Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its contributing traits in tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon Mill.)

There is an urgent need for synergy in the roles between public bodies, the private sector, civil society organizations and farmers in the areas of agricultural research and extension. The present study presents the partnership building between research institute, district rural development agency, NGO and members of SHG. The project was set up to work directly with women’s self-help-groups (SHG) through a technology package of feeding and health management of dairy animals, and cultivation of dual-purpose crop varieties. Analysis of demographic attributes indicated size of family was small and literacy status was better for members of SHGs than non-members. Annual household income was higher for members and share of income from livestock sources was 60% more than other sources. Psychological empowerment of members indicated high self-perception than non-members. Members with assured source of income were able to feed and maintain dairy animals in contrast to daily wage laborers. Gain in knowledge on different aspects of scientific dairy management was observed. Technological empowerment has created greater self-confidence in members for scientific dairy management. Feeding of balanced concentrate mixture (BCM) has resulted in increase in milk yield on continuous feeding for two months. Preparation and feeding of BCM was perceived to be less drudgery prone, easy to handle/serve, convenient to store and economical. Feeding of BCM would result in a saving of Rs.300/cow/day. Regular de-worming, incorporation of mineral mixture and BCM are the components of the technology package that would be adopted and continued after the withdrawal of the project.