Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Analyzing PM-KISAN fund utilization in Southern Indian agriculture
Get PDFThis study investigates the factors influencing the spending patterns of farmers receiving financial assistance through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) program in five southern Indian states. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collected data from 1900 PM KISAN beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. The study employed factor analysis to identify key determinants of spending behaviour. Results reveal four primary factor groups: agricultural spending, repayment, social spending and household mandatory spending. The timing of fund disbursement coinciding with agricultural operations emerged as the most influential determinant, followed by farmers\u27 interest in agriculture. Regional variations were observed, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu showing higher agricultural spending tendencies, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana displayed stronger influences from financial pressures and social factors. The study also highlights the significant impact of socio-economic characteristics, such as farm size, education level and credit orientation, on spending decisions. These findings suggest that aligning fund disbursement with agricultural cycles enhances program efficacy. Policy recommendations include financial literacy programs and improved fund allocation strategies. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the PM KISAN program\u27s impact on rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity in southern India
Standardization of foliar spray of nutrients, growth regulators and bio-stimulants for vegetative growth & multiplication of pot-Anthuriums
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted on potted-Anthuriums (dwarf potted varieties of Anthurium andraeanum) at Bio-Technology cum Tissue Culture Centre premises under All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Floriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the effect of foliar spray of different nutrient solutions and growth regulators/bio-stimulants applied at varying frequency. The treatments include five number of nutrient solutions, viz. Liquid MS medium, macro and micronutrient mixture, NPK (19:19:19), NPK (10:20:20), and NPK (12:61:40) sprayed weekly (once and twice) along with six numbers of growth regulator solutions. The different growth regulators and bio-stimulants included Gibberellic acid (GA3), at 100 ppm and 200ppm (applied bimonthly), Benzyl Adenine (BA), at 50 ppm and 100 ppm (applied monthly) and humic acid, at 0.1% and 0.2% (applied monthly). The nutrient solutions of only NPK were sprayed at a concentration of 0.2% and supplemented by a fortnightly spray of micronutrient mixture solution of 0.2%. The result showed that spraying of macro and micronutrient mixture weekly once with GA3, at 200 ppm (applied bimonthly) resulted in the highest plant height (16.80 cm) and with humic acid 0.1% (applied monthly) produced maximum plant spread E-W direction (19.08 cm). Spraying of N:P: K (12:61:40), at 0.2% weekly once with Gibberellic acid 200 ppm (applied bimonthly) resulted in maximum plant spread (N-S direction) (20.45cm). A combination of N:P: K (12:61:40), at 0.2% weekly once with BA, at 100 ppm (applied monthly) resulted in the maximum number of suckers (5.44) and leaves (40.56). On average, application of 12:61:40, at 0.2% weekly once resulted in maximum plant spread (18.54cm, N-S) and highest number of suckers (4.67)
Trends and dynamics of turmeric markets in India
Get PDFAs the leading global producer and consumer of turmeric, India has several major markets, including Erode, Nizamabad, Duggirala, and Sangli. Turmeric prices have exhibited cyclical patterns and fluctuations, significantly impacting farmers\u27 incomes. Analyzing the trend, seasonal, and cyclical aspects of turmeric prices can aid in forecasting peak and low periods, thereby minimizing cultivation risks. Data spanning of 14 years (2010-2023) was gathered from key markets to examine price behaviour, including the Erode Regulated Market in Tamil Nadu, Nizamabad in Telangana, and Sangli in Maharashtra. Researchers applied a regression model to analyze price trends, while seasonal indices were used to identify seasonality. The Bry-Boschan algorithm, implemented through MATLAB software, was used to determine price cycles. The study revealed an upward price trend across all major Indian turmeric markets over the years and identified cyclical behaviour, with cycles lasting 2-4 yrs. Notably, the duration of price slumps exceeded that of booms. By anticipating these cycles, farmers make informed decisions regarding sowing and selling, potentially reducing risks associated with turmeric cultivation. Implementing a Minimum Support Price could help offset rising labour costs and falling prices, encouraging farmers to continue turmeric cultivation. Additionally, adopting a pricing system based on curcumin content for Tamil Nadu turmeric could yield better prices
