The present soil survey was made on “Depth wise sulphur status of representative bench mark soil series of western Maharashtra region” was conducted during the year 2011-2012. For the present investigation total 9 representative soil series like, Thejoda, Kolyachiwadi, Masala, Sonawadi, Ranjani, Jaipur, Valwa, Manjra and Bodla were selected for depth-wise soil sample collection in 9 district of Western Maharashtra region like, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Satara, Pune, Jalgaon, Sangli, Kolhapur and Dhule district, respectively, were studied at the original sites where the soil series were first studied as per technical bulletin of soil series of Maharashtra published by National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning. All depth-wise collected soil from nine soil profiles samples were analyzed for physical properties viz., bulk density, hydraulic conductivity soil texture and chemical properties viz., pH, EC, organic carbon, calcium carbonate. These soil samples were also analyzed for available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and different forms of sulphur viz., total sulphur, organic sulphur, water soluble (1% NaCl extractable) sulphur, sulphate sulphur (0.15% CaCl2 extractable) and non-sulphate sulphur by using standard method. All physical and chemical parameters of soil profiles are decreased with the depth in all the soil profiles under study except bulk density, clay, pH, EC, calcium carbonate and water-soluble sulphur.

One variable at a time approach has been employed to evaluate the effect of different components of NSS medium associated with xylanase production by the fungus C. cinerea RM-1 NFCCI 3086 using wheat bran and corn cob as substrate. Different sources of carbon, organic and inorganic nitrogen and surfactant were assessed in different concentrations for their significance on xylanase production under solid state fermentation. As a result of optimization, (NH4)2SO4 (3 g/L) was proved to be better in comparison to NH4Cl (4 g/L). Tween 80 (0.1 g/L) was also show good improvement in xylanase production. The xylanase activity was improved by 18.0% under optimized NSS medium (864.8 IU/mL) as compared to unmodified NSS medium (708.9 IU/mL).This standardized NSS medium shows very good enhancement in xylanase activity in a cost effective manner and can be used for further optimization studies of xylanase production.

The world’s largest fresh (tender) coconut market is located in Maddur about 80 kms from Bengaluru, exclusively built for tender coconut. The study pertains to analysis of marketing of tender coconut in Maddur. The data base consist of cultivators, traders, skilled tender coconut extractors (STCE) and consumers of tender coconut from whom primary data were collected by personal interviews during 2015. In addition, secondary data (for 2005 to 2013) pertaining to market arrivals and prices from the official records of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Maddur were collected. The results indicated that the arrivals and prices of tender coconut were at their peak during February-April as 46 per cent of the tender coconuts arrived during Feb-April where the price ranged from Rs. 5.17 to Rs. 6.86 per nut. The marketing channels for tender coconut were: Channel-I: Farmer- Village trader - APMC trader- trader in Bengaluru- STCE- Consumer, Channel-II: Farmer- APMC trader- trader in Bengaluru- STCE- Consumer, Channel-III: Farmer- APMC trader- STCE- Consumer, Channel-IV: Farmer- Village trader-APMC trader-STCE- Consumer. The farmer’s share in consumer rupee was higher in channels II and III, since it had 3 intermediaries between farmer and consumer. Here, the farmer incurred a marketing cost, which formed 11.68 per cent of the consumer rupee as the tender nuts were directly sold in APMC by farmers. Farmers expressed that traders in APMC do not prefer to deal with them directly in the marketing of tender coconuts.

Investigation was carried out during the year 2013-14. In all 48 irrigated farms were randomly selected from sixteen villages of two tehsils in Nanded district of Maharashtra. Data were related to cropping pattern and livestock pattern as well as socio-economic determinants. The results revealed that livestock showed highly significant on irrigated farm with regression coefficient of 9837.01. It means that addition of one livestock could cause to increase Rs 9837.01 of gross income on irrigated farm. In next the order, regression coefficient of land holding was 7086.63. It means that addition of one hectare of land holding, would lead to increase Rs 7086.63 on irrigated farm. On the contrary, distance of farm from village showed regression coefficient of-9964.52, which was negatively significant. If addition of one kilometer distance to existence distance, it could adversely affect gross income of Rs 9964.52 on irrigated farm.

Sidhi is situated in Kaymore plateau and satpura hills of Madhya Pradesh. Paddy is one of the major kharif crop grown in Sidhi district. Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down Front Line Demonstration in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 introducing new, high yielding and scented variety “Pusa Sugandha-4” and applying recommended package and practices in their cultivation. The FLDs were carried out in village “Dainiha” of Sidhi district in supervision of krishi vigyan Kendra agronomy scientist. The productivity and economic returns of paddy in recommended package and practices were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer’s practices (local check). Improved practices gave higher yield as compared to farmer’s practices. The improved technology observed higher yield of 33.21 q/ha and 34.00 q/ha in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively than 19.13 and 20.21 q/ha. The average yield increase was observed 41.48 per cent. In spite of increase in yield of paddy, technology gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return (39852 & 40800 Rs./ha), net return (19652 & 20600 Rs./ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.97 & 2.02) as compared to farmer’s practices. The variation in percent increase in the yield was observed due to the poor management practices, lack of knowledge and poor socio economic status. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the FLDs programmes were effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved package and practices of HYV of paddy adoption.

