A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to study during summer 2017. Total eighteen treatment combinations consisting of three row spacing viz., S1: 45 cm between two rows, S2: 60 cm between two rows and S3: 90 cm between two rows and six weed management practices viz., W1: Pendimethalin 750 g/ha as PE, W2: Imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PoE, W3: Quizalofop-p-ethyl 100 g/ha as PoE, W4: One hand weeding at 20 DAS, W5: weed free (two hand weeding 20 and 40 DAS) and W6: unweeded control were evaluated for moth bean crop. Based on field experimentation, it was found that various row spacing and weed management had significant effect on growth and yield attributing characters like, plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter production per plant and number of pods per plant, which caused significant effect on seed and stover yields of moth bean crop. In case of row spacing, treatment S3 was found superior than other spacing, but the narrow row spacing S1 of summer moth bean recorded significantly higher seed and stover yield of moth bean which was at par with treatment S2. In case of weed management, treatment W5 was found superior than rest of the treatments, but remained at par with treatment W1.

The field investigation was carried out at Annamalai University, Faculty Agriculture, experimental farm, Annamalai Nagar to study the effect of different weed management practices in transplanted rice during rabi 2014. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications using rice variety BPT 5204 as test crop. Weed management practices had significantly influenced the growth attributes in transplanted rice. The plant height, dry matter production, leaf area index, crop growth rate and relative growth rate were significantly higher under hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAT. However, it was comparable with application of Pretilachlor + Pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 0.615 kg ha-1 as pre emergence (T7).

Scheduling and organization of harvest plan in Agroforestry system with integer programming is the need of the current scenario. Existing harvest scheduling models optimize the binary decision of cutting or not cutting tree units in different time periods subjected to logistical, economic and environmental restrictions. In these models, the most common constraint is contiguous harvest size of trees which may be suitable for cutting at any threshold area in a given time period (or) periods of green up. These so-called adjacency or green-up constraints are the basic building blocks of harvest scheduling model in agroforestry. Harvest scheduling is very hard to solve without affecting nature and other restrictions; shape harvest management plan gives lenience area restrictions and adds constraints once the violation occurs during harvest to pre-specified interval of time before (or) after the current time period t. The Net Present Value (NPV) and integer programming with spatial variables are calculated. These spatial variables give clear cut decision whether the adjacent unit has been harvested in a pre-specified interval of time before (or) after the current time period t through shape harvesting model. In this model potentially feasible adjacency harvesting blocks maintain the sustainable forest environment and green-up provided the threshold area is large. This approach can also be utilized by the land lords to assess the cost crop yield which is sustainable to growing tree species in a particular time period.

The survey was conducted during 2013-14 in Jorhat and Sibsagar district of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone in the state of Assam with a view to characterize the existing farming systems of the zone and to analyse the problems and prospects related to farming systems in the zone. Data generated from the survey indicated that, farming systems on the sample farms comprised of crop, livestock, poultry, duckery, fishery and apiary component. The findings showed that the major farming system prevailing in Jorhat district was crop + livestock + poultry, while the same in Sibsagar district was crops+ livestock+ poultry+ fishery. The data also revealed that the contribution of crop component towards farm income was highest in both Jorhat district (46%) and Sibsagar district (45%). Among the bio-physical constraints faced by the respondent farmers, irregular supply of water/erratic rainfall was most important, which was faced by 98 and 95% of the farmers in Jorhat and Sibsagar district respectively. Among the socio-economic constraints, non-availability of suitable infrastructure ranked first in both the districts.

In the present study the Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) content of soil, feed, fodder and serum in Satara district of Maharashtra during different seasons of the year was estimated by using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Overall mean levels of Cu in soil, feed, fodder and serum samples from all tehsils were above the critical value. The overall mean Zn content of samples from all tehsils were above critical value, except soil samples of Karad tehsil and feed samples of Man tehsil. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum), the Cu levels were above critical values. Significant differences between Cu levels in different seasons were observed only in soil samples, except Man tehsil. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum) the Zn levels were above critical values, except soil samples of Karad tehsil and feed samples of Man tehsil. Percent Deficient Samples (PDS) for Cu were 19.51% in soil, 4.35% feed, 26.96% in fodder and 38.52% in serum samples; whereas PDS for Zn were 9.76% in soil, 41.12% feed, 22.61% in fodder and 2.96% in serum samples, respectively. Highest PDS for Cu & Zn in serum were found in Karad and Satara tehsil, respectively. To conclude, it is necessary to supplement these minerals in ration by formulating area specific mineral mixture in order to sustain normal levels and maximize production of cattle.

