoting human rights and enhancing socio-economic development, especially in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. The struggle of resistance against discrimination by the Dalit community has been a continuous process and it is found that the situation has improved a lot after a lot of activism, social action, and community work through the help of NGOs. Continued efforts by INGOs advocating Dalit-driven policies at various levels are required to liberate the Dalits with the support of the government and various stakeholders.

IMPACT OF BRISK WALKING AND PRANAYAMA ON SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE OF MIDDLE AGED TAMILNADU POLICE OFFICERS

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brisk walking and pranayama training on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of Tamil Nadu police officers aged 40-50 years. A total of forty-five police officers from Villupuram district participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups. Group I (N=15) received brisk walking training, Group II (N=15) underwent pranayama training, and Group III (N=15) served as the control group without any specific intervention. The training program lasted for twelve weeks, during which the systolic blood pressure of all participants was measured both before and after the intervention. Data were statistically analyzed using covariance analysis to determine the significance of the interventions. The results indicated that both brisk walking and pranayama training had a significant positive effect on the systolic blood pressure of the police officers, with participants in the experimental groups showing considerable improvement compared to the control group. The findings suggest that incorporating physical activities like brisk walking and pranayama into the daily routine of police officers could be an effective strategy for managing and reducing systolic blood pressure, thereby enhancing cardiovascular health.

Quantitative elemental analysis and petrographic investigation of ancient potteries from archaeological sites of Tamil Nadu, using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

In order to investigate the elemental composition, a total of 19 potteries and two representative clay samples from Senjikothamangalam (Villupuram district) and 12 potteries and one representative clay sample from the Palayanur (Chengalpattu) archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu were analyzed using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The presence of elements such as Fe, Ca, K, Ti, Al, Sr, Mn, P, V, Cr, Zn, Rb, Ni, Cu, Pb, Ga, Y, Bi, Br, and As were identified in the pottery and clay samples. Statistical analysis, such as Pearson correlation, cluster and principal component analysis were used to categorize the samples based on their elemental composition. The outcome of the Pearson correlation and cluster analysis corroborated that the Senjikothamangalam pottery samples (P-1 to P-19) were made using the same type of clay, except P-10. Similarly, all Palayanur pottery samples (P-20 to P-31) were manufactured from the same clay. The petrographic analysis of the potteries revealed further information about its provenance and making methods.

Impact of Varietal Demonstrations on the Productivity and Sustainability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Popularization of newly released variety in a new environment was important to increase the productivity and sustainability on a particular location. Keeping this inview, field demonstrations were carried out at farmer’s field by introducing drought tolerant rice variety TKM 15. The variety was released by Rice Research Station, (TNAU), Thirurkuppam, during 2022. A total of ten, field demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s field organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Villupuram, and Tamil Nadu during Kharif 2023. The farmers cultivating variety ADT 37was used as the check variety (farmer’s practice). An average yield of 4,925kg.ha-1 was recorded from TKM 15 demonstrations which showed 7.75% increase over the farmers cultivating variety (4570kg.ha-1). The farmers have obtained additional revenue of Rs. 10,100ha-1from TKM 15 demonstrations, which may motivate the farmers to adopt TKM 15 variety with the improved rice production technology. The Front-Line Demonstration on new variety introduction, effectively influenced the attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to improved or recommended practices in paddy cultivation, fostering adoption. It also enhanced the relationship between farmers and scientists, fostering mutual confidence.

Young Consumer’s Awareness on Food Packet Labeling in Rural Tamil Nadu – A Convergent Mixed Methods Study

Abstract Background: Food labeling is one medium by which consumers can acquire knowledge about the food they consider buying. This type of information is becoming increasingly important in a food market where direct contact with personnel over the counter is declining. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness on food packet labeling and to explore the contributing factors of food packet label awareness among college students in Villupuram district, rural Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The study was carried out among 113 college students studying in Government Arts and Science College, Thiruvennainallur village, located in Villupuram district. A convergent mixed methods study design was used. A structured self-administered questionnaire was given to the students who participated in the National Nutrition Week awareness program. The questionnaire included variables such as checking for date of manufacturing, date of packaging, best-before date, storage conditions, lot number/code number/batch number, containing FSSAI code, and checking list of ingredients. In-depth interview was conducted among eight students who volunteered to explore the reasons for not checking food packet labels and solutions to improve the visibility of food package labeling. Categorical variables were summarized using percentages. Manual content analysis was done for in-depth interviews. Results: It was found that more than 90% of the study participants check for food packet labels, best-before dates, and date of packaging. However, more than half of the participants did not check for lot/code/batch number and storage conditions. The most common reason for not checking food labels was package-related factors such as font size very small, hidden, and hard to find and trust on brand and seller. The most common solution to improve the visibility of food labeling was increasing the font size and highlighting the important information. Conclusions: Our study highlights the level of awareness about food labels among youngsters and the solutions to improve the visibility of food labels. Need-based interventions have to be done to ensure the food safety of the consumers.

