Cotton cultivation is of immense importance for farmers in Odisha tribal regions as it is a ways of sustenance for their livelihood. A study was undertaken on 240 cotton growers from four blocks of two districts, Gajapati and Rayagada, of Odisha State. The objective of this research is to find out the constraints faced by the cotton growers and suggestive measures The tribal people of these districts have been cultivating cotton since a long time. The research methodology followed was through primary data collection. Data was collected personally on constraints in cotton cultivation as reported by farmers and suggestions to increase cotton production and productivity through a semi-structured schedule and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The respondents of both Gajapati and Rayagada districts gave priority to the suggestion that cotton growers should be organized properly. They suggested that soil testing needs to be done at appropriate time to assess the soil fertility status of the soil and suitable recommendations on application of fertilizers should be made available to ensure better productivity. Also, there should be transparency in grading and measurement. The respondents also emphasized the need for immediate payment for the produce to fulfill their prime financial obligations. The growers need to be educated about collection of market information enabling them to obtain better price for their product. Organizing the growers facilitates better supervision and management of various farm operations. Participatory decision facilitates better planning and management. Cluster approach helps in minimizing the cost of watch and ward and timely implementation of the various crop management practices. The officials of agricultural extension that promote cotton cultivation in these districts have to create more awareness about cluster approach of farmers through group formation as organizing better growers facilitates supervision of operations and an integrated crop management.
Brinjal (Eggplant) Solanum melongena Linnaeus is the most important vegetable of hot and humid climates. A wide range of essential biochemicals and minerals belongs to brinjal. It is a fairly good source of iron, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and vitamin B group. Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is the major infectious insect causing a great damage to plants. BSFB generally depends on brinjal but it may infest other solanaceous field crops and may be on wild hosts. The insect has been reported a number of crops such as S. tuberosum (potato), S. lycopersicum and some other Solanaceous crops. The damage by this borer starts at seedling stage and continues till the last harvest of fruits. Egg-laying occurs during night and incubation period ranges from 3-8 days depending of environmental conditions. Larval period completes in 12-22 days depending upon environmental situations and passes through five instars. Full grown larvae pupate into the soil or under plant debris and dropped dead shoots. Adult of BSFB is a whitish moth which hides during day time and activates from dusk to perform various activities like mating oviposition. Larvae bore into fruits and shoots and in younger plants, caterpillars drill into midrib of large leaves. At the time of maturity, damage of the insect on fruits causes a serious loss in yield. Highlights m BSFB generally depends on brinjal but it may infest other solanaceous field crops and may be on wild hosts. The insect has been reported a number of crops such as S. tuberosum (potato), S. lycopersicum and some other Solanaceous crops. m Fecundity varies from 80-253 and the whole lifecycle is completed in 34-59 days. The damage by this borer starts at seedling stage and continues till the last harvest of fruits. Damage to the fruits at the time of maturity causes serious yield loss.
Modern day farming brings lot of stresses to farmers and farming communities. Farmers are affected by various types of mental issues. They are affected by time and financial pressure, weather uncertainty, market regulations, work unpredictability. When the pressures resulting in farming are beyond their control, farmers get frustrated. The effects of stress may be manifested in the form of mood swings, anxiety, change in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, fatigue, loss of interest in family, friends and hobbies, dependence on alcohol. Stress can affect family and social life. Agribusiness professionals should play a key role in helping mental health specialists find the reasons underlying farming stress. Farmers should be made aware of the physical, behavioural, emotional and cognitive symptoms of stress. Farmers should avoid unnecessary stress by learning how to say 'no', altering the stress situation, adapting to stressor by changing self, trying not to control the uncontrollable, spending time with family, going for a task. Farmers should be connected to well-wishing and close people, aware of people around them, do regular physical exercises, develop new interests, and show kindness and do good deeds for someone in need.
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