Cattles are encountered with several reproductive problems during their whole reproductive life and among these Endometritis, Anoestrus and repeat breeding are important problems. The present study was designed to assess to find out incidence of repeat breeding in cows at T.V.C.C, Baldirai and Haringtonganj regions. Because of cervical and uterine infections, the vaginal discharge form endometritic repeat breeder cows may be thik, turbid and mucopurulent. Changes in haematological and serum biochemical profile of repeat breeder cows assess the reproductive status of animal. Cattles containing purulent estrual discharge, white flakes, or with mucopurulent and positive reaction to the white side test are considered as positive for endometritis. Twenty four cows with repeat breeder were selected on the basis of colour reaction to white side test, pH of cervico-vaginal mucus and gynaecological examination. The selected repeat breeder cows were divided into four groups (G0, G1, G2 and G3), each comprising of six (n=6) animals. Animals in G0 groups, no treatment was given and served as control. Group G1 was treated with levofloxacin while G2 and G3 groups were treated with homeopathic formulation i.e. Gynitus and Septaout respectively. The therapeutic efficacy of levofloxacin, Gynitus and Septaout in repeat breeder cows assessed. Overall recovery rate and conception rate was recorded as 83.33 % and 66.77 % for Levofloxacin, 66.77 & 50 % for Gynitus and 50 %, 33.33% for Septaout. On the basis of present findings, it is concluded that levofloxacin, Gynitus and Septaout have effective to control repeat breeding in cows and livofloxacin is more effective to control endomrtritis in repeat breeder cows.

Variability and diversity of B. reinwardtii var. reinwardtii, an important plant species, in its natural habitats in Kerala has been analysed based on the observations on seven growth characters recorded from seven accessions of the species distributed across Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur Districts of Kerala State, India. Among the seven characters studied all the characters showed statistically significant variations between populations. Highly significant variability in the case of morphological characters indicates the strong genetic base of the plant species in the field providing it the genetic potential to overcome the threats of fragmentation and extinction in the study area. However, B. reinwardtii var. reinwardtii being a fragile and herbaceous annual, drastic alteration in their habitats and climate change can pose serious threat thus making it rare and vulnerable in future.

The present study was undertaken to reveal the histochemical moiety of the digestive tract of rabbit using different staining techniques. The degree of keratinization of esophageal epithelium increased significantly from cervical to abdominal course which protected the underlying mucosa from the course food particles. The fibrous components of gastro-intestinal wall were positive for acid mucopolyssacharides while the epithelium, underlying basement membrane and muscular layer was PAS positive. The goblet cells, cryptal cells and the Brunner’s gland were strongly alcinophilic and believed to protect the duodenal mucosa as well as the caecotrophes from the gastric hydrochloric acid.

Nineteen genotypes were evaluated for various traits in coriander to know the nature of association among themselves. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with umbels per plant, days to maturity, 1000 seed weight, biomass per plant and harvest index. Plant height showed the positive and significant correlation with umbels per plant and 1000 seed weight. Biomass per plant, harvest index, 1000 seed weight and umbels per plant exhibited direct bearing as seed yield per plant while, seed yield, days to maturity, fruits per umbel, umbels per plant and plant height showed direct contribution towards harvest index in coriander.

Agribusiness is the key for sustainable development in agriculture. The growth of both agriculture growth and industrialization can be achieved from Agribusiness enterprises alone. Agriculture continues to support numerous downstream linkages with industry by becoming a supplier of vital industrial raw material. Due to higher dependency on agriculture country such as India will be always associated potential economic growth for Food processing Industry, which will establish better linkages between end user and agriculture. Government also has accorded a high priority to the sector and has provided many fiscal incentives.

Agribusiness A field experiment was conducted at the College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study the “effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers in comparison with humic acid on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” during rabi season of the year 2007-08 and 2008-09. Eighteen treatment combinations comprised of three treatments of inorganic fertilizers F1(100% RDF,120-60-0 NPK ha-1), F2(75% RDF) and F3(50% RDF) and six treatments of organic manures/fertilizers were tested in randomize block design (Factorial) with four replications. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand (Typic Ustochrepts) in texture having good drainage and fairly moisture retention capacity with pH 7.5. It was low in organic carbon and total nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, high in available potassium and low to medium in status of micronutrients. Application of inorganic fertilizers significantly effect on growth and yield attributes and yield of wheat. Application of 100 % RDF recorded significantly higher plant height (at 60 DAS and at harvest), leaf area index (at 30 and 60 DAS), dry matter yield plant-1 (at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest), effective tillers plant-1, spike length (cm), no. of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 (g), test weight, grain yield and straw yield. Whereas significantly higher total tillers plant-1 was recorded higher in which 100% RDF applied. Organic manures/fertilizers treatment i.e., FYM @ 5 t ha-1+ Humic acid was recoded significantly higher periodical height, leaf area index (at 30 and 60 DAS), dry matter yield (at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest), total and effective tillers plant-1, spike length, grain yield plant-1, test weight, grain and straw yield, while application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + humic acid treatment was recorded significantly the highest no. of grains spike-1. Application of organic manures/fertilizer provided all available nutrient to plant for its better growth and development.

