Indian Journal of Hill Farming

Role of Inland Fisheries in the Socio-Economic Development of Cooperative Fishermen in Sikkim, North East India

Kul Bahadur Chettri — 2022-12-24

The objective of this paper is to describe and evaluate the livelihood status of the
rural fishing community of Sikkim. For this purpose,100 samples were collected through a
personal interview method based on questionnaire from the different PFCS (Primary
Fishermen Cooperative Society) located in different districts of Sikkim. The socio-economic
conditions of the fish farmers were analysed by tabular analysis with percentages and mean.
Gini coefficient was used to measure the extent of income inequality among the fish farmers
of PFCS. A logit model was used to ascertain the impact of different socio-economic factors
on fish farmers’ perception concerning the improvement in their living conditions. The study
found that the socio-economic status of the people was favourable and there were less
variations among the fish farmers. The majority of the respondents were stated to have either
pucca or semi pucca houses and they are using both firewood and LPG for cooking food. The
study also found that the farmers have access to basic amenities like drinking water,
electricity, sanitation facilities, housing, etc. The study revealed that income inequality was
not so severe amongst the farmers of PFCS. The socio-economic indicators like per capita
income, housing conditions and the ratio of above primary education to total members were
found to impact the perceived living conditions of the fish farmers. Overall, it can be said
that the majority of the fish farmers of each PFCS have realised improvements in their
economic conditions after the adoption of fish farming.

Gender Differences in Work Participation and Decision Making in Agricultural and Non- Agricultural Activities in Sikkim

Kesang Wangmo Bhutia — 2022-12-24

The present study analyses the gender differences in work participation and
decision making in agricultural and non-agricultural activities in Sikkim. A comprehensive
survey was undertaken by using multi stage random sampling method to collect data from
four different villages in Sikkim viz. Upper Legship village from Rabong block, South district
comprising of 46 households; Bop village from Chungthang block, North district containing
25 households; Nazitam village from Martam block, East district constituting of 79
households and Lagay village from Gyalshing block, West district comprising of 62
households. . It was found that women in the sample villages in Sikkim participated in
agricultural as well as non-agricultural activities at par with her male counterpart. There was
not a single activity, which was absolutely dominated by male or female in the agricultural
sector however slight variation was observed in work participation. Ploughing, the activity,
which in earlier times, were completely dominated by men had been taken up by the women
in few pockets as per the survey report undertaken by the researcher. On the other hand,
insignificant variation was found in gender work participation in the livestock economy; in
non-agricultural activities, there was an enormous gender division of work which was not a
good representation. While observing the gender decision making in agriculture,
livestock/animal husbandry and in general, religious, social and family affairs, it was
governed by men except in child’s education, child nurturing, house decoration and in taking
marriage decision it was controlled by the women. Better education system focusing on girl’s
education would help in reducing such gaps. Awareness and training programmes from
government’s side would add to its advantage.

Assessment of attitude of frontline demonstrators towards kitchen gardening

P. S Sharma — 2022-12-24

With the use of a technology called kitchen gardening, we can produce bacteriafree
veggies at home using used utensils, clay flower pots, and empty tins. This exercise not
only helps us save money and time, but it also gives the whole family a fun, healthy, and
environmentally beneficial hobby. In light of this, the current study was carried out to learn
how kitchen gardening affects the beneficiaries' nutritional security. The sample selection for
the present study was taken from the Front-Line Demonstration (FLD) given to 150 numbers
of female beneficiaries from the last three consecutive years i.e., 2017-18 to 2019-20 at
different KVK operational villages. To know its impact on health, an eleven-point attitude
scale which was developed by Anand Agricultural University Anand was used based on
which data was collected and analyzed. Results showed that 44.00% of respondents had only
secondary education, while 46.00% of respondents were in the middle age group. When it
came to the size of their land holdings, 38.67% of respondents had between 1 and 2 ha,
37.33% had between 5 and 6 family members and a medium annual income, and the majority
fell into the untrained category. Attitude towards kitchen gardening implies that the first rank
(WMS=3.69) goes to the attitude that Kitchen Gardening is a constructive approach and
hence it converts leisure time into a productive one. The second rank was given to the attitude
of the beneficiary that it provides the opportunity to get fresh vegetables in all the seasons
with a weighted mean score equal to 3.67. Very least number of respondents agreed with the
statement that kitchen gardening is more hypocrisy than reality and hence scored last rank
(WMS=2.89) in an eleven-point attitude scale towards kitchen gardening.

