International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN (P): 2250-0057; ISSN (E): 2321-0087
Vol. 9, Issue 3, Jun 2019, 63-70
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

CONSTRAINTS AS PERCEIVED BY THE STUDENTS OF AGRICULTURE

HAMPERING THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

ARTHY. K. G1 & ARUNACHALAM. R2

1
Student, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT

Every state agricultural university in India is taking up sincere efforts to boost up the academic performance of
the students. But still there existed a lot of constraints hampering the academic performance of the students. Several
research studies also confirm the same fact. The present study has been conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
among M. Sc (Agri) students, of the selected constituent colleges. The sample size contains 117 respondents. The
respondents were selected by employing the proportionate random sampling method. Ex-post facto research design has
been used in this study. Data were collected by employing well- structured and standardized interview schedule. Percentage
analysis were done to get a meaningful interpretation of the results. The perceived constraints of the respondents were
grouped into major categories related with the educational system, courses and teaching methods, research programmes,

Original Article 1
knowledge and upgradation opportunities, provision of mental support, hostel and other infrastructural facilities.

KEYWORDS: Constraints & Academic Achievements

Received: Mar 14, 2019; Accepted: Apr 04, 2019; Published: Apr 24, 2019; Paper Id.: IJASRJUN20199

INTRODUCTION

In the modern age of competition and perfection every human being strives for success. For student,
success implies academic success which should be well matched with pillars on which the future successes of their
lives stand. Academic achievement plays an important role in the attainment of ideal and harmonious development
of the students.

The term ‘academic achievement’ refers to the degree of success or level of attainment by pupil in the
scholastic or the curricular subjects prescribed within the syllabus. In brief academic achievement is the amount of
knowledge derived from learning in the classroom.

Achievement is the end-product of all educational endeavours. It refers to any desirable learning that is
observed in the students. Any behaviour that is learnt may come within the scope of achievement. Academic
accomplishments of a student can be found through his habit of reading. Academic awards and reading are
connected and dependent on each other. Mostly, students come from various environments and places with different
degrees of academic awards.

The state agricultural universities and the ICAR takes up active role in designing the career oriented
courses for the students. Constant efforts were taken up to maintain the quality teaching, research and extension
throughout India. Apart from mandatory courses, the co-curricular and extra-curricular programmes also tend to
shape up the academic achievements of the students.

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64 Arthy. K. G & Arunachalam. R

Every state agricultural university in India is taking up sincere efforts to boost up the academic performance of the
students. But still there existed a lot of constraints hampering the academic performance of the students. Several research
studies also confirm the same fact.

In this line, Tamboli et al., (2013) confronted the problems occurring in SAUs viz (i) traditional method of
teaching material and aids with age-old lecture notes, (ii) lack of good textbooks combining theory and case studies in the
Indian context, (iii) inability of most of the faculty to inspire and motivate students and promote interactive classes, and
(iv) ineffective communication skills of faculty.

Sridevikrishnaveni (2015) expressed that majority of the respondents (54.60%) indicated that monotonus
continuous lecturing as a constraint. Forty percentage of the respondents felt that lack of practical field exposure for
practicing the technologies as a prime constraint. The other major constraints were lack of money and time to practice in
the field level.

In a study related with open and distance learning, Abinaya (2016) reported that nearly two fourth (72.20%) of the
respondents pointed out the delayed starting of a batch as a major constraint. The majority (66.70 per cent) of the
respondents opined that the lack of accommodation facility on the major problem for them. Further, 62.00 per cent
respondents felt that the number of personal contact programmes conducted were not sufficient to complete the syllabus.

There was an another study conducted among the final year B.Sc (Agri) students of Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University by Sridevikrishnaveni (2018), where she found that majority of the students faced problems with respect to the
inappropriate motivational techniques, improper course curriculum and educational systems, more student -teacher ratio,
inadequate evaluation system, infrastructure and supporting facilities.

Above studies reveal that the students of agriculture are facing wide varied constraints in their process of
academic achievement. A thorough analysis of the above constraints would help to come out with appropriate remedial
strategies.

Accordingly, the present study has been conducted with a major objective “to assess the perceived constraints
hampering the academic achievements of the students of agriculture”.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study has been conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University(TNAU) as it is one of the prominent
premier universities in South India, engaged in Teaching- Research- Extension activities for about 50 years and further the
entire growth and development of agricultural education, agricultural research, agricultural production and transfer of
technology activities in Tamil Nadu is being governed and promoted by this university.

It has been decided to conduct the study among the II year M.Sc (Agri) students of agriculture under TNAU as
they have already completed B.Sc (Agri) degree and could have come across wide varied constraints these days. There are
four campuses viz., TNAU (Main campus), Agricultural College & Research Institute (Madurai), Agricultural College and
Research Institute (Killikulam), Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute (Trichy) are offering
masters in different fields of agriculture and hence the present study has been conducted in these four constituent colleges.

