Agriculture diversification in South Asia

The South Asian countries are gradually diversifying with some inter-country variation in favor of high value commodities, namely fruits, vegetables, livestock and fisheries. Agricultural diversification is strongly influenced by price policy, infrastructure development (especially markets and roads), urbanization and technological improvements. Rainfed areas have benefited more as a result of agricultural diversification in favor of high value crops by substituting inferior coarse cereals. Agricultural diversification is also contributing to employment opportunities in agriculture and increasing exports. The need is to suitably integrate production and marketing of high value commodities through appropriate institutions. Market reforms in developing and strengthening desired institutions through required legal changes would go a long way in boosting agricultural growth, augmenting income of small farm holders and promoting exports.Agricultural diversification Economic aspects ,price policies ,Urbanization ,Technological innovations ,South Asia Economic conditions ,Markets Economic policy ,Agricultural growth ,

COMPARISON OF LIPID PROFILE BETWEEN MIDDLE AGED YOGA PRACTITIONERS AND NON PRACTITIONERS

The purpose of the study was to compare the “Lipid Profile between Middle Aged Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners. Method: The study was conducted on 60 (N=60) middle aged male people from the Rishikesh, Uttarakhand India, age ranging from 40 to 45 years. Out of 60, the 30 subjects were practicing different types of Yogic exercises like Asana and Shatkarmas and remaining 30 subjects were not practicing any types of yogic exercises. The necessary data on lipid profile (Total blood Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)) were collected by administration of laboratory tests. The tests were administered after giving them instruction and taking consent from the subjects. Lipid profile test were taken place after 8 to 10 hours of fasting. It was hypothesized that there would be significant difference of lipid profile between Middle Aged Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners. The data collected on each lipid profile parameters (Total blood Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)) was analyzed by independent “t” test. The level of significance for testing the hypothesis was set at 0.05. P < 0.05. Findings: The mean values and standard deviation of total blood Cholesterol of Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners were 181.43±13.91 mg/dl and 271.06±18.56 mg/dl respectively. The analysis of the data shows significant difference of total blood Cholesterol between Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners (tcal=21.15>ttab=2.009). In case of Triglycerides, the mean and standard deviation of Triglycerides level of Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners were 141.30±5.72 mg/dl and 299.63±14.48 mg/dl respectively. The analysis of the data showed significant difference of Triglycerides level between Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners (tcal=10.90>ttab=2.009). The mean and standard deviation of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level of Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners were 61.47±2.29 mg/dl and 34.97±2.91 mg/dl respectively. The analysis of the data showed significant difference of High Density Lipoprotein level between Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners (tcal=39.25>ttab=2.009). The mean and standard deviation of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) level of Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners were 116.20±12.57 mg/dl and 161.23±7.28 mg/dl respectively. The analysis of the data showed significant difference of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) between Yoga Practitioners and Non-practitioners (tcal=16.98>ttab=2.009). The result showed that yoga Practitioners have better lipid profile as compare to non- Practitioners. Regular yoga practices decrease the risk of coronary heart diseases.  Article visualizations

Socioeconomic and Environmental Implications of Agricultural Residue Burning: A Case Study of Punjab, India

Organizational Studies, Economic Sociology; Environmental Economics; Community & Population Ecolog

MACROFUNGAL DIVERSITY IN DIFFERENT VEGETATION COMPOSITIONS IN TEGHARI COMMUNITY FOREST, KAILALI, WEST NEPAL

Macrofungi are high-value forest resources that have functionally significant roles in the forest ecosystem. The macrofungal community of three different vegetation compositions, i.e., Sal (Shorea robusta) Forest, Tropical Deciduous Riverine Forest, and Tropical Evergreen Forest of Teghari Community Forest were investigated. Systematic random sampling was made where 60 plots (10 x 10 m) were laid in all different forest types (20 plots in each). A total of 102 macrofungi species were reported belonging to 36 families. Polyporaceae (17 species) was the largest family followed by Tricholomataceae (13 species) and saprophytic fungi were more frequent than mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi. The tropical evergreen forest was rich in macrofungi (59 species) followed by sal forest (40 species) and tropical deciduous riverine forest (38 species). Macrofungal diversity was directly related to surrounding host species. Similarly, increased soil moisture and canopy cover intensified the abundance of saprophytic fungi. The species richness was increased with increasing organic carbon, canopy, moisture, pH, and litter cover. However, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were less significant in affecting species richness. Also, the disturbance was negatively correlated with the species richness of macrofungi. This study highlights the hidden diversity which is necessary for the conservation of macrofungi, to optimize forest ecosystem integrity and resilience against biotic and abiotic agent

PLANT GROWTH POTENTIAL OF SALT TOLERANT ENDOPHYTE Pseudomonas Sihuiensis ISOLATED FROM CHICKPEA

Bacterial endosymbionts are well characterized for plant growth promotion. In this study, the root, nodules, and stem of the Cicer arietinum crop planted in a semi-arid zone were used as a source to isolate potential plant growth bacteria. The ability to grow under salt stress was determined, and the potential isolate was screened for plant growth promotion traits. The selected isolate was identified by the 16S rDNA method. Pot trials were conducted to know the ability of the isolate to promote plant growth in-vivo. Among various isolates obtained, a bacterial isolate obtained from root showed the ability to grow in the presence of 10 % Sodium fluoride (NaF). The isolate produced Indole Acetic acid in an amount of 72 mg per liter in production medium. The bacteria solubilized phosphate and produce exopolysaccharide (2.12 g per liter). The isolate was identified as Pseudomonas sihuiensis. The result of pot trials reveals that the endophyte promotes plant growth under stress conditions and may be used as a bio-fertilizer.   &nbsp