Micropropagation of Citrus macroptera Montr. using explants from in vitro generated seedlings

Shabaree Y.A. Sangma — 2022-12-24

Citrus macroptera Montr. known as ‘Chambil’ in Garo language is an endangered species
which grows in wild and semi wild conditions in Meghalaya. It has great significance in the
life of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya for its culinary and medicinal uses, as well as for its use in
traditional rituals. The slow natural regeneration, recalcitrant seeds, lack of commercial
cultivation and clearing of forest area for various developmental activities are a threat to this
species and need attention for conservation. Considering these facts, in vitro trials were
conducted for standardization of protocol for mass multiplication of Citrus macroptera with
five explants from in vitro germinated seedlings. Among the treatments evaluated for nodal
segment, MS medium incorporated with 0.5 mg/l BAP showed highest response of 91.49%
with 6.04 shoots of 2.05 cm length in 6.16 days. Out of the treatments tried with shoot tip,
highest response (66.24%) was observed in MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg/l
producing 2.08 shoots of 1.04 cm length within 5.75 days. Among the treatments assessed for
cotyledon explants, MS medium with BAP 1.0 mg/l produced the highest number of 3.88
shoots of 2.10 cm length in 19.77 days showing 73.77 % response. With callus initiation rate
of 63.33%, leaf discs cultivated on full strength MS media with 0.5 mg/l of 2, 4-D produced
viable callus in 7.33 days. The highest shoot bud proliferation (73.33%) was seen in this
callus when grown on full strength MS medium with BAP 1.0 mg/l, which produced 11.13
shoots. Root tips of in vitro seedlings did not produce any shoots. The rooting percentage of
in vitro produced Citrus macroptera shoots cultured on full strength MS medium with IBA
1.0 mg/l + NAA 1.0 mg/l was 94.44% with 5.55 roots per shoot of 4.5 cm length in 11.94
days, the highest of the many treatments taken into consideration. Seventy per cent in vitro
rooted plantlets survived in open conditions. Results indicate that protocol developed for in
vitro plantlet regeneration from nodal segments of in vitro raised seedlings, can be used for
mass multiplication of Citrus macroptera .

Prevalence of parasites of pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the hilly region of Meghalaya

M. Das — 2022-12-24

The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which pigeons in the
hilly regions of Meghalaya are infected with both internal and external parasites. A total of
195 numbers of faecal samples were examined for four months by using flotation and
McMaster techniques. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in
pigeons of Umiam, Meghalaya was 44.10%. Eggs of Ascaridia columbae (18.60%),
Paratanaisia bragai (15.11%), Capillaria obsignata (9.30%), Strongyloides avium (12.79%),
Raillietina cesticillus (6.97%), Raillietina tetragona (11.62%), Eimeria sp. (8.13%) and mixed
infection (17.44%) were recorded. Examination of blood smear revealed presence of
Haemoproteus columbae (6.63%). Necropsy of 6 numbers of pigeons revealed presence of
Raillietina tetragona (33.33%), Raillietina echinobothrida (16.66%), Cotugnia sp. (16.66%),
Cysticercus sp. (16.66%) and Paratanaisia bragai (16.66%). Two species of ectoparasites,
Menopon gallinae (16.66%) and Columbicola columbae (33.33%) observed. The present
findings have significance because these parasites have detrimental effect on the infected
birds and also serve as a possible reservoir for zoonotic diseases.

Studies on morphological characteristics of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) genotypes

Utpal Das — 2022-12-24

The study was carried out to characterize morphological parameter of twelve Z.
mauritiana genotypes using randomized block design with three replications during the year
2017-18 and 2018-19 at Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Science,
Raichur 584104, Karnataka. The results revealed a significant variability across the Z.
mauritiana genotypes for all the characters under study exception of thorn base width. Low to
comparatively moderate environmental variations for the characters were observed from
1.98% to 16.85%. Among the genotypes, Chhuhara and Mehrun showed excellent thorn
characteristics and produced chocolate brown colour fruit, round fruit base, less numbers of
fruit drop and highest number of fruits per kg. Thus, these recognized genotypes might be
considered as prominent for growing or further utilization as a source of desirable gene in
future for Z. mauritiana improvement.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Germination and Growth Responses of Pummelo Seedlings under Eastern Himalayan Foothills

