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Analysis of Trends of Mithun Populations with corresponding Trends of Forest Coverage and Climatic Factors in Mithun Rearing Districts of Nagaland
National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), a component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), attempts better understanding of the coupling between the Himalayan ecosystem and the climate factors and provide inputs for sustainable Himalayan development. As part of this programme, various data on mithun population status, climatic factors, and area of forest coverage over the years were collected and trends were estimated with a view to check the prevailing situations of these biotic and abiotic factors on mithun population during successive years in three districts of Nagaland (Kohima, Phem and Tuensung) having major mithun breeding tracts. While mithun population was showing increasing trends in Kohima and Phek and decreasing trend in Tuensung district, none of these trends are statistically significant. At the same time, it is important to note that forest coverage shown overall decreasing trends in all the three districts. On the other hand, trends of annual rainfall and max. temperature were not significant, even if rainfall and max. temperature were having increasing trend. The present assessment is the first and limited study of this kind whereby efforts were made to find out the trends of mithun population with corresponding forest coverage and climatic factors. While there were no significant trends of mithun population and climatic factors (annual rainfall and max. temperature), overall decreasing trends of forest coverage in the mithun habitats necessitate urgent steps to be taken up to protect forest areas from further degradation, as well as to carry out the age-old jhooming practices with modern inputs to be more sustainable and environmental-friendly in the North Eastern Hilly region for conservation of mithun habitats.
Copyright (c) 2019 Indian Journal of Hill Farming
Physical and Anatomical - wood properties variation among the provenances of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Pterocarpus santalinus is critically endangered as well as an endemic tree which is illegally traded for various reasons, across the globe. There are assumptions that red sanders wood from a particular region of its natural distribution has better quality. Based on this hypothesis, we attempted to investigate the wood – anatomical and physical properties variation in its two predominately growing regions i.e. Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu and Cuddapah district in Andhra Pradesh. Wood samples were collected from the logs and tress in the study region was used for assessing the physical properties based on Indian Standards. However, IAWAÂ protocol was adopted for anatomical studies for better validation and comparison. Independent t-test was deployed at 95% confidence interval. Finally, we could conclude that there is a wide array of possibility for the edapho-climatic factors to influence the wood properties.
Transition and Well-Being Status of Konyak Naga Tribe Dependent on Shifting Cultivation: An Empirical Case Study
This study is focused on the livelihood transition and happiness status among Konyak Naga tribe whose living primarily depends on Shifting Cultivation (SC) in Mon, a remote Hill district of Nagaland. Using a resilience approach, 50 tribal households were interviewed with the help of structured interview schedule. The findings reveal transition in terms of an aversion of Konyakn youths to SC, declining dependency on SC and devotion to fare share (36%) of total expenditure on children’s education and clothing. Further, increased access to mobile phone, presence of mass media is triggering material aspirations among the community. The average monthly income of respondent households was found to be about ₹ 13, 450 and 82.23% of this was contributed by agriculture and allied activities. Higher inclination was observed towards settled cultivation with high value horticultural crops, however, lack of market access and technological gap coupled with poor reach of agricultural extension services are impeding start-up. The study reveals that well-being of 83% respondent households was found to be moderate or inconsistent. They are experiencing difficulties as on date and also expected to continue with it in the near future. Hence, planning and implementation of policies focused towards welfare and livelihood diversification need to be revisited to enhance overall well-being of the ethnic minorities who rely on SC for their livelihood.
Field evaluation of novel insecticides against Mylabris phalerata in Nagaland
A field experiment was conducted in School of Agricultural Science and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema (Nagaland) to evaluate the efficacy of new insecticide molecules against Mylabris phalerata in soybean crop. The treatments consisted of Imidacloprid 48 FS @Â 1.25ml/kg seed, Thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 10ml/kg seed, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 100ml/ha, Indoxacarb 15.8 EC @ 333ml/ha, Quinalphos 25 EC @ 1500ml/ha, Thiacloprid 21.7 SC @ 650ml/ha, Triazophos 40 EC @ 800ml/ha and a control plot. The occurrence of the insect pest was absent during first spray at initial development of the crop. However during flowering stage, the second spray was initiated after the occurrence of the adults. The plot treated with Quinalphos 25 EC @ 1500ml/ha recorded the highest mean reduction percentage of 67.27 % of adult population, this was followed by Thiacloprid 21.7 SC @ 650ml/ha with a mean per cent reduction of 65.99 which was significantly at par with plot treated with Imidacloprid 48 FS @ 1.25ml/kg seed with mean reduction per cent of 64.
