Central Agricultural University

About: Central Agricultural University is a education organization based out in Imphal, Manipur, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 1116 authors who have published 1157 publications receiving 9217 citations.

Indian Agricultural Extension Systems and Lessons Learnt: A Review

Abstract: This paper examined the Indian Agricultural Extension Systems and its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Various lessons learnt over a period of time have also been documented. Hence, the paper recommends that the extension managers and policy makers should focus on the identified strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats with a view of evolving an effective and sustainable extension system. There is an urgent need of making extension services truly more responsive to local concerns and national policy.

Pan evaporative changes in transboundary Godavari River basin, India

Abstract: Pan evaporative changes are one of the key components of water resources management of a river basin under changing climate and anthropogenic-induced warming. The present study was undertaken for transboundary Godavari River basin (India) to identify the trends in pan evaporation (Epan) by non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) test in annual, seasonal and monthly time scales. The Pettitt test, a non-parametric test, was also used in this study to detect abrupt changes in the mean of the distribution of the Epan in the Godavari basin. Furthermore, the stepwise regression analysis was performed to find out the cause of the observed Epan changes in the basin. On seasonal (monthly) time scales, statistically significant decreasing trends in Epan were witnessed in the pre-monsoon season (in the months of March, April and May) in all the seven sites of the Godavari River basin. On the other hand, four sites witnessed statistically significant increasing trends in minimum temperature (maximum temperature) in the month of July (December) and in the monsoon (post-monsoon) season in the Godavari River basin. Statistically significant decreasing (increasing) trends in wind speed (relative humidity) in the pre-monsoon season and in the month of March at these seven sites support the observed decline in the evaporative demand in the basin leading to possible enhancement in the total yield of the Godavari River basin. Results of stepwise regression analysis showed that wind speed followed by relative humidity was found to be two main causative parameters of the observed decline in the Epan under the warmer environments in the Godavari River basin. Pettitt’s test shows year 1991–1992 to be the probable year of change in the Epan in the Godavari River basin.

Pastoral yak rearing system is changing with change in climate: an exploration of North Sikkimin Eastern Himalaya

Abstract: Yak is an integral part of the livelihood of highlanders in Indian Eastern Himalaya where only subsistence agriculture is possible due to its difficult terrain and harsh climate. The tribal households of Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim rear yaks at an altitude of 3000 to 5000 m in semi-pastoral system which is highly dependent on temperature and snowfall pattern. Any change in climatic factors is expected to affect the yaks and livelihood of the yak herders. Hence, an explorative study was conducted to understand how the pastoral yak rearing system is changing in the region with change in climate. The estimated temperature increment was 0.03–0.04 °C/annum which is corroborated by herders’ perceptions. They observed that the amount of snowfall has receded, especially in lower altitudes and the snowfall period shifted from November–December to January–March. The commencement of upward migration of yak herders advanced by 15–30 days due to increase in March temperature and the migration span extended by 45 days now. The downward migration is restricted to mid alleviation (2750–3000 m) now which was earlier about 2000 m whereas the upward migration has gone up farther about 500 m due to increasing temperature and unavailability of quality pasture. The study revealed that the pastoral yak rearing in North Sikkim is transforming to cope the impending climate change. However, to reduce the vulnerability of yak, research and extension efforts/policies should be concentrated on fodder production and pasture management suiting to the awaiting climate change.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Enhancing Farm Income: The Case of Bihar

Abstract: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) provide opportunities for developing a variety of safe and cost effective, prophylactic, and curative medicines for a number of maladies. It is estimated that the primary health care of over 80 per cent of the world’s population still depends on plant based traditional medicines (WHO, 2002). Growing consciousness about health and side effects of modern medicines has again set the stage for innovation and use of herbal medicines. Evidence shows that the total domestic potential for crude drugs and oil extracts in India is worth Rs 3 billion, of which the requirements of over-the-counter products. Realizing the vast untapped potentials of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and impediments in their development. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Patna has followed a systematic approach while taking MAPs for pilot testing. It made assessment about the local conditions and requirements, and demand for MAPs; strengthened capacity by trainng various stakeholders; played role in supporting individuals and institutions; developed relevant literature in local language; emphasized on group approach by organizing the growers; encouraged cultivation through the organized sector with linking the unorganized farmers; and evolved a pricing mechanism with buy back arrangement with partner industry under public-private partnership (PPP). The present study tries to outline some of the steps taken to promote MAPs in Bihar for better income to the farmers.

Fake COVID-19 vaccines: scams hampering the vaccination drive in India and possibly other countries.

Abstract: India is executing a mass vaccination program to restrict the predicted third wave of COVID-19. However, fake COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a major challenge amid the vaccination drive in India. This article highlights the loopholes and measures to restrict the fake COVID-19 vaccination scams. Such activities have put the genuinity of vaccination certificates under scanner besides putting public health at risk and instigating vaccine hesitancy. Hence, the Government of India needs to take stringent actions such as complete take-over of COVID-19 vaccine procurement and free immunization. Furthermore, the public needs to remain vigilant and check vaccination certificates immediately after being vaccinated. Such efforts on the part of the government and public can completely restrict fake vaccinations.