Ranking second in the world farm output, the agricultural sector is the backbone of Indian economy contributing majorly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It also indicated that the government was keen on doubling farmers’ income by 2022, for which it has launched several new initiatives that encompass activities from providing quality seed to marketing of agricultural output. Creation and development of a network of regulated markets across the county has been the most important strategy of the Government of India since independence to ensure remunerative price to farmers and reasonable price for consumers by creating conducive market environment for fair play of demand and supply forces. Over a period of time, many of the APMCs lost momentum despite the best intentions and efforts of the government. Therefore, the study was conducted in Saurashtra region to study the constraints pertaining to regulated markets and responses were obtained from 5 commission agents/traders and 10 farmers from each of ten selected markets. The Garret’s ranking technique was used to analyze the constraints perceived by different beneficiaries of regulated markets. Non-remunerative price for farmers’ produce and seasonality of arrivals and labour shortage were main constraints faced by farmers and traders respectively.

Turmeric rhizomes were dried in a superheated steam dryer and analysed for its quality characteristics. The experiments were conducted under different temperature (130, 140 and 150áµ’C); time (1.5, 2 and 2.5 h) and feed volume (60, 70 and 80 %) combinations. The experimental results showed that the moisture content decreased significantly (P<0.05) with an increase in temperature and time. Increase in feed volume percentage significantly reduced the moisture evaporation rate without affecting quality parameters. The curcumin content was varied from 3.65-4.65 % and it was significantly influenced by temperature and time. The rhizomes dried at 130áµ’C for 1.5 h showed highest oleoresin (11.7%) and essential oil content (4.0 %). Turmeric drying at 142.19áµ’C temperature, 1.7 h time and 66.60 % of feed volume was considered to be the optimized condition for drying of turmeric rhizomes.

In the current study the Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) content of soil, feed, fodder and serum in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra during different seasons of the year was estimated by using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Overall mean levels of Cu in soil, feed, fodder and serum samples from all tehsils were above the critical value. The overall mean Zn content of samples from all tehsils were above critical value, except overall soil Zn level in Panhala tehsil. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum), the Cu levels were above critical values. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum) the Zn levels were above critical values, except some samples (winter season soil of Panhala and Karveer; rainy season soil from Panhala, Karveer and Gandhinglaj samples; rainy season serum from Kagal and Gadhinglaj). Percent Deficient Samples (PDS) for Cu were 26.88% in soil, 15.18% feed, 11.76% in fodder and 25.99% in serum samples; whereas PDS for Zn were 31.18%in soil, 13.39% feed, 10.08% in fodder and 35.59% in serum samples, respectively. Highest PDS for Cu & Zn in serum were found in Karveer tehsil. In conclusion, it is necessary to supplement these minerals in ration by formulating area specific mineral mixture in order to sustain normal levels and maximize production of cattle.

To study the effect of coffee pulp effluent irrigation and microbial culture on yield and yield attributing characters of banana, a field investigation was carried out during 2006 and 2007 at Kollibylu, Mudigere, Chikmagalur District. Alternate irrigation with lime treated coffee pulp effluent and fresh water with microbial culture recorded maximum bunch yield, net returns and B:C ratio (75.1t ha-1, 286830 Rs ha-1 and 3.24, respectively) which was on par with alternate irrigation with lime treated coffee pulp effluent and fresh water without microbial culture (71.0 t ha-1, 266449 Rs ha-1 and 3.02, respectively) followed by fresh water irrigation (70.7 t ha-1, 265290 Rs ha-1 and 3.01, respectively), 1:1 ratio irrigation with lime treated coffee pulp effluent and fresh water with microbial culture (70.5 t ha-1, 263997 Rs ha-1 and 2.98, respectively) and 1:1 ratio irrigation with lime treated coffee pulp effluent and fresh water without microbial culture (70.1 t ha-1, 262324 Rs ha-1 and 2.97, respectively). The lowest bunch yield, net returns and B:C ratio was recorded in raw coffee pulp effluent irrigation without microbial culture (38.6 t ha-1,105012 Rs ha-1 and 1.19, respectively) which was significantly inferior to all the other treatments.