Agriculture Journalism brings employment in India
The present review discussed about agricultural journalism produces opportunity into agriculture sector. The agriculture journalism would receive opportunity into agriculture radio station, agriculture information and broadcasting. The agriculture journalism will provide education or employment from Agriculture Journalism University and agriculture corporate. The agriculture radio station, the agriculture information and broadcasting, Agriculture Journalism University and agriculture corporate would be implemented at each state of India. This institute, university and corporate will generate employment in writing, advertisement, broadcasting, photojournalism, editing and design. This would provide opportunity to agriculture journalism degree holder, Agriculture degree holder in the state. The agriculture profession would function in block, village and district of the state. The agriculture journalism will thrive crop production output, national GDP, overcome farmer problem, farm machinery and implements, farmer lifestyle and doubling of farmer income. The agriculture journalism will mitigate unemployment in agriculture through communication technology. This would bring revolution into agriculture academic system and opportunity at future in India.
Prevalence of Nematode Larvae in Cattle and Buffalo of Guwahati, Assam
To ascertain the larvae (L3) of Strongyle species in cattle and buffalo present in and around Guwahati, Assam, a total of 3597 fecal samples of cattle (2339) and buffalo (1258) were screened for one calendar year from August 2012 to July 2013. The study period was divided into four seasons viz. pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. The selected animals were categorized according to age viz. calves (<1 year), heifer (1-3 years) and adult (>3 years). Fecal samples found positive for Strongyle group of parasites was subjected to coproculture for obtaining third stage infective larvae (L3). The coproculture of cattle fecal samples revealed presence of Haemonchus (88.02%), Cooperia (3.52%), Oesophagostomum (3.15%), Trichostrongylus (2.94%) and Mecistocirrus (2.38%) larvae in calves; larvae of Haemonchus (58.27%), Oesophagostomum (17.48%), Cooperia (10.54%), Trichostrongylus (10.17%) and Mecistocirrus (3.54%) in heifer and larvae of Haemonchus (86.96%), Trichostrongylus (6.56%), Oesophagostomum (3.52%), Cooperia (2.04%), Pelodera strongyloides (0.75%) and Mecistocirrus (0.17%) in adult cattle. However, in buffalo calves percent larval composition of L3 revealed highest prevalence of Haemonchus (98.5%) followed by Cooperia (0.92%) and Oesophagostomum (0.42%). In buffalo heifer, larvae of Haemonchus (90-98.5%), Oesophagostomum (2.25-2.5%), Trichostrongylus (1-1.75%) and Cooperia (1%) were observed while in adults buffalo, larvae of Haemonchus (>95%) was predominant followed by Trichostrongylus (1-2%), Oesophagostomum (1-1.33%) and Cooperia (1.25%). Seasonwise Haemonchus was the predominant L3 in all the four seasons and in cattle the percentage of larvae ranges from 84.66-91.67% while in buffalo it was >98%.
