Ashok Kumar’s scientific contributions

The results of the research conducted during the 2023-24 period offer significant insights into the production and marketing practices of maize farmers in the Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh. This distribution indicates that the majority of growers are moderately engaged in marketing activities, with a notable proportion demonstrating high engagement. The proportion of variability in the dependent variable that is explained by the independent variables was 0.775 suggesting that the 15 variables selected in the study account for a significant 77.5 per cent of the variability in the marketing behavior of these maize growers. This strong predictive value underscores the importance of the identified factors in influencing marketing practices. These insights can be instrumental in tailoring interventions and training programs to enhance the marketing skills of maize growers, ultimately contributing to better market integration and increased profitability.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is vital in global agriculture for its nutritional value, adaptability, & capacity to tackle food security challenges. Data was gathered during 2024 from farmers, local traders, wholesalers and retailers in three districts of the North coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, i.e., Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, & Visakhapatnam, to know the major marketing channels of finger millet. This study analyzes the cost structure and marketing margins in finger millet production across three channels, detailing each stage from farmers (net price Rs. 3300-3320 per quintal) to retailers. Channel 1 had a final retail price of Rs. 5000 with a margin of Rs. 1681, Channel 2 reached Rs. 5500 with a margin of Rs. 2000, and Channel 3 peak at Rs. 6500 with a margin of Rs. 3170. Additionally, it details the costs per acre, with a gross return of Rs. 37950 and a net return of Rs. 1471, revealing a return per rupee of 1.04. The findings highlight the impact of each marketing stage on consumer prices.

The research employs canonical correlation analysis to explore the interplay between Soil Health Card (SHC) knowledge, perception, and adoption among paddy growers in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh for the years 2023-2024. Effective paddy cultivation demands careful management throughout all stages—from transplanting to post-harvest—tailored to local conditions. In response to soil degradation and the need for improved agricultural productivity, the Gujarat administration launched the Soil Health Card initiative. This study aims to reveal the relationships and factors influencing SHC utilization in the region. By examining these variables, the research seeks to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainable farming. The findings will provide valuable insights for authorities, rural extension centres, and other stakeholders involved in SHC programs. Understanding the factors that drive or hinder SHC adoption will help develop targeted strategies to increase awareness, shift perceptions, and encourage broader implementation among paddy growers. Ultimately, this research supports the goal of advancing soil health management practices and fostering agricultural sustainability in Andhra Pradesh.

The study examines the perception and adoption of Soil Health Card (SHC) practices among paddy growers in the North Coastal region of Andhra Pradesh for the years 2023- 2024. The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched by the Indian government to support sustainable agriculture, provides farmers with tailored recommendations for crop-specific fertilizers, and detailed insights into soil nutrition and improve crop productivity. Despite its potential advantages, the extent of SHC adoption and its impact on paddy cultivation in this region remain insufficiently explored. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with paddy farmers who had Soil Health Cards across the North Coastal regions like Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. It examines factors influencing SHC perception and adoption, including demographic characteristics, awareness levels, and service accessibility. The research also evaluates the scheme’s effects on crop productivity, economic returns, and soil fertility management. Findings reveal that while many paddy growers have Soil Health Cards and (40%) report a moderate perception of the scheme, the actual adoption rate is relatively low at (43.8%). Barriers such as delays in card issuance and soil sample processing contribute to farmers’ reluctance to fully implement the scheme, despite their awareness of its benefits.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), commonly known as Ragi or Mandia, holds significant importance in global agriculture due to its nutritional richness, adaptability, and its potential to address food security challenges. It serves as a vital crop contributing to sustainable food systems and nutrition security worldwide. The study was conducted from 2023 to 2024, gathering data from 120 consumers across three districts in the North Coastal Region of Andhra Pradesh, namely Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam through personal interview method and revealed that the majority of consumers were aged 36-50 years, mostly male, and educated up to graduation level. Business activities were predominant in Srikakulam (40%) and Vizianagaram (50%), while Visakhapatnam had a higher proportion of government employees (30%). Household incomes varied, with Srikakulam and Vizanagaram ranging from 50,000 to 1,00,000 rupees, and Visakhapatnam from 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 rupees. Finger millet malt was favored across dishes in all districts, but consumption frequency differed. In Srikakulam (41.40%) and Vizianagaram (35%), consumption was less frequent, while in Visakhapatnam, 29% consumed it weekly or monthly. Reasons for consumption also varied, with health benefits cited in Srikakulam (41.40%), weight management in Vizianagaram (29%) and Visakhapatnam (36%).

This study was conducted in 2023-24 in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and examines the significant impact of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on paddy farmers’ income, productivity, and sustainability in the study area. Canonical correlation coefficients analysis was used to identify the connection between independent variables and dependent variables for FPO members and non-members. For FPO members, the maximum canonical correlation was found between the first pair of variates (0.789), with strong relations indicated by Wilks statistics and Eigen values. Key influencing factors for FPO members included scientific orientation, awareness about FPOs, social participation, and innovativeness. In contrast, for non-FPO members, educational and occupational status was significant, with the highest canonical correlation at 0.840. The findings suggest FPOs are critical in enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer well-being, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Addressing these key elements may lead to targeted interventions, fostering sustainable agricultural development and improving rural livelihoods.

Paddy cultivation demands site-specific care from transplanting to post-harvest. Soil health cards offer farmers insights for effective fertilizer use, tailored to their soil’s condition. The research was led in the years 2023-2024 to know knowledge of soil health card by paddy growers in the north coastal of Andhra Pradesh. Samples were collected from six mandals across Rajam, Therlam, Bobbili from Vizianagaram district, and Ponduru, Hiramandalam, and Ecterla from Srikakulam district, totalling 180 respondents from 12 villages. Some Paddy growers have a comprehensive knowledge of SHCs and their importance in enhancing soil health and crop productivity, while others have limited awareness or misunderstandings. The research highlights obstacles to the utilization of SHCs, such as insufficient means of communication, and doubts regarding the effectiveness of SHCs. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents displayed a medium level of knowledge that is (45.00%) followed by paddy growers with low levels (27.77%) and (27.33%) paddy growers had a high level of knowledge about soil health cards.