Showing papers by "Central Agricultural University published in 2012"
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review on renewable methane fuel production through the biological route of biomethanation process from major lignocellulosic agricultural crop waste biomass (maize, wheat, rice and sugarcane).
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive review on renewable methane fuel production through the biological route of biomethanation process from major lignocellulosic agricultural crop waste biomass (maize, wheat, rice and sugarcane). Global annual approximate production of major agriculture based lignocellulosic biomass has been explored. Fundamental requirements of biomethanation process have been discussed in details for optimum production of methane. The essential properties of biomass (proximate, ultimate and compositional) conscientious for quality of derived fuel have also been presented along with the pretreatment requirements for lignocellulosic biomass. Methane generation potential of the major lignocellulosic agricultural crop biomass has been explored and presented. Furthermore, the methane production potential and its energetic analysis have also been compared with the bio-ethanol productions. The overall parametric analysis involved in anaerobic digestion and alcoholic fermentation explore that methane generation from lignocellulosic agricultural crop waste biomass is more economical and environmentally beneficial way of biomass utilization in a sustainable way of energy production.
727 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the results of an experimental methane fermentation study on untreated, NaOH and hydrothermal pretreated substrates of wheat straw were presented, which resulted in specific methane and biogas production yields of 78.4% and 188.4%, respectively.
275 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of an experimental batch methane fermentation (at 37°C mesophilic temperature) study carried out on untreated and pretreated substrates of rice straw using NaOH and hydrothermal pretreatments.
262 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an experimental study was carried out on anaerobic digestion of jatropha (Jatropha curcas) and pongamia (Pongamia pinnata) oil seed cakes in a 20 m(3)/d capacity floating drum biogas plant under mesophilic temperature condition.
124 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the distribution of the incoming transmitted solar radiation (radiation which enters inside the greenhouse through canopy cover) on the floor and on the inner walls of the greenhouse has been studied to evaluated total solar fraction/solar fraction.
68 citations
TL;DR: A three year experiment was conducted during 2007-2009 in India (Manipur) to study the effect of sulphur and boron fertilization on yield, quality and nutrient uptake by soybean under upland condition.
Abstract: A three year experiment was conducted during 2007-2009 in India (Manipur) to study the effect of sulphur and boron fertilization on yield, quality and nutrient uptake by soybean under upland condition. The experiment comprises five levels of sulphur (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg sulphur per hectare) and five levels of boron (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg boron per hectare). The study revealed that yield attributing characters like number of branches per plant, pods per plant and 100 seed weight and yield were increased with the application of sulphur and boron as compare to control. The overall result revealed that application of 30kg sulphur per hectare and 1.5 kg boron per hectare were found to be the optimum levels of sulphur and boron for obtaining maximum yield attributes, yield, oil and protein content, total uptake of sulphur and boron, net return, cost and benefit ratio of soybean under upland condition as compare to other levels of sulphur and boron respectively.
49 citations
TL;DR: A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2007-2009 in India (Manipur) to study the effect of different sources and levels of phosphorus on productivity of soybean as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2007-2009 in India (Manipur) to study the effect of different sources and levels of phosphorus on productivity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. The treatments consisted of four sources of phosphorus [Single super phosphate (SSP), Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), Single super phosphate (SSP)+Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)+Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)], four levels of phosphorus (20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1) and one absolute control(without any fertilizer and PSB). Application of SSP+PSB produced significantly higher number of nodules per plant, dry weight of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight than the other treatments. Maximum grain yield and total phosphorus uptake were also recorded when using SSP+PSB. Yield attributing characters, grain and stover yield were increased with increasing levels of phosphorus. Regarding evaluation of various efficiency fractions of soybean, agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency and phosphorus use efficiency had more pronounced effects on combined application of SSP+PSB. However, apparent recovery of phosphorus was higher in DAP+PSB due to higher stover yield and higher phosphorus uptake. Among the different levels the efficiency fractions increase up to 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and declined at 80 kg P2O5 ha-1.
42 citations
TL;DR: The STEC and EPEC isolates exhibited resistance against erythromycin, amikacin, azithromycin), amoxicillin, ampicillin+cloxacillin, cephalothin, furazolidone, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin and tetracycline.