Soil Binding Capacity of Different Forage Grasses in Terms of Root Reinforcement Ability toward Soil Slope Stabilization
The use of vegetation in restoring the stability of slopes becomes highly demanded especially to solve the soil of erosion, shallow slope failure in both natural and man-made slopes. Planting or preserving vegetation in areas vulnerable to erosion is therefore considered to be a very effective soil erosion control measure. The above-ground biomass can temporally disappear in semi-arid environments, roots may still be present underground and play an important role in protecting the topsoil from being eroded. The load required to remove the root system of each grass vertically from the soil was used as a measure of soil binding capacity. We have observed maximum and minimum uprooting force for TSH (179.75 kg) and Chrysopogon fulvus (85.33kg), respectively. We found highest "soil binding strength index" for Heteropogon contortus (5.32) and lowest in Cenchrus ciliaris (3.44). The grass, which is having maximum value of Cr will have maximum soil binding capacity. The additional shear strength imposed by the grass roots was observed maximum for H. contortus (365.0 kPa) and minimum was observed for C. ciliaris (139.3 kPa). Root systems lead to an increase in soil strength through an increase in cohesion brought about by their binding action in the fiber/soil composite. From this study, it has proven that grasses are effective for erosion control, providing a complete ground cover and grass roots have a mechanical effect in increasing soil strength. The calculated cohesion values are used to rank species according to their potential to reinforce the soil.
Animal Drawn Garlic (Allium sativum) Planter suitable for Animal Based Farming System
Manual sowing of garlic which is the traditional practice requires 200 man-h/ha, resulting in dense stand of crop necessitating thinning operation. In this study, three types of metering mechanisms (i) commercially available cell type metering mechanism (ii) commercially available spoon type metering mechanism and (iii) cup type metering mechanism were evaluated for sowing garlic cloves. All metering mechanisms were tested under laboratory as well as field conditions. The cup type metering mechanism performed better in comparison to others. Different parameters such as seed spacing, miss index, multiple index, quality of feed index and precision index for cup type metering mechanism were found to be 102 mm, 8.73 %, 6.48%, 84.8% and 21.78%, respectively under laboratory conditions and 108.70 mm, 10.23%, 7.45%, 82.32%, and 22.04%, respectively under field conditions. Seed damage varied ranged 2–4%. The planter field capacity and labour requirement were found 0.07 ha/h and 13 manh/Â ha, respectively. Total operational cost of sowing using the planter was Rs1042 per hectare. The garlic planter saved more than 90% time as compared to manual operation and the farmer can avail this time in managing other activities.
Variations of Daily Extreme Precipitation over Stations of Humid North-East India
It’s a known fact that climate change will bring about increases in the occurrence of extreme weather events such as increased temperature, droughts and floods. Northeast India is one such region which receives much rainfall than all the India average which cause flooding, drought, damage crops and bring life to standstill. Based on the daily precipitation data from two stations in the humid North-East India, this study examined the characteristics of daily extreme precipitation in Imphal and Shillong for the period from 1985 to 2003. The daily records of precipitation data were collected from ICAR Manipur and Meghalaya. Six extreme precipitation indices out of 11 extreme precipitation indices recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) were applied. Trends in the daily precipitation extreme indices were also identified using a non-parametric Mann–Kendall test, while the significance of trend at 90% confidence level was estimated using Sen’s slope estimator. The results of the analysis indicated a significant increase in the consecutive dry days (CDD) in Shillong. The non-significant decrease in the wet day precipitation (PRCPTOT) and R10 were found in both the stations. The consecutive dry days, CWDÂ exhibits an increasing non-significant trend in Imphal while there was no change in Shillong. The 1-Â day maximum precipitation shows non-significant decreasing (increasing) trend in Imphal (Shillong). Both the stations indicate a non-significant increasing trend in the 5-day maximum precipitation respectively.
Economic viability of organic farming in Himachal Pradesh: an empirical verification
There has been a debate among the researchers on the viability of organic farming in the context of benefits and cost of cultivation. The present study highlights this debate and assesses the economic viability of organic farmers. An attempt has also been made to present an overview of organic farming in Himachal Pradesh. The positive net income indicates the viability of organic farmers whereas deficit shows non-viability. Presently, agriculture of the state is passing through a transitional phase. In place of subsistence farming, farmers are also producing products for market purpose. They are also looking for alternatives in view of increasing costs of agricultural inputs. Organic farming is an important alternative and sustainable option for reducing costs and maintaining productivity of land in the State.