Bidyarani Devi Senjam — 2022-12-24

The research was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar
district of West Bengal, under eastern Himalayan foothills during the year 2019–2020. This
trial was aimed to evaluate the effect of seed treatment of pummelo with varying
concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination and successive growth behaviour of
seedlings. Seven treatments were employed viz., Control, 50 ppm GA3, 100 ppmGA3, 150
ppm GA3, 200 ppm GA3, 250 ppm GA3 and 300 ppm GA3 and each treatment was replicated
three times. All treatments significantly performed better as compared to control. According
to the results obtained, treatment with 300 ppm GA3 was found to be superior among all the
treatments with highest germination percentage (98.33 %), germination value (5.30), shortest
minimum days to germination (18.83), mean germination time (27.95), maximum number of
leaves (13.67), number of roots (29.00), shoot length (26.33 cm), root length (21.40 cm),
seedling length (47.73 cm), seedling vigour index (4693.90), fresh root weight (1.80 g), fresh
shoot weight (1.33 g), fresh leaf weight (3.67 g), dry root weight (0.77 g), dry shoot weight
(0.52 g), dry leaf weight (0.96 g), root:shoot ratio (0.52) and total biomass (2.25 g plant-1).
Therefore, pre-sowing treatment of pummelo seeds with 300 ppm GA3 may be recommended
to the growers to enhance germination and growth of seedlings leading to the production of
vigorous plants which can be utilized in crop improvement programme as well as rootstock
studies.

Engineering interventions and their effects on oyster mushroom cultivation- A systematic review

Huidrom Dayananda Singh — 2022-12-24

Oyster mushrooms are rich in protein, minerals, and fibre with no cholesterol content. It also
has medicinal properties. The consumption of oyster mushrooms is increasing, and their
production is far below its demand. Oyster mushrooms’ yield and nutrient content depend on
the substrate, environmental conditions, quality of spawn, stage of mushroom at the time of
harvest, etc. Different engineering methods are used in various operations during oyster
mushrooms cultivation. This review paper aims to identify engineering systems or techniques
used in oyster mushroom cultivation to improve the quality and yield of mushrooms and
reduce drudgery, time, and human resource requirement. The available literature is
extensively analysed to determine the different engineering inputs and their effects on oyster
mushroom cultivation. Adopting the internet of things (IoT), automatic temperature and
humidity control systems, machine learning, LED lights, etc., reduced the drudgery and
human resources requirements. Also, the oyster mushroom’s quality and yield are improved
compared to the conventional cultivation practice. The present paper provides scope for
developing new machines/equipment for a particular operation in oyster mushroom
cultivation.

Different aspects of handling and the impact of human-handling on dairy animals

Shwetambri Jamwal — 2022-12-24

Professional animal handling necessitates a thorough understanding of animal
behaviour. Satisfactory knowledge of an animal's behaviour in a circumstance can benefit
both the handler and the animal, which is a prerequisite for the smooth conduct of routine
farm activities. Improper animal handling causes a stressed condition in the animal, limiting
its performance. The amount and kind of interaction with people, as well as the quality of the
animal's handling, are significant determinants in animal handling. Adequate animal handling
skills may enhance handler safety, reduce labour requirement, raise productivity,
reproductive performance, and encourage overall animal welfare.

Evaluation of Antifungal Properties of Botanicals in Green Mould of Citrus

Narola Pongener — 2022-12-24

The most economically important post harvest disease in citrus is considered to
be Green mould disease of citrus caused by Penicillium digitatum. In an attempt to explore
the possibilities to develop effective post harvest management practices and keeping in mind
the harmful effects of the use of chemicals ten botanicals viz. Azadiracta indica, Capsicum
annum, Eucalyptus citriodora Hoch., Zingiber officinalis, Allium sativum, Murrya koenigii,
Bacopa onneiri, Zanthoxylum oxiphyllum DC., Allium cepa and Mentha piperita L. were
screened under in vitro and in vivo conditions for their inhibitory action on the mycelial
growth of Penicillium digitatum. Among the botanicals screened, Allium sativum recorded
maximum per cent inhibition (76.89%) at 15% concentration which was followed by
Capsicum annum (68.94%) at 15% concentration. Three best anti-fungal activity plant crude
extracts based on in vitro screening results were evaluated to check their efficacy under in
vivo, viz., Allium sativum, Mentha piperita and Capsicum annum against Penicillium
digitatum under pre inoculated and post inoculated conditions. It was found that A. sativum
recorded the least disease incidence with PDI of 24.67% and 34.67% under pre inoculated
and post inoculated condition followed by Mentha piperita recording PDI of 28.00% and
34.00% under pre inoculated and post inoculated conditions.