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Construction of a Tool To Measure Self Perception Of Higher Secondary School Students

In the present study Self Perception scale has been constructed and standardized for the Higher Secondary School students. This scale consists of 70 statements. The simple random sample technique was used for this study. The sample consists of 100 higher secondary school students randomly selected from the Villupuram District. The ‘t’ value used to standardized the tool and finally 53 statements were retained for the final study.

Internalizing the carbon footprint in rice cultivation through solar irrigation - an economic study in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India

This study attempts to highlight the comparative economic and environmental advantages of solar powered irrigation in terms of cost, energy and carbon footprint over the existing electric operated pumping system in rice cultivation. Multi-stage and snowball sampling methods were used in this study. This study was conducted in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu purposively, as the district has the largest number of energized pumps adopted for irrigation in the state and it will be considered as a second stage. The total sample size of 90 was allotted with a quota of 45 each under electric operated well (EOW) and solar operated well (SOW) category. The cost of irrigation water, energy and carbon footprints were indirectly assessed in this study using some imputation procedures. The hours of irrigation were higher in the case of solar due to lesser horse powered motors and energy rationing is not the binding constraint in SOW unlike EOW. The per liter cost of water output was higher in the case of electric with subsidy and same was higher in the case of solar in without subsidy scenario comparisons. The hours of pumping and imputed energy consumption were higher for rice in the case of SOW compared to EOW. The energy consumption per ha decreased with increasing HPs both in the case of SOW and EOW due to economies of scale operation. The inclusion of social carbon cost in the economic analysis showed that the net income in SOW was higher without any compromise in rice production. In with social carbon cost / benefit scenario, the irrigation cost share was lesser in SOW compared to EOW. Hence it was construed that the SOW internalize the carbon footprints and serve as an important mitigating tool in confronting upcoming climate change risks. The policy makers must pay attention in promoting the subsidized SOW in agriculture, considering the negative and positive externalities involved in these two sources of irrigation.

Psychological and socio-cultural factors affecting latrine ownership and usage in rural South India.

The levels of latrine utilization were lower than the levels of latrine ownership in rural areas owing to certain psycho-social barriers hindering latrine construction and consistent utilization. The study was aimed to identify the proportion of latrine construction and usage and to explore the psychological, socio-cultural and structural factors influencing latrine ownership and utilization. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the four villages of Villupuram district for three months. After IEC clearance, information was collected from a representative sample of 422 households. Direct observation of the latrines was employed along with surveys. The data were entered and analysed in MS Excel. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Further, the reasons were categorized into psychological, socio-cultural and structural factors. About 54.7% households owned a latrine and among them 46.8% were using it. Psycho-social factors such as convenience, habitual nature, privacy and space constraints in open defecation influenced latrine ownership. Fear of snakes and insects, safety and protection, time saving and proper functioning latrines with availability of water facilitated latrine utilization are of concern. A multi-faceted strategy employing context-specific behaviour change communication along with Government's financial support would improve both latrine construction and utilization.

Adaptive innovation and ethical dilemmas: a participatory action research study amongst cyclone-impacted households in Tamil Nadu, India

PurposeThis paper showcases how the PAR embedded in posthumanist perspectives enabled us to navigate several complexities in the field through methodological situatedness and pluralism. It also attempts to critically outline the drivers and barriers that shaped our capacities to engage with the PAR.Design/methodology/approachThe Tamil Nadu state in the Bay of Bengal along the southeast coast of India is one of the six regions in the world where severe tropical cyclones originate throughout the year. Storm surges in this region are well known for their destructive potential due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. This paper describes our participatory action research (PAR) journey towards strengthening grassroots action by providing access to safe and affordable housing for cyclone-impacted households (CIHs) in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The PAR was guided by an adaptive innovation model (AIM) that draws inspiration from posthumanism, action research and reflective practice traditions.FindingsThe insights from the PAR insist that we must recognise and work with diverse knowledge systems and situated practices to develop meaningful disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation strategies. Our approach has to be rooted in the lived experiences of various vulnerable groups, their entanglements with nature and their everyday struggles of interacting with a complex social-ecological system.Originality/valueThis paper is an outcome of a PAR in a cyclone-impacted village in Tamil Nadu, India. The discussions and findings of the paper are original in nature and have not been published elsewhere.

