Funded Research in Rural Development in India
Conducted during 1984-2001
Rajagopal (1999-2000). Participatory Irrigation Management: Organizational Perspectives in reference to India. Administrative Staff, College of India, Hyderabad, India.
This study documents the community irrigation practices managed by the people's organization without state intervention. The study has been conducted in four states in India with a focus on analyzing the success of community services. This project was sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Rajagopal (1999-2001). Study on Consolidation of Land Holdings and Computerization of Land Records in Selected States in India. Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, India.
The principal objective of the study is to review the implementation and performance of implementation of the scheme on consolidation of land holdings and computerization of land records in the selected 19 states of India. This study was sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Rajagopal and Hemnath Rao (1999-2000). Rural Marketing System in North-eastern states in India: Problem Diagnosis and Strategy Perspectives, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, India.
The study aimed at diagnosing the problems experienced in marketing of farm and non-farm produce, its value addition, forward marketing and infrastructure in the northeastern states and evolved suitable strategies for development of the rural markets. This study was sponsored by Planning Commission of India.
Rajagopal (1999-2000). Evaluation of Handicrafts Exhibitions Sponsored by the Government of India. Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, India.
The main objective of the study is to assess the utilization of the state grants to the various organizations for organizing the handicraft exhibitions and participating in the craft development centers. This project has been sponsored by the office of the development commission of handicrafts, Government of India. This project was carried out in 11 states of India.
Rajagopal (1992-94). Evaluation of Soybean Production under the Support of Oilseed Technology Mission. National Institute of Rural Development. Hyderabad, India.
Agribusiness involves all those individuals and organizations engaged in the production, processing, transport, storage, financing, regulation and marketing of the world's food and fiber supplies. This study involves studying the development and future trends of soybean production and management of key issues affecting agribusiness processing in the sector. The study focuses the farmers welfare and economic benefits associated with the improved cultivation practices of soybean in the region. This study was funded by the Institute on demand of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation, Government of India.
Rajagopal (1998). Planning and Management of Animal Exchange Markets: A Case in Rajasthan in India. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, India.
This study discusses the problems in the existing animal exchange markets in the region which are unorganized and dominated by the middlemen. The study analyzes the economics of the transaction process with spatial data. The animal exchange markets in the region are large and traditional. The study argues for state intervention to regulate these markets in order to provide faire transactions, infrastructure and veterinarian services. This project was sponsored by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Rajasthan, India,
Rajagopal (1995). Survey of Research in Development of Rural Markets. National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India.
This study is a documentation of the literature on rural marketing (1950-1995) which critical examination on the major issued addressed and gaps identified thereof.
Rajagopal, Krishnamurthy, G., and Raju K. V. (1995-96). Export Potential of Zari Industry in Surat. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
The study aimed at diagnosing the problems and prospects of household Zari industry in Surat- India. The investigation was largely based on the primary data and focus groups analysis. The study argued for better work environment for Zari manufacturers with improved health care conditions. It has also been recommended to organize the Zari worker for better bargain in the market for their products. This study was conducted in the state of Gujarat in India. This project has been sponsored by the office of the development commission of handicrafts, Government of India.
Rajagopal (1995-97). Rural Livelihood Systems: A Case of Tropical Territory in India. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
The study discusses development planning concepts, models and methods, project planning, appraisal and management in the dessert region. The study argues that informal development groups and peoples’ organizations which have emerged as the promoters of livelihood programs in have been found instruments for local level development planning in rural areas. The market for rural agro-processed products is unorganized and dominated by the middlemen to a large extent. The tiny sector consisting of village and cottage industries has been facing a variety of problems including marketing practices.
Rajagopal (1996-97). Decentralization and Empowerment of Rural Organizations. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
There have been different administrative arrangements made to carry state specific programs drawn on the broad policy guidelines. The empirical studies carried out in three states form the core of the thesis of this study. The arguments in the study are wrapped around the administrative efficiency factors in reference to the three different organizational experiments-government, quasi-official and people’s bodies, conducted in India. The study covers the areas on planning product marketing, conflict management, cooperative marketing, rural retailing, activity scheduling, developing marketing projects and managing trade systems.