Knowledge plays an important role in the covert and overt behaviour of an individual. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to study the level of knowledge about drip irrigation system of drip irrigated banana growers. The result of study revealed that slightly more than three-fourth (76.00 per cent) of the banana growers had high to very high level of knowledge about drip irrigation system.

There has been a recent push to replace the burning of fossil fuels with biomass. The replacement of this non-renewable resources with biological waste would lower the overall pollution of the world. Agricultural residues are producing in large amount but they are used inefficiently that pollute the environment. Apart from the problems of transportation, storage, and handling, the direct burning of loose biomass in conventional grates is associated with very low thermal efficiency and widespread air pollution. To overcome these problems the biomass materials is compressed as 120 kg/cm3 and can increase its density and durability. In this study a machine was designed to density grinded biomass materials at optimum level of density to obtain more than 90% durability. The machine was consisting of a plunger, base plate, vertical support, mould. The grinded material of particle size less than 5 mm and moisture contents less than 12% placed in mould and pressed by pusher. The capacity of machine was 2 kg/hr.

The field studies for evaluation of economics of different cultivars of mango started at Regional Research Station Buria, Yamunangar during 1991 and evaluated till 2012. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with triplicate run containing one tree per replication. The ten cultivars of mango were Langra, Dushehari, Chausa, Alphanso, Mallika, Shorab, Gourab, Arun, Amarpali, and Varun. Among all the cultivars, Langra cultivar was found most suitable cultivar for growing in North west regions of Haryana in terms of yield per plant (99 kg), net returns (Rs. 41854) per acre and highest benefit: cost ratio (1.63).

Agriculture is the base of the Indian economy but, in real terms the farmer does not get proper returns from his investment. The variations in prices of Potatoes have been one of the major factors affecting the income level of the Indian farmers. The knowledge on the interrelation between the arrival and prices of farm product (Potatoes) is required for assessing the extent of price fluctuation over time. The analysis of arrival and prices over time is important for formulating a sound agriculture price policy. The present paper is selected with the objectives to know the growth, instability, and trend of area, production and productivity for Potatoes crop. From the result, it found that though production of Potatoes is increasing significantly, arrival and prices of potatoes fluctuates regularly, the growth in arrival of Potatoes is increases in Nagpur market, in two decades.

Podophyllotoxin was extracted and purified from the roots of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle. and evaluated for repellent, antifeedant as well as for its toxicity against Plutella xylostella and Pieris brassicae, in a feeding deterrence assay, 93.47 % feeding rejection was observed in the treatments with the 3rd instar larvae of P. xylostella at 1200 ppm whereas at the same concentration, the feeding inhibition in the larvae of P. brassicae was 76.11 %. In a no-choice assay both the insects viz. P. xylostella and P. brassicae, consumed minimum area of 0.94 and 1.71 cm2 after one day of treatment, respectively whereas in the untreated control, the leaf area consumption was 4.16 and 4.00 cm2. The LC50 values of 210.51 ppm and 11.25 ppm was observed for both the insects viz. Plutella xylostella and Pieris brassicae, respectively.

Field experiment was conducted at black soil farm, Agricultural research station, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu. The sesamum variety SVPR 1 was sown during rabi season (October – January) to find out suitable plant geometry, levels of fertilizers and foliar spray of Mepiquat chloride at 30 DAS, MnSO4 and DAP at flower initiation and capsule formation stage for maximize the growth and yield. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and three replications. The trial consists of twelve treatments in combination of plant spacing, nutrient levels and foliar nutrition. The Results revealed that, rainfed sesame sown with closer plant spacing of 30 × 20 cm coupled with 125 per cent RDF followed by foliar spray of 125 ppm Mepiquat chloride at 30 DAS + 0.5 % MnSO4 & 2 % DAP at FIS & CF significantly improved the components viz., plant height, dry matter production and crop growth rate. This attributes contributed in producing significantly higher seed (706 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (1799 kg ha-1) over recommended practice of 30 × 30 cm spacing + 100 % RDF alone.

