Search

Background: Sorghum (Jowar), a nutritionally rich, great millet is frequently cultivated in semi-arid tracts of India but at places without considering the suitable soil-sites, which result in lower productivity. Thus, understanding of sorghum-growing pedo-environment vis-à-vis crop requirements is a pre-requisite for soil-site evaluation of crop and hence present case study was carried out in Mahabubnagar rural mandal of Mahabubnagar district, Telangana state. Methods: The detailed soil survey (1:10000 scale) of Mahabubnagar Rural mandal (Mahabubnagar district), Telangana was carried out using Sentinel 2 satellite data and mapped with 66 mapping units. These mapping units along with relevant physical and chemical properties were evaluated for their suitability for sorghum farming. Result: Our results indicated that major sorghum-growing soils of Mahabubnagar Rural mandal have been grouped as Typic Rhodustalfs, Aquic Haplustalfs, and Typic Haplusterts at the sub group level. Out of the 18-soil series, major sorghum-growing soils belong to Telugugudam, Kotakadira and Potanpalle series occupying 7.56% of the geographical area. The soil-site evaluation study indicated that the maximum area (33.99 per cent) was rated as marginally suitable with limitations of gravelliness, nutrient availability, rooting conditions, and texture while 1.51 per cent area was highly suitable for sorghum cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is the premier pulse crop widely grown and consumed in India. Chickpea is an important pulse crop during winter season in Rajasthan. It also plays an important role in sustainable agriculture by improving the soil health through biological nitrogen fixation and by enhancing the soil microbial populations thus it is a good source of farmer livelihood and soil security. Methods: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chomu (Tankarda) Jaipur-1 conducted cluster frontline demonstrations on chickpea at farmers? field during winter season of 2019-20 and 2020-21. A total 100 demonstrations were conducted with an area of 40 hectare. A survey to get information on chickpea cultivation practices was undertaken before conducting the demonstrations. Selection of farmers and improved technology for demonstrations were done on the basis of survey information. Result: The results of the cluster frontline demonstrations observed that average yield of chickpea under demonstrations was 24.24 q/ha, which was 26.64 per cent higher as compared to farmers practices (19.14 q/ha). The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 5.10 q/ha, 2.56 q/ha and 9.56 per cent respectively. Higher net return and B:C ratio recorded as ₹ 95432/ha and 4.76 under demonstration plot as compared to farmers practices (₹ 72920/ha and 4.25). The results of demonstrations observed that the low productivity at farmers'? fields may be enhanced through cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dry period duration of dairy cow is considered as an important factor to maintain udder health and milk production. Methods: To investigate the effect of dry period duration (DPD) on udder health, milk production and body condition of dairy cows at lower Gangetic tropics, observations were taken from 25 Jersey crossbred cows which were divided into 2 comparable group viz: 1st group (11 cows), having 50 to 60 days DPD and 2nd group (14 cows), having more than 60 days DPD. Result: Statistically analyzed data revealed that milk somatic cell count, MCMT, milk pH and EC were significantly (P<0.01) varied between two group from second month onwards and continue up to 4th months of lactation. Critical analysis of battery tests clearly confirmed the diagnosis for occurring of subclinical mastitis with poor udder health status in 2nd group. Total milk production/day/cow were almost similar in both group in first month but second month onwards significantly (P<0.01) higher milk production was recorded in 1st than 2nd group. The milk composition parameters revealed non-significant difference between groups whereas milk quality parameter significantly (P<0.01) better in 1st than 2nd group. Initial BCS of dry cow of both groups were similar. But BCS at calving was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 2nd than 1st group with higher negative changes in BCS % in 2nd group as compared to 1st group. It can be concluded that dry period duration of 50-60 days is better over to prolonged dry period (>60 days). Suitable changes in BCS from dry period to calving is beneficial to get higher milk production, quality, better maintenance of body condition and udder health status of Jersey crossbred cows at tropical lower Gangetic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut is an annual oilseed crop that is cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical countries for its seed purpose. The productivity of groundnut has drastically reduced since 2015 due to an array of insect pests especially sucking pests have emerged as a prominent factor contributing to decreased yields in groundnut by direct damage as well as vectors of virus diseases. Methods: The integrated package of practices including seed treatment with fungicide (mancozeb @ 3 g/kg seed) followed by insecticide (imidacloprid @ 2 mL/kg seed) and new generation insecticides (imidacloprid, chlorpyriphos and flubendiamide) were evaluated against sucking