In present investigation, biscuits were prepared from elephant apple powder (EAP) with 5, 10 &15 % along with control for comparing physical properties, chemical composition, color values, texture values and sensory response acceptability. The food value of the biscuit as determined through nutrient analysis-moisture (4.19%), protein (7.60%), fat (30.11%), ash (1.66%), dietary fibre (9.25%) and carbohydrate (56.08%)with 10% of EAP was comparable to control (refined wheat flour) biscuit. The color values (L*, a* & b *) of the biscuits with 10% EAP were found as 49.91, 8.34 & 30.78, respectively. Sensory response of the EAP biscuits revealed the significant reduction with the addition of powder. In conclusion, addition of 10% EAP biscuits was acceptable with respect to nutritional and sensory scores that may help to fulfill the daily nutrient requirements.

The present investigation was based on the secondary data of the state cost of cultivation scheme, Got. of Maharashtra. The data pertains to the 18 years i.e. from 1991-91 to 2008-09 were considered for the said study. The results indicated that the indices at current and constant prices of major input for selected crops shown tremendous increase during the period under consideration. The parity indices of gross income to per quintal cost of production of jowar and wheat affected the profitability adversely. Compound growth rates (CGR) of input prices were more than double to the prices of output at MSP and FHP, except at MSP for wheat. The price-cost ratios of cereals were less than unity, indicating that output prices were not covering the costs. Thus the increase in MSP, FHP and thereby income of the crop is not sufficient to cover the cost of cultivation of all cereals.

The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of price forecasts of castor released by Agriculture Market Intelligence Centre (AMIC) of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh in crop year 2013-14. Monthly time series data on wholesale prices of castor for the period 1990 to 2013 were obtained from Patan APMC for price forecast. Various time series models were applied to analyze the data. ARIMA (0,1,2) model was found the best fitted model with lowest MAPE value and hence price was forecasted using this model. Finally a market advisory was prepared and released through different mass media like news papers, voice SMS, farmers trainings and university website. To study the impact of price forecast, all the 30 farmers (targeted farmers) who attended the training conducted by AMIC of JAU, Junagadh were aware with price forecast and adopted the price forecast suggestions. Further 30 non targeted farmers selected were those who were not training participants. The price forecasted for months from March to May, 2014 was Rs. 3800 to 4300 per quintal and farmers were suggested to store castor and sell after May, 2014. On an average 2.72 ha area was operated under castor by sample farmers. An incremental income realized to the extent of Rs. 35826 per hectare by the farmers who sold their produce after May, 2014.

The results of seasonal indices regarding prices of gram revealed that, in Pune market were highest in the months of September to December and in Solapur market prices were highest in October. In the case of pigeon pea, a seasonal index of prices was maximum in the month of September. The seasonal fluctuations in arrivals and prices do not show any specific trend. In the harvest period, the prices of pigeon pea were comparatively lower. Because of immediate need of cash, producers sell their produce as soon as it is harvested even if the prices are lower. To reap the benefits of higher prices, it is suggested that farmers should sale the gram in December and pigeon pea in September. But to achieve these, wheat will have to be stored for the period of 8 to 9 months.

Potato is the most important food crop of the world. It is being cultivated in the country for the last 300 years. For vegetable purposes, it has now become one of the most popular crops in India. In India, about 85 per cent of potatoes are cultivated in Indo-gangetic plains of North India. India produced 46.39 million tonnes, with Uttar Pradesh contributed 32 per cent, followed by West Bengal 26, Bihar 14, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab 5 per cent, accounted for 87 per cent of the total production in 2013-14. Keeping in view the non-availability of systematic studies on post harvest loss, a study was undertaken in one of the leading potato growing state of Gujarat to assess the post harvest loss (PHL) at different level of handling. The total PHL was observed to be about 15 per cent consisting of 4.60 per cent at field level, about 3 to 4 per cent at cold storage level, 2 to 3 per cent at market level and about 5 per cent at the retail level. The diseases and pests were the major causal factors at the field level and the cold injury and the diseases at the cold storage level. At the market level, crushing and physical damages during transportation were the major reason of PHL. At retail level, diseases caused by secondary infection, over ripe and rotten tubers and injuries to tubers due to pressing were the major causes of loss. Since the marketing cost is less and the price realized by producer is more in channel-I as compared to channel-II, selling though channel-I is desirable to take advantage of higher price realization.

After formation of SHG, the area under cultivation increased because of technology transfer. Even though the cropping pattern was dominated by food grain crops the proportionate share has been diverted towards high valued crops. Major proportions of the members were aware of the loan terms and conditions repayment of loan. The SHG’s in accordance with their mandates conducted different types of awareness and extension programme trainings, meetings, lectures, demonstration it has resulted in the positive change in the knowledge and attitude of family members. Because of this, they had changed in their nature of work.

