eChapters

The major focus of the study was to critically analyse the overall performance of Women Dairy Cooperative Societies (WDCS) in two districts of Odisha. The methodology used in carrying out investigation has been outlined in eight sections as mentioned below.

1. Selection of problem
2. Research design
3. Plan of work
4. Locale of the study
5. Sampling procedure

The deliberation on the methodology has been made to understand the concept, methods, and techniques which were utilized to design the study, collection of information, analysis of the data and interpretation of the findings for revelation of truths and formulation of theories. This chapter deals with the method and a procedure used in the study and consists of eight main parts-
• Locale of research
• Pilot study
• Sampling Design and Framework
• Empirical measurement of the variables
• Item analysis and experts rating for devising scoring technique on dependent variables
• Preparation of interview Schedule
• Pre testing of Interview Schedule
• Techniques of Data collection
• Statistical Tools used for Analysis of Data
5.1. Locale of Research
The present research has been carried out at Kasthodanga, Mollabalia, Madhpur, Baksha, and Mitrapur villages of Kasthodanga gram panchayat in Haringhata block; Rautari, Ghetu Gachhi, Maniktala para, Tentul Baria, Maheswarpur from gram panchayat in Chakdaha block of Nadia district; Boinchigram, Goara, Chau bera, Uttarkhanda, Champahati villages of Bantika- Boinchi gram panchayat in Pandua Block; Dhopapara, Beleswar, Ichhapura, Tiornai, Baksagari from Dhopapara gram panchayat in Balagarh block of Hooghly district from the Alluvial zone of West Bengal. From the Terai zone of West Bengal, Elejanerkuthi, Kalabarighat, Hourgari, Ghughumari, Gokuler Kuthi, Hirar kuthi from Coochbehar- 1 block; Pundibari, Kalarayerkuthi, Sukhdhanerkuthi, Khagribari, Singimari Paschimpar, Basdaha Natibari, villages of Coochbehar- 2 block; Mirer Kuthi, Kismat Dasagram, Bara Shakdal, Kochabari, Bamanhat-ii, Durganagar, villages of Dinhata 2 block

5.1 Locale of Research

Based on the All-India assessment report regarding Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Adaptation Planning in India Using a Common Framework which identifies the most vulnerable states and districts in India with respect to current climate risk and the main drivers of vulnerability, the present study has been conducted in two relatively highly vulnerable states of India namely West Bengal (Vulnerability Indices:0.592) and Jharkhand (Vulnerability Indices: 0.674). It specifically comes under Agro-climatic zone III (Lower Gangetic plain region) and Agro-climatic zone VII (Eastern plateau and hilly region) respectively.

On the basis of Vulnerability Indices (Vis) different district of West Bengal classified into three categories i.e. relatively high vulnerability (0.59-0.69), moderate vulnerability (0.49 -0.59), and relatively low vulnerability (0.38- 0.49). Two districts, Malda (VIs:0.690) and Jalpaiguri (VIs:0.627) from highly vulnerable and three district Murshidabad (VIs:0.524), Dakshin Dinajpur (VIs:0.523) and Burdwan (VIs:0.497) from moderate vulnerable category were selected purposively for the present study. For satisfying the purposes three agroclimatic zones of the West Bengal, viz. Terai Zone (Jalpaigudi), Old Alluvial Zone (Murshidabad and Dakshin Dinajpur) and New Alluvial Zone (Burdwan) districts were taken into account for the assessment. Twenty respondents of two Villages from each Block i.e., Alipurduar-I of Jalpaigudi, Hilli and Gangarampur of Dakshin Dinajpur, Old Malda of Murshidabad and Barabani of East Burdwan were purposively picked for the research study.

Local of the study: Migration, from very beginning of civilization, has been one of the most important phenomenons in population distribution across the world. As a result, it has been a major focus of both sociological as well as demographical studies around the world. Though migration theories get its root from the famous article of Ravenstein (1889) but most of the modern migration studies so far have centered around the conventional approach of migration as one of the cornerstones known as the Harris-Todaro Model of Migration Harris and Todaro (1970), which is considered as one of the cornerstones of migration studies. This model dealt with the migration decision of an individual of a family, keeping apart the role of family as a whole. The main approach of this model was some kind of cost-benefit type of assessment in undertaking migration decision. Here the potential migrant was to analyze the expected return that he/she may receive after migrating and the cost that to be borne in the process. If the net return is found to be positive then there is every chance that the concerned person will migrate and more from the place of origin to the place of destinations. The major attack that this approach received is that it gave individual the highest importance in migration decision ignoring the role of ‘family’ and thus the migration studies until recently were partial in nature.

