The present study was carried out to standardize a DNA isolation protocol for cashew and to estimate genetic diversity among 9 cashew varieties developed by Dr. B. S. K. K. V. Dapoli, Maharashtra through the characterization by using 27 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The DNA was extracted from the green leaf samples collected from 9 Cashew varieties. A protocol using 0.095 g/ml glucose, 0.025 g/ml polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.0045 g/ml sodium bisulphite, 0.0055 g/ml sodium dodecyl sulphate, and 50 μl/ml sarcosine produced good quality DNA. A total of 1152 bands were scored out of which 882 were polymorphic, which showed 73.52% polymorphism. The size of amplified fragment ranged from 300 bp to 2000 bp. The primer UBC-843 recorded minimum PIC (Polymorphic information content) value 0.25, whereas primer UBC-876 gave maximum PIC value 0.91. The average PIC value was 0.70 among the all 9 varieties. The Jaccards’s Similarity Co-efficient ranged from 0.381 (between varieties Vengurla-2 and Vengurla-8) to 0.649 (between varieties Vengurla-4 and Vengurla-5). The maximum similarity coefficient indicates that all type varieties have narrow genetic base.

Agriculture is a back bone of Indian economy and 70 Percent Indian population depending on Agriculture, area under cultivation is shrinking day by day and there is hardly any scope for horizontal expansion of land for enhancing food production. The only available option is vertical farming i.e., integrated farming systems, this approach includes cropping systems and subsidiary enterprises (Dairy, Sheep etc.). Accordingly, the land was divided component wise into percent area out of 1.0 ha. Growing cropping systems like paddy-paddy /paddy-finger millet/paddy-pulse with 50 percent area in order to meet the family food requirement and in addition to get better profit out of these produce. The results after 7th year of establishment of integrated farming system indicated that overall average net returns of Rs.1,88,497 and highest was contributed by crop component alone (Rs. 86,651) followed by horticulture (Rs. 40,528), dairy (Rs. 39,997) and sheep (Rs. 18,280).The total quantity of produce recycled was (32,132 kg /l/no’s) worth of Rs.48,398 (four years average) was obtained. Effective recycling of farm waste in terms of vermicompost/compost can save Rs.14,379 by addition of 1735 kg of nutrients in-terms of N, P & K which in-turn sustains soil productivity through the recycling of organic nutrient sources from various enterprises. The total annual mandays generated out of various components varied from 515 to 965 mandays by facilitating cash income on regular basis and also generate additional employment for families.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur to study the effect of groundnut based intercropping system on growth and yield parameters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under rainfed condition. Treatments consisted of testing of pure groundnut against intercropping of finger millet, little millet and foxtail millet at 5:2 and 6:1 row proportions. Growth parameters such as plant height (34.14 cm), number of branches (10.52), number of leaflets (79.33), leaf area (1265 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter accumulation (28.81 g plant-1) were significantly higher in the intercropping of groundnut + foxtail millet with 6:1 row proportion. Results of experiment indicated that higher groundnut pod and haulm yield was recorded in sole groundnut (1862 kg ha-1 and 2618 kg ha-1, respectively). Among the intercropping treatments, significantly higher pod and haulm yield (1744 kg ha-1 and 2194 kg ha-1, respectively), number of pods (26.46), pod weight per plant (13.09) and groundnut equivalent yield (1877 kg ha-1) were recorded in groundnut + foxtail millet in the row proportion of 6:1.

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of calcium and potassium compounds on sugar (reducing, non-reducing and total sugar) of winter season guava. The experiment was laid out with fourteen treatment comprising six nutrients namely calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, calcium sulphate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium along with water spray and two concentration (1 and 1.5%) of each nutrient, water sprayer with control. Significant improvement in different sugar content of fruits were recorded with higher concentration of potassium nitrate (1.5 %) followed by calcium nitrate (1.5 %) for reducing sugar content (4.50 and 4.43 %), non-reducing (4.59 and 4.8 %) and total sugar (9.09 and 9.24 %) in treatment T10.

Present study was carried out to assess the effect of age and rearing system on the blood biochemical analytes of broilers in Mizoram, India. Significant effect of age was recorded on the serum concentration of cholesterol, total protein and serum albumin, which showed an increasing trend, while the glucose, ALP, uric acid, calcium and phosphorous showed a decreasing trend with the advancement of age. However, significant difference (P<0.05) in the rearing system was found only in serum cholesterol and glucose level. However, it may be recommended that it is safe to slaughter the broilers event after 6th weeks to 12th weeks of age since the recorded serum levels of the different biochemical analytes was found to be within the reference range. Nonetheless, from the economic point of view, rearing of poultry birds up to 12th week is not recommended in backyard system of rearing. The data may be of use to assess the health of the broilers.

