Showing papers by "Central Agricultural University published in 2011"

Genotype and environment effects on rice ( Oryza sativa L.) grain arsenic concentration in Bangladesh

Abstract: Genetic analysis of 38 rice varieties released by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) identified 34 as indica, 2 as admixed between indica and aus, and 4 as belonging to the aromatic/Group V subpopulation. Indica varieties developed for the two major rice-growing seasons, the wet monsoon (aman) and the dry winter (boro), were not genetically differentiated. The Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model was used to assess the effect of genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) on grain arsenic (As) concentration when these rice varieties were grown at ten BRRI research stations located across diverse agro-ecological zones in Bangladesh. G, E and GEI, significantly influenced grain As concentration in both seasons. Overall, E accounted for 69%–80%, G 9%–10% and GEI 10%–21% of the observed variability in grain As. One site, Satkhira had the highest mean grain As concentration and the largest interaction principle component analysis (IPCA) scores in both seasons, indicating maximum interaction with genotypes. Site effects were more pronounced in the boro than in the aman season. The soil level of poorly crystalline Fe-oxide (AOFe), the ratio of AOFe to associated As, soil phosphate extractable As and soil pH were important sub-components of E controlling rice grain As concentration. Irrespective of environment, the mean grain As concentration was significantly higher in the boro (0.290 mg As kg−1) than in the aman (0.154 mg As kg−1) season (p < 0.0001), though the reasons for this are unclear. Based on mean grain As concentration and stability across environments, the variety BR3 is currently the best choice for the boro season, while BR 23 and BRRI dhan 38 are the best choices for the aman season. Popular varieties BR 11 (aman) and BRRI dhan 28 and 29 (boro) had grain As concentrations close to the mean value and were fairly stable across environments, while high-yielding, short-duration aman season varieties (BRRI dhan 32, 33 and 39) developed for intensified cropping had relatively high grain As concentrations. Results suggest that genetic approaches to reducing As in rice grain will require the introduction of novel genetic variation and must be accompanied by appropriate management strategies to reduce As availability and uptake by rice.

Post-harvest Processing of Banana: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract: Banana has a special place in the daily diet of millions of people around the world for sustenance and nutrient enrichment. Some of the popular food uses of banana are chips, raw ripened fruit, cooked green banana, fermented and unfermented beverages, juice, puree, dried flour for bakery and infant formula food. Banana is also used as a starch source for various chemicals and packaging materials. The storability and functional properties of these products can be altered by the application of various innovative food processing technologies. This review article focuses on different banana products, their potential for non-conventional uses and associated prospective novel processing techniques for value addition and preservation.

Virulence repertoire of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) from diarrhoeic lambs of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Abstract: A total of 107 faecal samples were collected from diarrhoeic lambs of high altitude terrains (2,000 to 5,000 m above the mean sea level) of Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Total 234 Escherichia coli were isolated and further subjected to PCR for the study of virulence repertoire characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Out of the 234 isolated E. coli, 32% were found positive for STEC, and 9% were carrying virulence gene for ETEC. The isolated STEC serogroups were O159, O127, O120, O113, O60, O30, O25, O8 and O2. Of all the 74 STEC strains, PCR showed that 18% isolates carried stx1, 26% possessed stx2 and 47% produced positive amplicon for both. Other virulent attributes like intimin (eaeA), enterohaemolysin (ehxA) and STEC auto-agglutinating adhesin (saa) were present in 18%, 43% and 44% of the isolates, respectively. The isolated ETEC serogroups were O172, O170, O159, O146, O127, O120, O113, O86, O75, O60, O30, O25, O8, O2, OR and OUT. Of the 22 ETEC-positive isolates, 23%, 18% and 4.5% possessed the gene only for LT, STa and STb, respectively, whereas 54% carried genes for both LT and STb. Some serogroups of E. coli like O159, O127, O120, O113, O60, O30, O25, O8 and O2 possessed genes for both Shiga toxin and enterotoxin. This study is the first report of ETEC isolation from diarrhoeic lambs in India. The moderately high proportion of STEC and ETEC in the diarrhoeic lambs implicated that these animals are important reservoir of STEC and ETEC. This is really a grave concern for the ‘brokpas’ and nomads (shepherds) who share a close relationship with this animals for their livelihood. This study also indicates that ETEC may be a major cause for frequent diarrhoeal episodes in lambs of this region.