An experiment was carried out during 2014-15 and 2015-16, under high density planting of guava cv. Pant Prabhat to find out the effect of pruning severity and plant spacing on yield and fruit quality. The treatments consisted of two plant spacings and seven pruning severity viz., One leaf pair shoot pruning (P1, OLP:);Two leaf pairs shoot pruning (P2, TLP); Three leaf pairs shoot pruning (P3, THLP); Thinning out of non-fruiting shoots + One leaf pair shoot pruning (P4, TNFS+OLP); Thinning out of non-fruiting shoots + Two leaf pairs shoot pruning (P5, TNFS+TLP); Thinning out of non-fruiting shoots + Three leaf pairs shoot pruning (P6, TNFS+THLP); Thinning out of non-fruiting shoots (P7, TNFS), and no pruning (P0) as control. In this way, there were eight treatments with sixteen combinations replicated four times each with two plants in one experimental unit. The highest per cent fruit set was recorded with unpruned plants (PO) for rainy season crop, while, minimum was obtained with treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP) during both the years. However, in winter season crop, the maximum per cent fruit set was recorded with treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP), while, minimum was recorded with treatment P7 (TNFS). Reverse trend was observed in case of flower/fruit drop percentage during both the years. The higher fruit yield was obtained with treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP) in winter season, while, the unpruned plants (PO) produced lowest fruit yield. The highest total annual yield was obtained with treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP) followed by unpruned plants (P0). Pruning severity with complete removal of non fruiting shoots significantly decreased the yield in rainy season crop and subsequently increased the yield in winter season crop. The plants spaced at 2.0 × 2.0 m produced more yield per plant and less yield per hectare as compared to plants spaced at 2.0 × 1.0 m (S1) in both rainy and winter season crop during both the years. Among the pruning severity, treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP) produced superior quality fruits in winter season, while, unpruned plants (P0) produced poor quality fruits in both the seasons. The treatment P1 (OLP) and treatment P4 (TNFS+OLP) gave significantly highest pectin content in the first and second year, respectively, during both the seasons. However, unpruned plant (P0) produced lowest pectin content of fruits in both the seasons. Hence, for obtaining higher winter season crop with superior fruit quality under high density plantation of guava, complete removal of non-fruiting shoots followed by one leaf pair shoot pruning of current season growth should be done during first week of May.

A study was carried out to identify suitable variety and influence of sowing dates on yield of linseed during Rabi season of 2014-2015 with linseed variety PKV NL-260 and NL-97 on field No. 11 of Agronomy farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The experiment was conducted out in Split Plot Design with eight treatment combinations replicated thrice consisting four levels of sowing date i.e. 40th MW (D1-1st to 7th October), 41st MW(D1-8th to 14th October), 42nd MW (D1-15th to 21st October), 43rd MW (D1-22nd to 28th October) and two varieties i.e. PKV NL-260 (V1) and NL-97 (V2). Various sowing dates significantly influenced the growth and yield of linseed varieties. Sowing of different varieties under different dates significantly influenced the plant height and various yield contributing characters such as number of capsule plant-1, seed yield plant-1, straw yield plant-1, seed yield qha-1, straw yield qha-1 and biological yield (qha-1).Among the two cultivars, PKV-NL-260 recorded the higher growth and yield attributing characters which results in significantly higher seed yield over the variety NL-97. In case of weather parameters, temperature requirement is highest when crop was sown on 41st MW than rest of the sowing dates. Relative humidity requirement of linseed is highest when crop sown on 42nd MW than rest of the sowing dates. From this, study it is concluded that agro-meteorological, sowing of linseed crop on 41st MW i.e. 8th to 14th October was found suitable while variety PKV-NL-260 performed better than NL-97.

A trial was conducted to assess the effect of pre-sowing treatments on stone germination and shoot growth of mango seedlings. Mango stones were soaked for 12 and 24 hours in aqueous solutions of GA3 (100 and 200 ppm), Beejamruth (2% and 3%) and Thiourea (1% and 2%) and sown in polythene bags. Thiourea at 1% recorded the highest Seedling Vigour Index, shoot length, collar diameter and number of leaves. Soaking mango stones for 24 hours induced early germination, enhanced germination percentage, promoted vigour and increased shoot length, collar diameter and number of leaves. The minimum days taken for germination and the maximum germination percentage was observed in GA3 at 100 ppm. Evidence generated by this trial highlights the possibility of inducing early germination and producing vigorous rootstocks in mango by dipping stones in aqueous solutions of 100 ppm GA3 or 1% thiourea for 24 hours prior to sowing.