Mulberry nursery as a business is a profitable and viable venture. The present study was conducted in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (AP) during 2016-17 to evaluate the socio-economic status of mulberry nursery business. A total of 40 mulberry nursery units were selected for the study and simple statistical tools like averages and percentages were used to compare, contrast and interpret results appropriately The data revealed that the entrepreneurs had an experience of 8 years (Karnataka) and 10 years (AP) in nursery management. Majority of the entrepreneurs in Karnataka (70 percent) and AP (80 percent) were performing nursery business as a subsidiary activity. The venture has vast potential of generating employment of about 730 Man Days (MD) and 694 MD per acre/annum in Karnataka and AP respectively. Total costs involved in nursery management per acre/annum in Karnataka was Rs. 3.35 lakhs and Rs. 3.42 lakhs in AP. The activity is a good source of income to the rural youth with returns per rupee of cost of production as Rs. 2.02 and Rs. 1.94 for Karnataka and AP nursery enterprises respectively. High demand for labour during uprooting of saplings was the main constraint reported followed by improper demand for saplings and lack of adequate fund. Interventions are required to establish linkages for regular demand and enabling availability of new varieties for nursery production. base.

Follicular wave patterns were studied in anoestrous buffaloes before (Group-I, control, n=5) and after either progesterone (Group-II, n=5) or progesterone + Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophins (Group-III, n=6) therapy. Two-wave pattern (50% buffaloes) was predominant, followed by 3-wave (38%) and one-wave pattern (12%). None of the treatment affected the wave-patterns. However, inter-wave period was reduced to 6 days after P4 + PMSG treatment. None of the buffaloes resumed cyclicity after P4 treatment whereas, 67% buffaloes became cyclic following P4+PMSG therapy. In conclusion, the follicular growth in anoestrous buffaloes occurs in waves but follicles failed ovulation.

Humans have many reasons for owning pets including mutual relationship with person and it has been documented throughout history, across cultures and in recent research. As compared to other domestic animals the dogs have developed special relationship with humans. The attachment requires specific responses brought about by neuro endocrinological homeostatic functions as well as behavioural aspects. Companion animals provide association in a person's life, more consistent and reliable than human–human that augments and helps making relationships with other humans. Dogs are a symbol of our own “memory of the magical once-in a-lifetime bond” we shared with our mothers. People give and receive complete and total love and devotion through their pet and therefore mental calmness and relaxation that’s why dogs are idealized in modern society.

The present study has been conducted in three zones of Punjab, viz. zone I (Sub-mountainous zone), zone II (Central zone) and zone III (South-western zone) in order to examine the cost and return structure of buffalo milk production and suggesting measures to enhance the same. It was observed that herd size had a direct relationship with the milk production and yield. The milk yield per in-milk animal was found to be highest in zone II and it increased with increase in herd size. The total fixed and variable cost per day per milch animal was found to be highest in zone II and increased with the increase in herd size. The major share in the total cost of milk production was of variable costs (about 86 percent). The cost of milk production on per litre basis was highest in zone I (Rs 25.95/litre) and it decreased with increase in herd size. Further, dairy enterprise profit per day per milch animal on per litre basis was found to be the highest in zone II i.e. Rs 5.96/litre and it increased with increase in herd size. Further, during the period 2010 to 2012, cost of milk production has increased fast as compared to milk prices. Therefore, the profit per litre declined during this period.

The problem of fragmentation and scatteredness of holdings in Indian agriculture are the spectacular realities. These problems are more pronounced in Uttarakhand because of geographical compulsions and system of inheritance prevailing in the society. On account of undulating terrains and division of land among heirs the fields are being split into pieces over generations. District Tehri Garhwal was chosen purposely for the present study, as it characterizes all the three situations (high-hills, mid-hills and valleys) found in Uttarakhand. The required data was collected from a sample of 90 farmers drawn from six villages (two each village falling in valley, mid-hill and high-hill situations) pertaining to the year 2015-16. The selected farmers were categorized into three categories on the basis of number of pieces of land held i.e. less than 30 plots, 30-60 plots and more than 60 plots. The findings of the study show that the problem of fragmentation and scatteredness was more serious in valley situation. The fragmentation and scatteredness was significantly affecting the adoption of proper doses of HYV seeds and fertilizers in wheat cultivation. The highest cost of wheat cultivation was observed on the farms which were most fragmented, whereas the highest net return was recorded on the farms which were least fragmented.