Detection & characterization of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) & enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in poultry birds with diarrhoea.

Abstract: Background & objectives : Limited information is available on shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in animals and birds from India. An outbreak of acute diarrhoea in poultry birds at Aizawl, Mizoram was investigated for detection and characterization of STEC and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). Methods : E. coli was isolated and identified from rectal swabs, intestinal contents, heart blood and spleen of 19 poultry birds that died due to acute diarrhoea during the outbreak. Phenotypic characterization was done by standard bacteriological and biochemical techniques. All the isolates were serotyped based on their somatic antigens. Virulence genes ( stx 1 , stx 2 , eaeA and hlyA ) were detected by multiplex PCR assay. Results : A total of 42 E. coli isolates were obtained, of which 24 belonged to 3 serogroups (O64, O89 and O91) and the remaining 18 were untypable (UT). Altogether, 14 (33.33%) isolates carried at least 1 virulence gene, of which 10 (23.81%) and 4 (9.52%) were recorded as STEC and EPEC, respectively. Of the 10 STEC isolates, one carried only stx2 , one carried stx 2 and hlyA , four carried stx1 , stx2 and hlyA , two carried stx 1 , eaeA and hlyA genes and two carried stx 1 and eaeA . Of the four EPEC isolates, two carried eaeA and hlyA , one carried only eaeA gene and 1 carried only hlyA gene. Interpretation & conclusions : This is the first report on the involvement of STEC in poultry in India.

Effect of Bioregulators on Growth, Yield and Chemical Constituents of Soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract: A three-year study was conducted during 2006-2008 in India (Manipur) to study the response of soybean variety JS 335 to salicylic acid @ 50 ppm, Ethrel @ 200 ppm, Cycocel @ 500 ppm and control (water spray) applied as foliar spray at different stages viz. flower-initiation (40 DAS), pod-initiation (60 DAS) and flower-initiation + pod-initiation. The study revealed that application of Ethrel @ 200 ppm at both flower-initiation (40 DAS) + pod-initiation (60 DAS) gave higher vegetative growth, yield, net returns and B:C ratio as compare to salicylic acid @ 50 ppm, Cycocel @ 500 ppm and control. However, maximum chlorophyll content and carotenoids were obtained from cycocel @ 500 ppm treated plants.

High dietary protein combats the stress of Labeo rohita fingerlings exposed to heat shock.

Abstract: The amelioration effect of high dietary protein against stress was evaluated in Labeo rohita fingerlings, exposed to heat shock. Two hundred and forty fingerlings (6.57 ± 0.04 g, average weight ± SE) were randomly distributed into 4 treatment groups, each with 4 replicates was fed with either of four diets containing different levels of protein (20, 30, 40 or 45%). Water temperatures of all the treatments were within the range of 25.5–26.5°C throughout the experimental period of 30 days. After 30 days of feeding, fish were given heat shock by exposing to 38°C for 2 h. Heat shock significantly decreased (P < 0.05) liver glycogen content in treatment groups fed with 20 and 30% dietary protein, whereas unaffected in the 40 and 45% protein-fed groups. Heat shock significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose and cortisol level in all the treatments. The 40 and 45% dietary protein–fed groups registered significantly higher survival (%) after the heat shock compared with their lower-protein counterparts. Heat shock increased the glycolytic, gluconeogenic, protein metabolic and antioxidative enzymes to cope up with thermal stress. Our results indicate that high-protein diet (≥40%) combats the stress due to heat shock in Labeo rohita.