pests (aphid, leaf hopper and thrips) and leaf feeders (Spodoptera litura) under open field conditions in scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh, India during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. The parameters regarding incidence of pests, population reduction after treatment imposition, safety to natural enemies, phytotoxicity effects, extension gap, technology gap and technology index, were worked out in farmer's field and demonstration field. Result: In this present study imidacloprid 17.8 SL was performed well in controlling aphids, leaf hoppers and thrips in all the three seasons and flubendiamide 39.35 SC was concluded as best treatment against Spodoptera litura in all seasons. During all the study years, the benefic cost ratio of demo practice indicates (1.26, 1.01 and 1.04) when compared to farmers practice (0.71, 0.69 and 0.76), respectively for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Similarly, the average extension gap, technology gap and yield gap were worked out and ranged from (3.4, 3.1 and 5.3), (1.82, 4.23 and 1.82), (12.72, 11.36 and 19.46) for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are versatile crops that are better for nutritional security and soil health. Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is most important pulse crop, grown throughout the country. The productivity of Black gram is low in Patan district because non-adoption of scientific technologies by the farmers like use of poor quality seeds, water stress at critical stages, imbalance use of plant nutrient, infestation of weeds and incidence of pest especially mosaic, blight, tobacco caterpillar and sucking pest. Methods: The present study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samoda-Ganwada, Taluka-Siddhpur, District - Patan (Gujarat) during Kharif season. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Patan (Gujarat) conducted 225 demonstrations in farmer's field of Patan district during three years i.e., from Kharif, 2017-18, Kharif, 2018-19 and Kharif, 2019-20 on integrated crop management (ICM). Front line demonstrations on black gram were organized in nine cluster in different taluka of Patan District. The demonstrated technology is improved variety (GU-1), Optimum seed rate (20 Kg/Ha), Seed treatment by fungicide and insecticide, Soil inoculation by NPK-liquid consortia Bio fertilizer @ 5 Lit/Ha, RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages, IWM and application of IPM module for the management of insect (Specially on Tobacco Caterpillar and pod borer) and Yellow Mosaic diseases. Result: Reduce the pest infestation under demonstrated technology of black gram resulted enhance the productivity is 24.51 per cent in demonstrated plot over farmers practice. The net return from demonstrated technology is ranged from Rs 28530 per ha in 2018-19 to Rs 36830 per ha in 2019-20 whereas in farmers practice, it was ranges from Rs 20700 in 2017-18 to Rs 30200 in 2019-20. The benefit: cost ratio of black gram cultivation under demonstrated technology was 3.10 whereas in farmer's practices, it was 2.77. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram is one of the important crops among the pulses. Rice-blackgram cropping system is very common in Tamil Nadu. The traditional practice of broadcasting of seeds in the standing crop of rice does not ensure uniform plant population and moisture which results in poor crop growth and yield. Technology gap is a major problem in increasing blackgram production in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu State. So far, no systematic effort was made to study the technological gap existing in various components of blackgram cultivation. This project was implemented in Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) with main objective to increase the production and productivity through cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) with latest technologies. Methods: The cluster front line demonstration s were conducted with the objective of increase in pulse production. The five village of fifty nine frontline demonstrations on blackgram (MDU-1) variety was laid out in an area of 50 hectares in farmer’s field in Ayelapettai, Jadamangalam, Sirugamani, Peruvanallur and Anjalam of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. The inputs i.e. distributed are blackgram (MDU-1) variety seed along with mechanized sowing, Result: There was 81.50 per cent increase in yield observed in demonstration plot over farmers’ practice. It was observed that potential yield can be achieved by imparting scientific knowledge to the farmers, providing the quality need based inputs and proper application of inputs. Combination of technical inputs viz., designer seeds, application of TNAU pulse wonder and biofertilizers with scientific interference have increased the potential yield of a crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are the integral part of many diets across the globe and they have great potential to improve human health, conserve our soils, protect the environment and contribute to global food security. India is the largest producer, consumer and importer of the pulses in the world. Pigeonpea is an important pulse crop that plays an important role in the food and nutritional security of people in the developing countries and contributing to protein intake. It is a soil