Nutra chemical and Organoleptic Quality Evaluation of Wood Apple Products- an underutilized fruit of North-East India

Jyotirmoy Goyary — 2022-12-24

Wood Apple an underutilized fruit of north-east India was used for finding the
feasibility of preparing value added confectionery products such as jam, jelly and candy. The
products were prepared from pulp of wood apple with the addition of different combinations
of Sugar solution and pectin. The biochemical analysis showed that the Jam (Ja2) with 50%
sugar solution has TSS (%) 65.53±0.23, Moisture (%) 40.30±0.24, Ash (%) 0.33±0.02,
pH3.52±0.10, TA0.35±0.04 and TS (%) 54.27±0.23. Jelly (Je1) with 0.5% Pectin was
found to be TSS (%) 67.31±0.30, Moisture (%) 28.96±0.05, Ash (%) 0.60±0.01,
pH3.56±0.05, TA 0.33±0.01 and TS (%) 75.77±0.21.Osmotically dehydrated Candy (Ca1)
at 40°Brix was found to be TSS (%) 75.08±0.38, Moisture (%) 18.74±0.16, Ash (%)
0.34±0.01, pH 3.34± 0.22, TA1.34±0.19 and TS (%) 76.12±0.73. Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range tests (for least significance difference among means
at p < 0.05) showed that the results of Ja2, Je1 and Ca1 were found to be chemically
synchronous with the (FSSAI) Food Safety and Standard Authority of India specification.
Sensory evaluation of the products on the basis of 5 points hedonic Scale (5 like extremely,
4 like much, 3 Nether like or dislike, 2 dislike moderately, 1dislike extremely) depending on
quality attributes of Flavour, colour, taste, mouthful and overall acceptability the Jam and
Jelly got highest score and candy got mixed response. The overall result showed that the
product was at par with any other such product available in the market. Hence based on the
present investigation it can be claimed that wood apple has the potential that can be used for
value added products namely fruit candy, jam and jelly.

A study on the constraints influencing the agricultural information network output of the Farm women in sub-Himalayan region of India

Ganesh Das — 2022-12-24

A number of studies revealed that farm women in India perceived different type of
farm level constraints. But few studies were found on the influence of the different
constraints on agricultural information network output of farm women. Keeping this in view
the present study was undertaken to find out the different type of constraints perceived by the
farm women for reaching out to relevant farm information and the influence of these
constraints on agricultural information network output. The study was conducted in Cooch
Behar district of West Bengal, which is located at foothills of the eastern sub-Himalayan
Mountain belts of India. Ex post facto research design was used to conduct the study. It was
found from the study that the majority of the farm women perceived medium level of sociopsychological
and extension and training constraints and high level of marketing and
communication constraints. This study further revealed that the socio-psychological and
communication constraints negatively and significantly influence on theagricultural
information network output of the farm women and extension and training constraints
positively and significantly influence on the agricultural information network output of the
farm women.

Effect of wood density on above-ground biomass while measuring the mango trees

Alka Kushwaha — 2022-12-24

Capital city of Uttar Pradesh Lucknow, comes in the Northern sub-tropical region
of India. It comes under the central plain region and contains highly fertile soil for agriculture,
but Lucknow and its nearby districts such as Hardoi, Sitapur, and Unnao are known for the
finest Mango (Mangifera indica ) cultivars, ʽDashehariʼ is one of them. The ʽDashehariʼ an
endemic mango landrace is famous across the country. ʽDashehariʼ trees are huge and have a
wide canopy, which influences mitigating the atmospheric carbon through balancing the
carbon cycle. This study has been focused on the estimation of ʽDashehariʼ tree biomass. In
this research, an effort has been done to minimize error and standardize key factors while
estimating tree biomass. Although, generalized allometric equations have mainly been used as
a forest measuring tool to estimate above-ground biomass, but applying these equations to
other commercial trees, either gives uncertain results or which varies too much differently.
Therefore, eighty years old seedlings of Dashehari trees were harvested with a legal permit.
Above-ground biomass of every mango tree has been calculated by the destructive method as
well as non-destructive methods. Subsequently, measurements of the trees and comparative
findings were evaluated by statistical analysis. The study showed that by the non-destructive
method, wood density influences the estimation of the biomass of the tree. Above-ground
biomass was recorded as higher than the destructive method while using standard wood
density value (0.60 g cm-3), whereas above-ground biomass was recorded as almost similar to
the destructive method while using modified wood density (0.48 g cm^-3).