Screening of pigeonpea genotypes for nutrient uptake efficiency under aluminium toxicity

Abstract: For increasing pigeonpea production in India, it is necessary to expand its area in non-traditional areas such as north-eastern states, which have considerable area under acidic soils. In such soils, aluminium toxicity, which is a major yield limiting factor, interferes with nutrient uptake efficiency of crop plants. 32 genotypes of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] were screened for tolerance to aluminium toxicity at four different aluminium concentrations (41, 82, 123 and 205 μM Al) by hematoxylin staining and root re-growth methods. The results of the two screening methods were consistent, suggesting that either of the two methods could be used for screening purpose. The most tolerant (IPA 7–10, T 7, 67 B and GT 101E) and sensitive (Bahar, Pusa 9 and Pusa 2002–2) genotypes were assessed for root and shoot aluminium contents in hydroponic assay at 0, 41, 82, 123 and 205 μM aluminium concentrations. Root and shoot aluminium contents were significantly lower in the tolerant than sensitive genotypes, indicating that aluminium tolerance mechanism involved aluminium exclusion and perhaps internal detoxification. Tolerant and sensitive genotypes were further assessed for phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents in their root and shoot. Tolerant genotypes (IPA 7–10, T 7, 67 B and GT 101E) accumulated significantly high amounts of these nutrients (>1.5 times) compared to the sensitive ones. Better performance of tolerant genotypes could be ascribed to better nutrient uptake efficiency and distribution within the plants.

Genetics of aluminium tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract: With 5 figures and 6 tables Abstract An understanding of the inheritance of aluminium (Al) tolerance is important to breed for Al-tolerant genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Therefore, a study was undertaken to infer genes governing Al tolerance in chickpea. Tolerant lines ‘ICC14880’ and ‘IPC92-39’ were crossed with sensitive lines ‘IPCK96-3’ and ‘IPC99-4’. Parental, F1, F2, F3 and backcross generations were evaluated in a nutrient solution containing 20 ppm Al for haematoxylin staining and root re-growth and classified for tolerance by staining of root tips and root re-growth. The F1 hybrids responded similarly to the tolerant parents indicating dominance of Al tolerance over sensitivity. Segregation for tolerance vs. sensitivity in F2 fitted well with the 3 : 1 ratio expected for a single gene. The backcross and F3 data confirmed the presence of single dominant gene common in tolerant parents. Experimental findings showed that Al tolerance is a monogenic dominant trait that can be easily transferred to high yielding lines through a backcross breeding.

Selection of pigeonpea genotypes for tolerance to aluminium toxicity

Abstract: With 2 tables Abstract Aluminium toxicity is a major growth limiting factor for pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] production in acid soils. Thus, screening and selection of pigeonpea genotypes for aluminium tolerance is important. The effects of five aluminium concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 ppm Al) on 32 genotypes of pigeonpea were studied in hydroponic and sand assays (growth response methods). Ratings of genotypes were similar for the two screening methods, suggesting that either of the two could be used for evaluation of genotypes for aluminium tolerance. Root and shoot aluminium contents were significantly lower in the tolerant (‘IPA 7-10′ and ‘T 7’) than sensitive genotypes (‘Bahar’ and ‘Pusa 9’), indicating that aluminium tolerance mechanism per se in the tolerant genotypes involved aluminium exclusion. Genotypes ‘IPA 7-10’ and ‘T 7’ will be useful in breeding programmes to improve aluminium tolerance in pigeonpea.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Rural Poverty: An Empirical Exploration of Jharkhand State, India