Rajagopal (1998). Export Management of Litchi. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing. Jaipur, India.
This study explores the potentials for export of fresh litchi fruits from India with comprehensive discussion on its improved cultivation, packaging and export processing activities. The study discusses improved post-harvest management of Litchi crop including grading, packaging and transportation. The study also delivers the view on global demand for this fruit. The study offers educative model for the farmers towards value added packages of Litchi cultivation and marketing. This project was sponsored by the department of agriculture, government of Bihar, India
Rajagopal (1998). Post-harvest Management of Subtropical Fruits: Analysis of Backward and Forward Linkages. National Institute of Agricultural Marketing. Jaipur, India.
The objective of this study is to provide documentation on the scientific post-harvest management of tropical fruits for higher value realization. Marketing is an important function in grape cultivation as it is the deciding factor in profitability of grape production. The prices of tropical fruits like grapes and mangos dwindle during the cropping season with intra-category competition. The study argues that scientists and extension workers should play a more meaningful role to educate the farmers on the post-harvest management of tropical fruits. This study was sponsored by the Karnataka Horticulture Board and Horticultural Producers Cooperative and Marketing Society (HOPCOMS), Bangalore, India.
Rajagopal (1995-97). Formulation of Integrated Action Plan for Promotion of Handloom and Handicrafts in India. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
The study evolves effective co-ordination system between the development agencies and beneficiaries in order to strengthen the input delivery and marketing system for both the types of activities. This study suggested that a comprehensive business awareness campaign needs to be launched to make the members know about their rights in society. Presently, the members are only wage earners in the handloom society. The study found that the artisans are not having any technical and other support to lead their activities for establishing better marketing linkages. They find it difficult to market these goods immediately due to lack of buyers at reasonable prices. This study was sponsored by the development commissioner of handicrafts, Government of India.
Rajagopal (1996-97). Impact of Sheep Rearing on Farming System and Wool Marketing in Semi-Arid Region. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
The study explores the economic leverage of animal and agricultural farming system in rural areas in India. The study discusses the level interdependency and factorial relations between these livelihood systems. The study is largely based on empirical investigation which analyzes the factor contribution to the economy of the farmers. The statistical analysis derived that sheep rearing is considered as contingency resources of livelihood in the region. The study delivers a model for extension education on the best farming practices of agricultural and animal resources. This project was sponsored by the Central Wool Development Board, Rajasthan, India.
Rajagopal (1995-96). Study on Participatory Irrigation Management in India, Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
This study discusses the experience of the non-governmental organization (NGO) in Gujarat, in addressing community roles and responsibilities in the design and management of lift-irrigation co-operatives in two villages, in Gujarat, India. Irrigation has been the community subject, and the rural household has traditionally been perceived as a unit of congruent interests, where resources and benefits are shared equitably with little conflict between members. The study suggests that he socialization of natural resources for community benefits has been the recent approach propagated jointly by the Government and people’s organizations at the grassroots level. This study of conducted in collaboration with Sadguru Water and Development Foundation, Gujarat, India.
Rajagopal., Singh, S., and Bhatt, H. (1995-97). Performance of CDCs and Emporia in India: A National Research Project, Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
The study explores the role of craft development centers as technology transfer and design improvement institutions to help craftsmen with market-oriented production skills. The emporia are evaluated as the state outlets for handicrafts in India. The study discusses the improved model of technology and design convergence for the CDCs in the India as well proposes value added marketing strategies for emporia to augment the sales of handicrafts. The study also provide welfare measures for the artisans. This study was conducted in 9 states in the country and has been sponsored by the development commissioner of handicrafts, Government of India.
Rajagopal., Jaiswal, M. P., and Raju, K. V. (1995-97). Development of Village Industries in Madhya Pradesh, India. Institute of Rural Management, India
This study largely focuses on the transfer of technology and marketing relationship. The study reveals the in the village industries the penetration of technology is at lower pace which affect their productivity, marketing and income. The study argues for faster diffusion of technology and marketing services to provide sustainable growth to the village industries. Technology should be of intermediate level for quick adaptation. The study suggest an organizational plan for extension education to the village enterprises to help them adapting the market-oriented technology and improved marketing services for sustainable growth. This study was funded by the Madhya Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, India.