41 citations
TL;DR: An overview of diversity of chilli landraces from NE India paves the way for conservation and utilisation of germplasm and contributes to the development of systematic breeding strategies.
Abstract: The chilli (Capsicum sp.) germplasm found throughout North Eastern (NE) India exhibits wide variability in fruit morphology, pungency, bearing habit and crop duration. As the genetic resources of chilli landraces from this region are not well documented, it is likely that they have hitherto unknown alleles and/or genes for economically important traits. In this study, 53 chilli accessions from different areas of this NE region were evaluated for genetic diversity using various morphological characters and 50 simple sequence repeat markers. It was found that erect and campanulate fruit types are grouped in separate clusters. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 9 with an average of 5.36. The average polymorphic information content value was 0.52. Percentage variation among populations, within individuals of population and within individuals was found to be 34, 57.9 and 8.05 %, respectively, indicating diversity in the landraces sampled. Allele mining across acyltransferase 3 (AT3) gene in a set of landraces led to identification of new single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Sequence analysis of the 2,349 bp AT3 region revealed the presence of a total of 79 SNPs and 3 indels. This overview of diversity of chilli landraces from NE India paves the way for conservation and utilisation of germplasm and contributes to the development of systematic breeding strategies.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of male labor out-migration on rice productivity, livelihood and women empowerment on migrant household in Bihar was examined. But, the authors did not consider the impact on women empowerment.
Abstract: Migration of population has been a recurrent phenomenon since the dawn of human history. Though its form has changed but remains as very dominant phenomenon in the global social system. In modern days also people migrate from underdeveloped areas to the developed ones in search of better employment and opportunity. There are far reaching consequences of migration of male labor force on their place of origin. Keeping in view the anticipated consequences of migration in place of origin, this study has been undertaken to examine the impact of male labor out-migration on rice productivity, livelihood and women empowerment on migrant household in Bihar.The empirical analysis is based on a survey of 400 households (200 migrants and 200 non-migrants) from eight villages in Madhubani and East Champaran districts of Bihar. Migrant households and matching sample of non-migrant households were selected to undertake a comparative analysis of differences in agricultural productivity parameters and women empowerment level. It was observed that the efficiencies of human labor and irrigation in rice production were higher than non-migrant households and statistically significant, indicating rational use of these two critical inputs on migrant households in Bihar. This observation leads to the conclusion that the migration might have helped in judicious use of human labor at native place due to migration of surplus labor force for gainful employment to destination of migration. Remittances have been utilized for meeting consumption needs, improved livelihood, better education to children and better health care facilities which help in overall improvement in livelihood on migrant households in Bihar. Migrant households also preferred to save money to meet their requirements in unforeseen situations. Hence, migration can be said to be one of risk-coping strategies for the weaker sections of the society and helped developing the saving habits among migrant households. The allocation of remittances on agricultural inputs could have increased if proper infrastructure facilities were present in rural areas for faster dissemination of modern agricultural technology for increasing agricultural production. Level of women employment has increased on migrant households, particularly on poor households; however, work load of women has also increased. It has been observed that role of women of migrant households changed from unpaid female labor to managers of the household, however, they face problem in management of fund, technology and input-output marketing. There is a need to launch a programme for their training to improve their knowledge in financial, technological and marketing management.
31 citations
TL;DR: Strawberry was produced 30–35 days earlier than normal in low tunnels of 50% shade planted in July or August and the period of fruit availability was extended to 47 days from normal period under UVS polythene cover when planted in November.
TL;DR: Effects of water-borne iron on Indian major carps spawn were evaluated and accumulation of iron in mrigal spawn was highest whereas it was lowest in catla, indicating chronic toxicity.
Abstract: Effects of water-borne iron on Indian major carps spawn were evaluated in the present study. Ferrous sulphate was used to prepare different test iron concentrations. Mrigal had the lowest 96 h LC50 value of 0.30 ± 0.06 mg L−1 while rohu had the highest value of 0.73 ± 0.06 mg L−1 of iron. Accumulation of iron in mrigal spawn was highest whereas it was lowest in catla. Abnormal behaviour and reduced growth were observed in chronic toxicity. Application factors were calculated to establish acceptable ranges and safe levels.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The biochemical profile of the Japanese quail showed changes in the level with age of the bird but does not seem to affect the haematological parameters.