Enhanced siderophore production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its antagonism against fungal threats in sesame fields
Get PDFWe succeeded in identifying and isolating three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, namely, P2LA3, N3D3 and KMND3, from the soil of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivation fields in Onattukara, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. Further in-depth microbiological studies reveal that the maximum siderophore yield is observed in strain KMND3 (70.9 µM), followed by P2LA3 (54 µM) and N3D3 (27 µM). All these strains showed considerable antagonism against significant sesame fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Among these strains, KMND3 proved to be the most effective. Therefore, we focused on this strain for further study to demonstrate the influence of various physico-chemical parameters on siderophore production. This study identified several parameters that enhance production, such as starch as a carbon source, yeast as a nitrogen source and supplementary media containing Cd2+, Mn2+ and Hg2+. In contrast, a high concentration of iron was found to inhibit production. The results of our study confidently highlight the potential of P. aeruginosa strain KMND3 as a successful bio-control agent capable of suppressing fungal pathogens in sesame through siderophore-based mechanisms
Synthesis and characterization of amine-functionalized mesoporous carbon nanomaterial from biowaste
Get PDFGarlic (Allium sativum) is widely cultivated and consumed, making it one of the most important crops in the world. India is the second largest producer next to China. The garlic peels from the garlic processing industry are often discarded as agricultural waste. These wastes are rich in carbon precursors, making them an ideal feedstock for mesoporous carbon nanomaterial (MCN) synthesis. Pyrolysis is the top-down approach to synthesizing the nanomaterial, which involves heating organic materials such as garlic peel waste that breaks into smaller compounds, resulting in a mixture of gases and carbon-rich solid residues (bio-char). The amine-functionalization was performed over the mesoporous surface and confirmed by the shifts in zeta potential value from – 31.6 mV to + 22 mV to increase the surface charge density. Similarly, the Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) analyzer confirmed the reduction in the pore diameter from 12.5 nm to 7.41 nm due to amine functionalization. Furthermore, the synthesized MCN were thoroughly characterized using advanced analytical techniques, providing comprehensive insights into their size, shape, surface functional groups, crystallinity and porosity. This study transformed agricultural waste into high-value materials (MCN), reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency
Biocatalytic conversion of syngas to liquid biofuels using Clostridium acetobutylicum
Get PDFThis study aimed to develop a pilot-scale bioreactor for ethanol production from syngas produced from biomass gasification and evaluate its performance. Gasification of characterized feedstock, namely Casuarina wood and coconut shell, is performed in a 2 kg hr-1 downdraft gasifier and the produced gas is cooled in a heat exchanger and scrubbed in a scrubbing bed to produce syngas free of moisture, tar and particulates. The syngas are fermented to produce biofuels in a 5 L capacity bioreactor with Clostridium acetobutylicum strains. The percentage yield of acetone, butanol and ethanol was verified with the standard concentration and found to be 12%, 5% and 7% from casuarina wood and 13%, 7% and 6% from coconut shell respectively. The syngas components viz., carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H), are fermented to produce acetone, butanol and ethanol along with larger proportions of acids. These acids can be converted into bio-alcohol if the fermentation period or gas-liquid transfer is enhanced. The pretreatment of feedstock is not required in syngas fermentation as it is a major process in conventional bio-alcohol production methods. This pays a way to superior technology in terms of cost and time
Impact of foliar nutrient application on growth and yield of drip fertigated aerobic rice
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during 2022 to study the effect of supplemental nutrition on different varieties under drip fertigated aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment consisted of two varieties such as CO-54 and ADT-53 as the main factor and the sub-plot treatments included foliar application of 1% urea + 2% diammonium phosphate (DAP) + 1% potassium chloride at panicle initiation (PI) and 10 days later (F1), foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate and 1% ferrous sulphate at tillering and PI stages (F2), foliar application of 2% mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) + 1% potassium chloride at heading and grain filling stages (F3), foliar application of 1.5% fermented egg extract at tillering, PI and flowering stage (F4), foliar application of 1% ferrous sulphate at 25-30 days after sowing (DAS) (F5) and control - No spray (F6). The results of the study indicated that rice variety CO-54 coupled with application of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through drip fertigation along with foliar application of 1% urea + 2% DAP + 1% potassium chloride at panicle initiation and 10 days later registered higher values for yield traits, total yield and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) partitioning of aerobic rice