An on-farm trial (OFT) was conducted by integrating the different components under fish based integrated farming system (IFS) in some of the adopted villages of Rathindra KVK, Birbhum district of West Bengal during the summer season of the year 2014 and 2015 by using different components surrounding a fish production pond. The district has lateritic soil with a sandy loam texture with low pH (6.2) low O.C (0.39%) low phosphate (17 kg P2O5/ ha) and medium to high K content (182 kg K2O/ ha) The Trial were conducted with 3 treatments (1 farmer’s practice and 2 technology options) and 7 replications. In the farmers’ practice, they do not follow the integration method of different components as required for increasing income. For this trial Technology Option I [Composite fish culture (IMC+ Exotic Carps) + Duck farming (20 nos) + Azolla + Pulse (red gram- Black gram)], Technology Option II [Composite fish culture (IMC+ Exotic Carps) + Duck farming (20 nos) + Azolla+ Veg (Lady’s finger + Capsicum)] were tested for increasing income of farmers by recycling of left over materials within the System.

Though Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh falls under semi-arid tropics, the climate is arid with an aridity index of -72.3. This rain shadow district receives low, uneven distribution of rainfall besides prolonged dry spells during cropping season leading to frequent crop failures. There is a large area of Class IV lands (25% area) in Ananthapuramu district which is not suitable for arable farming and remained unproductive with thorny shrubs. There is a necessity to improve the productivity of such lands by designing a appropriate farming system module and thoroughly identifying suitable tree species which includes horticultural trees, pasture crops and animal component to make unproductive lands to productive and sustainable over a long period of time. In this direction, two experiments were conducted during 2000-01 to 2012-13 and one experiment during 2010-11 to 2015-16 at Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh for identification of suitable tree species, to develop suitable farming system module and to evaluate Agri-Horti agroforestry system under the three experiments respectively. Four tree species i.e., tamirand (Tamarindus indica, Linn.), ber (Zizyphus mauritiana, Lamk), custard apple (Annona spuamosa L) and soapnut (Sapindus mukurossi L) were planted during Kharif 2000. There was only 88% ,45% and 18% survival in soapnut,tamirand and ber plantation after a span of thirteen years. Hundred per cent mortality of plants was recorded in custard apple. Among all trees species, soapnut alone gave fruits with average yield of 1.180 kg per tree. It could be inferred that soapnut is the only tree that withstands harsh climatic (low rainfall) and even in Class IV soils which prevailed in Scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh. Tamirand trees came to fruiting only during well distributed rainfall years with mean net returns of Rs.4600/ha with horti pastoral (Tamirand + Stylosanthes) and integrated with sheep farming system. It could be opined that growing tamarind alone under rainfed conditions in class IV lands was not remunerative. However, positive net returns could be recorded only when sheep component was integrated in the system under Class IV lands.

As the population and the improved life style of people increasing day by day, results in the increased generation of wastes the country. Especially the food and agricultural industries produce large amount of wastes, causing a serious disposal problem. And it is becoming more problematic in countries like India where the economy is mainly based on agriculture and where the farming practice is very expensive. The past decade, the concept of sustainable development has become entrenched in our social conscience inextricably linking the growth of global economy to the protection of resources and our environment over the other types of waste treatment methods. One of the agro-wastes currently causing pollution problems is the mango peel from fruit processing industries. Microorganisms play an important role in the degradation of pectin which is major component of mango peel. The action of different extracellular enzymes on mango peel leads to the biodegradation of pectin. The type of enzymes is known as pectinases which hydrolyses pectic substances readily. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to isolate, screen and to study the effect of various factors on pectinolytic activities of Bacillus strain from soils of decomposed fruit waste from mango processing industries.

The new technology through ICT can make to poverty reduction, social integration, the potential to affect many aspects of economic and social activities such as productivity, poverty alleviation, quality of life, education, employment, etc. This study focuses on the adoption of new technologies for paddy crop through ICT. The investigation was undertaken in Phulwari Sharif block of Patna district of Bihar. A sample of 120 respondents was drawn from 8 villages. The data were collected through pre-structured interview schedule on ICT tools viz, Television, Radio, Mobile. Majority of the respondents had 55 per cent respondents had medium level of knowledge on ICT tools. ICT has played an important role in providing information in an easier and cheaper way for the farmers to increase the production of the crops.

The present investigation was carried out on correlation and path coefficient analysis for 13 characters of blackgram on 21 hybrids and 13 parents with 2 checks (T-9 and AZAD-1) and were evaluated during kharif, 2017 in Randomized Block Design. The correlation studies exhibited highly significant and positive association for all the quantitative characters except with that of days to 50% pod setting, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant and seed index. The characters namely, days to 50% flowering, number of clusters per plant, pod length and seed index showed indirect effect on seed yield through various characters.