Abstract: Poverty has become a general phenomenon that is perceived to mean different things to different people at different times and places. India was the first country in the world to define poverty as the total per capita expenditure of the lowest expenditure class, which is required to ascertain a minimum intake of 2400 kcal/day in rural and 2100 kcal/day in urban areas. However, there exists a substantial interstate and urban rural differential in the cost of goods and services. One in three Indians lives below the poverty line according to the Tendulkar Committee report which used a measurement of goods and services, rather than calorie intake, to calculate poverty. The World Bank estimates that 80% of India's population lives on less than $2 a day which means a higher proportion of its population lives on less than $2 per day as compared with sub-Saharan Africa. World Bank identified Jharkhand as one of the most poverty-stricken state in the country with a sharp contrast between rural and urban poverty. Jharkhand is a tribal state which has high incidence of poverty. A majority of OBC, SC and ST population fall under BPL category due to a number of agro-climatic and socio-economic factors. BPL households often live misery and face poor quality of life as they lack the basic amenities. Poverty in the region leads to migration and both migration within the state and out-side state is common. Youth prefers to migrate out-side state but with increase in age within state migration picks up. A good proportion of rural households has connection with the commercial banks, cooperative banks and other financial institutions. The commercial banks have better reach among the rural households and they can be instrumental in poverty alleviation programmes. The important causes/determinants of rural poverty in Jharkhand can be summarized as; lack of education, poor land base with small and marginal land holdings. Lack of employment opportunities at local level and poor infrastructure compounds the problem. In addition to these factors, poor quality of natural resources like; acidic, laterite and red soils, water scarcity leading to mono-cropping in the state have also contributed towards rural poverty. With changing climatic scenario, and undulating terrain lacking capacity to retain rain water forces the farmers to take a single crop in the state, thereby reducing the opportunities to a better livelihood. Information and communication technologies can play a pivotal role as it the common means of seeking information for improved farming practices. People are using modern technologies like mobile phone for the linkage between people and institution for use of agriculture-related technology, knowledge, skills and information. Hence, the technological interventions can integrates farmers, agricultural scientists, extension workers, input dealers and the private sectors to harness the knowledge and information from various sources for better farming and improved livelihoods. There is a considerable potential for establishment of forest based processing units in state, can provide employment to local people and will reduce the migration phenomenon thereby enhancing the livelihoods of rural poor.

Dimensions of Poverty in Bihar

Abstract: The removal of nation wide poverty has consistently been one of the main objectives of Indian policy. The Indian modern history contains several examples of discussion on this topic as far back as 1901. India embarked on a series of Five Year Plans, each containing some kind of poverty eradication or social justice component. The First Five Year Plan was launched in 1951, since then, there have been ten additional plans, the most recent being the Eleventh Five Year Plan launched in 2007. The consideration of economic policies vis-a-vis their impact on the poor highlights a continued emphasis by Indian policy makers on poverty elimination. However, there have been serious shortcomings of government efforts in alleviating poverty during the past few decades. Even after sixty five years of independence, one - fourth of India’s Population still lives in poverty. Bihar is amongst the poorest states in India, with poverty incidence of 42.6 per cent. Per capita net domestic product has been estimated to be $ 446 for Bihar which is about one–third of the corresponding national average ($ 1220) and less than one-fourth of Haryana ($ 2052), one of the richest states in India (Government of Bihar, 2011). The recent studies based on primary data dealing with economic and non- economic aspects of poverty are not readily available which are needed to have deeper insights of different dimensions of poverty in Bihar, India. The present study is designed to examine various socio-economic dimensions of poor households in Bihar. the sample consisted of 160 households, 40 each from each sample villages. Data on various socio-economic aspects are being collected through panel interview with the help of well structured schedules by Resident Investigators. In the present study, data collected for the period 2010-2011 have been used for detailed analysis. Data relating to social class, education level, asset, livestock, migration, employment pattern, housing, and drinking water of poor households are considered for meaningful conclusions. This study is based on the information collected from 65 Below Poverty Line (BPL) households of four villages of Bihar. Bihar agriculture was stagnant in eighties and early nineties and observed poor growth up to tenth five year plan. In eleventh five year plan, there has been growth in agriculture sector in Bihar. Bihar is the second poorest state in India. During last 20 years poverty has declined by more than 14 percent but number of poor persons increased during the period. On the basis of analysis of household level data of VDS villages, it may be inferred that the education, land and asset poverty have been prevalent in Bihar villages. Landlessness and low per capita land are also causing poverty in Bihar. The majority of poor persons are getting employment in non-farm sector and migration is main strategy for maintaining livelihood of poor households in Bihar, but majority of persons migrated out-side state and were engaged mainly in non-farm sector. Their access to electricity, improved living condition and sanitation has been very low which may be the cause of their poor health. Despite various programmes of improving access to financial institutions, the majority of poor households of Bihar, particularly of less developed area are still dependents on money lenders for credit facilities. Various poverty alleviation programmes have not been effective in reduction of poverty up to desired level in Bihar. Hence, there is an urgent need to have holistic approach for improving various social and economic dimensions of state for faster reduction in poverty in Bihar.