Abstract: The haemato-biochemical profile of the Japanese quail was estimated at different stages of growth The parameters which were evaluated include serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, Hb, TEC, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC The biochemical profile showed changes in the level with age of the bird but does not seem to affect the haematological parameters The glucose content of the birds decreased with age while the other parameters like cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid calcium etc increased with age
TL;DR: The results of this study not only enhanced the production efficiency of DHs but also saved the time and energy required for the chromosome doubling in the haploid embryo-regenerated plantlets.
Abstract: With 1 figure and 5 tables
Abstract
Colchicine doses ranging from 100 to 10 000 ppm with and without 2, 4-D application were administered in vivo to the uppermost internodes of Imperata cylindrica-pollinated wheat plants at various intervals for assessing the potent concentration required for doubling of chromosomes Although injection of single dose of colchicine concentration ranging from 2000 to 5000 ppm at 48 h after pollination yielded good response, 2000 ppm was found to be the most effective and economically viable dose of colchicine for DH production Very high doses have also responded to the doubling of the chromosomes, but the recovery of the embryos and regenerated plantlets was very poor The doubling of the chromosomes was confirmed cytologically from the roots of the regenerated plantlets The results of this study not only enhanced the production efficiency of DHs but also saved the time and energy required for the chromosome doubling in the haploid embryo-regenerated plantlets These results bear far-reaching implications in the accelerated genetic upgradation of bread wheat and development of homozygous populations for mapping of targeted genes
TL;DR: The result of the homologous pathogen challenge study showed reduction in mortality in all the vaccinated groups, but this reduction was not statistically significant and have important implications with regard to the control of EUS by vaccination.
TL;DR: An automated water scrubbing system used for enrichment of methane content in the biogas, to produce vehicular grade biomethane fuel, was found to enrich 97% methane at an operating column pressure of 1.0 MPa with 2.5 m3/hBiogas in-flow rate.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an automated water scrubbing system used for enrichment of methane content in the biogas, to produce vehicular grade biomethane fuel. Incorporation of automatic control systems for precisely regulating the water level and maintaining constant operating pressure in the packed bed absorption column of water scrubbing system resulted in steady-state operation of the scrubbing system and a consistent supply of methane-enriched biogas from the gas outlet. The improved automated water scrubbing system was found to enrich 97% methane at an operating column pressure of 1.0 MPa with 2.5 m3/h biogas in-flow rate and 2.0 m3/h water in-flow rate into the scrubbing column unit.
TL;DR: The major rice production constraints and priority research problem areas of rainfed rice production in eastern India are drought and submergence, bacterial blight, leaf blast, weeds, brown plant hopper and poor soil fertility as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Rice is one of the most important crops in eastern India and it will continue to enjoy its leading position so long as it remains the staple food of almost entire of the population of this region. Under the influence of increasing population pressure the demand for rice is expected to rise persistently in coming years. As the land frontier has already been exhausted the future source of growth in this region lies in raising the productivity of rice crop. Even to sustain in food grains production, it is important to give due attention to the eastern India in general and to accord high priority to the constraints of rice production in this region in particular. This can be achieved if rice research helps to reduce production losses due to various biotic and abiotic constraints in rainfed rice ecosystems. Since elimination or partial solution of these constraints would have a major impact on rice production in eastern India because the yield gaps are very high, the major constraints to rice production in eastern India require more objectivity and concerted efforts while addressing them. The major rice production constraints and priority research problem areas of rainfed rice production in eastern India are drought and submergence, bacterial blight, leaf blast, weeds, brown plant hopper and poor soil fertility. Hence, it would be logical to prioritize rice research on the basis of prevailing constraints under rainfed areas of eastern India. Besides, low input use, inappropriate plant spacing, late sowing and selection of wrong cultivars are some of the other technical constraints, which can be effectively reduced through the diffusion of relevant technologies among ultimate users or farmers. It requires further strengthening of linkages between ‘Research & Extension’ that facilitates feed-backs and disseminates technical information.