Influence of Land Configuration and Nutrient Management on Productivity of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Under Rainfed Condition of Vidarbha Region
Various land configuration techniques in combination with nutrient management in soybean were tried to study its influence on productivity of soybean. The present investigation on influence of land configuration techniques (Flat bed, opening of furrow in each row, after 2 rows and after 3 rows at 30 DAS) along with three nutrient management (100% RDF i.e. 30:75:00 kg NPK ha-1, FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium and 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium) on soybean productivity was carried out in a split plot design at research farm of Department of Agronomy, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra. The experiment with four land configuration treatments as main plots and three nutrient management treatments as sub plots revealed that, Â opening of furrow in each row at 30 DAS and opening of furrow after two rows increased growth, yield and yield attributes, moisture use efficiency, GMR, NMR and B:C ratio as compared to flat bed sowing and opening of furrow after three rows while application of 100%Â RDF increased growth, yield and yield attributes, GMR, NMR and B:C ratio followed by 50% RDF+FYM@5t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium.
State level agricultural vulnerability to climate change in North-eastern region of India
The difficult terrain, fragile hill ecology, poor infrastructure and resource endowments, low level of productivity make the agriculture vulnerable to climate change in Northeastern (NE) region of India. The small and marginal land holdings add to the inability to cope up with the climatic stress. There are every possibilities that failing to achieve the goal of climate action (Goal 13) may become obstacle in the path of achieving the goal of zero hunger (Goal No 2) that underlie the sustainable development goal envisaged by UNDP. Hence, this paper assessed the agricultural vulnerability of the different eight states in the NE region by constructing a vulnerability index using secondary data. The three dimensions of vulnerability viz. exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity includes a number of indicators. Manipur was agriculturally the most vulnerable state due to high exposure to change in climatic factors and lower adaptive capacity, whereas Tripura was the least vulnerable due to higher level of adaptive capacity. About 50% of the states were medium to highly vulnerable. Hence, increasing the cropping intensity, irrigation facility, extending the credit facility may help the states to cope up with the climate changes; hence decreasing their vulnerability.Â
Evaluation of piscicidal potential of Moringa oleifera Lam
The sub-lethal concentrations of leaves and barks of Moringa oleifera (Drumstick) was evaluated against a weed fish (Puntius sophore) of nursery pond in Tripura and other NE States. The study was conducted using glass aquaria following the static bioassay method. The stocking density of fish (avg. weight: 0.2g/3.5cm) was 6/tank. The leaf and bark extracts were prepared by soaking it in water (1:5) overnight. The test concentrations were 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 ml/L and test duration was 48 hr. Fish mortality and water quality were recorded at 12 hr. interval from the commencement of the trial. Fish showed erratic swimming, piping, ataxia, etc. within 15 min. of application of the extracts. Fish mortality was found dosedependent and it was increased with time. The concentration at which all fish were died (LC100) with both the extracts was 320 ml/L. The dose-response curves were best-fitted into logarithmic equations. The equation with leaf extract was y = 25.76ln(x) – 60.50 (R² = 0.97) at 24 hr. and y = 24.04ln(x) – 43.47 (R² = 0.95) at 48 hr. The 24 hr. LC50 was 73.6 ml/L and 48 hr. LC50 was 50 ml/L for leaves. The equation with bark extract was y = 23.18ln(x) – 46.80, (R² = 0.94) at 24 hr. and y = 17.17ln(x) – 6.23, (R² = 0.96) at 48 hr. The 24 hr. LC50 was 66.7 ml/L and 48 hr. LC50 was 27.2 ml/L for bark. Overall, bark extract was more lethal than leaf extract on P. sophore. From this, it was concluded that, Drumstick plant could be a potential bio-piscicide for nursery pond preparation.
Biogas plant for power generation in high water table condition
A biogas plant of 30 m3 capacity reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C.) fixed dome type was designed and constructed for power generation at Shree Gopal Krishna Goshala, Cuttack (Odisha). This biogas plant saved 25% water as compared to indigenous design biogas plant. The maximum gas production was recorded as 28650 litres per day for the daily loading of 750 kg of cattle dung. The methane content varied between 47.2 to 55.0%. Biogas generator consumed biogas @ 4.90 m3/h. The total cost of the system was Rs. 5.55 lakhs. The total cost of operation was worked out to be Rs. 437/day. The saving in diesel for the generator was found to be 1.5 lit/h. By considering the cost of diesel and income received from the manure obtained from biogas plant, net saving obtained from the system was Rs. 515/day. The payback period for the biogas based power generation system was found 3 years.