Pelletization as a forage conservation technique: Enhancing feed efficiency and sustainability in livestock
Get PDFIntegrating crop and livestock production, especially with cattle, is vital for food security and economic growth in India. The livestock sector helps increase farm income, boosts the national economy, and provides employment opportunities for millions of people. However, productivity lags global standards due to shortages of quality feeds, including green fodder, dry fodder, and concentrates. Stagnant fodder crop cultivation and dwindling permanent pastures exacerbate the challenge of meeting the rising demand for milk and meat. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing livestock productivity and sustaining agriculture. This review highlights the importance of fodder pelletization, compressing animal feeds into dense pellets using a pellet mill. Pelleted feeds offer balanced diets, improved digestibility, and nutrient absorption, with benefits including long-lasting preservation, enhanced handling, stability, bulk density, and palatability. Factors influencing the pelleting process, such as ingredient characteristics, drying, grinding, conditioning, steam pressure, and moisture content, are examined in depth. The positive effects of pelleted feed on ruminant growth and productivity, particularly in cattle and goats, are emphasized, including improvements in milk yield, weight gain, and reproductive performance. These findings emphasize the potential of pelletized feed to address challenges related to fodder scarcity, feed wastage, and transportation costs. This provides valuable insights for efficient diet management in livestock production
Genetic variability and trait association studies in celosia accessions for growth and yield characters
Get PDFImproving the yield and other characteristics of a crop requires an understanding of the type and extent of variability present in the plant material as well as the relationships between the traits. This study focuses on thirty-five accessions of Celosia species, evaluated for genetic variability in 19 quantitative and qualitative traits, to understand the associations between these characters and their contribution to flower yield. The objective of the work was to investigate the genetic variability and association between traits to rationally improve the yield of Celosia species. The data used in this study were assessed at 70 days after transplanting (DAT) to complete flowering in all Celosia accessions for its growth and yield. From the results of the analysis, the trait, single flower weight had the larger estimates of GCV (41.9 %) and PCV (46.29 %) of all parameters that were recorded. For most traits examined, higher estimates of heritability were recorded, particularly for plant spread (E-W) (99 %), while significant genetic advance per mean was in single flower weight (78.14 %). Leaf length (0.34) and seed weight (0.81) showed a significant positive correlation with the number of flowers per plant, indicating strong potential for increasing yield. The parameters like plant height (0.8132) and leaf length (0.7602) had the most direct impact on flower yield, according to the path analysis results. Based on this conclusion, it appears that Celosia species can be improved by analyzing the features acquired from selection criteria based on genetic parameters and employing them for improved crop yield in future breeding works
Mosquito larvicidal property of Citrus species
No full textMosquitoes and their larvae have several detrimental effects on humans, animals and the environment. Their bites cause itching, allergic reactions and skin irritation. Mosquito larvae thrive in stagnant water, polluting water sources and creating breeding grounds for further infestations. Large mosquito populations negatively impact agriculture and livestock by transmitting diseases to animals. Additionally, their presence reduces outdoor activities, affecting tourism and economic productivity in affected regions. The review focuses on the Culicidae mosquito genera Anopheles, Aedes and Culex, including many species in each. The papers show that Clevenger and Soxhlet apparatus methods maintain high-quality and quantity oils because of their unique properties. These methods are cost-effective and environmentally friendly since chloroform, carbon tetrafluoride and other similar pollutants are not used, which causes severe health issues. Future research will examine how oil release from plant parts varies with age and how this relates to mosquito mortality. Different plant parts may yield varying quantities of oil at different stages, which can be considered as a point of discussion. The present findings support the efficiency of certain Citrus species in the Rutaceae family to eradicate mosquitoes and its larvae