The discussion on the methodology has been done to comprehend the idea, procedures and techniques which are employed to design the research, gathering of information, analysis of data and interpretation of the results for revelation of truths and creation of hypotheses. These chapter deals with the approach and a process employed in the research a comprise of eight basic parts-
A. Locale of research.
B. Pilot research.
C. Sampling Design.
D. Empirical measurement of the variables.
E. Preparation of interview Schedule.
F. Pre-testing of Interview Schedule
G. Techniques of Data gathering.
H. Statistical Tools utilized for Analysis of Data.
A. Locale of Research
The research focused on the rural areas of Haringhata Block in Nadia district, West Bengal. This region was selected for the investigation due to several key reasons:
a) There is significant potential to gather pertinent data relevant to the current study within this area.
b) The researchers’ familiarity with the local population and proficiency in the local language facilitate more effective data collection and communication.
c) The region’s proximity to the researchers’ residences made it highly convenient for them to conduct fieldwork.

Research methodology is a detailed plan of investigation and the blueprint of procedure for carrying out the research. In this chapter, a discussion on the methodology has been made to understand the concepts, methods, and techniques, which are utilized to design the study, collect information, analyze data and interpret the findings for the revelation of truth and formulation of theories. The entire chapter has been broken up under the following sub-heads for easy understanding:

1. Locale of research
2. Sampling design
3. Pilot study
4. Variables and their measurements
5. Methods of data collection
6. Statistical tools used for the analysis of data

The discussion on the methodology has been made to understand the concept, methods and techniques, which were utilized to design the study, collect the information, analyze the data and interpret the findings for revelation of truth in hand formulation of theories. This chapter deals with the research methodology that had been adopted for the purpose of the present study. The entire discussion has been made under the following heads:
• Developing a paradigm
• Locale of research
• Pilot study
• Sampling design
• Methods of data collection
• Variables and their measurement
• Statistical tools used for analysis of data.
The research work was based in a few districts of Manipur, a small state in the North East India. The research was done in conjunction with the farmers living in the study area and was participatory in nature. This chapter presents the sampling design, nature and method of data collection and analytical tools being applied in attaining the objectives of the study.

1.1. INTRODUCTION

The word research derives from the French “recherche”, which means to search closely. Research is a process of investigation. It is an examination of a subject from different points of view. It’s not just a trip to the library to pick up a stack of materials, or picking the first five hits from a computer search. Research is a hunt for the truth. It is getting to know a subject by reading up on it, playing with the ideas, choosing the areas that interest you and following up on them. Research is the way you educate yourself.

Research can be defined as the search for knowledge or any systematic investigation to establish facts. The primary purpose for research is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe. Research can use the scientific method, but always not necessary.

Scientific research relies on the application of the scientific method, a harnessing of curiosity. This research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the properties of the world around us. It makes practical applications possible. Scientific research can be subdivided into different classifications according to their academic and application disciplines.

Research methodology is a systematic approach to solve any research problem and arrive at a conclusion that adds to the already existing fund of knowledge. The research methodology seeks to define the solution by adopting appropriate research techniques. They are generally applied during the initial stage of the study to delineate and outline the rationale for the chosen methods and their functionality and effectiveness towards achieving a decided objective. Research methodologies are an organized approach to accomplish the selected objectives. The research methodology comprises different techniques used during the experiment with surveys, tests, etc.

The research methodology is a comprehensive plan and guide that outlines the process of conducting a study. The purpose of this chapter is to provide readers with a clear understanding of the concepts, approaches, and techniques employed in designing a study, collecting data, analyzing it, and interpreting the findings to establish validity and develop theories. For better comprehension, the entire chapter has been divided into the following subsections:

i. Research location

ii. Sampling strategy

iii. Pilot study

iv. The variables and their measures

v. Data collecting strategies

The research procedures followed in the study are reported under the following sub-heads viz. Selection of Farm Technology and Development of Farmer -Friendly Interactive Multimedia Compact Disc.

3.1. Selection of Farm Technology: Integrated Pest Management Practices for Coconut Eryophid Mite

3.1.1. Importance of Coconut

Coconut is one of the most widely grown plantation crops of the tropics. The palm is recognized as a multiproduct and termed as horticultural, plantation, food and even as an oil seed crop. It has diversified uses such as sources of food, drink and shelter and as a raw material for various industrial uses and thus serves as commercial crop.

The coconut is referred to as man’s most useful tree, synonymously the King of the tropical flora, tree of abundance, tree of heaven Kalpa Vrisha, tree of life and layman’s crop. Millions of people in India and other tropical regions depend upon the coconut plantations for their livelihood. More than 100 products are being made directly or indirectly from coconuts and their export earned India appreciable foreign exchequer.

This chapter “Research Methodology” deals with methods and procedures followed in conducting the study. The chapter contains three parts. The first part deals with the sampling technique and the second part covers the empirical measures of different variables and last part describes details of data collection and statistical measures used in the study.

Several fruits and vegetables are unexploited for proper utilization and product development. Due to lack of utilization, there is a lot of wastage and ultimately the great loss to the people as well as nation. Some unexploited fruits and vegetables have potential for introducing new products. Therefore unexploited fruits and vegetables have to be exploited for new product development especially from underutilized sub-tropical and tropical fruits and vegetables. Research and development should be undertaken to utilize these fruits and vegetables.