TL;DR: The major rice production constraints and priority research problem areas of rainfed rice production in eastern India are drought and submergence, bacterial blight, leaf blast, weeds, brown plant hopper and poor soil fertility as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Rice is one of the most important crops in eastern India and it will continue to enjoy its leading position so long as it remains the staple food of almost entire of the population of this region. Under the influence of increasing population pressure the demand for rice is expected to rise persistently in coming years. As the land frontier has already been exhausted the future source of growth in this region lies in raising the productivity of rice crop. Even to sustain in food grains production, it is important to give due attention to the eastern India in general and to accord high priority to the constraints of rice production in this region in particular. This can be achieved if rice research helps to reduce production losses due to various biotic and abiotic constraints in rainfed rice ecosystems. Since elimination or partial solution of these constraints would have a major impact on rice production in eastern India because the yield gaps are very high, the major constraints to rice production in eastern India require more objectivity and concerted efforts while addressing them. The major rice production constraints and priority research problem areas of rainfed rice production in eastern India are drought and submergence, bacterial blight, leaf blast, weeds, brown plant hopper and poor soil fertility. Hence, it would be logical to prioritize rice research on the basis of prevailing constraints under rainfed areas of eastern India. Besides, low input use, inappropriate plant spacing, late sowing and selection of wrong cultivars are some of the other technical constraints, which can be effectively reduced through the diffusion of relevant technologies among ultimate users or farmers. It requires further strengthening of linkages between ‘Research & Extension’ that facilitates feed-backs and disseminates technical information.
TL;DR: The use of FIGs to mobilize men, women, and young people around common interests, such as the production of flowers, fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and other high-value products, has energized both the farming community and the extension staff.
Abstract: Decentralizing a large, complex national extension system is not easy, but the Government of India appears to be moving toward this long-term goal. Although ATMA model has been successful in addressing many of the extension problems and has shown exceptional impacts during the NATP phase but it seems to be going the T&V way. It is therefore, imperative that in the country like India, which has a vast territory and extremely diverse socio-economic and agro-climatic situations, ATMA model should be introduced and implemented with utter cautious. Different ATMAs should be empowered with sufficient administrative, financial and implementation flexibilities to address the basic problems in their operational jurisdiction.
The use of FIGs to mobilize men, women, and young people around common interests, such as the production of flowers, fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and other high-value products, has energized both the farming community and the extension staff. Many FIGs have joined to form farmer associations or federations that can gain economies of scale in serving larger markets. Developing strong farmer organizations is a positive and necessary step in providing cost-effective extension services that will increase the income and employment of small-scale and marginal farm households. The block-level FACs are operational in most project blocks, but rural women and other disadvantaged groups still need more representation. Internal conflicts continue between priorities set by the ATMA Governing Boards and the heads of the line departments in allocating central government resources. The BTTs are still learning how to work together in utilizing a farming systems approach with multiple funding sources.
There is no doubt that something that resembles a 21st centre vision of agricultural extension is needed and this means substantial reforms in public policies and services. Adding urgency to this is the ever-increasing complexity of agricultural sector development and the sector’s acknowledged role in poverty reduction. Of course, it is all too easy to criticise new approaches, such as ATMA. It is also important to realise that in a country like India and, indeed, elsewhere, administrative traditions and realities place limits on what is possible and politically feasible even as a pilot. But the challenge remains of how to break out of this best practice to best fit impasse.
TL;DR: Overall, the development of P. brassicae was much faster on cabbage than other hosts; but its body weight was considerably higher on cauliflower, while its developmental period was reasonably lower on cabbage.