The study is focused on supply chain analysis of oyster mushroom was done in the year of 2017 at Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. Study revealed that supply of oyster mushroom in market was through three different chains S-1, S-II and S-III. In supply chain S-I sale of price of oyster mushroom, net return of producer were significantly higher as compare to supply chain S-II and S-III. While in case of consumer price of oyster mushroom was found lower in supply chain S-I and it increases towards supply chain S-II and S-III. Marketing cost, loss due to damage and market margin was recorded higher in supply chain S-III. Estimation of market efficiency was explained that supply chain S-I has highest marketing efficiency. Overall result says that supply chain of oyster mushroom S-I is the best way to sell oyster mushroom and gain higher return but presence of commission agent and retailers is also equally important for distribution/ disposal of large volume of oyster mushroom.

The present study aims to analyze the marketing channel in turmeric marketing and price forecast on turmeric crop based on the time series monthly price data for the period of January, 2005 – April, 2018 for Erode regulated market in Tamil Nadu. Seasonal indices and Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average model (ARIMA) model were used for analysis. The results revealed that during the month of January to March the price will prevail high. The forecasted price for turmeric during the month of May, 2018 was Rs. 6908 per quintal and will fetches Rs. 6978 per quintal during July, 2018. Compared with the actual price prevailed in the study area were Rs. 6908 per quintal during May, 2018 and Rs. 6978 per quintal during July, 2018 respectively revealing that the forecast price has the validity of 96 percent and 99 percent respectively.

Field investigations were carried out in Annamalai University experimental farm for two consecutive years to trace the impact of duck integration in transplanted rice crop. The experiment was aimed at comparing the performance of duck integration in different modes viz duck herding in puddled fields, duck herding in transplanted fields, duck herding in transplanted and puddled fields. The field experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of thrice sub treatments and replicated thrice. All the treatments involving various modes of duck integration resulted significantly in increased grain yield and straw yield and simultaneously decreased weed parameters. The interaction effects of duck herding. The interaction effects of duck herding in cropped and puddled condition coupled with conoweeding + one hand weeding suppressed total weed population recorded 5.77 per m2 and 5.67 per m2 during I and II season. Similarly duck integration had a positive impact recording 15.03 t ha-1 4.34 t ha-1 and 7.29 t ha-1 of crop DMP, grain yield and straw yield respectively during I season and crop DMP of 15.3 t ha-1, grain yield of 4.88 t ha-1 and straw yield of 7.58 t ha-1 during II season (duck integration, rice production, weed management).

The present study was conducted with the prime objective to develop a stochastic time series models, capable of predicted rainfall data of a department of agriculture meteorological station Kakor in Auraiya district which has located on the southern portion of Uttar Pradesh 26° 21″ and27° 01″ north latitudeand 78° 45″ and 79° 45″ east longitude and forms a part of the Kanpur Division. The rainfall data of Auraiya District from the year 1999-2013 was collected and used for mean monthly flow of rainfall data using auto regressive model. Autoregressive (AR) models of orders 0, 1 and 2 were tried. The goodness of fit and adequacy of models were tested by Box-Pierce Portmonteau test, Akaike Information Criterion and by comparison of historical and predicted correlogram. The AIC values for AR (1) is lying between AR (0) and AR (2) which is satisfying the selection criteria. The mean forecast error is also very less in case of rainfall by AR (1) model. On the basis of the statistical test, Akaike Information Criterion, the AR (1) model with estimate model parameters was estimates for the best future predictions in Auraiya District. The comparison of the observed rain-fall flow and the synthetically generated data by AR (1) model shows that the developed model can be used efficiently for the further prediction of rainfall which can benefited the farmer and research workers for water harvesting.

The present study was conducted in four districts of Nagaland to study the profile and performance of women Self Help Groups (SHGs) during 2016-17. A total of 120 SHGs were selected following multistage random sampling method. Ten performance indicators viz., regularity of meeting, rotation of group leader, decision making pattern, regularity in saving, level of record maintenance, group homogeneity, level of repayment, training, members awareness of rule and regulation and share of production loan to total loan were considered for measuring the performance of women Self Help Groups in Nagaland. It was found out that training, group homogeneity, decision making pattern and level of repayment were found to be important performance indicators of women SHGs in Nagaland. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to ascertain if there is any significant difference in performance scores of SHGs classified based on the tenure of existence of the SHG and the literacy of group leader. The result showed that there is significant increase in performance of SHGs with increase in tenure of existence of the SHG and literacy of leader for women SHGs in Nagaland.