An experiment was carried out during year 2012-13 to 2014-15 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon (M.S.) to find out suitable cane node priming technique and its effect on acceleration of germination and growth and yield of sugarcane. The total six treatments were involved with randomized block design in suru (spring) season. The results revealed that the conventional 3 bud setts planting recorded significantly higher germination (73.17%). However, it was at par with the priming cane node with cattle dung plus cattle urine and water in 1:2:5 ratio (72.67%), treating cane node in hot water in 50oC and urea solution (3%) for 2 hours (69.96%).The priming cane node with cattle dung plus cattle urine and water in 1:2:5 ratio recorded significantly the highest cane and CCS yield (135.43 and 17.82 t ha-1). However, cane yield was found at par withtreating cane node in hot water in 50oC and urea solution (3%) for 2 hours (131.63 t ha-1) and CCS yield was found at par with treating cane node in hot water in 50oC and urea solution (3%) for 2 hours (17.28 t ha-1), treating cane node in hot water in 50oC for 2 hours(16.46 t ha-1) and conventional 3 bud setts planting (16.33 t ha-1). The lowest cane and CCS yield was observed in unprimed cane node. trend was observed among the different growth parameters. The priming cane node with cattle dung, cattle urine and water in 1:2:5 ratio recorded significantly the highest brix (22.44), sucrose (20.54 %) and CCS (14.38 %) than the rest of the treatment. While CCS per cent was found at par with treatment treating cane node in hot water in 50oC and urea solution (3%) for 2 hours.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi and summer seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at N.A.U to study the production potential of maize-green gram cropping sequence under integrated nutrient management system. The treatment consisted of integrated nutrient management viz., T1-General RDF (RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha), T2-75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through biocompost, T3 -75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost, T4 -75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through FYM and T5 -control to maize in rabi season as main plot treatments replicated four times in randomized block design. During summer season each main plot treatment was split into four sub plot treatments with four levels of recommended dose of fertilizers viz., S1 -control, S2 -50% RDF, S2 -75% RDF and S4 -100% RDF to green gram resulting in twenty treatment combinations replicated four times in split plot design. The results showed that application of either 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through biocompost or 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost along with recommended dose of 60 kg P2O5 (Considering the phosphorus content in bio-compost and vermicompost) to maize had significant residual effect on the succeeding green gram crop and significantly influenced growth parameters and yield of succeeding green gram, while summer green gram crop should be fertilized with 75% RDF (15-30-00 kg N-P-K/ha) through inorganic fertilizer in maize- green gram sequence. During summer season the residual effect of general RDF (RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha) applied to rabi maize showed higher growth, yield attributes, seed and stover yields followed by 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost. Among the levels of RDF directly applied to green gram in summer season, significantly higher values of growth, yield attributes, seed and stover yields were obtained under the application of 100% RDF (S4), which was at par with 75% RDF (S3). Thus, application of 120 kg nitrogen (75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through bio-compost) or 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost along with recommended dose of 60 kg P2O5 to maize, while summer green gram crop should be fertilized with 75% RDF (15-30-00 kg N-P-K/ha) through inorganic fertilizer.

Aonla slices were dried at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C temperature and the drying rate decreased continuously throughout the drying period. The drying process of aonla slices were carried out in falling rate period. Drying time decreased with increase in temperature. The time taken for tray dryer at 70°C was very short for complete drying of aonla slices. Mathematical models were fitted to the experimental data and the performance of these models was evaluated by comparing the coefficient of determination (R2) and reduced chi-square (χ2) between the observed and predicted moisture ratio. Page model gave the best results for describing the drying kinetics of aonla. The tray dried powder at 50°C drying temperature found the highest ascorbic acid content followed by 60°C and 70°C.

Cotton is an important cash Kharif crop of Haryana state (India) occupies 5.76 lakh ha. area with productivity 502 kg/ha. During the last two decades, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) has been found to be one of the major limiting factors. Therefore, in view of the predominance of CLCuD in Haryana, distribution pattern was studied at farmer’s field during last three consecutive years i.e. kharif, 2013 to 2015. The data of three years exhibited that average per cent disease intensity (PDI) ranged from 0.0 to 28.6. However, highest per cent disease intensity (28.6) was observed in Jind district which is closely followed by 28.1 in Hisar district. In the Non-traditional cotton growing districts i.e. Mohindergarh, Rewari, and Jhajjar, cotton fields were found free from CLCuD. During kharif, 2015, incidence of CLCuD was severe as compare to other preceding years of study in Haryana (India).

A number of rice landraces mostly of japonica background are known from Kashmir valley (India) for their unique quality features particularly aroma with desirable taste and texture of the cooked rice, besides, being early maturing and highly cold tolerant. An initiative for sustainable revival of high valued aromatic landraces namely, MushkBudgi and Kamad was undertaken in 2007 and during the exploration, 240 and 110 samples, respectively, were collected from the niche areas of these landraces (1900-2100 m amsl). In both cases broad spectrum variability was obtained for most of the morpho-agronomic traits and MushkBudgi-11 and Kamad-7 were identified better among the lot. An integrated disease and nutrient management modules were developed during 2010 and 2011 and demonstrated during 2012 and 2013. The year 2014 proved as a success story and the first harvest of these rices were sold in the local market eight times the price of normal rices.

The nature friendly management of pest is seen as a wide range natural approach to pest control employing several methods and techniques viz., agronomic practices, using agriculture implements, bio agents and agro chemicals in a compatible manner to keep the pest level below economic threshold. The research was conducted in 2014-15 in Yadgir district of North eastern part of Karnataka. Total 160 cotton-cultivating respondents were selected on proportionate random sample method. The variables such as achievement motivation, innovative proneness, scientific orientation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, attitude towards chemical fertilizers, extension participation, institutional participation and mass media use show significant positive relationship with knowledge of management eco-friendly practices by cotton cultivating respondents. Only two characters namely risk orientation and achievement motivation had contributed significantly to the knowledge level of eco-friendly management practices by cotton growers. All the 11 independent variables put together contributed to an extent of 46.40 per cent in explaining variation in knowledge level of eco-friendly management practices by cotton growers. The highest and lowest favourable indirect effect was contributed by the variables economic motivation and education, respectively. Most of the substantial indirect effect was channalized through risk orientation, achievement motivation and mass media use.