building crop and being a leguminous crop, fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic fixation, there by helps in N cycling within the ecosystem. Methods: Cluster frontline demonstrations on BDN 711 variety of pigeonpea were conducted bsy Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khamgaon of Beed District, Maharashtra State. Cluster frontline demonstration of pigeonpea variety BDN 711 were conducted during 2019-20 to 2022-23 on 80 ha area in 200 number of total demonstrations. Pigeonpea variety BDN 711 released by Vasantarao Naik Marathada Krishi Vidyapeeth is resistant to wilt, drought tolerant and suitable for medium type of soils. Improved cultivation practices were demonstrated at farmer’s field for four consecutive years by active participation of farmers with an objective of improved technologies of pigeonpea production potentials. Result: The result of the demonstrations concluded that an average yield of pigeonpea under improved technology ranged from 1430 kg/ha to 1800 kg/ha with a mean 1664 kg/ha; which was 30.61 per cent higher over farmers practice (1274 kg/ha). Morever, average yield recorded was higher under demonstrations over district and state average. The study exhibited mean extension gap of 391 kg/ha, mean technology gap 535 kg/ha with mean technology index 25.23 per cent. Higher mean net return of Rs. 71912/ha with mean B:C ratio 2.36 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmers practice. The results clearly indicated that the beneficial impact of front line demonstrations over the farmers practices towards enhancing the productivity of pigeonpea cultivation in Beed district of Maharashtra state, India. Demonstrated technologies proved more remunerative and economically viable compared to farmers traditional practices in pigeonpea cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The marginalization of pulse crops in irrigated agro-ecosystem has been among the most negative facets of green revolution technologies. Integration of summer mung in the irrigated agro-ecosystems within rice-wheat and alternate systems is feasible and remunerative. This crop facilitates the crop intensification by adding a third crop to the crop sequence and there is a large area to intervene. This crop holds the key to increase the income of the farmers and to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production. Methods: This study was carried out at farmers’ fields under irrigated farming situations during the period from 2017 to 2022 using cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD) as farmer participatory intervention. In total 425 demonstrations were conducted within ricewheat and alternate systems on an area of 170 ha, covering 18 villages and 425 farmers. By comparing farmers’ practices in local checks with suggested technologies in demonstrations, a gap analysis was carried out and data on various technical and economic factors were recorded. Result: The CFLD programme mitigated the gaps and increased the adoption of summer mung from 4 per cent of the farmers in 2017 to 22 per cent in 2022. The yield increase in a demonstration over local check was by 17.6 per cent with favourable economics generating net additional returns of Rs. 5488 ha-1. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index recorded in the study were 1.44 q ha-1, 5.48 q ha-1 and 36.53 per cent. The market price was less than the minimum support price (MSP) in all the years of study. The summer mung intensifies the cropping systems as a third crop and its cultivation is remunerative and climate resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Milking behaviour of dairy cows has remarkable influences on their production efficacy. A number of genetic and environmental features controls and affects lactating behaviour of dairy cow. The aim of present study was to investigate the influence of seasons on milking behaviour and milk production of Jersey crossbred cows in tropical climate. Methods: The experiment was conducted on 94 Jersey crossbred cows maintained at organized dairy farm at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal, India and there lactating behavioural features were studied during milking time inside the milking parlour under different seasons. The study period was divided into 3 season’s viz. rainy (September-October), winter (November-February) and summer (March-May). Result: Seasons showed influence upon milking behaviour and milk yield of cows. Temperament of cows were least (1.91±0.03) during winter seasons as compare to rainy and summer (2.15±0.03; 2.09±0.03) respectively and it differed significantly (P<0.01), simultaneously daily milk yield were also more (9.36±0.11) kgs during winter seasons as compare to rainy and summer (6.63±0.13; 8.58±0.13) respectively and it differed significantly (P<0.01). It can be concluded from the study that seasons showed significant influence on the milking behavioural features and milk yield in Jersey crossbred cows in tropical climate, which suggests that if dairy animals get favourable micro-climatic environment and reduced level of environmental stress they will behave more favourably and simultaneously their production efficacy also inclines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessments of the available nutrient status of maize growing soils are essential to generate baseline information regarding