Understanding the Knowledge Level of Farmers towards Climate Smart Agricultural Technologies in Agro-climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: Although farmers experience various technical, technological, production, labor-related and marketing constraints to carry out agricultural activities, climate change acts as the root cause of several other constraints. Climate change consequences drastically reduce agricultural yield by affecting critical changes of crop growth and questions food and nutritional security; additionally it also imposes economic loss to the country. Hence, to ensure food and nutritional security for the growing population and to ensure sustainable income for the farming community, a farmer has to tackle the consequences of climate change by adoption of CSA technologies Farmer’s knowledge level towards any technology, determine its rate of adoption. Hence, this study aims to assess the knowledge level of farmers towards CSA technologies in Agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu.
 Study design: Ex-post facto research design was employed in the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in seven agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu viz., Villupuram district of North Eastern Zone, Namakkal district of North Western Zone, Coimbatore district of Western Zone, Tiruvarur district of Cauvery Delta Zone, Ramanthapuram district of Southern Zone, Kanyakumari district of High Rainfall Zone and the Nilgiris district of the Hilly Zone of Tamil Nadu during 2022-2023.
 Methodology: From each of Agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu, the vulnerable districts or the districts with NICRA project have been identified and the CSA technologies adopted by the farmers were documented. Thirty farmers who adopts CSA technologies from each agro-climatic zone were selected and interviewed personally to assess their knowledge level towards those technologies in a five point continuum ranging from ‘No knowledge’ (1), ‘Minimal knowledge’ (2), ‘Basic knowledge’ (3), ‘Adequate knowledge’ (4) and ‘Superior knowledge’ (5) respectively. The gathered responses were subjected to percentage analysis.
 Findings: The findings revealed that Villupuram, Coimbatore and Tiruvarur farmers had superior knowledge on precision based nutrient management, Namakkal farmers had superior knowledge on use of additives and supplements in livestock feed, Ramanathapuram farmers had superior knowledge on utilization of weather based agro-advisory services, Kanyakumari farmers had superior knowledge on adoption of moisture conservation practices and Nilgiris farmers had superior knowledge on adoption of improved seed varieties and use of biofertilizers.
 Conclusion: Villupuram, Coimbatore and Tiruvarur farmers had superior knowledge on precision based nutrient management; Namakkal farmers had superior knowledge on use of additives and supplements in livestock feed; Ramanathapuram farmers had superior knowledge on utilization of weather based agro-advisory services; Kanyakumari farmers had superior knowledge on adoption of moisture conservation practices and, The Nilgiris farmers had superior knowledge on adoption of improved seed varieties and use of biofertilizers. Thus, it can be concluded that farmers had superior knowledge on CSA technologies based on their perceived climatic change consequences and their accessibility to location specific technologies.

Evaluation of different weed management practices on growth and yield of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Northeastern Zone of Tamil Nadu

Weeds cause a 57 per cent yield loss in transplanted rice and an 82 per cent yield loss in direct seeded rice, resulting in a $4.20 billion monetary loss per year. Weed infestation, species richness, density, dry matter accumulation and duration of association significantly affects rice grain production. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in farmer’s field in Thiruvennainallur village, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India during Navarai season of 2021, in order to evaluate the different weed management practices on growth and yield of rice under transplanted conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design, having fourteen treatment and replicated thrice. Treatment consists of hand weeding, butachlor, pretilachlor, pyrazosulfuron ethyl, bispyribac sodium, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Triafamone + ethoxy sulfuron, metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl and penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl were used as herbicides. Among the different herbicides tried out, pre emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 0.15 g/ha fb post emergence application of bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 0.25 l/ha recorded least weed density (15.55, 29.56 m-2), weed biomass (8.25, 16.02 g/m2) with weed index (2.18 %) and highest weed control index (89.22%, 85.18%), plant height (97.21 cm), dry matter production (12735 kg/ha), number of productive tillers/m2 (349.23), grain yield (6416 kg/ha) and straw yield (7839 kg/ha). Sequential application of pre-emergence followed by post emergence enhance the reduction of weed leads to higher productivity of transplanted rice.