Analysis Of The Anti-Oxidant And Cell Cytotoxicity Properties Of Stevia Rebaudiana Extract By Using In- Vitro Model

Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are rich source of sweet glycosides of steviol. The major glycoside, stevioside, diterpenoid glycoside--is used in India and various countries as a food sweetener for diabetic patients. Its medical use is also reported in various ailments like heart, liver, pancrease etc. Besides this it is also being used against obesity, stomach burn and to lower uric acid levels in blood. In present study the leaf extract with various extract were tested for immunomodulatry properties. We performed MTT assay to check the cell viability and cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and also calculated the Trolox equivalent values to assess the antioxidant properties of Stevia rebaudiana. . Percent cell viability values of cells were found to be more than 50 percentages with increase in concentration. At higher dose all these extract showed significant inhibitory effects on proliferation. The aqueous extracts shown the maximum value of Trolox equivalent with 1:16 dilution. It means with the increase in the concentration of extract there is substantial increase in antioxidant property or we can assume antioxidant is dose dependent. But in same time cell viability gets reduced with increase in concentration

Climate-smart practices for improvement of crop yields in mid-hills of Nepal

Farming in Nepal mostly represents the hill farming system with the dominance of small-holder farmers. In recent days, farmers in the country are impacted by climate change. Events of surface runoff, landslides, and soil erosions, along with changes in rainfall pattern and intensity have elevated a decline in crop productivity and soil fertility. Considering the situation, a pilot project on Resilient Mountain Village was implemented in Kavrepalanchowk district of Nepal from 2014–2016 with a participatory approach to demonstrate climate-smart practices. These practices include the application of locally prepared bio-fertilizer (named as “jholmal”), green manuring in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and mulching in bitter-gourd (Momordica charantia L.) to determine crop yields compared to farmers’ business as usual practice. The results showed that there was a significant effect of jholmal in rice production during 2015–2016 when compared to farmers\u27 business as usual practice. Likewise, green manuring also showed a significant difference in rice yield compared to farmers’ usual practice in 2015–2016. Bitter-gourd yields were significantly higher in mulching treatment compared to the farmers’ business as usual practice in 2015 and 2016. Rice yield increased by at least 10.1% and 8.1% while using jholmal and green manuring, respectively, whereas bitter-gourd yield increased by 18.1% with mulching practices. Our findings show that farmers have adopted these practices and minimized the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus moving forward to producing safer food using a climate-friendly approach

Therapeutic and medicinal uses of lycopene: a systematic review

Lycopene is a carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables. The richest sources of lycopene are tomatoes and tomato products. The beneficial effects of lycopene in human health and disease are mainly associated with its antioxidant properties. Lycopene is a carotenoid with strongest antioxidant property because of its capability of quenching the singlet oxygen. Eleven conjugated double bonds of lycopene give it a deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity which is major functional feature of lycopene. Dietary intakes of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown to be associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases in numerous studies. Although there are evidences from many epidemiological and cell culture and animal studies explaining the inverse relationship between lycopene and cancer or cardiovascular disease risk, more clinical trial data is needed to support this hypothesis. In this article we outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current understanding of its role in human health and disease prevention

Climate-smart practices for improvement of crop yields in mid-hills of Nepal

Farming in Nepal mostly represents the hill farming system with the dominance of small-holder farmers. In recent days, farmers in the country are impacted by climate change. Events of surface runoff, landslides, and soil erosions, along with changes in rainfall pattern and intensity have elevated a decline in crop productivity and soil fertility. Considering the situation, a pilot project on Resilient Mountain Village was implemented in Kavrepalanchowk district of Nepal from 2014–2016 with a participatory approach to demonstrate climate-smart practices. These practices include the application of locally prepared bio-fertilizer (named as “jholmal”), green manuring in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and mulching in bitter-gourd (Momordica charantia L.) to determine crop yields compared to farmers’ business as usual practice. The results showed that there was a significant effect of jholmal in rice production during 2015–2016 when compared to farmers\u27 business as usual practice. Likewise, green manuring also showed a significant difference in rice yield compared to farmers’ usual practice in 2015–2016. Bitter-gourd yields were significantly higher in mulching treatment compared to the farmers’ business as usual practice in 2015 and 2016. Rice yield increased by at least 10.1% and 8.1% while using jholmal and green manuring, respectively, whereas bitter-gourd yield increased by 18.1% with mulching practices. Our findings show that farmers have adopted these practices and minimized the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus moving forward to producing safer food using a climate-friendly approach

Phenolic and antioxidant capacity retention of potato peel waste as a function of cultivar, pretreatment and drying procedure

Drying procedures employed for potato peels (both raw and boiled) may adversely affect the useful bioactivecomponents present in them. This study envisaged the identification of a feasible drying procedure for handlingbulk potato peel waste for maximising the retention of phytochemicals in the peel powder. The total phenols (TP), flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in peels of three commercial and one newly developed anthocyanin rich Indian potato cultivars in response to boiling pretreatment and varying drying procedures. Microwave drying (600W) was best in terms of drying rate for both raw and boiled peels. It yielded the greatest amount of TP and TF in the dried raw peel, irrespective of cultivar. Dried raw peels of an thocyanin rich Kufri Neelkanth cultivar exhibited maximum TAC. Retention of TF, metal scavenging activity and reducing power followed almost a similar pattern as TP irrespective of cultivar, pretreatment and drying procedure. Our study shows that potato peel from Kufri Neelkanth (raw) and Kufri Frysona (both raw and boiled) are best source of phenolics and flavonoids and can serve as a suitable matrix for extraction of bioactive compounds which holds promise for use in the food industry