Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are revolutionizing agricultural practices by enhancing precision and efficiency in crop management. This study examines the impact of drone technology on agriculture in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, focusing on farmers' perceptions and the extent of drone adoption. Covering a sample size of 120 farmers, the research explores various aspects of drone usage, including its benefits and challenges. Key advantages include reduced chemical usage, improved crop monitoring, precise irrigation, increased yields and water conservation. Government initiatives like the Kisan Drone program support the adoption of agricultural drones through subsidies and financial aid. However, high initial costs, technical complexity and regulatory barriers limit widespread adoption, particularly among small and marginal farmers. Custom hiring centres and enhanced government support are identified as potential solutions. Statistical methods such as binary logistic regression, propensity score matching and factor analysis are used to analyze adoption patterns and barriers. Findings reveal that drone spraying is the most common application, with higher awareness and adoption rates among educated farmers. The study concludes with recommendations to improve accessibility, reduce costs and expand training programs to benefit farmers across all socioeconomic segments.

Millets often termed as “nutri-cereals” and traditionally viewed as subsistence crops, are now increasingly recognized for their nutritional value, climate resilience and their potential to enhance food and nutrition security, particularly in rainfed and dryland regions like India. Significant advancements have been made in millet processing, resulting in the emergence of value-added products. These innovations are helping in transforming millets from “poor man’s food” to “modern health-conscious choices” in both rural and urban markets. This study explores the existing value chain of millets, production, processing, value addition, marketing and consumption. Despite their significance, the millet value chain remains fragmented and underdeveloped when compared to other staple cereals such as rice and wheat. By aligning production, processing, marketing and consumption through policy support, infrastructure development and market innovation, the millet value chain can evolve into a robust, inclusive and sustainable agri-food system.

This study analyzed the effect of cash conversion cycle on financial performance of coconut oil mills in Western Tamil Nadu. The data were collected from 40 coconut oil mills in western Tamil Nadu for five-year period from 2009–10 to 2013–14. Based on the Overall Working Capital Management Efficiency Index, the coconut oil mills were classified as efficient (70 per cent) and inefficient (30 per cent) category. Regression results revealed thatthere was a significant influence of cash conversion cycle, liquidity of firm and capital structure on financial performance of coconut oil mills in Western Tamil Nadu.

Working capital is an important part in firm's financial management decision. Inefficient management of working capital suffers firms, so an optimum level of working capital and its efficient utilization is the key to a smooth inflow of profit. In the present study, the various components of working capital which includes cash management, receivables management, and inventory management were analyzed and the relationship between Working Capital Efficiency Index (WCEI) and working capital management practices. The study sample consisted of 40 coconut oil mills in Western Tamil Nadu and the data collected for the five-year period from 200910 to 2013–14. The overall working capital efficiency index indicated that the oil mills inefficient category had efficiently managed their working capital and generated sales. The multiple regression analysis revealed that 31.3 per cent of the variations in working capital efficiency was explained by the independent variables included in the model. Among the three independent variables, the effect of Working Capital Cash Management (WIM) practices was the highest on working capital efficiency. Effective cash management reduces the length of the cash conversion cycle which improves the financial performance of coconut oil mills.

Coconut Producer Companies (CPC) are formed with the main objective of socio economic development of farmers by providing a fair, steady and reasonable income by organizing the unorganized coconut sector through farmer collectives. The specific objective of the study was to analyse the performance and to assess the problems faced by the CPCs in Western Tamil Nadu. For this study, the data was collected using Focus Group Discussion and personal interview. In India there are 67 registered CPCs, out of which 17 CPCs (25.4 percent) are from Tamil Nadu, in that nearly 15 percent are from Western Tamil Nadu. The study results showed that in Western Tamil Nadu majority (60 per cent) of the CPCs are financially supported by NABARD. All the CPCs are at the initial stage of its formation and having less than four years of its existence. Results also indicate that Majority of the CPCs are facing the problems of inadequate access to market, inadequate access to credit and weak financials at the initial stage. The study concluded that Unified Market License without payment of Mandi fees, convergence of resources for creation of farm level infrastructure i.e. specific schemes may be introduced for different activities like transportation, grading etc. and also the benefit of equity fund and credit Guarantee fund scheme of SFAC s may be extended to all forms of CPCs to overcome the weak financial access at the initial stage.

Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) are transforming agricultural science education by enhancing students' critical thinking, creativity and decision-making skills. However, concerns exist regarding over-reliance and diminished independent analytical thinking. This study investigated the impact of GPT usage among undergraduate and postgraduate students at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect primary data from 164 students (122 GPT users and 42 non-users). The research adopts a descriptive design and utilizes statistical tools such as percentage analysis, Garrett ranking, Relative Importance Index (RII) and exploratory factor analysis to assess the influence of GPTs on cognitive skills. The findings indicate that the GPTs enhance efficiency, creativity and problem-solving, they additionally possess the risk of overreliance, reducing independent analytical thinking. Factor analysis revealed key dimensions, including decision-making enhancement, overreliance on AI and the impact on problem solving of agricultural science students. The study concludes that balanced AI integration is essential for maximizing GPT's advantages while minimizing dependency. Agricultural institutions should promote critical engagement strategies to ensure responsible AI use and foster an optimal AI-human synergy in the academic learning process of agricultural students.