Reasons for school dropouts in suburban areas near Villupuram district: A retrospective study

Abstract Background: When a student leaves school or a college before completing their academic program, they are referred to as dropouts. A school dropout is anyone who does not receive their high school diploma. It is a serious issue that impacts students all over and can have negative outcomes in their lives. In general, those who struggle to engage behaviorally and/or academically drop out of school. Hence, we have chosen this study to find various reasons behind student dropouts in sub-urban areas of schools covered under Koliyanur block, Villupuram district. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion and reasons for dropouts among school students in Koliyanur block, Villupuram district. Materials and Methods: It was a record-based retrospective study done among school students (1st–12th standard) who dropped out of school in July 2022. The secondary data on school dropouts (government and private) in the Koliyanur block of Villupuram district were obtained from the Chief Educational Officer of Villupuram. Out of 148 government and private schools, 36 schools had dropouts which were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of school dropouts among 36 schools was found to be 64 students. Migration, lack of interest, poverty, and lack of awareness remained the most common causes of dropouts in government schools, and fees not paid being the reason in private schools. Conclusion: Evidence generated from this study can aid education planners in the early identification of various reasons for school dropouts and take appropriate measures for their reduction.

Molecular characterization of the goatpox virus from an outbreak in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

Molecular characterization of the goatpox virus from an outbreak in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

Assessing the Effectiveness of different Mobile Apps in Terms of Knowledge Gain and Adoption Level

The use of mobile phones has become an integral part of smallholder farmers’ lives in both developed and developing countries. The traditional transfer of technology mechanism had lot of constraints including limited staff, wider coverage and required more cost. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of different mobile apps in terms of knowledge gain and adoption level of technologies. Kisan Suvidha Mobile App was taken as technology option 1 (TO 1), Farmer Mobile App was taken as technology option 2 (TO 2) and the e-Nam mobile app was taken as technology option 3 (TO 3). The study was conducted in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu state. Radom sampling method was adopted to select the farmers. The yield data, knowledge and adoption level of the farmers were assessed before and after usage of mobile apps in getting agro advisory services in crop cultivation from land preparation to marketing. The farmers gained more knowledge by using Kisan Suvitha app. The farmers who were using Farmer mobile app and e-Nam mobile apps gained medium level of knowledge in crop cultivation method. Farmers could able to adopt 70 percent of the technologies by following Kisan Suvitha app whereas the farmers followed the Farmer mobile app and e-Nam app adopted the technologies for 64 and 60 percentage respectively. the farmers who followed the Kisan Suvidha app obtained a more yield of 61.1 q/ha. Whereas, the Farmer Mobile App users obtained 57.0 q/ha followed by e-Nam mobile apps users obtained a yield of 55.0 q/ha.

A Study on Anxiety of COVID-19 Workers Son’s and Daughter’s of High School Students

This study aims to examine the COVID-19 workers' Son’s and Daughter’s Anxiety issues of high school students. The researcher conducted this study in Villupuram District in Tamil Nadu. The investigator used the normative survey method to collect the data with a sample of 120 high school students. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS Software. To interpret the data Descriptive analysis and Differential Analysis techniques were used. From the data analysis, the results that were found by the researcher show that ‘t’ and ‘F’ values are no significant difference in the anxiety of COVID-19 Workers Son’s and Daughter of High School Students with respect to their Gender (Male/Female) and Occupation of Students Parents (Doctor/Nurse/Police/Cleaning work) and The study results mean value shows that 5% of students low level, 36.67% of students average level, and the remaining 58.33% of students show a high level ofanxiety.

Nest construction and repairing habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Aves: Passeriformes: Ploceidae) in the agricultural landscape of Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