In present study Genetic diversity of the ten wheat varieties were analyzed at the DNA level using 14 wheat specific microsatellite markers. 12 markers out of 14 had detected 58 alleles with an average of 4.8 alleles per primer. The resolving power (Rp) of each primer ranged from 1.6 for the SSRW3 to 7.2 for SSRW2 primer. The gene diversity based on microsatellite markers was ranged from 0.24 to 0.97 with an average value of 0.66. The genotypes V-23 and VWTH-08-07 showed the maximum genetic similarity 0.66 out of all 10 wheat varieties. The genotypes HUW-312 shows maximum genetic diversity with HD-2133 and HUW-825. The range of genetic diversity values broadly indicates the degree of heterogeneity or homogeneity in different genotypes of the plant species. As a result of this study, genetically diverse parents can be identified and also indicates that microsatellite markers could characterize and discriminate varieties from each other.

Genetic variability and character association in 18 advanced breeding lines (F5) with two diverse parents of mungbean for different quantitative characters were studied in kharif 2012. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant difference for all characters, under study among the genotypes, indicating the presence of sufficient amount of variability in the genotypes. Thus, there is ample scope for selection of different quantitative characters for crop improvement. The highest GCV and PCV were observed for primary branches per plant and biological yield per plant respectively. High estimates of genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for plant height and biological yield per plant. High significant positive correlation was recorded for biological yield per plant and significant negative association for 100 grain weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant, harvest index, pods per plant, plant height, days to maturity, pod length and 100 grain weight had direct positive effect on grain yield per plant.

The changing climates globally, along with the extreme weather fluctuations are the most threatening challenges of this century to agriculture and allied activities. Lentil is a major international pulse crop and possesses the second highest ratio of protein per calorie. From past few years, there has been great shift in cropping pattern under lentil resulting in decrease in area, due to the changing climate as its reproductive performance is particularly affected because it has poor tolerance for very high temperature and is very sensitive to water logging. Hence, in this changing climatic scenario, condition will become much more adverse, reinforcing the need for the present investigation for the adaptation of lentil crop to climate change. Adoption of production practices under changing climate scenario can help to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change to some extent. The present paper focuses on the observations of temperature and rainfall variation and its impact on area and cropping pattern under lentil in Panagar block of district Jabalpur.

Rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee) and yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) damage was found to be more in direct seeded rice (DSR) than transplanted (PTR) rice during rabi and Kharif seasons of 2012-13. Maximum leaffolder (5.03% and 13.01%) and yellow stem borer damage (5.54% and 13.49%) was recorded in DSR during rabi and Kharif season respectively. Sucking pests population like green leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens Distant) incidence was comparatively high in PTR (3.26 and 4.92/hill) and brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stal) incidence (5.29 and 28.90 adults/hill) during both seasons respectively. Population of predators at two seasons remained high throughout the study period in PTR than the DSR except rove beetles (Paederus fuscipes Curt) whose population was more in DSR compared to PTR.

Water auditing of small watershed was carried out on a small watershed under Agro Ecology and Environment Center, Dr. PDKV, Akola to plan appropriate utilization of water resources. The study emphasizes on proper utilization of water resources based on average crop water evapotranspiration and average soil moisture storage. The rainfall, runoff and evapotranspiration data for the period 2002 to 2014 of AEEC watershed was used to compute water balance using the water balance equation. This indicates the water deficit, water surplus, soil moisture used and soil moisture recharged. It was observed that the water was available either in the form of rainfall or soil moisture storage. In general, the soil moisture was available in 26th, 30th and 36th standard meteorological week (SMW). During 28th and 33rd SMW there may be possibility of moisture stress for the kharif crops and hence provision should be made for supplementary irrigation to overcome the loss due to moisture deficiency during crop growth period. Out of four treatments, viz., along the slope cultivation with opening of tied furrows (T1), contour cultivation with opening of alternative furrows (T2), contour cultivation with opening of furrows (T3) and across the slope cultivation with opening of furrows (T4), maximum positive change in soil moisture storage was observed in T4 treatment. Thus, it is emerged as the best treatment for moisture conservation among all treatments undertaken at watershed. It is observed that during 26th, 30th, and 32nd SMW, there is positive change in moisture storage and also rainfall situation is good. Hence, efforts should be made to harvest excess runoff through farm ponds or suitable water harvesting structures so that it can be used for protective irrigation during moisture stress period. The analysis made in the paper has made it clear that at the critical stages of major crops, the soil moisture storage is available in the region. Whereas, for pigeon pea and black gram, a supplementary irrigation at AEEC watershed is required during the critical stages when these crops are sown in the second fortnight of June.