Impact Assessment of Agricultural Extension Reforms in Bihar

Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the impact of NATP in Bihar’s perspective. Data were generated from 540 farmers over a period of three year (2005 to 2007). Results of extension reforms have demonstrated improvement in the extension systems which have taken keen initiatives in development process. During NATP period ATMA have been able to generate some financial resources and develop infrastructure to facilitate the trainings. Study reveals that scientists have become more responsive to the needs of farmers and have sharpened their focus of research to meet location-specific requirement of different farmers. Need-based training and exposure visits to farmers and farmer-led extension have played a very effective tool for technology dissemination. There has been considerable improvement in adoption of new technologies and farm practices by all categories of farmers. Technological interventions made by NATP could substantially increase the income of all sections of farmers. It is also noted that NATP was not started in all districts at a time. Hence, all districts did not get same results. Therefore, it can be concluded that pilot testing of this experiment shows quite encouraging results. The indigenously developed concept of innovative transfer of technology in an integrated manner can be adopted in state and can be the integral part of national policy.

Agricultural Innovations in India-Experiences of ATMA Model

Abstract: During the past 60 years, the Indian extension system has evolved to reflect national priorities. At the outset, extension worked to bring about broad-based rural development. However, the food crises starting in the late 1950 refocused the efforts of extension on food security and increasing food production. The combination of Green Revolution technology in the late 1960s and Training and Visit (T&V) extension in the mid-1970s enabled India to achieve food self-sufficiency during the 1980s-1990s. At the same time, malnutrition and poverty continue to be persistent problems for the rural poor. As a result, the Government of India, with the assistance of the World Bank, designed and pilot-tested a new extension approach that would decentralize extension and make it more market-oriented. This paper describes the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) model that was successfully pilot-tested from 1998-2005 and based on the experiences of pilot phase it was up-scaled to cover 252 districts under a centrally sponsored scheme, “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms in 2005 and further extended to 591 rural districts of 29 States and 2 Union Territories of the country. The paper examines the various stages of implementation of this innovative approach towards agricultural extension and its impact on extension programmes in India.

Standardization of time of sampling for leaf nutrient diagnosis on kinnow mandarin in north-west india

Abstract: The first full and comprehensive attempt was made to standardize the time of sampling for the leaf nutrient diagnosis for Kinnow mandarin in North West semi arid zone of India by analyzing ten essential elements collected from spring cycle leaves. The samples were collected from February to January at monthly intervals for two years and the results revealed that the 6–7 month (August–September) old spring cycle leaves collected from terminal position of non- fruiting terminal is the best suitable time for foliar nutrient analysis in Kinnow mandarin grown in the North West India. In addition, the leaf nutrient concentrations of nitrogen and calcium of this period were best correlated and leaf phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were least correlated with fruit yield by linear correlation analysis.