A field experiment was conducted at JNKVV, College of Agricultural farmer field, Rewa (M.P.), during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 in split plot design with three method of sowing/planting i.e., M1- Direct Sowing, M2- LEHI, M3- System of rice intensification assigned in main plot and four rice varieties i.e. V1- Pusa Sugandha-1, V2- Danteshwari, V3- Pusa Sugandha- 5, V4- Narendra- 97 laid in sub plot. The most suitable sowing method was M3 - system of rice intensification produced significantly higher No. of tiller m-2, No. of panicle m-2, No. of filled grains panicle-1, weight of grain panicle-1 resulted maximum grain yield (42.00 and 44.18 qha-1) over rest method of sowing; thereafter LEHI and SRI in sequence for grain yield were noticed during experimentation. Similarly, V2 performed significantly higher No. of filled grain panicle-1, weight of grains panicle-1, grain and straw yield over rest of varieties except V1 was given closed performance to the V2. Moreover maximum returns also get from the V1 gave highest B: C ratio (2.65) with combination of M3 during experimentation and proved its superiority over other for Kymore Plateau of M.P. However, the second best variety was Pusasugandha-1 during both years.

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam (TNAU) during Late Pishanam (November 2017 – March 2018) to study the various wet seeding methods and weed management practices on grain yield of unpuddled rice in Tamirabarani command area. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice with fourteen treatments. Treatments involving seven weed management practices were tested with two methods of wet seeding in rice by drum seeder and paddy cum dhaincha seeder. All the weed control treatments with seeding methods significantly reduced the density and dry weight of weeds which resulted in significantly higher growth and yield of rice over unweeded control. Though the weed free check yielded significantly higher than other treatments, but it fetched higher cost of cultivation and non-availability of labourers during peak season which resulted in poor benefit cost ratio. The results revealed that among the treatments, rice established through drum seeder along with the pre emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 20 g a.i ha-1 on 8 DAS followed by POE bispyribac sodium at 25 g a.i ha-1 at 30 DAS not only significantly reduced density and dry weight of weeds but also increased the grain yield of rice and benefit cost ratio.

Soil test based nutrition management will help to use chemical fertilizers prudently, thereby improving fertilizer use efficiency which in turn preserves the environmental quality along with sustainable crop production. To evaluate the fertility of the soils of coffee in Idukki district, systematic soil sampling representing the entire coffee growing areas of the district was carried out. In order to know the fertility status of the soil this study was carried out and observed that prolonged higher acidity (98%) of coffee soils with deficiencies of phosphorus (42%), calcium (39%), magnesium (88%), sulphur (39%) and boron (39%) have limitations on coffee productivity in the district. The vast area of coffee in the district is strongly acidic (67%) due to lack of liming and continuous use of acid producing fertilizers. Deficiency of calcium and magnesium affects uptake of other nutrients in turn effect cellular functions. In coffee, boron deficiency will affect the productivity by poor flowering and fruit set. Amelioration of soil acidity and optimal use of major, secondary and micronutrients are must to enhance coffee productivity in the district. Based on soil test values, application of manures and fertilizers will save the fertilizers and also sustain the soil health. Integrated management of plant nutrients is essential to achieve sustainable coffee crop production.

The manuscript described the effect of maize and rice based heat treated and untreated diets on major biochemical analytes of weaned Large White Yorkshire pigs. For the investigation, 90 pigs weaned at 28 days of age were selected and categorised into five equal groups (T1, T2, T3, T4 and C). Each group was further subdivided into three sub groups of 6 pigs each and was reared together in one pen till 56 days of age. Weaned pigs were fed to their appetite with starter (week 5 to 6) and grower I (week 7 to 8) rations (T1- Rice based heat treated with additives, T2- Rice based heat untreated treated with additives, T3- Maize based heat treated with additives, T4- Maize based heat untreated with additives, C- Maize based heat untreated without additives). The level of as glucose, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were estimated, which were found to be different non significantly on day 28 and 56 post weaning as well as between treatment and control groups. Data generated out of the investigation will be helpful to clinician as reference values for monitoring health of pigs.