Critical analysis on exploration of pre-production to marketing system for market-led extension approach
The agricultural production of the country has increased dramatically in the last sixty years but could not translate into better remuneration to the farmers. Poor efficiency in the marketing channels and inadequate marketing infrastructure are believed to be the cause of not only high and fluctuating consumer prices, but also little of the consumer rupee reaching the farmer. Therefore extension functionaries need to play a major role to build the capacity of the farmers to meet the emerging challenges and make the farmers to realize better prices to their farm produce. This transformation of Extension is termed as Market – led extension, and so far it is not much discussed issue in the extension scenario. Hence the extension focus should extend from mere production to market led extension on end-to-end basis. In this regard, the present study were conducted with the objective to delineate the pattern of preproduction to marketing value chain of milk with 240 respondents in the Bihar state through well -structured interview schedule. The results showed that there were the need of professionalism in dairying as the farmers were not select the dairy farmer site scientifically and there were also the lack of labour due to migration. It was also observed that there were the lack of good breeds with high production and farmers use to sell their milk in raw form as compared to the processed product. Apart from that, there was the need of marketing related training for the prosperity of the dairy farmers.
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (Itk) Practiced by Dairy and Piggery Farmers in Meghalaya
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in the field of animal husbandry and veterinary is a practical knowledge that has been developed from the experiences of the farmers who made use of their talent in solving some of their problems under their local conditions using locally available materials. ITKs are still in vogue in rural Meghalaya therefore identification and documentation of such indigenous practices is very important, lest they disappear or endanger to extinction. The study was conducted in two districts viz. East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts taking two villages from each district. The information was documented using Focus Group Discussion and also through interviewing with the farmers who practiced ITK in their livestock management. ITKs on care and management such as healing of wounds, diarrhoea, foot and mouth disease, increasing body mass, bone fracture, etc. of dairy and piggery are recorded.
Response of irrigation levels on productivity and moisture extraction pattern of late sown rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. toria) varieties under Assam condition
Field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2013-14 at Instructional Cum Research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India to study the response of rapeseed (Brassica campestrisvar.toria) varieties to varying levels of irrigation under late sown conditions. Results revealed that production of seed, stover and oil yield increased up to the three irrigations at 20 days after sowing (DAS), flowering and siliqua formation stages, which were significantly higher than those with one irrigation at flowering and rainfed crop. However, crop performance with three irrigations and that of two irrigations (at flowering and siliqua formation) recorded similar yield performance of Rapeseed. Whereas, the maximum water use efficiency was observed under one irrigation at flowering. Considering varieties, the variety TS 67 being at par with TS 38 recorded significantly higher seed and stover yields than those of M 27 and TS 46.
Proximate constituents of some homegarden food crops and household food security in Mizoram, northeast India
We analyzed 14 important homegarden food crops for their proximate constituents and household food security involving 22 villages and 92 homegardens spread over 40m-1200 m above msl in Aizawl district of Mizoram. Among the food crops, Parkia timoriana had highest moisture content (82.6%) while the rest were having below 50% moisture content. P.timoriana had highest carbohydrate content while highest protein content was found in Acacia pennata. The energy content was highest in P. timoriana (483 Kcal/100g) followed by Discorea esculenta (386 Kcal/100g) and A.pennata (332 Kcal/100g). Out of the 351 plant species encountered in home gardens, 133 were plants supplying vegetables and fruits with higher diversity of food plants in high altitude (104), followed by low altitude (95) and mid altitude (85). Homegarden food crops nevertheless helped not only in supplementing the dietary requirements but also the ensuring household food security in Mizoram.