efficiency of nutrient availability in order to improve yield and maintain soil health. The information generated would be useful for the subsequent research and developmental activities in these areas and shall guide in assessing the possible cause of low yield and quality of maize production. Methods: Fertility assessment of major maize growing soils for district Kupwara was carried out during 2016. Twenty (20) composite surface soil samples at representative sites were collected and investigated for the available nutrient status and chemical properties Result: The soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (6.1-7.4). The soils of the study area were high in organic carbon content (0.7 to 1.4%), were low in soluble salts (0.11-0.35 dSm-1) and calcium carbonate content (0.08 to 0.15%). The available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were ranged from 295.24 to 510.00 kg ha-1, 10.03 to 20.36 kg ha-1, 131.00 to 165.30 kg/ha, respectively. The pH of the soils determined has a negative and significant correlation with available nitrogen (r = -0.915*) and phosphorous (r = -0.931*). A significant and negative correlation of calcium carbonate was observed with available nitrogen (r = -0.871*) and phosphorous (r = -0.906). The organic carbon content shows significant and positive correlation with available nitrogen (r = 0.936*), phosphorous (r = 0.986*), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genotype environment interaction plays vital role in animal productivity. Heat stress is one of the major environmental stressor affecting milk production and measured in terms of temperature humidity index (THI). Indian milk industry largely depends on crossbred cows bearing different degree of exotic inheritance. Thus, the role of genotype (genetic group) of the crossbred cows and environment (THI) interaction plays vital role in Indian climate which is mostly tropical in nature. Therefore, study was undertaken to examine the existence of genetic group x THI in crossbred dairy cows reared at institute herd of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal. Methods: A total of 12364 records each of monthly milk yield (MMY) and average daily milk yield in a month (AMY) of crossbred cows spanned over twenty two years (1994-2015) and weather parameters (temperature and relative humidity) for the corresponding years were collected from institute records. The data were classified into 8 genetic groups according to the genetic composition and 3 THI groups (THI <72, THI 72-78 and THI above 78). The interaction model was used to study the GxE interaction study using least squares analysis. Result: Effect of non-genetic factors (parity, period of calving and stage of lactation) was found to be highly significant (P<0.01) and genetic group x THI was significant (P<0.05) of on both MMY and AMY. Genetic group bearing 50% Jersey and 50% Red Sindhi or Tharparkar were the most heat tolerant breeds. Jersey crossbred cows were more heat tolerant than Holstein crossbred cows. Crossbred cows with 50% Jersey inheritance performed better than higher Jersey inheritance during periods of THI above 72. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice, maize and Bt cotton are the predominant crops which are either grown solely or in rotation with other crops in Telangana state. As all these crops are exhaustive, non leguminous in nature and may lead to fast soil degradation. Therefore, a major agricultural research priority is needed to sustain soil productivity through carbon sequestration by including legume component in cropping systems. The present study was undertaken to investigate effect of cropping systems on carbon sequestration in the ongoing long-term field trial. Methods: This field investigation was initiated during the year 2017 at an experimental farm located at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The surface soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm depth in various treatments within different cropping systems after harvest of Kharif and Rabi crops, 2019-2020 at the completion of third year of the experiment and analysed for soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) status by following standard procedures. Data were subjected to statistical analysis by adopting RBD statistical tool and analysis of variance was worked by adopting operational statistics (OP STAT) software programme.  Result: The results indicated the improvement in soil organic carbon over the initial status due to the effect of efficient cropping systems. Significantly highest build-up of organic carbon was noticed in the following cropping sequence: CS5: maize + pigeon pea (1:3) (1.25 Mg ha-1) and CS4: pigeon pea + green gram (1:3) - sesame (1.22 Mg ha-1) but the lowest value of SOC was recorded in CS1: rice-maize (7.51 Mg ha-1) and CS2: Bt cotton-fallow (7.24 Mg ha-1), respectively. During the study, it was also observed that in one of the cropping systems i.e., CS10: bhendi-marigold-beetroot showed the negative impact on the level of SOC stock (6.77 Mg ha-1) fell below the initial value (7.53 Mg ha-1) after third year of trial. However, the highest carbon sequestration rate was recorded in CS5: maize + pigeon pea (0.42 Mg ha-1 yr-1) and CS4: pigeon pea + green gram (1:3) - sesame (0.41 Mg ha-1 yr-1). The salient findings of this study showed that cropping systems involving legumes and