Abstract: We studied the effect of different host plants and rearing atmosphere on life cycle of cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae. Insects were reared in the field (fluctuating weather) as well as in the laboratory (constant rearing conditions) on four host plants, viz. cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol and broccoli. Significant differences were not found in the incubation and pupal period of butterfly reared on different host plants. However, larval period was found to be significantly lower on cabbage followed by knol-khol and highest on broccoli. Therefore, the developmental period (from eggs to adult) was reasonably lower on cabbage. Furthermore, inverse relationship was found in the body weight of butterfly and developmental period, where weight of full grown caterpillar and pupae was significantly higher on cauliflower and lowest on cabbage. Besides, significant differences were not found in the body weight of P. brassicae caterpillar reared under field and in the laboratory. Nevertheless, pupal weight of bu...
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The result suggests that principal component analysis (PCA) could be used in breeding programs with a drastic reduction in the number of biometric traits to be recorded to explain body conformation.
Abstract: Eighteen different biometric traits in 250 local cows of Manipur from their breeding zone, i.e. Imphal valley of Manipur, India, were recorded and analyzed by principal component analysis to explain body conformation. The averages of height at withers (HW), body length, heart girth, paunch girth, forehead width, ear length, tail length, switch length, neck circumference, neck length, arm length, elbow length, fore-shank length, thigh length, hind-shank length, pes length, head length and eye to eye space were 103.92±0.33, 111.34±0.92, 135.34±0.47, 140.31±0.53, 14.90±0.15, 15.24±0.13, 75.50±0.55, 31.04±0.24, 58.61±0.53, 29.95±0.21, 29.34±0.19, 29.88±0.17, 29.59±0.20, 30.32±0.20, 29.88±0.13, 31.65±0.25, 37.30±0.25 and 26.47±0.20 cm, respectively. The correlation coefficients ranged from -0.20 (hind shank length and eye to eye width) to 0.74 (heart girth and paunch girth). Factor analysis with promax rotation revealed seven factors which explained about 64.31% of the total variation. Factor 1 described the general body conformation and explained 17.74% of total variation. It was represented by significant positive high loading of height at wither, heart girth, paunch girth and ear length. The remaining factors described 11.71%, 8.88%, 7.47%, 6.60%, 6.04% and 5.86% of total variability. It was necessary to include some more variables for a reliable analysis of factors as there were less than three variables except the first factor in the present study. The communality ranged from 0.493 (elbow length) to 0.782 (neck circumference) and unique factors ranged from 0.507 to 0.218 for all these 18 different biometric traits. The lower communalities for some of the traits like ear length, tail length, arm length, elbow length and thigh length might indicate that these traits were less effective to account for total variation of body conformation as compared to the other traits in local cows of Manipur. The result suggests that principal component analysis (PCA) could be used in breeding programs with a drastic reduction in the number of biometric traits to be recorded to explain body conformation.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the protective immunity of catla against E. tarda essentially depends on the co-operation of both innate and specific immune responses.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesize a series of recent studies on the role and importance of crop residues and farmers' perceptions of fodder quantity and quality in coarse cereal and groundnut based feeding systems.
Abstract: The mixed crop–livestock systems of India are underpinned by the crop residues which contribute on an average 40–60% of the total dry matter intake per livestock unit. There is however considerable regional variation in the dominant type of crop residue: rice and wheat straws in irrigated regions compared to coarse cereal straws and hay from leguminous crops in the drier, semi-arid regions. This paper synthesizes a series of recent studies on the role and importance of crop residues and farmers’ perceptions of fodder quantity and quality in coarse cereal and groundnut based feeding systems. Crop improvement programs for sorghum, pearl millet and groundnut have traditionally focused on grain/pod yield improvement, pest and water stress tolerance. Livestock rearing plays a significant role in the economy of the Indian people. Crop residues and pastures/grasslands are the major feed resource for this activity. Forages can be a simple answer to soil erosion and decline in organic matter and fertility, a problem caused by modern cultivation and fallowing practices on much of the farmland the world over. Keeping in view the constraints in fodder production and in order to overcome the gap between demand and supply, the emphasis need to be given on several steps for augmenting the fodder production. Existing resource utilization pattern needs to be studied in totality according to a system approach. Fodder production is a component of the farming system and efforts need to be made for increasing the forage production in a farming system approach. The holistic approach of integrated resource management will be based on maintaining the fragile balance between productivity functions and conservation practices for ecological sustainability. Forage production must be taken up as a first management goal and 25% of the forest area should be put under trees with regulated accessibility to the farmers. It is suggested to grow forage grasses and fodder trees along village roads and panchayat lands, and on terrace risers/bunds - a non competitive land use system. Conservation of native biodiversity for future improvement along with breeding biotic, abiotic, stress tolerant cultivars of forage species suitable for area not used under arable agriculture can be possible answer to chronic fodder shortages. Use of participatory techniques to identify the problems and to carry out the improvement programme along with In-depth studies on migratory graziers, forage based agroforestry systems and controlled grazing to maintain the productivity of pasture (grazing should be allowed as per carrying capacity) are some other solutions to this problem.