Entrepreneurial behaviour of Women Self-Help Group members in Meghalaya
A study was conducted in West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya to know the entrepreneurial behaviour of the members of Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) since the district was having the highest number of Self-Help Groups in the state. A sample of 80 respondents was taken for the present investigation. Majority of the respondents were found to possess medium entrepreneurial behaviour followed by low and high levels of entrepreneurial behaviour. The study also revealed that entrepreneurial behaviour was significantly and positively correlated with education, social participation, mass media exposure and level of aspiration of the respondents.
Problems Faced by the Farmers in Adoption of Improved Rice Technology in Khowai District of Tripura
The study to ascertain several problems faced by the farmers in adoption of improved rice technology in Khowai district of Tripura. It was conducted in four purposively selected villages under KVK Khowai district of Tripura with 120 sample size from the adopted villages selected through simple random sampling with equal allocation. Mainly rice is the key crop grown in Tripura state. We can say it is the staple food in Tripura. There are several problems enumerated by the farmers during adoption of latest recommended agricultural technologies in rice cultivation. Inadequate availability of quality seed at proper time, Lack of knowledge about scientific cropping pattern and cropping system and their method of application, Non-availability of improved implements and other critical inputs such as FYM/organic fertilizers, Low price of product in local market were the major problems faced by the respondents while adopting the recommended practices in their rice cultivation. The findings will be of use for the official of the State Department of Agriculture, researcher, Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Khowai district and policymakers to plan and revise the extension programmes so as to eliminate the problems of rice farmers in order to amplify the adoption of recommended rice cultivation practices at farm level. Strong extension network for effective transfer of latest technologies, Improvement of credit and market facilities and crop insurance were the important suggestion made by the farmers to solve the problems related to rice cultivation.
Action of o2 modifiers for endosperm modification and amino acids on o2 maize
QPM (Quality Protein Maize) with o2 gene alone cause to improve tryptophan and lysine content but negative correlation with normal maize phenotype. QPM lines reported low yield, susceptible to ear rot disease and storage pest due to insignificant variation in kernel for modification. Also amino acid imbalance in QPM lines with o2 genes which could not supplement daily intake of protein supplements. This malnutrition deficiency leads to disorders like improper growth, kwashiorkor and Pellegra. To mitigate this problem, breeding of QPM with o2 modifiers for endosperm modification and amino acid modification was focussed and found to be effective with sufficient nutrient supplements. Endosperm modifiers act on 27-kDa γ-zein to modify into vitreous endosperm which could be resistance to ear rot disease. Further amino acid modifiers act on maintenance in balancing amino acid content of both zein and non zein protein. By the action of these o2 and o2 modifiers, modern Quality Protein Maize (QPM) developed with increased lysine and tryptophan and also with good agronomic traits.
Effect of Intercropping on the Infestation of Helicoperva Armigera
The experiment was carried out during Rabi season in the year 2015-16. Five crops viz. maize, sesamum, broad bean, niger and buckwheat, were used as border crop in tomato field. It was compared with alternate spray of dimethoate (0.05%) and lambda cyhalothrin (0.005%). Dimethoate was sprayed at 80 and100 DAT and lambda cyhalothrin was sprayed at 90 and 110 DAT. Lowest incidence in tomato was recorded in alternate spray of chemical pesticides. Amongst the different crop used as border crop, maize as border crop recorded significantly lower incidence of Helicoverpa armigera than the other border crops. Farmers can adopt the practice of intercropping in tamato with maize to reduce the population of fruit borer.
The main objective of the study was to identify the most profitable and efficient marketing channel in the marketing of broiler birds in Manipur. The study was based on the primary data collected from broiler farmers, wholesalers and retailers after the identification of the major disposal patterns in the study area. The study found out that there were three marketing channels in the study area. Most of the broiler birds was disposed through Channel-I, in which the producers directly sold to the consumers; followed by Channel-II, where the producers sold directly to the retailers; and the least through Channel-III, where producers sold to the wholesalers, who then sold to the retailers and the retailers to the consumers. The marketing cost were the least when the producers directly dispose their produce to the consumers and the marketing margin was nil since no intermediaries were involved in the channel-I. However, presence of large number of intermediaries reduces the marketing efficiency as the marketing cost and margin increases with the number of intermediaries in the channel-II and channel-III.