Rice Production in Northeast India: Decomposition and Trend Analysis

Nivetina Laitonjam — 2022-12-24

The study analyse the Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR), instability using
Cuddy-Della Valle Index, estimated rice requirement with the projected population till 2035.
Decomposition analysis was used to examine how area and yield contributed to the overall
production of rice in North Eastern (NE) India. The study was conducted for the period of 54
years (1966-67 to 2019-20) on state-wise area under, production and yield of rice in NE India.
The whole time period was divided into three phases viz., phase I (1966-67 to 1983-84),
phase II (1984-85 to 2001-2002), phase III (2002-03 to 2019-20) making almost two decades
each and the overall period as phase IV (1966-67 to 2019-20) based on availability of data.
Positive significant growth in area under, production and yield of rice was experienced in NE
India during 1966-2019. The study showed that yield effect contribute the most to overall
increase in production of rice in the region. The state Tripura has the highest growth in yield
of rice (2.59%) with low instability while, Manipur has the lowest growth in yield (0.96%)
with medium instability. Among the NE states, five states namely Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim were deficit in rice production during 2019. The total
requirement of rice in NE during 2022 and 2035 was estimated to be 7549 thousand MT and
8347 thousand MT (increased by 10.57%), respectively. Thus, the study recommended the
application of new agronomic practices and cultivation of improved varieties to increase
production and yield instead of increasing area under cultivation considering the scarcity of
land.

Evaluation of tomato hybrids for yield and attributing traits under agroclimatic conditions of Kokrajhar district, Assam

Puja Basumatary — 2022-12-24

A field investigation was conducted to study the performance of four tomato
varieties for growth, yield and yield attributing characters under agro-climatic condition of
Kokrajhar district, during the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 at seven (07) different locations.
Four tomato varieties namely Arka Abhed, Arka Samrat, Arka Rakshak and farmer’s variety
Trishul 1458 (check) were studied under the present experiment. The trial was laid out in
randomized complete block design with four replications. Results revealed the superiority of
Arka Abhed in terms of yield and growth and produced firm, oblate round fruits with average
weight of 111.10g and average yield of 162.80 q/ha. Parameters like plant height (111.7 cm),
number of fruits per plant (73.4) and average fruit weight (111.10g) were observed highest
in Arka Abhed whereas farmer’s variety Trishul 1458 (check) was found with lowest values
for all the parameters. Arka Abhed was also found to have the highest gross returns of Rs.
9,76,800.00 with a Benefit cost ratio of 6.94 with the lowest values in the check variety Rs.
4,04,400.00 and 3.06 respectively. Hence, the farmers of the district were convinced to go
for variety Arka Abhed in lieu of their existing varieties to yield more returns and
productivity.

Pulses Production in North-East India: Trend and Decomposition Analysis

Kamni P. Biam — 2022-12-24

The North-Eastern Region (NER) of India offers ideal soil and agro-climatic
conditions for growing pulses, however the region falls short of its needs for pulses by over
82%. The average pulses productivity in NER, however, is greater than the national average
(764 kg/ha), demonstrating the potential for pulses production in this area (848 kg/ha). The
study attempts to look at the state-by-state growth scenario, production variability, and break
down the impact of production in the North East Region. The relative contribution of area,
yield, and their interplay to the production of all pulses was calculated using a decomposition
analysis model. The study analysis spanned across four periods viz., Phase I (1978-79 to
1991-92); Phase II (1992-93 to 2005-06) and Phase III (2006-07 to 2019-20) and Pool (1978-
79 to 2019-2020). The study revealed that there was positive significant growth in area
(5.02%), production (7.56%) and yield (2.42%) of pulses during Phase I of the study period.
For the Phase II, the growth was positive and significant only in yield of pulses (1.62%). The
result of analysis of overall data (1966-67 to 2019-20) revealed that Arunachal Pradesh,
Meghalaya and Nagaland showed a positive significant growth in area under pulses in, while
in production and yield of pulses, it was observed in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya,
Nagaland and Tripura. The study revealed that during the whole study period there was
significant positive growth in area (1.53%), production (3.47%) and yield (1.91%) of pulses
in NE India indicating that time trend had significant influence on change in area, production
and yield of pulses.

