This study assesses the attitudes of graduates of the Bachelor of Farm Technology (B.F. Tech) distance education program offered by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). It examines the programs’ effectiveness in enhancing agricultural knowledge and practices. The research surveyed 350 graduates of the B.F. Tech graduates at the TNAU Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODL) who completed the course between 2010 and 2018. Participants were selected from three centres—DODL Coimbatore, KVK Tindivanam, and AC&RI Madurai—using proportionate random sampling to ensure representative coverage. Data on learners' attitudes were collected using a Likert-type scale specifically developed and validated by the researchers for measuring attitudes towards Open Distance Learning (ODL). Statistical analysis, including percentage and factor analysis, was applied to interpret the data accurately. The findings revealed that 70 % of participants expressed a positive attitude toward the program, citing its flexibility, accessibility, and relevance to their professional agricultural roles. However, several challenges were identified, such as limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, technological constraints, and concerns regarding the degree's recognition within the agricultural industry. The study recommended expanding virtual and in-person practical sessions to address these issues, strengthen hands-on skills, and improve learning outcomes.Further, improving technological infrastructure, including developing advanced online platforms and supporting students with limited internet access, could significantly enhance the learning experience. Also, fostering industry partnerships and advocating for broader degree recognition would improve its value and credibility in the agricultural sector. In conclusion, while the B.F. Tech program effectively addresses its students' educational needs; implementing these targeted improvements could significantly elevate its impact and effectiveness in advancing agricultural knowledge and practices.

Agrotourism, which integrates agriculture with tourism, holds substantial promise for fostering rural development in regions such as Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. This study seeks to pinpoint and examine the main challenges faced by agrotourism entrepreneurs using Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) analysis. Data were gathered from 10 agrotourism entrepreneurs through structured questionnaires, emphasizing financial, marketing, infrastructural, and regulatory difficulties. The RBQ analysis indicates that securing funding for infrastructure and operations, acquiring permits and licenses, and managing heightened competition are among the most significant challenges. By highlighting these issues, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to craft targeted interventions, thereby enhancing the sustainability and growth of agrotourism in the area. The results can guide policy decisions and support strategies aimed at overcoming obstacles in agrotourism development.

Protected cultivation techniques have the potential to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and economic security, particularly for vegetable and flower growers in India. These techniques optimize environmental conditions, improving the quality and quantity of yields. However, their adoption is hindered by high initial setup costs, technical complexities and limited awareness and training. Personal factors such as age, education level, farming experience, household size and social and economic factors like access to extension services, cosmopolitanism, credit availability and landholding size play a key role in adoption rates. The area under protected cultivation in India has expanded to approximately 70,000 hectares, highlighting the significant potential for growth. Despite this expansion, adoption rates remain moderate, with many farmers failing to implement essential practices, such as soil solarization and climate control systems, particularly in regions like Tamil Nadu. Practical solutions such as comprehensive training programs, regionspecific adaptable polyhouse designs and strengthened extension services are crucial to overcoming these barriers. In states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, where harsh climatic conditions prevail, customized polyhouse designs tailored to local environments have successfully improved productivity. Furthermore, financial support mechanisms, including increased subsidies and accessible credit, are necessary to encourage broader adoption. There is also a need for region-specific research to develop polyhouse designs that cater to the diverse climatic conditions across India. This study aims to enhance the understanding of agricultural innovation adoption and provide actionable insights into improving the adoption of protected cultivation technologies.

Agricultural production is closely linked with weather conditions, as fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, wind patterns and humidity significantly influence crop productivity. Adverse weather events often lead to considerable crop losses, emphasizing the need for timely and accurate weather information. Weather Based Agro Advisory Services (WBAAS) play a pivotal role in bridging this gap by providing farmers with real-time and forecasted weather information, enabling them to adopt strategic measures to mitigate risks and optimize agricultural outputs. WBAAS offers customized guidance based on weather predictions, including optimal sowing times, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management and post-harvest strategies. By receiving accurate and timely advisories on parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall, farmers can make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of crop failure and improving yield quality and quantity. These services not only aid in minimizing production losses but also enhance economic returns by promoting resource efficiency and sustainable farming practices. The integration of technological innovations into weather based agro advisory services further strengthens their impact, facilitating the dissemination of precise weather data through mobile applications, SMS alerts and other digital platforms. Studies have demonstrated the transformative potential of these services in improving farmers' adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability. This review analyses studies on how farmers utilize technological innovations combined with weather-based information to enhance agricultural productivity. It examines the impact of weather based agro advisory services on agriculture and explores their broader role in achieving sustainable farming practices and addressing challenges posed by climate change.

This study examines multidimensional agricultural vulnerability in the Cauvery Delta of Tamil Nadu, India, with particular attention to farm-size inequality, economic distress and resilience outcomes relevant to agricultural policy. Using a multistage stratified random sampling design, primary data were collected from paddy farmers across 3 delta districts and analysed through rank based quotient (RBQ) analysis and comparative statistical techniques. The results identify a hierarchy of severe production, institutional and market-related constraints, indicating that vulnerability in the delta is not episodic but structurally embedded. Economic analysis highlights pronounced disparities in debt–asset ratios across farm-size categories, with marginal and small farmers facing disproportionately higher financial stress and weaker resilience compared to larger landholders. The Composite Economic Vulnerability Index (CEVI) and related social and institutional indicators further reveal deficits in adaptive capacity and institutional trust, reinforcing cycles of vulnerability among resource-constrained farmers. Overall, the findings demonstrate that agricultural vulnerability in the Cauvery Delta is shaped by intersecting economic and institutional inequalities rather than isolated agronomic factors. The study provides policy-relevant empirical evidence to inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, reducing farm-size–based inequities and strengthening institutional support mechanisms in deltaic paddy systems.

Consumer preferences for food products are evolving due to various factors, promoting producers to differentiate their products through unique production methods and adhere to quality standards. Certifications, such as Geographical indications (GI), assist consumers in identifying distinct product attributes while safeguarding producers against unfair competition. Geographical indications products linked to specific regions are recognized for their unique qualities, with certifications like protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) ensuring quality and market distinction. However, using PGI labels on low-quality products can harm their reputation and diminish their ability to command a premium price. This study explores consumer preferences for GI-certified products, specifically Vripakshi Hill banana, Kodaikanal Hill garlic and Madurai Malli jasmine, in Dindigul and Madurai districts, India. This study surveyed 90 households to identify key attributes influencing consumer preferences. These include production method, quality and price premium for bananas and garlic. For jasmine, the significant factors are price, fragrance, flower size and shelf life. Findings show that GI certifications enhance product quality perception, with variations in attribute importance across commodities. Consumer awareness mainly comes from traditional sources, with consumption patterns differing by product. The study highlights how GI products can support sustainable agriculture, regional growth and market differentiation. It also stresses the importance of educating consumers to raise awareness and improve the competitiveness of these products.