Impact of MGNREGA on income, expenditure and assets in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya
This study was undertaken to assess the impact of the MGNREGA on change in the income, expenditure and asset of the scheme in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya state. District was selected for the study with the objective of analysing the impact of MGNREGA on the participant households. For evaluating the specific objectives designed for the study, required primary data were collected from the participants for the year 2017. It was found that there was 20.79 per cent increase in income, after getting wage employment from MGNREGA. Agriculture was found to be the major source of income of beneficiary group. Due to volatility either in production, prices or both, their monthly income from agriculture was not stable. To stabilise the monthly sources of the income of the beneficiary groups, special attention is required through MGNREGA like scheme. Which not only ensure their 100 days’Â work but also helps in stabilising the income. It showed that how MGNREGS helps to stabilise monthly income level of beneficiary household. But this stabilisation mainly depends on how many days and when they are setting the MGNREGS activities. Generally during the lean season of agricultural activities MGNREGA will help to make them stabilise food security or livelihood. Significant increase in expenditure of almost all the food and non-food items was observed. This may be due to increase in income after participation in MGNREGS. The purchasing power of the beneficiaries for assets like farm implement, television, mobile phone, bike, livestock had also increased after MGNREGA.
The main objective of the study was to identify the most profitable and efficient marketing channel in the marketing of milk in Nagaland. The study was based on the data collected from milk producers, local trader and dairy co-operative cum processor after identification of the major channels in the study area. The study found out that there were three marketing channels in the study area. Most of the milk marketed was disposed through Channel-I, in which the producer directly sells to the consumer; followed by Channel-III, where the producer sells directly to the co-operative; and the least through Channel-III, where producer sells to local trader cum retailer, who then sells to the consumers. The marketing cost and marketing margin were least when the producer directly disposes their produce to the consumer or the co-operative. However, presence of large number of intermediaries reduces the marketing efficiency as the marketing cost and margin increases with the number of intermediaries in the channel.
Effect of Submergence and Phosphatic Fertilizers on Phosphate Potentials - A Measure of Phosphorus Availability in Acid Soils of Karnataka
The use of phosphate potential (PP) and equilibrium phosphate potential (EPP), a measure of readily available phosphorus in soil, to predict the phosphorus supplying power of submerged soil is reliable but the information so for available is insufficient to draw a valid conclusion. An experiment was conducted with single super phosphate (SSP), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and Missouri rock phosphate (MRP) (applied @ 200 ppm P) and two period of submergence (up to 30 and 60 days) to study the effect of submergence and different sources of phosphatic fertilizers on PP and EPP. Due to submergence up to 30 days, decrease in PPÂ and EPP was noticed in all four soils irrespective of different phosphatic fertilizer sources. This decrease in PP and EPP indicates the increased availability of inorganic phosphate (H2PO4-) ions due to the submergence. On prolonged submergence up to 60 days, decrease in PP and EPP was noticed in soils having low pH. Among the four soils, Shimoga soil recorded increased PP and EPP with all phosphatic fertilizer sources including control. Among the phosphatic fertilizers, the highly soluble fertilizers like DAP and SSP application significantly increased H2PO4- ion concentration in soil solution when compared to MRP, which is acid soluble one. The correlation studies revealed that changes in PP and EPP due to submergence and different phosphatic fertilizers application were found to be significant. However, available phosphorus was more negatively and significantly correlated with EPP.
Determining and Mapping of Soil Erodibility Index for Nongpoh Watershed
The soil erodibility factor (K) is a derivative of the soil physical properties such as particles size distribution, soil aggregation, infiltration as well as soil organic matter content. Soils with faster infiltration rates, higher levels of organic matter and improved structure have a greater resistance to erosion. It is an important parameter in the estimation of soil erosion in models like Universal Soil Loss Equation and its modified forms. In the present study the main objective was to determine the soil erodibility indices of Nongpoh watershed of Meghalaya so that the values of the soil erodibility index can be established for future works. Soil Physical Properties Analysis method and interpolation techniques in ArcGIS environment were used for determination of ‘K’ factor in different transacts of Nongpoh watershed (Meghalaya). The K factor of the study area was ranging from 0.12 to 0.23 with an average of 0.18. The K factor was calculated separately for the three Transacts of the study area. The result showed that, the all Transacts having similar average K values of 0.18 to 0.19. The study indicated that the soil of study area is more susceptible to water erosion.