Constraints in Online-Teaching of Agricultural Undergraduates in North-East Region of India during COVID-19 Pandemic

Progati Borah — 2022-12-24

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutes in India including
Agricultural Universities to adopt online remote teaching. This sudden shift to onlineteaching
are was a big challenge. For the North East Region of India (NER), already
constrained in terms of ICT infrastructure and higher education, the challenges were
relatively bigger. The study was conducted in NER to study the constraints in teaching
agricultural undergraduates. All the teachers of institutes in the region, offering
undergraduate level degree course in Agriculture constituted the sampling frame. Online
questionnaire was sent to all the teachers of which 75 responses were received, which formed
the respondents of the study. A total of 22 constraint items were identified. Constraints items
were categorized into four categories. Difficulties in conducting field and lab related practical
class was rated the most important constraint. Teaching Facilitation constraints had the
highest mean intensity score followed by Infrastructural constraints, Personal constraints and
Technological Competency constraints. Capacity building on creation of e-teaching contents;
training on online communication and facilitation skills; strengthening technical and
administrative support system for online teaching; sharing of learning experiences of
innovative e-teaching and hybrid teaching strategies amongst teachers; and development of
topic specific appropriate strategies and e-teaching modules for conducting classes were
recommended.

Isolation and evaluation of effective fungal antagonist against Northern leaf blight of maize

Mum Eko — 2022-12-24

A total of ten phylloplane fungi has been isolated from healthy leaves of maize by
leaf washing method viz. M. Phy-01, M. Phy-02 (Trichoderma sp. 1), M. Phy-03
(Trichoderma sp. 2), M. Phy-04 (Penicillium sp.), M. Phy-05 (Fusarium sp.), M. Phy-06
(Aspergillus niger ), M. Phy-07, M. Phy-08 (Trichoderma sp. 3), M. Phy- 09 (Fusarium
oxysporum) and M. Phy -10 (Alternaria sp.). As well as a total of eight endophytic fungi were
isolated from healthy leaves of maize by surface sterilization method and those were M.
Endo-01 (Mucor sp.), M. Endo-02, M. Endo-03, M. Endo- 04, M. Endo-05, M. Endo-06
(Fusarium sp.), M. Endo-07 and M. Endo-08 (Pythium sp.). Isolated fungi were characterized
on the basis of their cultural morphological characters and microscopic view of conidia and
condiophores. Determination of their antagonistic activity against the pathogen (E. turcicum)
causing Northern leaf blight of maize was done by dual culture method, in which phylloplane
fungi Trichoderma sp. 1 with 56.11% has the highest inhibition percentage followed by
Trichoderma sp. 2 with 54.04% and lowest inhibition percentage was found in genera of
Alternaria sp. with 20.70 %. Among the endophytic fungi, Mucor sp. with 75.55% was found
to have highest inhibition percentage followed by Fusarium sp. with inhibition percentage of
47.79 % and lowest percentage of inhibition was found in M. Endo-03 (13.96 %).

Economic Scrutiny of bio-pesticide use in potato cultivation in Meghalaya

Harigovind P — 2022-12-24

In the sustainable intensification of crop production through green economy, the
bio-pesticides are playing an immense role. Meghalaya being an organic state by default,
farmers are adamant to non-use chemicals in the agricultural production. Therefore, the
current study was conducted among the potato growers of East Khasi Hills district to identify
the economic sustainability of using organic inputs such as bio-pesticides with a respondent
size 100 which included equal number of both adopters and non-adopters, selected from two
villages of Mawkynrew and Mawrynkneng blocks using random sampling with proportionate
allocation method. Cost estimation showed that the expenditure of adopters was less than
non-adopters and the cost of potato production for adopters were found to be 10.77 % less
than non-adopters. On contrary gross returns marked to be high for adopters by 18.96 %
which accounted for the 33.34 % increase in the benefit-cost ratio. Economic viability of
organic farming practices in potato cultivation was underlined by the increased B-C ratio and
higher net farm income of adopters by using bio-pesticide which is eco-friendly and
sustainable.

