Participatory fish production in Dhalai district of Tripura, northeast India

Composite culture at a species composition of 40% catla (Catla catla), 30% rohu (Labeo rohita), 20% mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and 10% grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in a combined stocking density of 5000 fingerlings ha-1 was demonstrated in participatory mode in Dhalai District of Tripura, NE India for three consecutive years (2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12) with an aim to see the production performance and economic benefit of the system over traditional culture system. Growth of the fish was higher in composite culture than traditional farming in all the locations. Grass carp dominated the size followed by catla, rohu and mrigal in all the ponds. Total production of fish in composite culture (934-1545 kg ha-1) was higher than traditional farming (322-335 kg ha-1). Gross profit in composite culture (Rs. 2,23,192 ha-1) was higher than traditional farming (Rs. 58,386 ha-1). Similarly, net profit in composite culture (Rs. 1,12,383 ha-1) was higher than traditional method (Rs. 15,719 ha-1). Benefit-cost ratio was 1.93 in composite culture and 1.36 in traditional culture. Overall, composite culture of fish was found as a viable option for enhancing fish production in Dhalai district of Tripura by 192-360%

Soil Quality Parameters and Carbon Stock as Influenced by Fodder Grasses and Organic Amendments in an Alfisol of Northeastern India

Intensive tillage, cultivation along the slope, low input, minimal nutrient replacement and high rainfall are among major causes of land degradation in the north eastern hill (NEH) region (Ghosh et al. 2009). Maintaining and enhancing soil quality are crucial to sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality (Lal, 2004). Continuous cropping, without use of conservation-effective measures, has negative effects on the soil and environment (e.g., loss of SOC, soil erosion, water pollution). Thus, soil management methods are needed that enhance use efficiency of inputs, reduce losses and minimize adverse impacts on the environment (Bilalis et al. 2009). Perennial grasses provide year- round ground cover, which reduces run-off and soil erosion from sloping land (Ghosh et al. 2009). Cultivation of forages in degraded and sloping lands not only supply green palatable fodders to livestocks but also rehabilitates the degraded soils by improving physico-chemical properties. Forages have strong root systems compared to field crops (such as rice, maize etc.), protect soil and improve aggregation (Ghosh et al. 2009). Soils under perennial grasses and those which are undisturbed for a long time are potential C sinks because the grasses add organic matter (OM) to soils through root growth, and decline in OM decomposition because of lack of tillage. Further, conversion of degraded cropland soils to forages and perennial grasses lead to C sequestration (Grandy and Robertson, 2007). Thus, present investigation was conducted with the objective to assess the impact of perennial forage grasses and organic amendments on soil properties and C-sequestration potential

Loungu (Carpenter worm): Indigenous Delicious Insects with Immense Dietary Potential in Nagaland state, India

Carpenter worms of genus Cossus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) are common wood-boring insects that can cause significant damage to several economically important plant species across the globe. Nevertheless, these worms are a popular delicacy among the indigenous population of Nagaland state of India since age old days. The carpenter worms (locally known as ‘Loungu’) are culturally significant during the Te-l Khukhu festival of Southern Angami region, annually held during July. The direct larval consumption is also cited for medicinal value. Rearing of carpenter worm is gaining popularity in hill tracts of Nagaland, because of its potential as a viable source of income for the rural population. The present study aimed to determine the eventual nutritional value of the larva by approximating its nutritional potential for the first time. Proximate analysis presents a significantly higher value of crude fat (37%), crude protein (48%), crude fibre (12.90%) and an appreciable calorific value. Close correlation between increased polyphenol value with its higher antioxidant capacity and pigment content is strongly evident. Nevertheless, the larva also provides appreciable quantities of dietary minerals reflected in terms of higher zinc and iron content. Analysis of thin layer chromatography undertaken in the study interestingly identified some of the essential amino acids, viz., methionine, lysine, leucine, histidine, threonine etc. This is the first report pioneering other detail studies to establish the significant value of carpenter worm larvae as an exotic dietary supplement among the indigenous Naga population, thereby providing more impetus for its promotion and commercialization

Characteristics of Weed Biomass-derived Biochar and Their Effect on Properties of Beehive Briquettes

ABSTRACT Charcoal is a carbonaceous solid with a fixed carbon content of 70% or more. Among its diversified utilization techniques, biochar and briquette production have been identified as most environment friendly. It can be derived from any ligno-cellulosic biomass by pyrolysis or retorting in presence of little or no oxygen. As wastes of wood and agricultural industries have many uses, sources of charcoal or biochar production have been limited to other biomass. In North-East India, weed biomass can bea potential source of biochar with a productivity of 20 t ha -1 annually. Experiments were conducted to assess the yield and quality of biochar from two weed biomass:Lantana camera, Chromolaenaodorata and compared with biocharderived from pine wood. Further, propertiesof beehive briquette produced from these biocharswere evaluated. Charring was carried out in a portable metallic kiln to keep the process simple, quick and low cost. Biochar production efficiency of Lantana and Chromolaenawas 27.72 and 18.34%, respectively whereas that of pine wood was 34.28%. Carbon content of Lantana (65.99%) and Chromolaena(61.22%) biochar was lesser than the pine wood biochar (75.82%). The calorific value of beehive briquettes ranged between 18.1 and 19.4 MJ kg -1 . The average burning time varied from 133 to 143 minutes with a peak temperature range of 437°C to 572°C. It was found that though the quality of biochar produced from Lantana and Chromolaena was inferior compared to pine wood, they can be effectively used as potential source of biochar and may be used in making beehive briquette to fulfil the energy need of rural household