fodder crops had improved soil organic carbon on long term basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut is an important kharif crop in Rajasthan and occupies important position among state crop list. However, a vast yield gap exists between potential yield and the actual yield obtained due to partial adoption of recommended package of practices by the farmers. The technology gap is a major concern in achieving optimum and sustained production. Considering the facts, present study aimed to study the effect of adaptation of improved technologies in groundnut production, water productivity and sustainability in arid zone of Rajasthan. Methods: Field experiment of groundnut was carried out during four consecutive years 2016 to 2019 on farmer's field of Bikaner districts under cluster frontline demonstrations to assess the impact of improved technologies on yield sustainability, water productivity and economics of groundnut crop. The two treatments evaluated at 25 farmer's field were a) improved technologies i.e. high yielding varieties, seed treatment, timely sowing, optimum plant population, recommended fertilizer management, plant protection measures and irrigation management and b) farmers practice. The groundnut yield, water productivity, sustainability indices, economic returns and benefit to cost ratio of both the systems was compared using appropriate standard statistical procedure. Result: The results of the present field experiment revealed that, the improved practices gave higher and sustainable yield of groundnut over years compared to farmers practice. The mean pod yield recorded (3371 kg ha-1) with improved practices was 24.39 per cent higher than farmer's practice (2710 kg ha-1). Similarly, improved practices had higher sustainability yield index (0.63), sustainability value index (0.47), higher water expense efficiency (74.92 kg ha-1 cm-1), gross water productivity (16.58 m-3), net water productivity (11.89 m-3) and incremental benefit cost ratio (30.1) over farmers practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Summer mung proved to be an effective crop in improving soil health, providing additional income to the farmers, works as catch crop and fits in paddy-wheat crop rotation in Northern India. Its cultivation leads to increase in house hold income of the farmers and contributed to nutritional security in rural India. The present study was carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sonepat in its adopted villages. Methods: A total number of 159 front line demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted on summer mung in 75.2 hectare area using improved variety MH-421 during summer 2017 and 2018 after harvesting of wheat and prior to paddy transplanting to show case improved production technologies on farmers' field specifically under paddy-wheat rotation. The production, productivity and economic returns of summer mung in demonstrations and farmers' practice were compared and different yield gaps were analyzed. Result: Average yield of demonstration plots was recorded significantly higher by 20.0 per cent and 21.3 per cent in summer 2017 and 2018, respectively. The extension gap was 1.75 q/ha and 1.90 q/ha while technology gap was 1.5 q/ha and 1.2 q/ha in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The additional economic returns for farmers ranged from Rs. 2907/ha to Rs. 3200/ha as a results of these FLDs. Hence, adoption of improved summer mung cultivation practices contributed to better yield and higher economic returns under paddywheat rotation after harvesting of wheat crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In vitro embryo production is a valuable tool for understanding early mammalian development, therapeutic applications, excellent source for research in the field of developmental biology and production of valuable animals. The purpose of this study is to improve the production of in vitro cattle embryos using fibroblast and platelet derived growth factor as media supplement. Methods: Ovaries were collected from local abattoir in 0.9% saline (30-35C) supplemented with antibiotics. Cumulus oocyte complexes were aspirated, washed 5-6 times and placed in maturation media supplemented with growth factors and cultured in 5% CO2 incubator at 38.5C with maximum humidity. After 24 h oocytes were co-incubated with in vitro capacitated sperms for fertilization for 15-18 h and then presumptive zygotes were cultured for embryo development. Cleavage was observed after 40-42 h and embryos were cocultured with oviductal cells for 7-9 days. Result: The highest cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were 55.93±4.75, 57.06±4.78, 51.24±4.12 and 3.26±1.53, 2.42±1.02, 2.70±1.17 in FGF (1ng ml-1), PDGF (10 ng ml-1) and in combination of FGF and PDGF (1ng ml-1 each) respectively. It can be concluded that PDGF (10 ng ml-1) enhanced cleavage rate and FGF (1ng ml-1) enhanced blastocyst formation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front line demonstrations on chickpea were organized in Nayka (Sami), Ranod (Sankeshwar), Kathi (Sami) and Orumana (Sankeshwar) in 2016-17 and 2017-18. The demonstrated technology is improved variety (GJG-3), optimum seed rate (Kg/ha), seed treatment by fungicide, soil inoculation by bio fungicide along with NPK-liquid consortia bio fertilizer @ 5 lit/ ha, RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages and application of IPM module for the management of insect (specially on gram pod borer) and diseases (Wilt, dry root rot and collar rot). The results revealed that percentage increase in the yield in demonstrations over farmer practices was 28.57 per cent and 30.28 per cent in year 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. The benefit:cost ratios of chick pea cultivation under improved practices were 3.12 and 2.25 as compared to 2.66 and 1.92 under farmer practices for the two consecutive years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil - crop suitability studies provide information on choice of crops to be grown on best suited soil unit for maximizing crop production per unit of land, labour and inputs. Soil-site suitability evaluation for identifying potential areas of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) was conducted at 1:8000 scale in Basavanagiri of Mysore district, Karnataka. Detailed soil survey of study area was carried out using cadastral map and four soil series mapped with 23 soil-mapping units. The results showed that 22 per cent of total area covering four mapping units of Bg 3 soil series is highly suitable for growing pigeon pea. Whereas, sixteen units covering 122 ha is moderately suitable and two mapping units of Bg1soil series are found not suitable for pigeon pea cultivation. Soil depth, topography, effective rooting depth and gravelliness found to be major limitations for pigeon pea production in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (RDDGS) is a byproduct of alcohol industry obtained by distillation of fermented rice. In the present experiment, chemical composition of RDDGS and the effect of supplementing RDDGS replacing soybean meal (SBM) on growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of crossbred Jersey calves have been studied. The DM content of RDDGS was 89.58 ± 0.09%. The chemical composition (% DM) in terms of OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, TA, NDF, ADF, TCHO and AIA were 94.97±0.09, 48.43± 0.69, 5.45 ± 0.16, 6.50±0.27, 34.58±1.01, 5.03 ± 0.09, 40.50 ± 0.93, 16.82 ± 0.65, 42.91 ± 1.52 and 0.95 ± 0.06, respectively. Chemical analysis indicated that it is a good source of protein and other nutrients. The effect of feeding RDDGS in crossbred cattle was studied in a growth trial of 120 days and a digestibility trial of six days collection period. The animals in control group (T0) were fed on soya bean meal based concentrate mixture with paddy straw and green fodder as per requirement. In the treatment group (T1) soya bean meal in concentrate mixture was totally replaced by RDDGS. There was no significant difference between two groups of animals in terms of average DMI, CPI and TDNI. The blood parameters such as plasma glucose, protein, albumin, globulin, enzymes (AST and ALT) and urea also remained unaffected. The digestibility of DM, CP and EE were significantly higher in treatment group fed with RDDGS. The average daily gain (ADLG) was significantly higher in RDDGS supplemented group as a result of which feed conversion efficiency improved and thus economized the ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corchorus spp. is among traditional vegetable which is very nutritious and has been in use in many households in Africa. It contains high level of carotenoids (150μg/100g), vitamin C, Iron (190μg/g), 1.3% Calcium and 25.0% protein. The leaves are used in treatment of diseases and have wide antibacterial properties. It is semidomesticated and sometimes grows as a volunteer crop. Its status in some parts of Tanzania as a wild plant renders it unappealing for consideration in crop development programs.There is limited scientific information on its diversity for use as a vegetable in crop improvement and is a potential area for research. Variations exist among different accessions based on leaf shapes and color. Diversity studies by using molecular markers, proteins and isozymes are reported by several authors. There is low variation within species and high among species. Most of released varieties have a narrow genetic base. Conservation of this species in Africa is scarcely reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many parts of the world food security is being affected due to declining quality and/or quantity of the soil resource base and climate change. In this context, farming with zeolites has drawn attention. Zeolites are natural aluminosilicates present in rocks different part of the world. Use of zeolite has gained a momentum in the recent past owing to multitude of benefits accured from them. Zeolites are useful in agriculture because of their large porosity, cation exchange capacity and selectivity for ammonium and potassium cations. They can be used both as carriers of nutrients and as a medium to free nutrients. Although considerable research has been advanced, further research needs to carried out for their efficient utilization in farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major green house gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide which are emitted directly and indirectly by ruminants. More than 80 per cent methane is normally produced during enteric fermentation. Methane has the second largest contributor to the green house effect and has 23 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. The Indian contribution of methane