India is the largest tea producing country and contributes 33% of the global tea production. Much of this tea comes from the biodiversity hotspot region of Assam, northeast India. Tea plantations form an important constituent of biodiversity of Assam and play a major role in conservation of biodiversity. Tea plantations are an amalgamation of cultivated tea species (clones and seeds), shade trees, weeds, birds, pathogens, insects, animals, micro flora etc. A total of 1,074 tea germplasms have been collected so far which indicate the broad base of genetic diversity of tea in Assam. Owing to such diversity, over 60% of the world tea acreage has received its basic planting material, directly or indirectly, from these tea germplasms. Genetic studies also reveal Assam tea to have a distinct genetic lineage from China tea. Besides the cultivated species, wild or semi-wild growing tea plants are also found in the forest areas of Upper Assam and its bordering states. This also clearly indicates that tea has a distinct source of origin in Assam. Additionally, many other species related to tea are found in Assam such as C. kissi, C. caduca, C. drupifera etc. Presently, the tea genetic diversity is getting reduced at a rapid rate due to uprooting of old plantations and replanting with high yielding clones and gradual deforestation for agricultural and industrial production. It is therefore highly desirable to preserve the diverse genetic resources of tea for further improvement of the crop before they are lost forever. Recent genetic study has further strengthened the necessity of exploration and germplasm collection of wild Assam teas whatever may be surviving. New discoveries may be possible on wild tea germplasms which may provide the scientists valuable source for developing better variety of teas with regard to quality, productivity and resistance to various problems of pests and diseases, stress conditions etc.

The main objective of the present study was to prepare fortified orange peel powder (OPP) biscuits and to know their overall acceptability, nutrient and physical properties. The OPP was incorporated in various proportions varied from 3 to 15% level in biscuits by reducing proportion of wheat and bajra from 48.5 to 42.5%. The physical analysis of diameter, thickness, spread ratio, spread factor and volume of biscuits decreased as increase in OPP content. The sensory analysis of biscuits was evaluated using nine-point hedonic scale by panellists, gave maximum overall acceptability score to 7% (8.05±0.01), followed by 5% OPP (7.86±0.01). Chemical analysis of protein, fat, carbohydrate, iron, calcium and energy decreased with increase in OPP proportion and moisture was intermittent. Fibre ascorbic acid and ash were increased from 3-5% OPP as increase in OPP proportion in biscuits. The water activity decreased as decrease in moisture content and also within the bound condition for storage. The storage life of biscuits was acceptable up to 2 months packed in HDPE at which slight increase in moisture content (7.57-7.62 %) and FFA (0.62-0.63). The color was light at 3% OPP but increase (91.57-53.85) in OPP with bajra, the color went slight dark. The texture of biscuit was found best at combination of 7 and 5% OPP for having more crispiness. OPP can be substituted up to 7% in wheat and pearl millet for fortification of OPP biscuits without adversely affecting quality attributes by the consumers and their overall acceptability.