The outgoing M.Sc., (Agri) students (2017-19 batch) of the above four selected constituent colleges of TNAU
were the respondents for the study. There were totally 352 students enrolled in the M.Sc., (Agri) programme in the

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.1964 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Constraints as Perceived by the Students of Agriculture 65
Hampering their Academic Achievements

outgoing batch of the above selected constituent colleges. It has been decided to select one third of the above population as
sample for the study and hence the sample size has been fixed as 117 student respondents. By employing the proportionate
random sampling method the sample students from the selected constituent colleges were selected.

Ex-post facto research design has been used in this study. Data were collected by employing well- structured,
standardized interview schedule. Percentage analysis were done to get meaningful interpretation of the results.

FINDINGS & DISCUSSIONS

The problems experienced by the agricultural students in their academic achievements were enumerated
throughan open ended questionnaire. After that the constraints were grouped into different categories and discussed here
under. The results are given in Table.1.

Table1: Distribution of the Respondents According to Their Perceived

Constraints in the Process of their Academic Achievement
(n=117*)
S. No Problems Number Percentage
I System Related
1 Trimester system 90 76.92
2 Frequent revision of guidelines regarding thesis format 93 79.48
3 Qualifying exam 38 32.47
4 Lack of updation of syllabus 37 31.62
II Courses and Teaching Methods
1 Compulsory non-credit PGS courses 20 17.09
2 Teaching methods (lecture mode alone) 23 19.65
3 Limited practical exposure 72 61.53
4 Limited exposure visits 9 7.69
III Research Related
1 Improper lab facilities 82 70.08
2 Monotonously involved in research work 12 10.25
3 Publication of articles 53 45.29
4 Improper allocation of field area for research scholars 30 25.64
5 Improper guidance and lack of time allotment for students by their research guide 81 69.23
6 Time limitation for working in lab 39 33.33
7 Non –provision of fund for students research work 92 78.63
IV Knowledge Upgradation/ Development Related
1 Lack of advanced facilities in library 75 64.10
2 Lack of training and workshops 35 29.91
3 Lack of technical guidance regarding research related softwares 14 11.96
4 Lack of specialised staff in curriculum 66 56.41
V Career Guidance and Moral Support Related
1 Lack of psychological support to students 65 55.55
2 Career guidance 32 27.35
VI Infrastructural Facilities Related
1 Wi-fi facility 41 35.04
2 Poor infrastructure for advanced research 10 8.54
VII Hostel Related
1 Hostel rules and regulations 44 37.60
2 Frequent changes of hostels 42 35.89
3 Lack of hostel facilities for other campus students 17 14.52
VIII Others
1 Increase in tuition and mess fees 70 59.82
2 lack of adequate labours 67 57.26
3 Time management 56 47.86

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66 Arthy. K. G & Arunachalam. R

Table1: Contd,.
4 No scope for extra- curricular development 50 42.73
5 Less number of remunerative matching job opportunities 48 41.02
6 Less consideration of students’ view points 47 40.17
7 Burdening the students with staffs own official work 26 22.22
8 Forcing students to work in challenging topics which does not have any references 15 12.82
(*Multiple Responses)

Educational System Related Constraints

There are eight categories of constraints enumerated through this study. Here, most of the respondents (79.48%)
felt that the frequent revision of guidelines regarding the thesis format has created confusion and fear psychosis among
themselves. The TNAU administration has recently issued guidelines on the thesis format, referencing style, maintaining
plagiarism standards and also publishing the articles in the reputed non-predatory journals in order to maintain high
standard thesis research. As the students were very much familiar with the previous system of thesis research, they could
have mentioned this as a constraint. Further, 76.92 per cent of the respondents, quoted that the trimester system itself a
constraint for them. The students have completed their undergraduate programme under semester system of education, but
in the post graduate studies trimester system is being offered. As the number of working days, evaluation procedure and
the pattern of mark distribution are different in both the system, the students could have mentioned this as a constraint for
them.

Almost an equal percentage of the respondents, mentioned constraints related with qualifying examination
(32.47%) and lack of updation of syllabus (31.62%). As regards the qualifying examinations, the students stated that the
pass mark for the qualifying examination is fixed as 70, unlike the previous semester system. Further, unlike the previous
system there were number of failures and hence due to fear psychosis the students could have quoted this as a constraint
for them.

In any development programme, when there is a mismatch between the previous system and the present system
naturally there will be few resistance from the participant side as shown in the above results.

Courses and Teaching Methods

Few students (17.09%) stated that they have studied six compulsory non-credit PGS courses which includes two
e-courses. The students felt that there were no guidance on the syllabus content of these courses. The majority of the
respondents (61.53%) stated that there was limited practical exposure to almost all the courses as their major constraint.
About one-tenth of the students (19.65%) stated that the teachers are adopting only lecture method of teaching.

