January- March 2019

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl

April-June 2019

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl

Using network centrality measures to manage landscape connectivity

We use a graph-theoretical landscape modeling approach to investigate how to identify central patches in the landscape as well as how these central patches influence (1) organism movement within the local neighborhood, and (2) the dispersal of organisms beyond the local neighborhood. Organism movements were theoretically estimated based on the spatial configuration of the habitat patches in the studied landscape. We find that centrality depends on the way the graph-theoretical model of habitat patches is constructed, although even the simplest network representation, not taking strength and directionality of potential organisms flows into account, still provides a coarse-grained assessment of the most important patches according to their contribution to landscape connectivity. Moreover, we identify (at least) two general classes of centrality. One accounts for the local flow of organisms in the neighborhood of a patch and the other for the ability to maintain connectivity beyond the scale of the local neighborhood. Finally, we study how habitat patches with high scores on different network centrality measures are distributed in a fragmented agricultural landscape in Madagascar. Results show that patches with high degree-, and betweenness centrality are widely spread, while patches with high subgraph- and closeness centrality are clumped together in dense clusters. This finding may enable multi-species analyses of single-species network models

A training module for the international course on the management and utilisation of field genebanks and in vitro collections: Held at TARI, Fengshan, Taiwan on 16 -20 May 2011

The module focuses on good management practices for the conservation and utilization of material in field and in vitro genebanks. It aims to equip lecturers, practicum instructors, and technical staff in-charge of maintaining germplasm collections in field genebanks and in in vitro collections with the latest knowledge and best practices for managing these collections.This module is divided into 2 parts: lectures and discussions and practical hands-on sessions

Scaling Out Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilient Farming in Adilabad District of Telangana

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an important approach towards minimizing impacts due to climate risks and maintaining agricultural growth. This report is part of the project that aims to contribute towards building a national strategy for scaling out climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies by synthesizing cumulative knowledge, experiences, and learnings gained by ICAR, CCAFS, and CG Centre’s Programs in climate risk management. The report outlines the process of developing a district level adaptation plan for resilient farming in the Adilabad district of Telangana by following steps of climatic risks characterization, identification and prioritization of CSA technologies and practices, the convergence of government policies and programs. Dry spell, uneven rainfall, heat wave and cold wave frequently occur in the district with severe impact on the rainfed cropping system in the district. Location specific CSA practices have the potential to reduce the losses due to climate risk. Potential CSA technologies are categorized into six main categories of water-smart, energysmart, nutrient-smart, carbon-smart, weather-smart and knowledge-smart. Area specific suitable CSA technologies are identified following a participatory approach through stakeholder’s participation. The identified list of technology is evaluated and prioritized for implementation feasibility, acceptability, adoption barriers, synergy with government plans, incentive mechanisms and key institutions. For the implementation of these technologies at the district level, the total estimated budget was estimated to be Rs. 273.0 Crore. The convergence of resources from relevant government schemes/projects for mobilizing funds for prioritized CSA technologies has been proposed for implementing climate adaptation plans at the district level. This integrated framework will be useful for the investment decision making process for resilient farming

Small millets in global agriculture : proceedings of the First International Small Millets Workshop, Bangalore, India, 29 Oct. - 2 Nov. 1986

Meeting: International Small Millets Workshop, 1st, 29 Oct.-2 Nov. 1986, Bangalore, I

Decay of escherichia coli in soil following the application of biosolids to agricultural land

The decay of Escherichia coli in a sandy loam soil, amended with enhanced and conventionally treated biosolids, was investigated in a field experiment following spring and autumn applications of sewage sludge. Control soils, without the application of biosolids, were also examined to determine the background indigenous populations of E. coli which are present in the environment. The survival of indigenous E. coli and populations of E. coli applied to soil in biosolids, is assessed in relation to environmental factors influencing pathogen-decay processes in soil

Disparities exist between National food group recommendations and the dietary intakes of women

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Preconception and pregnancy dietary intakes can influence the health of future generations. In this study we compared the food intakes of reproductive-aged women by pregnancy status, to current Australian recommendations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data are from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, younger cohort aged 25-30 years in 2003, with self-reported status as pregnant (n = 606), trying to conceive (n = 454), given birth in the last 12 months (n = 829) or other (n = 5597). Diet was assessed using a validated 74-item food frequency questionnaire. Food group servings and nutrient intakes were compared to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and Australian Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No women met all AGHE food group recommendations. Highest adherence rates [mean (95% CI) servings/day] were for meat [85%, 1.9(1.8-1.9)], fruit [44%, 2.1(2.1-2.2)] and dairy [35%, 1.8(1.8-1.9)], with < 14% meeting remaining recommendations. Women who achieved NRVs (folate, iron, calcium, zinc, fibre) for pregnancy, breastfeeding and adult life stages were 1.5%, 3.3% and 13.7%, respectively. Compared to AGHE, women consumed more servings of fruit (4.9 vs 4.0;<it>P </it>= 0.034) and dairy (3.4 vs 2.0;<it>P </it>= 0.006) to achieve pregnancy NRVs; more dairy (2.9 vs 2.0;<it>P </it>= 0.001), less fruit (3.9 vs 5.0;<it>P </it>< .001) and vegetables (3.4 vs 7.0;<it>P </it>< .001) to achieve breastfeeding NRVs; more fruit (3.6 vs 3.0;<it>P </it>< .001), dairy (2.5 vs 2.0;<it>P </it>< .001), meat (1.8 vs 1.5;<it>P </it>= 0.015), less vegetables (3.6 vs 5.0;<it>P </it>< .001) to achieve adult NRVs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The AGHE does not align with contemporary diets of Australian women or enable them to meet all NRVs. Current tools to guide food consumption by women during pregnancy require revision.</p

Scaling Out Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilient Farming in Beed district of Maharashtra

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an important approach towards minimizing impacts due to climate risks and maintaining agricultural growth. This report aims to contribute towards building a national strategy for scaling out climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies by synthesizing cumulative knowledge, experiences, and learnings gained by ICAR, CCAFS, and CG Centre’s Programs in climate risk management. The report presents district level adaptation plan for resilient farming in the Beed district of Maharashtra. The process consisted of characterization of climatic risks followed by identification and prioritization of CSA technologies and practices and identifying scaling up opportunities through the convergence of government policies and programs. Drought, heat wave, dry spells, and deficit rainfall are frequently occurring climate risks in the district with severe impact on rainfed cropping system. For the identification and prioritization of CSA technologies, all potential technologies are first categorized into six main categories of water-smart, energy-smart, nutrient smart, carbon-smart, weather-smart and knowledge-smart. Thereafter, district specific suitable CSA technologies are identified following a participatory approach through stakeholder’s workshop. The identified technologies are evaluated and prioritized for implementation feasibility, acceptability, adoption barriers, synergy with government plans, incentive mechanisms and key institutions. Total estimate budget of Rs. 387.0 Crore will be required for implementing these technologies in the district. The convergence of resources from relevant government schemes/projects for mobilizing funds for prioritized CSA technologies has been proposed. The process and results provided here are intended to assist decision makers to prioritize investments for CSA interventions to build resilient farming in the district