from all sources is around 12 per cent of total world production, in which mostly by emission by ruminants. India possesses largest ruminant population. An effort is made to mitigate the methane production in the ruminants. Nutritional management like good quality feed, use of higher concentrates, supplementing cattle diets with urea molasses block licks, fiber palletisation, breeding management like AI., ETT, In vitro fertilization which improves genetics and reproductive efficiency can also improve production efficiency which reduces green house gas emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To popularise maize crop (Zea maize) among small farmers of Ernakulam district of Kerala, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute organised 25 demonstrations during 2012-13 to 2014-15 on traditional farmer's field. Maize cultivars Pratap-4 and Pratap-5 were used for demonstration during January to May and September to December season. Farmers were motivated and trained for maize seed multiplication and cultivation aspects. Results of demonstration revealed that Pratap-4, Pratap-5 and local variety produced 33.70, 30.7 and 23.4 q/ha, respectively. Average income generated by the crop range from Rs. 40440/- to Rs. 36840/- and local variety Rs. 30240/-. Cost benefit ratio was 2.18, 1.99 and 1.77. for Pratap-4, Pratp-5 and local variety, respectively. Technology index was reduced in the 2nd and 3rd year showed the feasibility of maize crop in the area. Thereafter, 500 farmers initiated the small scale farming of maize in the district with the technical guidance provided from KVK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of soil hydraulic properties is an arduous task, especially to meet the large scale data requirements. This has prompted numerous studies on surrogate estimation of hydraulic properties. Objective of this study was to build regional hydraulic database and develop pedotransfer functions (PTF) for estimation of water retention characteristics (WRC) of seasonally impounded shrink-swell soils. Soil samples from 41 soil profiles were analyzed in the laboratory for soil-water retention at nine pre-determined suction pressure points and basic soil properties. These data were used for calibrating neural PTFs to predict Van Genuchten (VG) function parameters for prediction of WRC from basic soil properties data. Routine method of deriving and relating retention function parameters to basic soil properties and Neuro-m method resulted in unacceptable PTFs (RMSE > 0.05 m3 m-3) . In place of parameters derived from SWRC, we used 'Rosetta' estimates of VG parameters to relate basic soil properties. Resultant hierarchical parametric PTFs with prediction accuracy of RMSE < 0.05m3 m-3 are presented. Successful calibration of PTFs using modified method indicates that no method is generic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and water are important natural resources needed for the sustained quality of human life and the foundation of agricultural development. Efficient management of these natural resources is the major challenge for the agricultural scientists, planners, administrators and farmers to ensure food, water and also environmental security for the present and future generations. Soil is the essence of life. An intimate knowledge on their characteristics, classification, location, extent and distribution, potentials and problems is a prerequisite for developing rational land use planning. Soil resource inventory provides an insight into the potentialities and limitation of soil for its effective exploitation. Modern tools such as satellite Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) have been providing newer dimensions to monitor and manage soil resources for their effective utilization. Especially remote sensing techniques have reduced our field work to a considerable extent and soil boundaries are more precisely delineated than in conventional methods. Hence it is a highly proven technology that is effective for mapping and characterizing land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was taken up for wider dissemination of the improved packages of practices for increasing the productivity of jute in the area. Participatory approaches were followed to identify different problems of jute cultivation in the selected villages. Based on the identified problems, frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted involving 149 farmers covering an area of 19.86 ha. in three consecutive years viz. 2006, 2007 and 2008. The results revealed that the increase in yield of demonstration plots varied from 24.93 to 26.75 per cent in three years with an average of 25.95 per cent over the control plots. The technology gap and extension gap ranged from 6.48 to 8.51 q/ha and 5.49 to 6.02 q/ha, respectively with a technology index varying from 18.51 to 24.32 per cent during the period of study. Considering the benefit-cost ratio (ranging between 1.91 to 2.05), it can be stated that there is an enhanced scope for increasing the productivity of jute in the terai region as the agro-ecological environment is very much suitable for the cultivation of the crop and the frontline demonstration will help in accelerating the adoption of the demonstrated technology leading to an increase in productivity of jute to a considerable extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]