The potato value chain in Bihar: An assessment and policy implications

Abstract: Introduction. As part of the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP), a potato value chain study was organized in Bihar, in collaboration between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Patna, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), as potatoes are one of the core crops that the NAIP project in Bihar are focusing on. Primary surveys were fielded with producers, traders, cold storages, and retailers at the end of 2009 on the rural-urban potato value chain in Bihar, more in particular from the disadvantaged districts part of the NAIP project (Vaishali and Samastipur) to urban consumers in Patna. The most salient findings are presented below. Upstream. First, potato production in Bihar is largely in the hands of smallholders: farmers from the smallest half of potato producers cultivate 0.5 acres of potato. This compares to 1.8 acres for farmers from the largest group. Second, farmers suffer from an important late blight disease problem. Actual potato yields in 2009 were two-thirds lower than the expected yields due to that disease. Despite the incidence of this disease, reported potato yields in the districts are as high as the national level, casting doubts on the national agricultural statistics in vogue which consider Bihar a lagging potato state. Third, farmers rely relatively little on seed markets and almost all farmers store their own seeds in cold storages. Only on 18% of the plots were purchased seeds used, indicating that seed replacement ratios are about 1 out of 5 years. However, larger farmers replace seed more often. Fourth, despite the low use of seed input markets, important changes have happened over time and the white potato variety has now become much more important than the traditional red variety that was usually grown. Especially the larger farmers have switched relatively more to the white variety. Fifth, larger farmers are able to obtain higher yields, possibly because of their more intense use of inputs. Sixth, 70% of the potato farmers are now empowered by a mobile phone. While some farmers use it to do market transactions, this is still only a minority (20%). Seventh, sales in the harvest season are almost all to a village broker while in the off-season, potatoes are mostly sold to traders at the cold storage. Wholesale market sales by the farmers are of less importance. Eight, an important reason why a number, and especially the smaller, farmers sell after harvest is the urgent need of money. Little credit or advances are used in market transactions and the major reason for the choice of a trader is when he pays immediately. Ninth, while almost all farmers participate in cold storages as to store their seeds, larger farmers store relatively much more for sale at an expected higher price in the off- season. Midstream. First, an important boom in cold storage capacity - and thus in potato production - has happened in the two studied districts. The number of cold storages in the last decade doubled or tripled and rapid up-scaling of cold storages led to an even faster total capacity expansion, i.e. a triple and five-fold increase over the same period. Second, the boom is associated with increasing commercialization of potatoes from the two districts as the share of storage for seed potatoes is relatively on the decline. Third, several triggers explain the boom in this area. The rapid emergence of cold storage is linked with the better provision of public goods (such as roads, electricity, and governance), the deregulation of the cold storage sector, the investment subsidies given by national and state government, and the availability and spread of new technologies. Third, the rapid emergence and the up-scaling of cold storages are explained by important profit opportunities and high rates of returns to investments. However, cold storages charge prices that are significantly higher than those practiced in the neighboring state UP (1.5 Rs/kg versus 0.9 Rs/kg) and charges are similar to those practiced in Bangladesh where no subsidies to cold storage investments exist and where input costs (e.g. electricity and diesel) are significantly higher. While the government subsidies might have helped the farmers to have more access to cold storages, the availability of subsidies has thus not brought down the effective price paid for storage by farmers, or traders. Fourth, cold storages are currently little involved in input and credit markets with farmers and despite linkages with the banking system, little credit flows down to the farmers directly. It seems that most of the advances given by the cold storages using potatoes as collateral are thus with traders. Downstream. First, Bihar is still relying on potato imports from other states, especially UP and West Bengal but also from the Punjab, to supply potatoes to their retail markets in the off-season. Second, consumers in Bihar prefer red over white potatoes and are willing to pay a price premium for that quality. Third, potato prices in 2009 were characterized by significant variability with retail prices in the off-season twice as high as on-season. While prices in the off- season are always higher, the price hike this season was exceptional. Fourth, as the APMC has been repealed in Bihar, potato sales have moved away from auctions to direct on-on-one deals with traders. The value chain as a whole. First, wastage levels are estimated to be - and potentially have become - lower than most conventional estimates done before. The wastage level in the value chain is evaluated at 8% in the harvest period and 9.3% in the off-season. While public policies have encouraged the setting up of cold storage to bring down wastage, this might however be only one factor in influencing overall wastage levels. Farmers are often making conscious choices on the wastage they will incur and varieties that show higher wastage levels might be preferred by some farmers (because of a preference of shorter-duration cultivation periods or of varieties with less dry matter and higher yields). Second, the cost of the cold storage in the final price contributes less than 10% of the final retail price paid off-season by consumers in Patna. The most important contributor to the final retail price in the off-season is a reward to storage, which account for 40% of the final retail price. Third, the farmers’ share in the final retail price is as high as two-thirds in the harvest period, much higher than conventional estimates. This however drops to one-third in the off-season, except for these farmers that are able to postpone sales through storage. Way forward. First, the study has shown the importance of appropriate policies as to stimulate the take-off of agricultural businesses in Bihar. These policies should focus foremost on the provision of public goods such as reliable electricity, road infrastructure, and good governance. Given the still existing large deficiencies, Bihar should make further investments in this area as to allow private business to further flourish and to allow farmers in these disadvantaged districts to become better integrated in the market economy. Second, policy makers should further stimulate increased investments in the cold storage sector, but not necessarily through subsidies. More competition in the cold storage sector is desirable as to drive down the cost of storage. The further spread of cold storages as intermediaries in the potato value chains might also open some important opportunities towards upgrading the potato value chains as cold storages can serve as focal points for the distribution of better seed varieties, extension advice, marketing advice, etc. This could especially benefit smaller farmers who, because of liquidity constraints, are less willing to sell after storage and benefit from the higher prices off-season. Third, Bihar might further be a good area for the cultivation of processing varieties given its unique agro-ecological potential for those. As it is one of the areas in India where the growing period is later and where the minimum temperature during the production period is relatively high, leading to the required higher production of dry matter, the region is better suited for processing varieties than most other states in India. Given such comparative advantage, it seems that the state could benefit from the increased presence of the private sector interested in potato processing. However, some of the processing companies that are currently active in India are bringing in potato varieties (e.g. Lady Roseta, Atlantic) which might be prone to diseases that might be more difficult to control in the Indian setting. Close collaboration with local research stations as to introduce the most appropriate varieties seems thus called for. Fourth, our data illustrate the devastating effects that the late blight disease has in Bihar. The development and spread of better suited varieties by public or private research institutions seem thus of utmost importance.