Knowledge Level of Ginger Growers on Improved Cultivation Practices of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale L. ) in Tuensang District, Nagaland

Mary N. Odyuo — 2022-12-24

The present study was conducted in Tuensang district of Nagaland, situated in the
eastern most part of Nagaland, India. Tuensang district has been endowed with fertile soil
and favourable climatic conditions for ginger cultivation and most of the farmers are
cultivating ginger on a large scale, thus, this study was conducted with an objective to
examine the knowledge level of improved cultivation practices of Ginger by ginger growers.
The study was carried out in four villages under one RD block with a sample size of 120
ginger growers as respondents. Ex-Post Facto research design was adopted for this study.
Based on recommended practices of cultivation, it was concluded that majority of the
respondents knowledge level was medium. Almost all (95-98%) of the respondents had
knowledge on propagation; harvesting and post-harvest management. Half of the respondents
had knowledge on improved varieties; physiological disorders; intercultural operations;
disease and pest management. It was found that less than half of the respondents had
knowledge on land preparation; climate and soil requirement while, knowledge on spacing,
planting time, water requirement and manure were negligible. However, it was inferred that
the local practices of planting time, spacing and manuring with wood ash as followed by the
respondents were found to be more effective in their local situation, therefore, the indigenous
knowledge may be documented and promoted wherever applicable.

Agronomic manipulations to increase nutrient content in groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

Mandakranta Chakraborty — 2022-12-24

Ammonical fertilizers reduce rhizosphere pH through release of proton and
activates wall loosening processes and root cell elongation thereby, improves the nutrient
uptake. Thus, a field experiment was conducted on the sandy soil of Agricultural College
Farm, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, during kharif 2018 to increase nutrient availability in
groundnut through agronomic manipulations. Sixteen treatments comprised of four levels of
nitrogen (ammonium sulphate as source) viz., 0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1
with 60 kg ha-1 and 90 kg ha-1 which were applied in three splits i.e., 1/3rd basal, 1/3rd @ 30
DAS and 1/3rd @ 60 days after sowing (DAS) and four planting geometry viz., 30 x 10 cm, 25
x 10 cm, 20 x 10 cm and 15 x 10 cm. Application of 60 kg N ha-1, produced highest root dry
weight at 30 and 60 DAS, whereas, 90 kg N ha -1 recorded the highest root dry weight at
harvest. N, P and Zn uptake was higher at 90 kg N ha-1, whereas, 60 kg N ha -1 gave greater K
and Fe uptake over other nitrogen levels. Significant acidification of rhizosphere pH was
observed with 90 kg N ha-1 which was on par with 60 kg N ha -1, however, soil bulk pH did
not influence significantly to levels of ammonium sulphate. Root dry weight and nutrient
uptake were highest and rhizosphere pH lowest under 15 x 10 cm spacing. The results thus
revealed that agronomic manipulation through application of 60 kg N ha-1 and adoption of
closer spacing (15 X 10 cm) can significantly influence rhizosphere chemistry thereby
increasing nutrient availability in the groundnut crop.

Biological Approaches for Assessment and Management of abiotic stress for Resilient Agriculture

Loitongbam Joymati Chanu — 2022-12-24

The impact of abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures, drought, water logging,
high salinity, heavy metal toxicity, limiting crop productivity and sustainability are being
witnessed all over the world. In order to sustain crop productivity, it is therefore crucial to
establish simple and low cost technology for abiotic stress management. Natural resource
management strategies can play a significant role, in this respect, as it has strong influence
on soil resistance to check deterioration of soil health through selective influence on microbes
and its functional attributes. These selective attributes are the indicator of soil resistance to
different stresses. Identification of resistant microbes to extreme environments and their
successful deployment in rhizosphere can be another significant approach to induce systemic
resistance in plants to sustain productivity under stressful environment. However, extensive
research for development of the technology and its assessment under diverse agro-ecological
condition should be accomplished before recommendation. This paper reviews the literatures
on impact of abiotic stress on agriculture, different aspects of soil resistance and resilience,
its assessment and management strategies to combat the upcoming stress for resilient
Agriculture. Till now, a lot of work on soil resistance to stress has been accomplished. So far
soil physical and chemical attributes were given priority to assess the resistance capacity of
a soil to different stresses, in general, compaction, water logging, nutrient toxicity etc., in
particular. The dynamic soil characteristics such as microbial community structure and soil
specific functions, in general, enzymes activities are known to respond more quickly to
changing environmental conditions and crop management practices than total or available
soil organic carbon or other available soil nutrients. Therefore, use of microbes and their
enzymes systems as well as soil functional attributes are current leads to asses soil resistance
to abiotic stress, which results in deterioration of soil health and ultimately to poor crop
quality.