In the current study the Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) content of soil, feed, fodder and serum in Sangli district of Maharashtra during different seasons of the year was estimated by using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). Overall mean levels of Cu in soil, feed, fodder and serum samples from all tehsils were above the critical value. In this study, overall mean Zn content of samples from all tehsils were above critical value, except overall soil Zn level in Tasgaon tehsil. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum), the Cu levels were above critical values. With regards samples from different seasons (soil, feed, fodder and serum) the Zn levels were above critical values, except some samples (winter season soil of Tasgaon; rainy season soil from Jat, Tasgaon and Palus tehsil samples; rainy season serum Tasgaon). Percent Deficient Samples (PDS) for Cu were 2.74% in soil, 17.58% feed, 17.35% in fodder and 40.48% in serum samples; whereas PDS for Zn were 45.21%in soil, 30.77% feed, 17.35% in fodder and 14.29% in serum samples, respectively. Equal PDS (40.48%) for Cu in serum was seen in all tehsils while highest PDS for Zn in serum was observed in Tasgaon tehsil. In conclusion, it is necessary to supplement these minerals in ration by formulating area specific mineral mixture in order to sustain normal levels and maximize production of cattle

Trials were conducted to evaluate different fisheries based integrated systems viz., fish-poultry, fish-vegetable, fish-crop farming and compared with composite fish farming at farmers’ fields in mid hill conditions of Uttarakhand. In composite fish farming, fish seed (10-20 cm size) of silver carp, grass carp and common carp varieties were stocked in combination of 30:40:30, respectively at density of 300 no./100 m2 in the month of February. In fish-poultry integration, along with fish farming, two crops of poultry chicks (var.- Cari Devendra), 25 number in each crop, in a year were reared. In fish-vegetable integration, two crops of vegetables namely Capsicum (variety- California wonder) followed by second crop of cauliflower (variety- Snow crown) were grown in 200 m2 area plots adjacent to fish ponds. In fish-crop integration, two crops of cereal viz., soybean (var.- PS 1092) from June to October and wheat (var.- UP 2572) from October to May were cultivated in 200 m2 area adjacent to fish ponds. Results showed that fish production was ranged between 59.80-65.49 kg/100 m2 with maximum recorded in fish-poultry integration. Besides fish, additional food in the form of poultry meat (77.35 kg), vegetables (capsicum- 218 kg and cauliflower- 380 kg) and cereals (soybean- 17.6 kg and wheat- 32.5 kg) were also produced in different integrated systems. Economic analysis revealed maximum income in fish-poultry integrated farming (Rs 24164.20) followed by fish-vegetable (Rs 19006.40) as compared to fish-crop (Rs 11859.40) and composite fish farming (Rs 11041.20). Fish-poultry integrated farming also received maximum income over the investment cost with B:C ratio of 3.54 followed by fish-vegetable system (3.43) as compared to composite fish farming (2.76). It is concluded that fish-poultry followed by fish-vegetable integrated farming systems are found to be most suitable for mid hill conditions of Uttarakhand in terms of production as well as profit and also ensures nutritional security of rural people.

The present study was formulated for integrated composting of sugarcane by products through treatment with microorganisms and subsequent vermicomposting. The present investigation was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India during 2013-14. The basic raw materials used for vermicomposting and integrated composting are bagasse, press mud cake and cane trash. Earthworm species used for vermicomposting was Eisenia foetida. Whereas in integrated composting both compost culture and earthworms were used for composting of sugarcane byproducts/wastes. As a accelerator 5 % dung slurry was used in both the methods of composting. The total organic carbon and C:N ratio decreased and total nitrogen increased significantly during maturation of the compost irrespective of the sources and methods of composting. The use of earthworms narrowed the C:N ratio in vermicomposting and it was further reduced in integrated composting by action of both microbes and earthworms. Percent increase of total nitrogen and decrease of C:N ratio was more in integrated composting over vermicomposting. Reduction in pH was observed in all matured composts compared to their initial values might be due to production of organic acids during decomposition. Among different byproducts the total NPK content in both the composting methods was highest in press mud cake with narrow C/N ratio and the reverse trend was followed in cane trash. Integrated compost obtained from decomposition of organic residues possessed significantly narrow CN ratio than that of vermicompost obtained from the decomposition of sugarcane byproducts. Which was probably due to the coupled effect of microbes and earthworms.