The intricate nesting habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus were studied on two Palmyrah Palm Borassus flabellifer trees in Chendur village, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu between 20 March and 30 November 2020. Observations concentrated on sources of fibers, developmental stages of nests, re-construction & repairing of nests, deposition of clay in the nest walls, and various threats. A total of 98 nests of various developmental stages (wad stage—4, helmet stage—31, egg-chamber closed stage—5, and complete nests—58) were studied on these two nest colonies. The birds used leaf fibers of Indian date Palm Phoenix sylvestris and Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum as nest materials, and took 6–48 days for construction of a complete nest. 95% of helmet stage nests (n = 126) contained clay deposits. Analysis of plastered clay revealed it was alkaline with pH 9, and dry weight ranged from 5.1–5.8 g. Males re-constructed new nests from the remnant stalks attached to tips of palm fronds, and also made repairs on damaged nests. Anthropogenic factors, wind, rain, and avian predators, such as House Crow Corvus splendens, Long-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos, Rufous Treepie Dendocitta vagabunda, and Shikra Accipeter badius posed threats to Baya Weavers. A total of 42 nests, 11 broken eggs, and 14 dead chicks were found fallen under the two supporting trees. The detailed systematic survey covering entire district, rapid urbanization, and the anthropogenic pressures will help in nest drafting an action plan to conserve local populations of Baya Weaver.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Precision Farming Technologies in Watermelon Cultivation

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the important fruit crops cultivating in India. Adoption improved production technologies in watermelon cultivation is not followed by majority of the farmers. Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization and Water Bodies Restoration and Management (TN IAMWARM) is a unique World Bank funded project implemented with the prime motive of increasing the productivity of irrigated agriculture in the state of Tamil Nadu. Accordingly the TNIAMWARM project was implemented in Villupuram district through Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tindivanam with one of the interventions that dissemination of precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation to improve its productivity. The present study analysed the factors influencing adoption of Precision farming technologies in Watermelon cultivation. Most of the respondents gave first preference to the higher yield (Mean score - 72.2) as their reason of adoption of precision farming technologies in tomato cultivation followed by yield increase, provision of subsidy. Under external factors, the respondents gave first rank to TNAU scientists (Mean score - 79.42) as the influencer to adopt the precision farming technologies in watermelon cultivation. Further, the respondents expressed that the influence of executing TNIAMWARM project (79.25) exerted some compulsion on them which was deemed as a social factor in the adoption of Precision Farming technologies.

Constraints Faced by the Groundnut Growers in Adoption of Cluster Frontline Demonstration of Villupuram District

India is one of the largest producers of oilseeds in the world and occupies an important position in the Indian agricultural economy. The productivity of groundnut farming is currently declining due to pest and disease attacks, use of old and traditional low-yielding varieties. To tackle the issues demonstrations on cluster mode are essential. Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) is conducted by Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) and scientists in a systemic manner on selected farmers field to spread the new variety and groundnut production technologies. The ICAR- KVK, Tindivanam had organized CFLDs on groundnut crop in two villages viz., Nolambur and Kilmavilangai. Therefore, the study aimed to know the profile characteristics of CFLD beneficiary farmers and to encounter the major constraints faced by groundnut growers. To get an adequate sample size, 60 CFLD beneficiaries were selected randomly for the present study. The data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Garrett’s ranking technique and percentage analysis were used to analyze the data for meaning interpretation. The majority of beneficiaries belonged to middle age category (61.66%), majority of male beneficiaries (80.00%), educated upto middle school (40.00%), land holdings of 1 to 2 ha (68.33%) as small land, 20- 30 years of farming experience in oilseeds (80.00%), participated in one training (66.67%), medium level of extension agency contact (66.67%) and mass media exposure (56.67%), 55 per cent of farmers were adopted new practices after the successful adoption of other members. The major constraints include poor labour availability, poor transport facilities, lack of proper marketing channels and lack of technical knowledge. Hence, CFLD showed that medium to high level profile characteristics and improved adoption of new technologies.

Morpho-Diversification Study on Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. (Taub)] Using Distinctiveness (D), Uniformity (U) and Stability (S) Descriptors

The present investigation was conducted in the month of January to April, 2022 in Poothurai village of Villupuram district to assess, evaluate and identify the morphological variations in cluster bean accessions. One hundred and two genotypes, collected from different geographic locations of the country were utilised for the study. The cataloguing of qualitative and quantitative descriptors was done based on the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability standards provided by PPV & FRA, 2001. Twenty-two descriptors with sub-groups were taken for the study. The qualitative trait includes; plant type, leaf pubescence, leaf serration, leaf shape, petiole length, terminal leaflet length, leaf color, flower color, immature pod color, seed shape and seed coat color. The quantitative trait comprises of plant height, number of primary branches, days to maturity, days to 50 % flowering, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed size and gum content. The genotypes were scored according to their characteristic feature in each of the sub-groups and their frequency of occurrence was recorded. The present study clearly indicates the utilization of DUS standards and their importance in conservation, maintenance and protection of accessions in order to ensure their use in development of novel varieties.