Lysimeter based crop coefficients for estimation of crop evapotranspiration of black gram (Vigna Mungo L.) in sub-humid region

Abstract: Black gram is dominant pulse crop of the region. ?Crop coefficient is an important parameter, which needs to be determined for accurate estimates of the crop water requirement. ?Crop coefficient, the ratio of potential crop evapotranspiration to reference evapotranspiration, is an important parameter in irrigation planning and management. ?However, this information is not available for many important crops in the study region. ?A study was undertaken to develop crop coefficients for black gram crop, and a comparison is made of single and dual crop coefficient approaches to estimate actual crop evapotranspiration under the climatic conditions of Udaipur, India. ?Crop coefficient was developed from daily measured black gram evapotranspiration (ETBG) data by electronic weighing lysimeter and reference evapotranspiration calculated using standard Penman-Monteith method. ?The measured values of crop coefficient for the crop were 0.48, 1.18 and 0.33 during initial, mid-season and late-season stages. ?The evaluation of different approaches showed that daily ET BG estimate based on dual crop coefficient method have been found best (SE=0.40, r=0.96).? Furthermore, a quadratic curve (second-order polynomial) method were fitted well (SE=0.47, r=0.94) to predict crop coefficient values as function of days after sowing (DAS).? These locally developed and evaluated values can be used for proper irrigation planning in water scarcity area of Udaipur and other areas with similar agro-ecological conditions. Keywords: lysimeter, evapotranspiration, crop coefficient, electronic weighing lysimeter, reference evapotranspiration, black gram ( Vigna Mungo L. ), irrigation DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2011.04.050-058 ? Citation: Pankaj K Pandey, Vanita Pandey. ?Lysimeter based crop coefficients for estimation of crop evapotranspiration of black gram ( Vigna Mungo L .) in sub-humid region. ?Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2011; 4(4): 50

Antioxidant capacities of vegetables consumed in north east India assessed by three different in vitro assays