Popularization of Rabi Maize Cultivation in the Villages of West Tripura district

Mandira Chakraborti — 2022-12-24

A study was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra West Tripura in the five selected
villages of West Tripura district during the Rabi season of 2019, 2020 and 2021 to popularize
the improved & scientific cultivation practices of maize among the farmers. Front Line
Demonstration (FLD) was conducted with scientific package of practices of maize production
technology. The maize hybrid HQPM-1 was given to the farmers for conducting
demonstration. The HQPM-1 was found superior over farmers’ practice. The quality protein
maize HQPM-1 showed 78.8% increased in yield over the local check. The net return and
return per rupee invested were sufficiently high to motivate farmers for adoption of maize
hybrid HQPM-1 with improved production technologies during rabi season.

Influence of Pulsing Treatments on Postharvest Life of Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Lind) cv. Tropical

Laishram Hemanta — 2022-12-24

The present investigation aimed to study the effect of different pulsing solutions
and pulsing durations on the postharvest life of cut Anthurium cv. Tropical. Results revealed
that among the pulsing solutions, maximum water uptake was recorded in P4 (Sucrose 5% +
8-HQC 100 ppm) (11.67 g), water loss (10.56 g), water balance (1.34 g), fresh weight (17.88
g), spathe breadth (8.98 cm), spadix length (4.78 cm) and vase life (20.23 days) while P5
(Sucrose 5% + 8-HQC 200 ppm) recorded maximum stalk elongation (40.48 cm), spathe
length (12.15 cm), spathe breadth (9.17 cm) and vase life (19.67 days). Among the different
pulsing durations, D2 (24 hours) recorded maximum water uptake (7.94 g), water loss (7.22
g), water balance (1.10 g), fresh weight (15.90 g), stalk length (40.38 cm), spadix length (5.18
cm) and vase life (19.78 days) while in D1 (12 hours) the maximum spathe length (12.27 cm)
and spathe breadth (9.20 cm) was recorded.

Embedded drying of spray Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cultivars.

M. Jangyukala — 2022-12-24

The experiment entitled “Studies on embedded drying of spray chrysanthemum
(Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cultivars” was conducted to find out suitable desiccant
for embedded drying of spray chrysanthemum cultivars i.e. Atom Joya, Pusa Aditya and
Yellow Star, embedded in five embedding media viz. silica gel (Crystal, Bead and Powder),
sand and saw dust in hot air oven at 40 ºC. The minimum time required for drying was shown
by cv. Yellow Star (14.56 hrs) and also maximum in colour (3.1) and overall acceptability
(2.72). Cv. Pusa Aditya recorded maximum score in colour (3.1), texture (3.16), brittleness
(4.28) and shape (3.0). Among the embedding media, Silica gel (Crystal) took minimum time
(10.62 hrs) to dry. Silica gel (Bead) scored maximum (3.5) for colour. Silica gel (Powder)
scored maximum for texture (4.2), brittleness (4.33), shape (3.9) and overall acceptability
(3.53).

Management of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (M.) using indigenous plant extracts at medium altitude hills of Meghalaya

Rumki H. Ch. Sangma — 2022-12-24

Different indigenous plant products in the form of plant powders (dust) were
evaluated at different doses for management of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (M.) under
laboratory conditions at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.
The plants included Persian lilac (Melia azaderach), lantana (Lantana camera ),
nishinda (Vitex negundo), Datura species, papaya (Carica papaya ), Eupatorium odoratum,
tulsi (Ocimum spp.) and goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides ). Amongst different plant powders,
lantana powder proved to be most effective followed by melia leaf powder @ 5g/100g grain.
Highest adult cumulative mortality (100 %) was observed in grains treated with lantana
powder and the least mortality was obtained in tulsi treated grains. The lowest grain damage
was recorded in maize grains treated with lantana leaf powder treatment and was at
statistically at par with melia treated grains (P < 0.05). The highest weight loss was recorded
in tulsi leaf powder (6.19 %) which was statistically at par with Eupatorium treated grains
(5.70 %). All the plant powders were found superior over control treatment.