With an objective to identify potential parents and hybrids for quality and other traits for maize improve¬ment, an investigation was carried out with diallel analysis involving Eight lines I-07-59-5 [P1], I-07-6-4-4 [P2], I-07-9-3-1[P3], I-07-11-3-3[P4], I-07-65-18-3 [P5], I-07-65-13-1[P6], I-07-13-1-3 [P7] and I-07-7-1-1[P8].These eight parents and their 28 F1 hybrids along with check hybrid HQPM-1 were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The high relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis value was observed for protein, lysine in protein, and tryptophan in protein. The highest positive significant heterosis at all the three levels was exhibited by the F1 hybrid P2 x P5. This hybrid also revealed highest per se performance for protein content [8.64%], lysine in protein [3.23] and tryptophan in protein [0.66].

Genetic divergence among 38 genotypes of pigeon pea belonging to different eco geographical regions was studied by using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. They were grouped into 7 clusters and clustering pattern of genotypes and genetic diversity was independent of their pedigree. Hence, selection of parents for hybridization should be more based on genetic diversity rather than geographic diversity. Among the seven clusters, cluster IV having two genotypes [SKNP 0505 and Manak] registered maximum mean values for seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, total protein content, total phenol content and methionine content. These two genotypes were thus found having genetic make-up for high productivity with desirable biochemical quality. Similarly, the cultivar GT 101 was found better for seed yield per plant, pods per plant and tannin content. The cultivar Manak, UPAS 120 and Vipula were found best source of genes for phenol content to be exploited through hybridization programme.

Present study was conducted in The Department of Extension Education RAK College of Agriculture, Sehore in the year 2014-15, to find out the Entrepreneurial behavior of Schedule caste and Schedule tribe farmers. The study revealed that majority of farmers had low entrepreneurial behaviour followed by medium and high entrepreneurial behavior.

The biology of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, (Guenee) (Pyralidae:Lepidoptera) was studied in laboratory and screen house under agro-climatic conditions of Haryana, India. Incubation period was 5.32 days with egg viability of 55.31 to 77.33 per cent. Eggs were laid singly or in cluster of 2 to 4 and maximum (48.20 %) were laid on lower surface of leaf. Full grown larvae measured 15.59 mm in length and 1.22 mm in breadth. Male pupae were longer in length than female pupae. The pest completed its post embryonic development in 30.34 days (male) and 31.16 days (female) and passed through five larval instars. The larval survival was 56.66 per with 89.60 per cent moth emergence. Mean larval period was 22.10 days with pupal period of 6.86 (male) and 7.64 days (female), respectively. Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 1.7, 4.5, and 2.4 days, respectively. The longevity of male and female moth was 3.4 and 8.7 days, respectively with average fecundity of 100.6 eggs/female.

Ground nut seed beetle (Caryedon serratus) is a serious pest in the stored ground nut. Study on management of ground nut seed beetle by taking eleven sprayble form of plant extract was conducted. After one month, no such infestation was shown. After two months of storage the beetle damage varied from 0.8% to 8.23% and best protection was afforded by Argeratum (0.8%) followed by Lanatana (0.96%) in comparison to control (8.23%) in control. After three months of storage there was variation in residual toxicity of plant products against the pest damage. Lantana, Econeem and mustard oil proved excellent protection of beetle damage and recorded only 2.1% pod damage as comparison to 27.43% in control treatment.

Self Help Groups (SHGs) is now a well-known concept. It is reported that the SHGs have a role in hastening the financial growth of the countries. Consequently, participation of women in the economic development of countries is increasing. They also play an important role in elevating the economic status of their families. This has led to a boost to the process of women’s empowerment. In view of the afore-discussed issues pertaining to SHGs, this seemed to be the right time as well as crucial period to have a close look on constraints as perceived by the respondents regarding their participation in dairy management practices and functioning of SHGs. So for this study Karnataka state was selected, purposively and Constraints for these studies was operationalized as the problems/bottlenecks perceived by the dairy-based women SHGs. For measuring these constraints, Garrett’s ranking technique was used. It could be noticed that difficulty in getting/availing loan was perceived as the most serious constraint. In respect of Constraints perceived by the respondents regarding functioning of SHG and where as Constraints perceived by the respondents regarding dairy management activities was that high cost involved in purchasing of animals was the most serious constraint as perceived by the respondents. So in order to make SHGs more viable in nature, efforts have to be initiated to address certain issues, like mechanism and/ or avenues of obtaining loan; marketing techniques for selling the produce; etc. At the same time, the policy-makers should promote the dairy-based women SHGs by addressing their constraints across all villages of the country it helps to poor women household economic growth and their overall empowerment.