Abstract: The antioxidant capacity of the vegetables consumed in North East India was estimated by three different in vitro methods. A total of 22 (twenty two) vegetables were evaluated using the extracts for their ability to scavenge the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, ability to reduce ferric ions determined by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) assay and Total phenolic content. The antioxidant capacity was expressed as mg Trolox equivalents for DPPH radicals scavenging and FRAP assay while the total phenolic content was expressed as mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 gm of edible portion of the vegetables. The antioxidant capacity of the vegetables estimated by the three methods does not vary markedly though the values of total phenolic content was slightly higher compared to that of the other two methods. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in stink bean and least in cucumber. Based on the antioxidant capacity, the vegetables were grouped into four categories i.e. extremely high, high, medium and low. Stink bean (Parkia speciosa) showed an extremely high antioxidant activity in all the three methods. The vegetables with high antioxidant capacity includes bean leaves, brinjal, mustard leaves, potato and pea while pumpkin leaves, radish, tomato, naga chilli, small chilli and hyacinth bean fall in medium and okra, broccoli, banana flower, cabbage, turnip, common beans, cauliflower, carrot and cucumber in low category.

Measurement of Attitudes of Rural Poor Towards SHGs in Bihar, India

Abstract: Self help groups emerged as an effective mechanism for empowerment of rural poor. It is an efficient mode of promoting group action. Initiatives were undertaken at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna (Bihar) to assess the attitude of SHG members in the Bihar state. A Likert type scale consisting of 26 items developed by Meena et al. (2008) was applied for measuring the attitude construct. The survey instrument contained five section namely; socio-economic upliftment, educational and training, marketing and entrepreneurship qualities, technology adoption and participatory research, and, credit aspect. This empirical study indicates that most SHG members had favorable attitude towards SHG activities. This positive attitude of SHG members paves the way for success. Hence, for addressing the issues of rural poverty, enrichment of the system with social capital through empowerment and formation SHGs; provision of financial and credit support; creation of market-driven and decentralized extension system; use of media-mix for technology transfer, informal education at rural level; conduction of need-based training and strong political will need to be emphasized.

Genetic control of aluminium tolerance in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Abstract: Aluminium toxicity is a major factor limiting plant growth in acid soil and more adequate genetic tolerance is needed to improve pigeonpea adaptation and production in affected areas. To study the inheritance, tolerant lines IPA7-10, T-7 were crossed with sensitive lines Pusa 9 and Bahar. The parents, F1 ,F 2 and F3 generations were grown in a nutrient solution containing 30ppm aluminium for hematoxylin staining and root re-growth measure and classified for tolerance by stainingofroottipsandrootre-growth.ThesegregationratiosobtainedforaluminiumtoleranceintheF2andF3generations were 15:1 and 7:8:1, respectively. These results indicated that aluminium tolerance is controlled by two dominant genes.

Constraints and Drudgery in Makhana Cultivation

Abstract: Makhana is an aquatic crop with immense export potential and it is an important source of income for poor fishermen. Out of total makhana produced in India, more than 80% makhana is produced in Bihar alone. Although it is a high value crop but farmers associated with makhana are still very poor. The study is based on information obtained from 400 farmers of two major makhana growing districts, namely, Madhubani and Katihar of Bihar; to identify the constraints associated with makhana cultivation under different eco-systems. Since makhana cultivation is labour intensive, attempts were also made to know the drudgery involved in different operations of makhana cultivation. Based on focus group discussions with the different stakeholders, seven main constraints were identified for preferential ranking by the makhana growers. Lack of ownership of the pond/land was the major constraint followed by lack of scientific knowledge of cultivation and highly skilled operations involved in makhana cultivation in both the district. Harvesting was found to be the most difficult operation in makhana cultivation as reported by farmers of Katihar and Madhubani.

The rapid emergence of branding in food retail in Asia: Insights from Bihar (India)

Abstract: Local brands are rapidly emerging in food retail in Asia. However, it is not well understood what impact they have in domestic food markets. In a detailed case study of makhana in Bihar, one of the poorest states in India, we see the fast emergence - a doubling over five years leading to a share of 50% in total trade - of more expensive packaged and branded products. Two types of brands can be distinguished. Low-price brands focus exclusively on attractive glossy packing with little consideration for quality. The high-price brands pay attention to quality beyond packing, invest in advertisements and promotion, explore options for value-addition, and employ specialized salesmen. We find that information provided by most of these brands is incomplete or misleading and that there are little direct benefits to the farmers from the emergence of either of these brands. However, farmers might benefit indirectly because of the expanding product demand.