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors stress the ability of decision-makers to manage information as an important factor determining the chance for a community to adapt to climate change and stress the need for sound adaptation processes to sustain agricultural production.
Abstract: As agriculture is likely to suffer the biggest impacts, needs sound adaptation processes to sustain agricultural production and food system as a whole. Also need to stress the ability of decision-makers to manage information as an important factor determining the chance for a community to adapt to climate change. Awareness-raising and training are highly valued and lead to empowerment. Any knowledge transfer should take into account farmers’ point of view, with the aim of building on their knowledge and capitalize it: climate change is a global problem with local impacts, thus information technology, jointly with communication sciences, can play a big role in blending different perspectives. In developing countries especially In India there is no dearth of “women entrepreneurs” who are capable of making their mark at the global level. The national policies and strategies have not yet considered this unexplored potential pool of intellectual inputs.
Posted Content•
TL;DR: Meena et al. as discussed by the authors developed a knowledge test on reproductive problems of dairy animals to measure the knowledge of livestock owners, which was used to evaluate the performance of lay inseminators for detecting estrus detection and insemination.
Abstract: Reproductive problems among dairy animals are one of the major causes of loss in dairy sector These problems can be tackled by imparting appropriate knowledge to the livestock owners An attempt was made to measure the knowledge of livestock owners by developing a knowledge test on reproductive problems of dairy animals The study was undertaken in Karnal district of Haryana state, India Data were solicited from 300 livestock farmers who had at least one milch animal at the time of investigation In addition to developing schedules for socio-economic variables, a knowledge test was also developed for measuring knowledge construct Data were solicited on scientific treatment of affected dairy animals and 5954% knowledge was observed on reproductive traits Study indicates that majority of livestock farmers adopted scientific methods for treating their animalsRespondents’ age, extension contact and milk production were positively and significantly correlated with knowledge Therefore, imparting quality practical training and periodical assessment of performance of lay inseminators for improving their skills and knowledge regarding estrus detection and insemination needs to be emphasized Extension machinery has to be an ideal bridge between research/development institutions and dairy farmers for their catalytic effect (Meena & Malik, 2009) Extensive awareness programs are needed for inculcating scientific outlook among livestock farmers on these complex problems Easy accessibility of veterinary hospital at village level can reduce the adoption of indigenous technical knowledge in treatment of these complex problems
TL;DR: The performance of solar tunnel dryer for drying di-basic calcium phosphate was evaluated through no-load and full-load conditions tests in the summer and winter months in terms of the variation of air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, air flow rate, moisture content, and so forth.
Abstract: This paper deals with the critical design specifications and field performance of walk in type hemicylindrical solar tunnel dryer for drying 1500vkg industrial product (dibasic calcium phosphate) in actual use. A tunnel like framed structural covered with UV-stabilized polythene sheet walk-in type solar tunnel dryer was designed, developed, and commissioned at Udaipur (27∘42N, 75∘33E), Rajasthan, India with a solar collector area of 134.74 m2 for drying di-basic calcium phosphate, having an initial moisture content of 62.87% dry basis and to get a desired moisture content of 10.62% dry basis within two days. The performance of solar tunnel dryer for drying di-basic calcium phosphate was evaluated through no-load and full-load conditions tests in the summer and winter months. The results were shown in terms of the variation of air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, air flow rate, moisture content, drying rate, and so forth.