A meagre percentage of the respondents (7.69%) opined that there were only limited outdoor exposure visits
pertaining to the courses they studied.

The teachers of TNAU are taking sincere steps for the practical field exposure and also adopting a variety of
teaching methods like hand on exercises, group discussion, buzz session and involving resource persons having rich
experience in the field concerned. Despite such efforts the students mentioned that the lecture method alone being adopted
and the practical exposure also very much limited. The students have studied their under graduation under the semester
system and presently they are pursuing their post graduate education in trimester system. As it is a trimester system of
education most of the time the students have to be in the classrooms and examination halls and further the entire course
should be completed in seventy working days. This could be the reason for the above expression of the students. As

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.1964 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Constraints as Perceived by the Students of Agriculture 67
Hampering their Academic Achievements

regards the compulsory non-credit PGS courses, periodic interaction meetings/sessions could solve the issue.

Research Related

There were seven constraints mentioned by the respondents. A vast majority of the respondents (78.63%) stated
that the students were not provided fund for their research works. Almost an equal percentage of the respondents quoted
the improper lab facilities (70.08%) and improper guidance and lack of time allotment for the students by their chairman
(69.23%) as their major constraint. Little less than half of the respondents (45.29%) stated that they suffered a lot while
publishing the research articles which is mandatory for submission of thesis. Exactly one-third of the respondents (33.33%)
were of the opinion that there were time limitations for working in the lab. Further, about one-fourth of the respondents
(25.64%) stated about the improper field allocation for research work.

The research students are normally extended the research assistantship through the externally funded research
schemes. Such assistantship is extended to the students on merit basis considering the overall merit covering all the
constituent colleges of TNAU. Further, the university has also extended few research fellowships (vice chancellor
fellowship) on the selected theme areas. Moreover, national level research organizations like ICAR, UGC, Department of
science and technology, Indian council of social science research and Tamil Nadu state council for science and technology,
are also offering a number of research fellowships for the students. The research guide and the advisory committee
members should sensitize the students about these research scholarships. In the recent years, the postgraduate students
strength has been increased, unlike the past years and hence, the research guides were allotted with more number of
research students (not exceeding four per guide). Moreover, the research guides who were operating externally funded
schemes were allowed to guide six students at a time. Hence, there may be little difficulties while allocating time
considering the individual capacity of the students. Few students felt that they were monotonously involved in research
works, this could be because the research work commences during the second trimester of the first year itself and the entire
second year covering fourth, fifth and sixth trimester were fully devoted for research works and hence the students could
have stated that they are monotonously involved in research work. The students should be sensitized properly on the
importance of quality research programme.

A considerable proportion of the respondents mentioned about the time restriction for working in the laboratories.
Previously the students were given lot of time to carry out the research work in the laboratories. Presently considering the
students safety and security, the time restrictions have been enforced. The research guides should sensitize the students
about the very base of this issue in order to complete the research in the available time. The students also mentioned the
few publications related constraints. In most of the cases, the students could complete the research/ experiments only
during the beginning of their sixth trimester and within another two months they need to publish research articles in the
rated non-predatory journals. Further, understanding the students’ situations some journals also demanding a huge fee
towards publishing the research papers. The research guides could solve this issue by properly guiding the issue by
completing the research in advance so that the articles and research reports could be submitted in time.

Knowledge Upgradation/ Development

As regards the constraints related to knowledge development, the majority of the respondents (64.10%) stated
about the lack of advanced facility in the library. The students were expected digitalised sources of literature and
integration of different national and international libraries so as to get latest technical know-how related to their research

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68 Arthy. K. G & Arunachalam. R

work. The university administration could take the necessary steps for the provision of possible modern facilities as
expected by the students. Little more than half of the respondents (56.41%) mentioned about the lack of specialized staff in
curriculum. About thirty percentage of the respondents (29.91%) opined that there were lack of opportunities for training
and workshops. Few respondents (11.96%) stated that they suffered due to lack of technical guidance while handling the
newly introduced softwares related with referencing, plagiarism management and modern methods of data analysis. The
above issues could be well settled by the head of the departments.

Career Guidance and Moral Support

It is interesting to note that the majority of the respondents (55.55%) have suffered due to a lack of psychological
support. As they are the second year masters students they are busily engaged in completing the research works. Further,
most of the students after completing the master degree will be planning to settle down in some remunerative jobs and only
a few may opt for doctoral studies. Hence, naturally they will be seeking psychological support and guidance in line with
their future aspirations. Around thirty percentage of the respondents (27.35%) mentioned about the lack of career guidance
opportunities for them. There is a separate career guidance and placement cell functioning with the university. Although
they arrange periodic campus interviews, students expect more of guidance related to career guidance, personality
development programmes and motivational lectures. The department concerned could take appropriate steps to solve this
issue.