Self Help Groups (SHGs) are small, informal associations created for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefits out of mutual help, solidarity and joint responsibility. Women based SHGs helps in elevating the economic status of their families. This has led to a boost to the process of women’s empowerment. In view of the afore-discussed issues pertaining to SHGs, this seemed to be the right time to have a close look on the participation of dairy-based women SHG members in dairy management practices vis-a vis Factors influencing the performance of dairy based women SHGs. So for this study Karnataka state was selected purposively and for analyzing Participation of members in dairy management practices the degree of involvement of the members in meetings and other group-related activities were collected. The responses in terms of participation in dairy management practices, their responses were categorized as: Full participation, Partial participation and No participation. It was found that in terms of feeding concentrates and mineral mixture to the milking animals, majority (53.88 %) of them reported to have full participation, 36.12 per cent had partial participation and health care management was concerned, it was observed that care of pregnant animals, majority (51.67 %) of them reported to have full participation; 32.77 per cent had partial participation. So in order to make SHGs women members more viable in nature, efforts have to be initiated to address certain issues by conducting training on different areas of dairying. At the same time the policy-makers should promote the dairy-based women in all villages of the country it helps to poor women household economic growth and their overall empowerment.

The study was conducted to estimate the characteristics food industrial effluents, well and canal water for irrigation and to assess the possible impacts on soil and crop during the year of 2011-12. Mixture of treated and untreated effluents of namkin, milk and rasgulla industries, water quality class comes under C2S1 to C3S1, which is moderately high salinity to low sodium hazards. The RSC of the effluent except milk industry and lake effluent was higher in range i.e. 2.63 to 3.54 indicating unsuitable for irrigation, due to as it may develop sodicity in soil by its continuous use. The RSC of milk industry, canal, lake and well water was observed in the range of 1.11 to 2.31 me L-1, which comes under marginally suitable class for irrigation. The micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) in effluent were within the permissible limit of NEQS. Soils receiving effluent irrigation and crops grown were containing higher proportion of micronutrients as compared to soils and crops receiving well water and canal water irrigation. The soils receiving mixed industrial effluent irrigation were found rich in available N, P, K and organic carbon as compared to soils receiving well water and canal water irrigation.

Studies on different combination of litchi and pineapple blended nectar were evaluated for physico-chemical, sensory characteristics and shelf life in refrigerator temperature. Some of the important findings of present nectar investigation are summarized as total soluble solids, reducing sugar and total sugar showed gradual increase in the duration of 8 months and decreased in all treatment of blended nectar at low temperature till end of storage. Highest content of TSS and total sugar were found in treatment 100% litchi juice, reducing sugar content in 100% pineapple juice after 8 months of storage. The maximum titritable acidity content was showed in treatment 75% litchi+25% pineapple (0.50 per cent) 9 months after storage as compared to other treatments. Retention of ascorbic acid and pH value in all treatments. The organoleptic test 100% litchi and 100% pineapple juice ranked maximum acceptable with highest score in colour, taste and overall acceptability after 9 months of storage.

Present study was designed to measure input use, cost structure and return in soybean production of South Gujarat division of Gujarat, India. In present investigation the sample of 144 soybean farmers were selected from study area with a view to examine the input use, cost structure and returns in production and marketing of soybean growers in year 2014-15. The present study was undertaken in Surat and Tapi district of south Gujarat because the new introduce crop in this area. The results of study revealed that the average total cost of cultivation of soybean was Rs. 25539.95. The average overall farm harvest price received by the soybean growers was Rs. 3317.56 per quintal. It varied from Rs. 3247.44 on marginal farms to Rs. 3385.00 on medium farms. The average net profit/ha over (cost-C2) was Rs. 14058.13 and it increased with the increase in size of farms. The overall input – output ratio was 1:1.55 on the basis of cost-C2. It was the highest (1:1.58) on medium farms, followed by small farms (1:1.54), and marginal farms (1:1.51). The average cost of production per quintal of soybean was about Rs. 2232.51 which was lowest than the market price of soybean ranging from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 3300 per quintal.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of infrared conditioning of raw cashew kernels in terms of changes in properties and its comparative sensory analysis by fuzzy logic vis-a-vis hot air conditioning by electric tray dryer and conventional borma dryer. Changes in proximate composition were studied along with other properties like colour and microstructure changes. Proximate composition analysis showed that only moisture content varied significantly with raw cashew kernel for different conditioning methods (1% level of significance). Colour properties were found to vary with conditioning time. Microstructure analysis revealed that longer duration hot air conditioning treatment had more pronounced influence on kernel texture than short duration IR conditioning. Results of sensory evaluation study depicted that the acceptability of infrared conditioned cashew kernels were much similar to hot air and borma dryer conditioned cashew kernels and had good consumer acceptability.

The study investigated the integration between cumin (Cuminum cyminum) markets pairs in Rajasthan State using monthly cumin price series of five (5) markets from 2008-2015. The co-integration tests results indicate Nagaur and Pali; Nagaur and Jodhpur; Nagaur and Jalore markets are integrated in the long run at lag five (5). However, the rest of other market pairs are not integrated in the long run. The results from the error correction model showed that, the lowest speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium was from Nagaur to Jalore market at rate of 37.4%. The highest speed of adjustment was 56.6%, running Nagaur to Pali market towards long run equilibrium. This is followed by a speed of adjustment of 45.1% running from Nagaur to Jodhpur market towards along run equilibrium in a period of at most one (1) month. The results further indicate bidirectional causality between Nagaur and Pali markets and also Naguar and Jalore markets. There is also a unidirectional causality of price change from Merta City market of Nagaur to Bhagat Ki Kothi market of Jodhpur but not vise-versa. The results from the unrestricted vector autoregressive (VAR) model was run for market pairs that were not cointegrated that cumin price series between Ajmer and Jodhpur; Jodhpur and Pali and Jodhpur and Jalore Granger causes each other in the short run whereas Ajmer Granger causes Nagaur, Pali and Jalore in less than one month though in the long run they drift apart. The study further reveal that orthogonalized shock or unexpected shocks to Nagaur market will result in permanent effect on the prices of other selected markets within one year. In the same way, unexpected shock to market prices of Pali will result in permanent price effect on Nagaur cumin prices but temporary on prices in Jodhpur. On the other hand unexpected shock to prices of Ajmer will results in transitory or temporary price effect on prices in Pali, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jalore markets.