Rajagopal (1993). Diffusion and Adaption of Intermediate Technology in Rural Industries. National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India.
This study explores economic and behavioral problems in adapting intermediate technology in rural industries. The major variables for analysis include cost of technology, infrastructure for technology adaptation, production dynamics, capital, etc. The study develops the action points for penetrating the intermediate technology in rural industries to optimize production and deliver better economic results to the enterprise. The decision canvas on technology transfer has been prescribed. The concept of micro-level training to the rural entrepreneurs has been discussed in the study with applied recommendations for improving the technology-productivity ties in an enterprise. This project has been supported by the Council for Advancement of Peoples’ Action and Rural Technology, Government of India.
Rajagopal and Ballabh, V. (1995-97). Problems of Handloom Weavers Cooperatives in Two States in India: A case of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India.
This study was aimed at analyzing the economic and organizational issues of handloom weavers’ cooperative societies in two states of India. The economic problems were addressed in the study in reference to production and marketing. It has been found in the study that there are weak hierarchical network of the organization in terms of decision-making credit management and marketing. The role of Apex cooperative society need to be redefined and strengthened. The members of the cooperatives should be trained in new designs and innovative marketing techniques. The inter-and intra-organizational relationships also need to be improved. This research was funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of India.
Haque, T. and Rajagopal (1993-95). Development of Database on Agrarian Reforms and Rural Development in India. National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India
This study statistically analyzes the impact of agrarian reforms in India in the post-independence period in reference to spatial and temporal data. The study also discusses the management of ceiling surplus land in the selected regions in the country. The study discusses the management of marginal and small land holdings in the country from the perspectives of improving productivity and resources management. The study offers recommendations to the government towards distribution of surplus land to the landless farmers and managing farming operations thereof. This study for funded by the Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and Pacific (CIRDAP), Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Rajagopal (1989-1991). Input Supplies and Marketing Assistance to IRDP Beneficiaries in India: An Experiment in Goa State. National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India
This study presents discussion on integrated approach to rural marketing, reaping the results from past experience and knotting ideas for future in the light of emerging changes in the concepts and approaches in rural marketing. The study analyzes marketing theories and discusses the code of practice for effective marketing in rural entrepreneurial firms. The discussions mainly address the latent issues in rural marketing from the perspective of multi-channel marketing, rural-urban trade linkages and diffusion of marketing technology in the rural areas. This study was funded by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Goa, India, In collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Multidisciplinary Action Research Projects
Social Laboratory, Vikarabad, Telangana, India (1987-1990), National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India
A section of this project on rural farm- and non-farm products business management was led by Dr. Rajagopal. The project was based qualitative research by interviewing farmers and artisans in the study area. Analyzing individual and group-behavior on practicing entreprenurial culture within the available community infrastructure, skill development programs, and resources management. In this project over 500 farmers and artisans were given hands-on guidance and developed a future business model to be administered by the local development authorities.
Resource Mapping and Infrastructure Planning, Mysore, Karnataka, India (1992-94), National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, India
This research project has been carried out by Rajagopal and T. Haque, in Mysore, Hunsur, and Shimoga region of Karnataka by engaging farmers to map available resources for sustainable faming by ensuring effective utilization of land, water, and power resources to augment agricultural productivity. The Participator Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning Method (PaLM) methodology were used involving people to map resources and plan infrastructure development. The blueprint of resource mapping and infrastructure plan has been shared with the government rural development authorities and non-governmental organization such as MYRADA of the region.
Systematic Agricultural Produce Marketing-Information Dissemination and Marketing Management, Hadapsar, Pune, India (1998) in collaboration with National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, India.
This project has been led by Rajagopal, to educate farmers intending to sell their produce at Hadapsar Regulated Agricultural Market through computer aided informational dissemination program. The regulated market authorities provided real-time pricing and weekly forecasts on categorial prices of the selected agricultural produce to enable famers to make selling decisions. Monthly informational oriented camps were organized in central villages to generate awareness about the pricing-based decision making. In addition a log their problems were prepared for Ombudsman to resolve in the camps.