Infrastructural Facilities Related

Around one-third of the respondents (35.04%) opined that the available wi-fi network is not sufficient to them
considering the strength of the students, both in college and hostel premises. They felt that wi-fi facilities are most required
to update themselves with latest development in their field of research. Hence the administration should take necessary
steps to increase the strength of wi-fi. A meagre percentage of the respondents (8.54%) opined about poor infrastructure
facilities for advanced research.

Hostel Related

Little more than one-third of the respondents (37.60%) stated that the hostel rules and frequent change of hostel
rooms have interfered with their academic achievements. Few respondents (14.52%) felt that they suffered out of lack of
hostel facilities while carrying out their research in other campuses.

The hostel rules and regulations are made to ensure the fullest safety and security of the students, besides ensuring
adequate comforts. Considering the past history and experiences such rules and regulations have been framed. The students
should be sensitized about these rules and regulations by arranging frequent interaction meetings. The hostel administration
should keep reserve few rooms for the other campus students whenever they visit for carrying out their research activities.
Due to administrative reasons and other maintenance related activity, the students are normally shifted to other rooms.

Others

The majority of the respondents (59.82%) felt that they suffered financially to meet out the increase in the tuition
fees and mess fees. Almost a similar percentage of the respondents (57.26%) suffered due to lack of adequate labours
while carrying out field experiences. About half of the respondents (47.86%) stated that they were very much efficient in
their time management activities. About forty percentage of the respondents (42.73%) stated about the less scope for their

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.1964 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Constraints as Perceived by the Students of Agriculture 69
Hampering their Academic Achievements

involvement in extra-curricular activities and also lesser job opportunities for them (41.01%). Further, 40.17 per cent of the
respondents felt that the student ideas related with researchable themes, their constraints and suggestions were less
considered. It is very important to see that little less than one-fourth of the respondents (22.22%) stated that the students
were burdened with the official work of staff members. Few students (12.82%) stated that they were forced to work in
challenging topics on which no references or previous literatures are not available.

The above constraints could be solved within the limits of the research guides and advisory committee members.
These expressed constraints of the students should be discussed in the common forum involving all active research guides
and students in order to solve the issues and also to strengthen the student- teacher relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough perusal of the research findings reveals the following:

The students were very much disturbed about the trimester system as it is not mismatching with their previous
system of education. The students require a variety of learning methods and more practical exposure for better learning.
The students mentioned few constraints with their research activities viz., insufficient lab facilities, time restriction for
working in lab, publication related issues, improper allocation of field area and lesser time allocation by the research guide.
The students requested for digitalised literature and the integration of national and international library facilities. The
students required appropriate technical guidance while handling research related softwares and applications. The students
also expect psychological support and career related guidance. The students requested for the strengthening of wi-fi facility
both in hostel and college premises. The students are financially constrained to meet out their financial requirements
whenever there is a hike in their tuition fees and mess fees. Many research students suffered due to lack of adequate labour
to carry out field experiences. The students required appropriate counselling and guidance to effectively manage their
available time. The students required that they have to be involved in extra-curricular activities as available for the
undergraduate students.

The administration may consider and take necessary steps to solve the above constraints of the students which
may have a tremendous impact on the students’ academic achievement in a positive way.

REFERENCES

1. Tamboli, P. M., & Nene, Y. L. (2013). Modernizing higher agricultural education system in India to meet the challenges of
21st century. Asian Agri-History 17(3), 251-262.

2. Krishnaveni, T. R. S. (2015). Impact of Selected Certificate Courses offered under Open and Distance Learning Mode among
Learners at TNAU. (Unpub. M. Sc. (Ag.) Thesis), TNAU, Coimbatore.

3. Thippeswamy, E. (2014). Inclusive growth and organic farming in Shimoga, district of Karnataka. Int. J. Sci. Res, 4, 9-16.

4. Abinaya, M (2016). Effectiveness of the ODL Certificate Courses- ‘Organic Farming’ Among the Students. M. Sc. (Ag.)
Thesis, AC & RI, TNAU, Coimbatore.

5. Krishnaveni, T. R. S. (2018). An Analysis on the Production Function of the Undergraduate Degree Programme of Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Ph.D. Thesis, AC & RI, Coimbatore.

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70 Arthy. K. G & Arunachalam. R

6. John Muyiwa Adeniyi Cln & Rose Funmilayo Ojo Cln (2015). Role of Agricultural Libraries in the Transformation of
Agricultural Education and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, International Journal of Research in Applied, Natural and
Social Sciences(IMPACT : IJRANSS), 3(6), 9-14

Impact Factor (JCC): 6.1964 NAAS Rating: 4.13