Effect of zero tillage basin planting and N nutrition on growth, yield, water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency of late planted broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) in North East Hilly Region of India

Our study showed, the zero tillage basin planting with 180 kg N/ha enhanced the marketable yield, water productivity in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica) and save 71.2% water over flat bed planting with conventional tillage. Study revealed, it is an alternative system for small holder farmers of North East India for growing late planted broccoli under limited water availability

Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivars to integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake in NEH Region

A field experiment was conducted at Nagaland during 2009 and 2010 to study the response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars to integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake in NEH Region on a sandy loam soil. Among the cultivars, FeSEG 10 recorded significantly higher growth, yield attributes and pod yield as compared to JL 24 and FeSEG 8. Nutrients uptake (N, P and K) and nutrients use efficiency was significantly higher under ICGS 76 followed by FeSEG 10 and FeSEG 8. The highest net returns, B: C ratio and crop profitability were recorded with FeSEG 10 followed by ICGS 76. The results showed significant increase in all yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake and economics due to the application of 75% N through inorganic fertilizers + 25% N through FYM followed by 100% N through inorganic fertilizers

Participatory research for assessing the suitability of potential innovations: A case study on high-yielding varieties options for rice farmers in north east India

This study examines the potential of participatory research to investigate the suitability and performance of high yielding rice varietal technologies with farmers of both hill and valley districts of Manipur based on front line demonstrations (FLDs) conducted from 2005 to 2012. Demonstrations were carried out in all the 9 districts (4 valley and 5 hill) in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras to demonstrate the performance of RC Maniphou 10 on the farmers’ fields. Leimaphou a very popular variety among the farmers was grown as a check variety. The average yield of check variety ranged from 3.3 to 4.8 tonnes/ha, whereas the demonstrated variety RC Maniphou 10 recorded yield ranging from 4.6 to 6.2 tonnes/ha and yield gain over the check variety ranged from 27 to 43% in different districts. It was found that net returns have increased from 34% (in Imphal West) to 69% in Tamenglong- under improved practice (IP) than farmer’s practice (FP). The crop profitability has also increased by 40% in Imphal West and 75% in Tamenglong. The technology gap analysis revealed highest gap in the demonstration yield over potential yield in Senapati and Chandel districts (3.89 tonnes/ha), whereas it was lowest in Thoubal district (2.36 tonnes/ha). High extension gap of 1.52 tonnes/ha was recorded in Churachandpur followed by Tamenglong district. The technology index was minimum in Thoubal (27.7%) as compared to other districts. From this participatory research, farmers were convinced about the performance of RC Maniphou 10 and neighbouring farmers have taken seed which helped in spread of the variety. The variety was found suitable for both valley and hill areas

Rainwater harvesting and integrated development of agri-horti-livestock-cumpisciculture in high altitudes for livelihood of Tribal farmers

Participatory rainwater harvesting for promoting integrated development of agri-horti-livestock-cum-pisciculture was implemented during 2004-2008 at high altitude (> 1500m MSL) areas of Mawlangkhar village, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya in a watershed approach to assess and refine improved package of practices integrating crops, fruits, vegetables, fish and animal production for higher productivity and income. Soil and water conservation measures like construction and renovation of ponds, jalkund- a micro rainwater harvesting structure on hilltops, bench and half moon terraces were developed with the active participation of the local peoples. The quantum of water harvested at one point of time during monsoon season through two ponds in community lands (2.69 million litre water), two ponds in individual farmer’s land (1.2 million litre water) and 15 jalkunds (0.45 million litre) on hill tops estimated to be about 4.3 million litre, was utilized for multiple purposes including irrigation, pisciculture, livestocks and domestic purpose. The cost of water harvesting in community pond was computed at ₹ 12/1000 litre (L) and for jalkund ₹ 82/1000 litre considering the lives of pond and jalkund for at least 20 and 3 years, respectively. Impact analysis revealed that the productivity has gone up by 30–40% in potato and 45-50 % in rice with the introduction of improved package of practices for various crops, availability of irrigation water and integration of different components. Farmers are now able to get about ₹ 2 440/month from community dairy unit and the individual farmer’s income from piggery unit increased substantially which ranged from ₹ 8 465 to 16 654/year. Besides, farmers are earning a substantial income (₹ 10 000/annum from community pond) from composite pisciculuture. Therefore, integrated watershed programme could be considered as a successful model for high altitude areas of North East India and similar other ecosystems for livelihood improvement of resource poor tribal farmers

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Not AvailableSpiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a leafy spice herb of tropical regions of world (America, South Asia, Pacific Islands, South Europe and Africa) which is used extensively for garnishing, marinating, flavouring and seasoning of foods. It is also used as an ethno-medicinal plant for the treatment of a number of ailments such as fevers, chills, vomiting, burns, fevers, hypertension, headache, earache, stomachache, asthma, arthritis, snake bites, scorpion stings, diarrhea, malaria and epilepsy. The main constituent of essential oil of the plant is eryngial (E-2-dodecenal). However, a significant variation in the plant morphology, composition of essential oil (60 constituents reported) and secondary metabolites resulted from genetic variability and geographic location. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-clastogenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial activity. Focus on holistic research approaches such as genetic enhancement to develop high yielding varieties (collection, conservation, evaluation, breeding and development of potential genotypes); efficient production technologies to harvest the plants in mass (cultivation under 50–75 % shed-net and spray of gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 ppm); post-harvest management to minimize marketing loss; and medicinal/pharmaceutical investigations would be the best strategies to increase the yield and to promote industrial uses of E. foetidum as an economically relevant crop.Not Availabl