The present investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of organic and inorganic method of cultivation on the quality of cereals (wheat and rice), pulses (lentil and chickpea), oilseed (mustard), spices (ginger and turmeric) and vegetable (green peas). The results revealed higher hardness, true density and per cent porosity in inorganic grains of wheat, rice, lentil, chickpea and mustard. Inorganic wheat flour was finer than organic one as evident from more retention of inorganic flour in mesh sieve size of less than 40s. Inorganic rice had better milling quality but cooking quality was found better of organic rice as evident from higher elongation ratio and swelling rate. The organic seeds of lentil, chickpea and fresh green peas showed higher per cent cooking at each time interval which was due to lesser hardness of organic grains. Organically grown foods were found to be tastier in comparison to inorganic foods as organic samples scored higher for all the parameters of sensory. Moisture was found higher in inorganic samples of all the crops except for green peas suggesting more nutrient density in organic crops. The quantity of protein was less, but the quality was definitely better in organic crops as measured by in-vitro protein digestibility. No definite trend was seen for effect of inorganic and organic mode of cultivation on crude fat, total ash, crude fibre and carbohydrate content on food crops. Iron was found to be significantly higher in organic rice (1.33 mg/100 g), organic lentil (2.06 mg/100 g), and organic chickpea (8.79 mg/100 mg). Phosphorus was significantly higher in organic wheat (320.20 mg/100 g), inorganic rice (113.13 mg/100 g), organic lentil (287.20 mg/100 g), inorganic chickpea (270.90 mg/100 g) and inorganic peas (91.30 mg/100 g). Calcium was significantly higher in organic wheat (675.90 mg/100 g) and inorganic peas (33.04 mg/100 g). Zinc was found to be significantly higher in organic sample of wheat (4.009 mg/100 g) and lentil (3.737 mg/100 g). No significant difference was observed in manganese, cobalt, and copper content of all the crops produced from organic and inorganic mode of cultivation.

The present study was carried out to examine the land suitability evaluation of Matki-3 microwatershed (686 ha) of Aland Taluk, Kalaburgi District, Karnataka, India for selected land utilization types pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The land mapping units of the study area, prepared from land resource information obtained from detailed soil survey at 1:10000 scale using IRS-P6-LISS- IV merged with Cartosat-1 and GIS technique, were used for the purposes of land evaluation. The methodology used for land suitability evaluation was GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation following FAO (1976) guidelines involving matching diagnostic land qualities against crop requirements and assigning suitability rates for each land qualities. Seven Soil series were identified and derived twenty four mapping units as phases of soil series. The land suitability analysis results revealed that 393 ha (58%) of total area is suitable for Pigeon pea and sorghum as against the current land use of 645 ha with limitations of soil depth, sloping lands and gravelliness. In addition to land evaluation, suitable crop interventions suggested for enhancing productivity of these crops under drought prone areas of Karnataka.

The productivity of any crop is the complex phenomenon governed by number of factors viz., use of improved varieties, appropriate sowing method, timely sowing, spacing, judicious use of water as well as nutrients and weeds, pests and disease management. Planting pattern is an agronomic practice that sustains the availability of resources. Present investigation was conducted during kharif 2016 and Kharif 2017 at Instructional farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Datia Madhya Pradesh. Total 04 number f sowing method (S1-Broad casting, S2- Line sowing, S3- Ridge and furrow and S4- Transplanting), with two varieties (V1- 86M86 (hybrid) and JBV-2 (composite)) and three weed management practices (W1- Hand hoeing at 20-25 DAS, W2- Pre emergence application of Atrazine @ 40gm a.i./ha and W3- Post Emergence Application of 2,4-D @0.5kg a.i./ha) were tested during the experiment. The findings of studies clearly visualized that the transplanting (15-20 days seedlings) sowing method, 86M86 variety and one hand hoeing at 20-25 DAS/DAT as well as their interaction recorded significantly superior values of all weed parameters and crop parameters in comparison to others. However, in labourer scarcity areas and economical basis; ridge and furrow sowing, 86M86 variety and one hand hoeing at 20-25 DAS/DAT as well as their interaction recorded significantly profitable values of all weed parameters and crop parameters in comparison to others.

The present study was conducted in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh during 2013-14 at Department of Agricultural Extension, R.A.K. College of Agriculture Sehore (M.P.). The study revealed that there was a significant difference between knowledge level of beneficiaries and non beneficiaries. The study also revealed that the socio-economic and psychological attributes were found positive and significant association with beneficiaries and non significant.

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the vegetative, floral attributes and seed yield of China aster cv. Poornima in response to different concentrations of GA3, NAA (100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm, each) and MH (500, 600, 700 and 800 ppm) at Floriculture and Landscaping Block, College of Horticulture, VCSG, UUHF, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand) from March to August 2016. The experiment was laid in randomized block design which replicated thrice. The results revealed that plants sprayed with GA3 @ 200 ppm produced maximum plant height (85.69 cm), number of secondary branches per plant (35.83) and plant spread (33.95 cm). With respect to floral attributes, minimum number of days taken to first flower bud initiation and flower bud opening (57.19 and 83.56, respectively) and maximum duration of flowering (28.11 days), stalk length (39.82 cm), flower diameter (8.80 cm), flower weight (5.16 g), number of flowers per plant and per plot (48.76 and 418.56, respectively) were also found in same treatment. Among seed yield parameters, test weight (1.58 g), seed yield per plant and plot (6.38 g and 55.86 g) were recorded highest from plants sprayed with GA3 200 ppm. The results also showed that application of different concentrations of MH was effective in reducing plant height and improving various quality traits in plants as compared to control.