TL;DR: The role of ICTs under climate change situation can be explored based on the linkages that exist between ICT as a system component and its ability to withstand and to change under changing climatic conditions as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Rural Development forms an important agenda of the Government. However, the application of ICT in the Rural Development sector has been relatively slow. The main reasons for this are poor ICT infrastructure in rural areas, poor ICT awareness among agency officials working in rural areas and local language issues. Agriculture is an important sector with more than 70% of the Indian population living in rural areas and earns its live hood by agriculture and allied means of income. The sector faces major challenges of enhancing production in a situation of dwindling natural resources necessary for production. The growing demand for agricultural products, however, also offers opportunities for producers to sustain and improve their livelihoods. Information and communication technologies (ICT) play an important role in addressing these challenges and uplifting the livelihoods of the rural poor. ICT offers an opportunity to introduce new activities, new services and applications into rural areas or to enhance existing services. ICTs can play a significant role in combating rural and urban poverty and fostering sustainable development through creating information rich societies and supporting livelihoods. If ICTs are appropriately deployed and realize the differential needs of urban and rural people, they can become powerful tools of economic, social and political empowerment. The role of ICTs under climate change situation can be explored based on the linkages that exist between ICTs as a system component and its ability to withstand & its ability to recover and to change under changing climatic conditions. In rural communities of developing countries, with limited capacities and resources to respond to the effects of extreme natural hazards, drought, landslides, floods, and to the impacts of these events on local social systems (e.g. health, infrastructure, transportation, migration), ICT tools (the potential of telecentres for disaster preparedness and response) are emerging as an area of increasing interest.
TL;DR: In this article, a solar tunnel dyer was constructed and evaluated the performance for drying aonla pulp, which consists of a transparent UV stabilized plastic covered solar collector cum drying unit, and the results obtained during the test period denoted that the maximum gained energy occurred at 13 o'clock hour and gradually declined since the maximum solar radiation occurred at this time.
Abstract: A solar tunnel dyer was constructed and evaluated the performance for drying aonla pulp. The dryer consists of a transparent UV stabilized plastic covered solar collector cum drying unit. Evaluation parameters are air temperature, solar insolation, moisture content, relative humidity and airflow rate. A minimum of 111.18 m2 solar collector area is required to dry a batch 1000 kg aonla pulp in 16 hours (two days drying period). The initial and final moisture content considered were 424.93 and 10.08% dry basis, respectively. It was observed that on an average 43 per cent of higher temperature was obtained in solar tunnel dryer over the ambient temperature. The results obtained during the test period denoted that the maximum gained energy occurred at 13 o’clock hour and then gradually declined since the maximum solar radiation occurred at this time.
TL;DR: In this paper, the issues that are deciding the fate of watermills' existence in the Himalayan region are discussed and design of various components of an in-operation watermill is reviewed and modifications are proposed for increasing its efficiency.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the total innovation-decision process of conservation agriculture innovations and found that the farmers observe innovations (knowledge), relate to images and message within technological innovations (persuasion), formulate a want for item (decision), actively pursue the desire for items (implementation), and ultimately decide whether future uses of technologies / are desirable (confirmation).
Abstract: Conservation agriculture innovations offer a new paradigm for agricultural research and development. While examining the total innovation-decision process, one can see how the farmers observe innovations (knowledge), relate to images and message within technological innovations (persuasion), formulate a want for item (decision), actively pursue the desire for item (implementation), and ultimately decide whether future uses of technologies / are desirable (confirmation). The adoption of Conservation Agriculture innovations can be facilitated by locally identified and specially trained group leaders or by promoters. For the success, farmers will need to be in forefront for helping in identification, development and deployment of Conservation Agriculture innovations. Developing and promoting RCT systems is highly demanding in terms of knowledge base. This will call for greatly enhanced capacity of scientists to address the prevailing problems / constraints from a systems perspective and be able to work in close partnerships with farmers and other stakeholders. There is also need to strengthen the knowledge and information-sharing mechanisms. Improvement in coordination amongst various stakeholders like research, extension service, farmers, service providers, agricultural machinery, and manufacturers for transfer of technologies will play a pivotal role in accelerating the Conservation Agriculture.