Current status of Trout farming in Himachal Pradesh
The mountainous regions in the Himalayan states of India is endowed with copious amounts of highly oxygenated pristine freshwater highly suitable for culturing rainbow trout. Himachal Pradesh is a state with numerous streams and reservoirs and has a big potential for fish production. Estimated fisheries water resources of the state are around 3000 km out of that 600 km of coldwater streams are conducive for trout farming and classified as trout water which can be judiciously trapped for trout culture. Trout is a cold water fish and well flourishes in water temperature ranges from 5oC to 15oC. Trout fish, both brown (Salmo trutta fario) and rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are found in the snow fed Beas, Sutluj and Ravi rivers in the highest reaches of the state where temperature of water hover around freezing point. The state has around 512 trout farms including seven that are run by the government mainly in Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Kinnaur and Mandi district. Out of five zones, zone II and III of Himachal Pradesh have vast potential for the culture of high prized fish “Rainbow troutâ€. Total production of trout in the state was 0.54 tonnes in the year 1996-97 and increased to 25 tonnes in 2005-06 while it reaches to 456.73 metric tonnes in the 2017-2018. Availability of technical know-how of trout farming, breeding and artificial diets has immensely helped in promoting aquaculture of trout in the state. Research and development efforts to expand and intensify rainbow trout production leads to overall increase in production of trout fish but still there is a huge gap between the actual and potential trout production. In this paper trout production, current situation and its potential for future expansion in Himachal Pradesh were reviewed.
Economic Analysis of Frontline Demonstration of Barley in Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kargil laid out Frontline demonstration to study the impact of High yielding variety and split doses of nitrogen in Barley. 25 farmers were selected randomly for demonstrating the technology during the year 2011-12 and 2012-13. Each demonstration was of 0.25 hectare. The crop was sown in the first fortnight of May. The average yield and economic analysis of the demonstration and the farmers practice were calculated. During both the years the highest average yield was found in high yielding varieties with split dose of nitrogen i.e. 25.3q/ha and 26.2q/ha as against the farmers practice i.e. 19.2q/ha and 16.7q/ha and the percentage increase was 31.78 and 56.89 more as compared to farmers practice. The average net return of the demonstration during 2011-12 and 2012-13 was Rupees 30080 and 31880 as against rupees 19600 and 14600 under farmers practice. The percentage increase in income was found to be 53.47 and 118.36 during both the years respectively.
Preference and Credibility of Farm Information Sources by the Fish Farmers of West Tripura
Acceptance and utilization of improved fisheries innovation and technology by fish farmers mainly depend on the sources of information and channels to which they are generally exposed to. Keeping this in mind, the present study was conducted to understand the preference of different information sources used by the fish famers in West Tripura district of Tripura and to study the level of credibility of these sources as perceived by them. An ex-post-facto research design was followed for the study. A sample of 80 respondents was selected from eight villages based on the prevalance of fish farmers in the district. Communication sources and methods play an important role in providing information support to the fish farmers for effectively conducting their fish farming activities. A pre tested structured interview schedule was used to collect primary data by the investigator. The study revealed that among all the personal contact methods, the respondents most frequently depended on localite sources like friends and neighbours for acquiring farm information. Among the group contact method, they maily depended on fellow fish farmers for acquiring farm information. Television was the most frequently source among the mass contact method to assess to different farm information. The level of credibility of information attained was found to be highest in contact with extension personnel followed by interpersonal contact with friends and neighbour. Among mass contact methods, use of television and participation in agri fair/exhibition was found to be highly credible as per the perception of the respondents.