Unexploited Fruits

Unripe Green Mango: Although pickles are prepared but droped green mango fruits are not preferred for pickle preparation. They can be dried and utilized for preparation of dried slices or amchur. Amchur is used to develop flavor and taste in Ice cream. These products are used to develop flavor and taste in meal or food. It is also used to prepare chatney. But utilization of Amchur is not known to common people.

Avocado: It is found in tropical and sub-tropical climatic regions having more humidity and rainfall. In Ethiopia it is found throughout the country but not utilized properly by people. They prefer to eat ripe fruits with salt and lime juice. It is very healthy fruit for chronic disease like cardiac and diabeted diseases. This is seasonal use but no product is available for off season. Therefore researches should be carried out for different products development of Avocado products.

Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore

Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi

Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut, Kerala

Central Institute of sub-tropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow

Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar

Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Kufri, Shimla

Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Kasargod, Kerala

Central Institute of Arid Horticulture (CIAH), Bikaner, Rajasthan

Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ferozepur, Punjab

Agriculture is the backbone of many economies worldwide, particularly in developing countries where it is a significant source of livelihood for millions of people. However, agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on weather and climate conditions, making it one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate variability and change. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves further exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers, impacting crop yields, food security, and the overall sustainability of agricultural systems. To mitigate these impacts, operational agrometeorological advisories have become essential tools for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. These advisories provide critical information on weather and climate conditions, helping farmers make informed decisions on planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, and other agricultural practices. Traditionally, farmers have relied on indigenous knowledge and observations of natural phenomena to predict weather patterns and plan their agricultural activities. While this traditional knowledge is valuable, its limitations in the face of rapid climate change and the increasing complexity of agricultural systems necessitate the integration of modern approaches. Modern agrometeorological advisories leverage advances in meteorology, remote sensing, and information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide more accurate and timely weather and climate information. These technologies enable the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on various meteorological parameters, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Furthermore, the development of crop models and decision support systems (DSS) allows for the simulation of crop growth and development under different weather and climate scenarios, facilitating more precise agricultural planning and management. Despite these advancements, there remains a significant gap in effectively integrating traditional and modern approaches to agrometeorological advisories. Many modern systems overlook the value of traditional knowledge, while indigenous practices may not fully incorporate the benefits of modern technology. This disconnect can lead to advisories that are not fully tailored to the needs and contexts of local farming communities, limiting their adoption and effectiveness. This chapter outlines a research agenda aimed at bridging this gap by exploring how traditional and modern approaches can be integrated to enhance

A close look on three disciplines of Parasitology reveal that these are the branches where a scholar initially select them as per his basic qualifications. But while pursuing research in Parasitology, the line of demarcation becomes blurred and it is in fact combination of a group of scientists,from varied disciplines, who are able to solve any one problem; at that point, it is absurd to divide the subject as medical or veterinary or basic parasitology. In fact, these will be your interests and experiences which will decide your line of research and will determine your achievements.

The research setting is an important component of the research methodology. Research setting refers to the detailed information of an area where the study was conducted. The research setting can be seen as the physical, social, and cultural site in which the researcher conducts the study. In qualitative research, the participants are observed in their natural environments with a primary focus on meaning-making. The study area generally consists of a particular geographical area viz. a state, district, block, or gram panchayat area selected according to the benefit of the investigator who possesses adequate knowledge regarding the location, communication facility, the period of study, the availability of resources, etc. of the locality so that he can easily approach every corner of the area for data collection. Additionally, to comprehend people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour more easily, investigators must have a fundamental understanding of their socio-demographic backgrounds. It is the environment within which studies are run that has important consequences for experimental design, the type of data that can be collected and the interpretation of results.

4. Research Setting
Research setting presents the set of an ecosystem, here social-ecological systems, where the variables and characters are created, evolved, characterized and interact with others. Research setting is not a stale or lentic ecosystem rather it is agile, evolving and dynamic, so in this present work, we have perceived research setting as the performing social-ecology which sustains and keeps constantly characterizing the behaviour and dynamics of the variables under study, e.g. a settlement in close proximity to natural water body is expected to have interaction with ethiophonal diversity and performing economy therewith similarly, another set of respondents with the same set of variables but living in a forest ecosystem. The interaction and exposition of the variables will follow a different expression and pathway. So, while we will go for modelling, with the same set of variables but in different ecological set up, it is expected that the nature of interaction and expression will follow the unique characters of the concerned ecosystem.
4.1. Area of Study
The area of investigation of this study is situated in the state of West Bengal located in the eastern part of India. The state of West Bengal in eastern India has unique social and ecological backgrounds which influence the living standard and behavioural patterns of the people in many ways. The present research design has accommodated two agro- ecological set ups in West Bengal, India, and these are New Alluvial and Terai zone.