Globally the use of pesticides is considered as most attractive method of controlling pests which involves less labour and characterizes higher output per hectare of land. However, extensive use of such pesticides results in substantial health and environmental threats. In developing countries agricultural workers will continue to use pesticides in increasing quantities because of the lack of alternatives to pesticides, ignorance of the sustainability of pesticide use, etc. Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of human health hazards. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of self-reported occupational health hazards related to pesticide exposure, to intervene the Personal Protective Measures and finally to evaluate occurrence of self-reported occupational health hazards. The agriculture workers who had been involved in pesticide application were interviewed regarding determinants of pesticide exposure. Then the occurrence of self-reported occupational health hazards were reported. It can be concluded that the agricultural workers who used pesticides without protective measures could be protected to pesticides exposure level with the use of personal protective measures against acute health symptoms.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different level of nutrients and intercropping (Pulses) on flowering behaviour of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) variety VRI -2 at State Horticultural Farm, Neyveli, and Tamil Nadu. The study was revealed that the application of 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer + 100 kg of FYM and growing of cowpea as an intercrop was observed to be best which was recorded maximum total number of flowers panicle-1 (899.35), number of hermaphrodite flowers panicle-1 (65.71 and this was on par with the treatment 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer + 100 kg of FYM and growing of cowpea as intercrop which recorded the total number of flowers panicle-1 (897.58), number of hermaphrodite flowers panicle-1 (64.56) as compared to control.

A field experiment was carried out to study the performance of All India Co-Ordinated Vegetable Improvement Project (AICVIP) hybrid trials (IET,AVT-I and AVT-II) on growth, yield and quality of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) from 2012 to 2014 at the Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The seeds of the okra hybrid (IET,AVT-I and AVT-II) entries were chosen for this study. The results based on Bhendi hybrids trials mean revealed that different hybrid entries were applied in three replications. Among the entries tested (IET), the highest fruit yield (226.5 q/ha) was recorded in 2014/OKHYB-4 followed by 2014/OKHYB-6 (200.4 q/ha),the results revealed that (AVT-I) the highest fruit yield (243.5 q/ha) was recorded in 2013/OKHYB-9 followed by 2013/OKHYB-10 (224.6 q/ha). Among the entries tested (AVT-II), the highest fruit yield (238.7 q/ha) was recorded in 2012/OKHYB-13followed by 012/OKHYB-15 (225.4 q/ha.

Storage at 4ºC (-1) with 95% RH (relative humidity) was evaluated as the best condition to maintain the shelf life of the Broccoli cv. ‘Green Majic’ heads. Broccoli heads were vacuum packed and stored inside cold room of Ecofrost where it retained a maximum storage life up to 13 days and the post-storage life of 1 day after that. Shelf life was recorded to be 2 days in ordinary room condition, in case of heads harvested at unopened florets stage. Some Broccoli heads were also shrink wrapped, and cling wrapped and stored inside cold room of Ecofrost where it retained a maximum storage life up to 10.33 and 7.33 days, respectively. Chilling injury and diseased signs were not observed inside cold room since starting of the experiment.

Uniform and healthy Capsicum fruits of cv. ‘Bachata’ (Yellow coloured), ‘Mashelia’ (Red coloured), ‘Bombay Green’ (Green coloured) and ‘Local Green’ (Green coloured) were used for studying the storage-life (days) in cold storage unit of Ecofrost and normal room conditions (RT). Selected fruit of cultivars were kept in cold storage at 10°C and 93% RH conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of cold storage on the post-harvest storage-life (days) of Capsicum cultivars at 10°C and 93% RH. The results showed that keeping the fruit of Capsicum cv. ‘Bachata F1’ (16 Days), ‘Mashelia’ (15 days), ‘Bombay Green’ (14 days) and ‘Local Green’ (12 days) under cold storage at 10°C and 93% relative humidity, recorded better retention of fruit qualities. Average post-storage-life (days) was observed in cv. ‘Bachata F1’, ‘Mashelia’, ‘Bombay Green’ and ‘Local Green’ as 2.5 days, 2.5 days, 2.0 days and 2.0 days, respectively under room temperature after taking it from cold storage at the end of day 12 after storage. Weight loss was recorded 44 kg/1000 kg (V1), 42.90 kg/1000 kg (V2), 34.42 kg/1000 kg (V3) and 69.60 kg/1000 kg (V4), at the end of 12th day inside cold storage. Chilling and disease development symptoms were not seen. Shelf life was recorded maximum in ‘Bachata F1’ cultivar as compared to other cultivars.

