Journal of Extension Education

Awareness and Consumption of Millets among Young Adults of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

Ragini Ranawat — 2025-08-16

The present study was conducted with the objective to identify the awareness levels and consumption of millets among young adults from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India . A total of 232 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years were interviewed in this concurrent nested design-based study. The objective of this study was to identify the awareness of millets and investigate the consumption patterns of millets among young adults. The results showed that although 80.20 percent of the respondents were aware of millets in general, only 23.20 percent knew of more than 5 types of millets. The recognition rate was lowest for Barnyard millet (35.60%). The consumption pattern showed majority of the respondents were consuming millets but the frequency was only ‘few times a year’. The study concluded that young adults need to be made aware about the importance and ways of consuming millets for better mainstreaming of millets among the population.

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Rural Development in India: Lessons from the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (Improved India Mission) Programme

Lalitha S — 2025-08-16

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is an initiative by the Government of India that fosters
collaborations between Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and rural communities to promote holistic rural development. The present study was conducted to examine the experiences, role, functions and perspectives of UBA Coordinators in transforming rural communities through UBA projects. Insights were drawn from a focus group discussion with 50 UBA coordinators from 50 HEIs from 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, a constituent state of India. The findings reveal that the UBA coordinators had made significant efforts to foster trust in community leadership, identify the
needs of the community, and establish connections with partner organizations to carry out UBA projects. The findings of the study can be used to enhance UBA strategies, empowering rural communities across India with tailored, technology-driven solutions.

Potential of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) for the Sustainability of Dairy Industry: Case of three Co-operatives in Kerala

Shyam Suraj S R — 2025-08-16

The milk production in Kerala is almost static for the last few years, and the major reasons for this are the increased cost of production and the reduction in the number of dairy animals. Due to scarce resources, small-scale farmers are challenged to raise funds to increase the herd size. One way to solve the problem is to mobilise resources through collaboration with community-based organisations such as Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) formed under the dairy cooperatives. The present research investigated the impact of establishing JLGs under the ambit of dairy cooperatives
and providing finance for purchasing dairy animals. The case study examined three dairy cooperatives in the Wayanad district and observed a significant rise in milk procurement within the societies through the establishment of JLGs.

University-Industry Collaboration in Dairy and Poultry Sectors of Andhra Pradesh: Status of Stakeholders’ Participation

Mahesh P — 2025-08-16

This study examines the extent and purpose of university researchers and industry personnel participation in University Research-Industry (UR-I) linkages within the dairy, poultry, and
pharmaceutical sectors of Andhra Pradesh. Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Tirupati,
Andhra Pradesh, India was selected as the technology-generating unit, and three sectors - dairy, poultry, and pharmaceuticals - were chosen as technology-utilizing units. Data were collected from 60 university researchers and 40 industry personnel using semi-structured interviews, coded, and analysed for percentage and frequency. Findings indicate that most university researchers (51.67%) and industry personnel (45.00%) exhibit low participation in UR-I activities, primarily due to a focus on small-scale farming and lack of awareness about university capabilities, respectively. Key activities such as trainings, research sponsorships, and joint funding were underutilized, with telephone calls and personal visits being more common. The study underscores the need for universities and industries to enhance collaboration for mutual benefits and the advancement of the livestock sector. Effective communication, regular meetings, and leveraging each other’s expertise are crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness.

Impact of Kitchen Gardens as an Empowering Initiative for Mothers of Children with Disabilities

A Nirmala Fousta — 2025-08-16

This study explores the impact of kitchen gardens as an empowering initiative for mothers of
children with disabilities in Chennai City. Kitchen gardens, can be established on small patches of land with minimal technical input, offer a sustainable solution for supplemental food production and improving the livelihoods of urban and rural poor communities. The study involved training 50
mothers of children with disabilities at Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College, Chennai
in developing kitchen gardens within their small dwelling spaces. Participants were initially
provided with seed kits, containing vegetables such as ladyfinger, brinjal, bottle gourd, cucumber and bitter gourd. This initiative led to increased income and enhanced nutritional security for the mothers. It also empowered them to balance work and family life by enabling them to sell produce in local markets. The study concludes that kitchen gardening is a sustainable and profitable initiative that economically empowers mothers of disabled children, allowing them to stay engaged in the home environment while providing care for their children.

Awareness and Perceptions of Farmers about Water Pollution in Rajasthan

Gargi Bhatt — 2025-08-16

This study assessed 120 farmers’ awareness and perceptions of water pollution in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India using Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Findings revealed that most of the farmers
had low legal literacy (67.50%), with limited awareness on laws such as the Environment Protection
Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. While 85.83 per cent perceived visible effects of water pollution, such as foul smells, only 13.33 per cent were aware of specific legal frameworks. Television and social media emerged as primary information sources.
The study highlights the need for targeted legal literacy programmes to empower farmers in addressing water pollution issues.

From the Editor's Desk

PRATHAP D PUTHIRA — 2025-08-16

This editorial (JEE , 35 (4)) deals with the strategies for enhancing extension's role in agritourism.