The study was carried out in Balsamand Research Farm, Hisar, for rate of litter fall and its decomposition rate in Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) and Ailanthus excelsa (Mahaneem) block plantation. The leaf-litter was collected at monthly interval from August, 2012 to September, 2013. Distribution indicated that litter production was much higher in December-February period and decreased in June-August. Maximum litter production was recorded in Prosopis cineraria block plantation than Ailanthus excelsa block plantation. Decomposition of leaf litter was studied using nylon bag technique. Decomposition of biomass varied with time in both the plantations. Highest decomposition was recorded Prosopis cineraria than Ailanthus excelsa block plantation. The practical implication of the study is that profuse litter under Prosopis cineraria increases more microbial activity which ultimately improves soil health.

A pot experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016 at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner to study response of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L Wilezek] to iron fertilization under different sodicity levels. Each four levels of sodicity (SAR 10, 15, 20, 25), and iron (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha) were tested in completely randomized design with three replications. The results revealed that significantly higher ECe and DTPA-Fe content and lower pH and SAR in soil recorded under soil sodicity level of SAR 10 as compared to other levels. Growth attributes such as plant height, total nodules/plant, effective nodules/plant, nodule index and total chlorophyll content and yield attributes such as pods/plant, grains/pod and seed index, grain and stover yields were recorded significantly higher under soil sodicity level of SAR 10 compared to other higher levels of SAR. The significantly increased pH, SAR and decreased ECe, DTPA-Fe with increasing levels of sodicity. The growth and yield attributes and yields of cowpea significantly increased with increasing levels of Fe application.

India ranks second in vegetable production. However the average yield of vegetables in India is still lower than that in many Asian countries. Transplanting of plug seedlings is a manual and labour-intensive operation. In peak season due to unavailability of labours, timely transplanting is not possible. Cost of labours being increased day by day and therefore manual transplanting is becoming uneconomical. The designing was done based on morphological parameters, agronomical requirements and ergonomical parameters, for the purpose of seeding four seedlings at a time in two rows. The jaw is main operational part of vegetable transplanter which is fitted at the bottom of hollow delivery tubes (4 numbers) for transplanting. Maximum field efficiency of 86.80 % was obtained for seedlings of 4 weeks age on bare bed. In general effective field capacity was found as 0.014 ha/h for 6 weeks age of seedlings on mulch bed. Minimum cost of operation, 3719.94 ₹/ha for seedlings of 6 weeks age on mulch bed. The cost of transplanting 1000 seedlings with designed transplanter came out as ₹ 114.43 as against ₹ 156.38 with manual transplanting. The payback period comes out as 3.71 yeas using 250 hours in a year.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2017 to study the effect of silicon on membrane stability, plant water status and yield of rice genotypes under drought at Department of Rice, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It is observed from the present study, Maximum membrane stability index (MSI) (93.1) was observed in CB06803 and minimum (86.2) in CB08702 under the control, when drought influenced, Sahbhagidhan retained the maximum MSI (79.8) with lower Malondialdehyde (MDA) content (0.68 µmol g-1) and IR64 fetched the lower MSI (67.6) with lower (MDA) (1.75 µmol g-1). Foliar spray of Silicon (Silixol 0.6 %) under drought increased the MSI to maximum (88.4) in Sahbhagidhan wherein minimum (78.7) was observed in CB13805. In the aspect of plant water status, a greater decrease of 18% in RWC under drought, with lower the reduction in drought tolerant check Sahbhagidhan (14.5%). Foliar spray of silicon (Silixol 0.6%) under drought increased the RWC by 12% with greater the increase in genotype CB13805 (16.3%). However, under drought had greater adjustment in osmotic potential was observed in genotype CB12702 (0.674) while, foliar spray of silicon (Silixol 0.6%) under drought had reduced the osmotic adjustment with higher change in genotype CB06803 followed by susceptible check IR64.The grain yield per plant was observed with 30% under drought, a minimal reduction (1.9%) was observed in genotype CB13804. Foliar spray of silicon (Silixol 0.6%) under drought increased per plant yield by 23% with higher the increase (43%) in genotype CB12702. Irrespective of the genotypes, the foliar spray of silicon (Silixol 06 %) under drought enhanced the membrane stability and plant water status in the above genotypes indicating its importance for reducing the effects of drought and improves the drought tolerance mechanism rice.