Agriculture has played a vital role in sustaining human life. The introduction of agricultural fertilizers has marked the new agricultural revolution. Organic fertilizers are the end product obtained from conversion of various organic wastes. It is used as supplements to chemical fertilizers leads to maximize the yield of the crop. The present study was confined to Junner and Ambegaon talukas of Pune district of Maharashtra state. Multi stage purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of district, talukas, villages and farmers. The data were collected by personal interview method and analyzed through Kendall's W technique to find constraints faced by the farmers. The study concluded that higher price of organic fertilizers was the main problem of farmers followed by lack of quality product, thinking of farmers about less effectiveness of organic fertilizers, lack of confidence towards different organic fertilizers practices and lack of timely availability of organic fertilizers.

Average sugarcane yield ranges from 61-63 t/ha in India. Using drip and fertigation technologies for irrigation and fertilizer application some farmers are producing very high yields of cane in the range of 250 t/ha and above. These yields are the result of very high doses of fertilizer application and adoption of drip irrigation. But are we getting high fertilizer use efficiencies in such high yield situations? Are these high input levels economically viable? In the present study two high level fertilizer treatments (T1 and T2) were compared with the local recommended dose of NP and K (T3) in fertigation through sub surface drip irrigation system. Yields were higher in both T1 and T2 compared to that in T3. However, the very high fertilizer dose used in T2 did not enhance the yield proportional to the input. Fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) was found lower in T1 and T2 compared to that in T3. Excessive application of fertilizer did not result in economic returns.

A significant and negative association of number of leaves per plant at 90 DAS was observed with root yield per plant (-0.261). The correlation of fresh root weight was highly significant and positive associated with root length at 90 DAS (0.399), flesh: pith ratio (0.325) and root yield per plant (-0.267) was recorded significant and negative correlation for the same trait. Root length at 90 DAS showed positive and significant effect on root diameter at 90 DAS (0.271), pith diameter (0.269) and root yield per plant (0.258).Root diameter at 90 DAS exhibited a positive and highly significant association with core diameter (0.335), root yield per plant (0.616), flesh thickness of root at 90 DAS (0.257), leaf: root ratio (0.303) and pith diameter (0.271).

In the present article, an attempt has been made to investigate the scenario of wheat production in State of Uttar Pradesh by analyzing the time series data on area, production, productivity covering the period 1970-71to 2010-11. The rice and wheat are still major crops of the State covering about 60 percent of total gross cropped area. The State has witnessed tremendous growth in area (65.23%), production (270.69%) and productivity (125%) of wheat since 1970-71. However, stagnation in growth of these parameters has started during the last decade (2000-2001 to 2010-11). It has been found that on average about 75 percent increase in the productivity has caused differential production in wheat during the last four decades in the State. Therefore, increase in productivity is only alternative to increase the production as there is no scope of bringing more area under wheat cultivation in years to come. The State has potential to increase the productivity as its present average yield is almost 30 Q/ha as compared to about 46 to 47 Q/ha of Punjab and Haryana.

The available amount of β carotene in one tonne of the mango waste is approximately 3 Kg. But the shelf life of Mango wastes is not less than 48 h. Even if the mango processing industry is involved in simultaneous use of the mango waste, a concentrated effort of it does not occur. Industries divert the work only on production of products as the fruit is seasonal and less importance is given for wastes. Hence, technology for storing the mango wastes, so that it can be used as a secondary resource for product development is the need of the hour. The mango peel and pomace were individually ground to fine pastes. To the paste varying levels of citric acid (0.25 to 2.0 %) and KMS ( 0.01 to 0.05 %) was added. The mango peel and the pomace with the food additives were packed in three different packaging materials viz., PET bottles, Polypropylene covers and Metallised Polypropylene covers and stored in cool, dark condition for shelf life studies. The study revealed that Mango peel and Pomace paste with the addition of 2 % Citric acid and 0.05 % KMS gave the maximum shelf life of 80 -90 days without any change in colour and texture. There was also no loss of b carotene upon storage. It was highly suitable for further extraction of b carotene from the wastes.