Field experiments were carried out on wheat (Triticum aestivum) during rabi 2017-18 to investigate the response of integrated plant nutrient supply undersoil test crop response-based fertilizer recommendation by following Ramamoorthy’s inductive approach of fertility gradients in Inceptisols of Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh plains. The fertilizer adjustment equations are derived by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP), College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, C.G. The results revealed that targeted yield of wheat (30and 45 q ha-1) have been achieved by using the plant nutrients on the basis of targeted yield concept (soil test crop response). The N, P and K fertilizers were contributed in increase yield 31.60 and 42.75 q ha-1 in first location, 33.10 and 44.50 q ha-1 in second location, 32.40 and 43.75 q ha-1 in third location and 34.25 and 46.25 q ha-1 in fourth location as compared to farmers practice which were 22.75, 24.66, 21.85 and 23.45 q ha-1, respectively. The maximum net returns of wheat first location (Rs.16009.30 and Rs.34669.75), second location (Rs.15102.50 and Rs.34341.50), third location (Rs.13938.50 and Rs.33807.45) and fourth location (Rs.16033.00 and Rs.36212.75) were obtained in treatment where plant nutrients applied as per soil test value (STCR treatment).Soil test based fertilizer adjustment equations for targeted yield of wheat crop 2.02, 0.56 and 2.12 kg N, P2O5 and K2O nutrients (NR) were required to produce one quintal of wheat grain yield. The percent contribution from soil (CS) was recorded as 10.00, 48.29 and 8.28 % N, P2O5 and K2O nutrients in case of wheat crop. The percent contribution of organic source (CFYM) for N, P2O5 and K2O nutrients were recorded 3.47, 5.45 and 2.13 for wheat. The results clearly indicate that soil test-based fertilizers adjustment equations were evolved for wheat crop to achieve a definite yield target.

The field experiment was conduct during rabi season of 2016-17 at “Campus for Research and Advance Studies” G.S.S.D.G.S. Khalsa College, Dhablan, Patiala. A set of 12 treatment combinations including four method of row orientation (Broadcasting (S1), East- West (S2), North- South (S3), Bi- directional (S4)) in main plot and three levels of nitrogen (30, 45, 60 kg ha-1) in sub plots. Treatments were replicated four times as per split- plot design of experimentation. Crop sown with Bi- directional (S4) method of sowing resulted better growth (plant height (92.04 cm), dry matter production (86.88 q ha-1) parameters and yield attributes (ear length (12.50 cm), Number of grains per spikes (35.28) and test weight (38.74 g), grain yield (39.91 q ha-1) and harvest index (40.24 %) than other method of sowing like Broadcasting (S1), East- West (S2), North- South (S3), Application of 60 kg N per hectare resulted in improvement in most of the growth parameter (plant height (92.46 cm), dry matter production (86.88 q ha-1)and yield attributes (ear length (12.12 cm), No. of grains per ear (35.79), test weight (36.20 g), grain yield (38.33 q ha-1) and harvest index (40.80 %) and protein content (11.43 %) in grain.

The research attempts to assess the level of awareness about PMFBY among farmers of Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The three districts i.e. Datia, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh were selected purposively as the three districts are covered under Bundelkhand agro-climatic zone of Madhya Pradesh. The finding reveals most of the respondents had knowledge and understanding about the PMFBY. Regarding association between various independent variables and awareness about PMFBY, it was found that age, mass media exposure and extension agency contact were negatively correlated with awareness about PMFBY whereas scientific orientation was positively correlated with awareness about PMFBY.

Present study measures the impact of forest disturbance on banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) forests of Garhwal Himalaya. The study was carried out by placing 1250 sample plots in 125 altitude ranges of banj-oak forests between 1500 and 2500m masl. The study revealed that out of 125 altitude ranges, 70 were present under moderately disturbed category, 30 were under highly disturbed and 25 were under undisturbed categories. It was also evident that tree species diversity and species richness were recorded highest in moderately disturbed category but a continuous downfall was recorded in tree basal area from undisturbed to highly disturbed category. Disturbance was found most sensitive to herb species in terms of diversity and species richness as both diversity and richness were decreasing with increasing disturbance. Shrub species richness was found highest in highly disturbed category and lowest in undisturbed category that indicates shrub species colonize well under disturbance regime. The study advocates a minimum canopy opening for improving species richness in banj-oak forests.