Seed health evaluation was attempted for seed lots of different pea varieties viz., IPFD 10-12, Paras, Indira matar, KPMR 400, Shubhra, Ambika and local variety from randomly selected village by physical methods. In dry seed examination, seed lots of different pea varieties showed distinct variation in healthy seeds, damaged, discoloured, small/undersized, shrunken seeds, weed seeds and inert matters. Dry seed examination revealed that IPFD 10-12 variety showed highest purity where as local variety were recorded as least pure as compared to other pea varieties taken in the study. In washing test, maximum spore load was recorded from seed lot of local variety which include six spores of Aspergillus flavus, four spores of Aspergillus niger, two spores of Aspergillus fumigatus, one spore of Trichoderma sp, one spore of Alternaria sp, sevens pores of Rhizopus sp., one hyphal fragment of Rhizoctonia sp. and two spores of Fusarium sp. while Shubhra variety showed the minimum spore load among all the pea varieties taken in the study.

The study was carried out the evaluating the performance of improved cultivars with scientific package and practices on production, productivity and profitability of blackgram. Frontline demonstrations were conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 with evaluation the performance of Indira urd-1, variety of blackgramin Raigarh and Tamnar blocks of the district and record the feedback information of farmer’s. The results revealed that average yield of blackgram under frontline demonstrations were 11.75 and 12.05 qha-1 as compare to 9.10 and 8.95 qha-1 recorded in farmer’s practice, average yield increase of 29.12 and 34.64 percent and additional return of 11145.00 and 14614.00 Rsha-1, respectively. It was observed that the benefit cost ratio (B:C) of recommended practice (FLD) were 3.14 and 3.26as compared to2.74 and 2.71in farmers practice. The average extension gap 2.87 qha-1 and average technology gap 3.10 qha-1 was recorded. Therefore, the results clearly indicates that the use of improved varieties and package and practices with scientific intervention under frontline demonstration programme contribute to increase the productivity and profitability of pulses in Chhattisgarh state.

The studies on various multivoltine races viz., APDR-15, APM-3, L-14, Mcon-1, MH-1, Nistari and PM on mulberry S-30 variety carried out at Sericulture Laboratory, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during November, 2017- January, 2018. The results showed that APM-3 race found significantly superior in weight of mature larvae (21.25g/10 larvae), effective rate of rearing (87.32%), larval survivability (93.70%), single cocoon weight (0.94g), single shell weight (0.25g), shell ratio (27.73%), filament length (415.33m), filament weight (0.11g) and denier (2.43) with lowest larval duration (23.33 days), disease incidence (9.30%), renditta (8.66kg) followed by Mcon-1. Based on overall performance, the multivoltine race, APM-3 is the most suitable when reared on mulberry variety S-30.

The study was carried out at Junagadh district of Gujarat state in the year 2018. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select the samples for the study. The data were collected by personal interview method, analyzed through various appropriate statistical tools. Discriminant function analysis was used to identify the factors discriminating users and non-users of organic fertilizers. From the study, it was concluded that the variables like age, level of education, irrigation facility, social participation and total cost of manures are the variables discriminate among users and non-users of organic fertilizers

Field trial was conducted to find out the effect of different doses of weedicide on Bt cotton at Cotton Research Scheme Farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, M.S. The result indicated that, weedicide Pendimethalin PE @ 1000 g/ha fb HW/MW at 20, 50 DAS and Pyrithiobac sodium @ 62.5 g/ha + Quizalafop ethyl @ 50 g/ha at 20 DAS fb directed spray of Glyphosate at 60 DAS @ 600 g/ha found most effective in Bt cotton. Based on net monetary return and seed cotton yield the weed control treatment, Pendimethalin PE @ 1000 g/ha fb directed spray of Glyphosate @ 2000 g/ha at 50 DAS was found most effective. B:C ratio was highest with the Pyrithiobac sodium @ 62.5 g/ha + Quizalafop ethyl @ 50 g/ha at 20 DAS fb directed spray of Paraquat at 60 DAS @ 600 g/ha.

The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) in the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and research institutions is becoming increasingly prominent because of the potential value of such technologies. ICTs can be used to increase effectiveness and efficiency of extension professional/scientists in KVK. So, in this era of information revolution, the KVK Scientists should be encouraged to use ICTs for different extension activities and field work. In this context a research study was undertaken for 304 scientists working in different KVKs in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The findings of the study indicate that about half (51.98%) of the respondents possessed medium level of availability of ICTs, while majority (56.93%) of the KVK Scientists possessed medium to high level of accessibility of ICT.

Nutrition education is a crucial importance as the problem of ignorance, ill health and malnutrition go in hand therefore, such education is probably greatest and most urgent for the pooper vulnerable section of the community. Most of the protein energy malnutrition micronutrient deficiencies. Such as vitamin A, B complex, Iodine and iron deficiency anomia are the nutrition problem frequently encountered, particularly among the rural poor and urban slum communities. Malnutrition is a serious nutritional problem in rural area. It is well known that the widespread under nutrition, which exists in countries like India is due to a gamut of factors, such as low income, poor education level, too many birth and little parental attention. A sustained programme of nutrition education therefore should be an essential pre requisite of overall nutrition strategy. Hence nutrition education is the only means for bringing about an awareness in the individuals or community of the needs for nutritional improvement. The present study was conducted in Durg and Dhamdha block district of DURG Chhattisgarh quantify the impact of nutrition education to improve nutritional security of household in rural areas. The result suggested that nutrition education is the only means for bringing about awareness in the individual or community of the needs for nutritional improvement.

The present studies were conducted during year 2010 in four selected districts of Haryana viz. Hisar (Gorchhi), Rohtak (Bahu Jamalpur), Kaithal (Chandana) and Mohindergarh (Malara Bas) representing Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern agro-climatic zones of Haryana, respectively. In all, 800 respondent- farmers were randomly selected in four districts (200 in each selected village) and data on farmers’ reactions in seeking agri-information through mass media methods were collected from all the respondents with a well-developed respondent schedule. The maximum mean number of 194(24.2) respondent-farmers having farming experiences was recorded in the age-group of 16-20 years, while educational status of matriculation level of respondents was found to the tune of 296 (37) in operational area of study. Present results of study reveals that maximum mean number of 320 (40) respondents occasionally received agri-information, while minimum mean number of 52 (6.5) respondents, who never received any information's through seeing television. Maximum number of respondents 694 (80.8) got these information occasionally and minimum number of 12 (1.5) respondents were recorded, who were regular listeners of radio to seek information's. Maximum mean number of 536 (67) respondents had occasionally and minimum number of 66 (8.2) respondents were found as frequent readers of newspapers to get agri-information. Maximum mean number of 564 (70.5) respondents never received any information's through agricultural literatures/magazines ,while minimum number of 12 (!.5) were regular readers to seek these information. Likewise, maximum mean number of 732 (91.5), who never read and 10 (1.2) number of respondents were recorded as frequent users of leaflets to seek these information.

Indian agriculture is predominantly a rainfed agriculture out of 143 million hectares of total cultivated area in the country, 101 million ha (i.e., nearly 70 per cent) area are rainfed and about 42% of dry land areas contribute for total food grain production. Variation in amount and distribution of rainfall influence the crop production as well as socio-economic conditions of farmers. To balance the adverse condition and to help the farmers, importance has been given to Watershed management programme for natural resources conservation. Mid- term evaluation of IWDP- III batch watersheds were conducted in all the ten watershed villages spread over in Valapady block of Salem district in two phases; (i) Information were gathered from Project Implementing Agency (PIA) and discussion was made with members of the Watershed Committee and Watershed Development Team (WDT) (ii) Field study was done and interaction was made with the beneficiaries of the area where IWDP- III watershed programme was implemented. And also using simple random sampling technique, 100 beneficiaries were selected to study the community participation in implementing the watershed activities. The data were collected with well-structured interview schedule. Percentage analysis was used for data analysis. On the whole it was observed that 85% of the community participation was at full level in planning the work. Majority (82.4%) of the village community showed their full participation in decision making activities. Eighty per cent of the village community showed full participation in site selection process. And regarding execution of work 76.4% of the community showed full participation. It shows that the community people were well aware of the importance of the watershed programme and they were involved in the implementation of the programme at all stages of the programme. They were also aware that if the watershed programme is implemented in their village it will recharge the ground water level which in turn will improve their livelihood so majority of the community people participated in implementing the watershed activities.

The present investigation was undertaken on Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB) in Paderu block of Vishakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh State A total of 120 members were selected as respondents out of which 60 respondents were beneficiaries and 60 respondents were non-beneficiaries. The primary data was collected from respondents through pre-tested interview schedule. It was found that 52.37 per cent beneficiaries had medium level of agriculture development while in non-beneficiaries 46.60 per cent respondents had lowest level of agriculture development. The result clearly indicates that the beneficiaries are having more levels of agriculture development than the non-beneficiaries. This shows that the bank shows a positive and significant impact on the agriculture development of the respondents.