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 20015-16 at Horticultural experimental farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur to study the effect of row spacing and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and quality of Nigella. The experiment was conducted in split plot design having 3 row spacing (15 cm, 22.5cm and 30cm) in main plot and 3 levels of nitrogen (20, 40 and 60 Kg N ha-1) in sub plot. Wider row spacing of 30 cm significantly increased the plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh and dry weight of plant, number of capsules per plant (25.94), number of seed per capsule (72.71), test weight (2.29 g), seed yield (12.18 q ha-1), straw yield (22.98 q ha-1), biological yield (35.16 q ha-1), protein content in seed (21,25%) and oil content in seed (0.77 %). Further, these attributes were minimum in treatment 15 cm row spacing. Whereas, non significant effect was observed in harvest index (%). Among various levels of nitrogen applied 60 kg N ha-1 higher growth, yield and quality attributes. Application of 60 Kg N ha-1 significantly increased the growth attributes like plant height (79.11 cm), number of branches per plant (8.88) fresh weight per plant (78.77 g) and dry weight of plant (19.51 g) at harvest. Similarly, 60 kg N ha-1 significantly increased the capsules per plant (24.31), seed per capsules (63.90), test weight (2.24 g), seed yield (11.72 q ha-1), straw yield (20.87 q ha-1), biological yield (32.59 q ha-1), protein content in seed (20.35%) and oil content in seed (0.77%). Thus, the sowing of nigella at 30 cm row spacing and application of 60 kg N ha-1 gave significantly higher growth, yield and quality of nigella.

The experiment was carried out on 182 T&D (Tamworth x Desi) crossbred piglets born to 20 sows of 2nd and 3rd parity at AICRP on Pig, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Assam, India. The 20 sows along with their piglets were divided to four groups (T1-28 days, T2,-35 days, T3 -42 days and T4-56 days weaning age), in a manner that each group was represented by almost similar litter size at birth and of similar parity sows. To randomize sire effect, litters belonging to same sire were distributed in all the four groups. Piglets of all the weaning groups were individually identified at birth and reared up to 13 weeks of age and daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. The results revealed that body weights at 13 weeks of age and average daily gain from birth to 13 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher for the piglets weaned at 28 and 35 days of age with better feed conversion efficiency and average daily feed intake compared to piglets weaned at 42 and 56 days of age. In conclusion, the weaning management at 28 or 35 days of age with quality pre-starter and starter ration for piglets might be advantageous as compared to weaning management at 42 or 56 days of age.

A rapid, safe and inexpensive method for good quality DNA extraction from rice leaves is the basic requirement for molecular breeding in rice. Here we described a faster, safe and inexpensive method for genomic DNA extraction from rice leaves after modification of CTAB method. In the described method liquid nitrogen and Phenol is fully avoided for DNA extraction. This method yields approximately 110 ng/µl-420 ng/µl of DNA from 300 mg of fresh leaves tissue, depending on rice varieties and grinding of leaf samples. It can be completed within 4-5 hrs. The extracted DNA is stable and it can be used for DNA fingerprinting, quantitative traits loci analysis, marker-assisted selection, and genetic diversity analysis.

The industrial processed fruit wastes viz., mango peel, mango seed stone and tomato pomace samples were collected from Mother Dairy processing plant, near Whitefield, Bengaluru. The samples were subjected for biochemical analysis for parameters viz., pH, TSS, acidity and proximate contents of waste samples. The results of biochemical analysis revealed that the pH and TSS varied from 3.42–5.06 and 1.0 – 7.35 respectively between the fruit waste samples. The proximate composition of different fruit wastes revealed that the total protein and fat content were ranged from 4.75 to 18.18 per cent and 1.77 to 6.26 per cent respectively. The moisture content ranged from 5.38 to 8.09 per cent between the wastes. The crude fibre and ash content ranged from 2.65 to 38.10 per cent and 2.45 to 3.61 per cent respectively. The carbohydrate content ranged from 25.76 to 72.99 per cent while tomato pomace showed a very low carbohydrate content compared to mango peel and seed meal. The mineral and pigments contents of industrial processed fruit wastes revealed that the mango peel contains more of iron (230ppm) with carotenoids (4028µg/100g) and Ca (0.42%). Mango seed meal contains more of polyphenols (23.4mg/100g) and potassium (1.49%). Tomato pomace contains more of lycopene (4.4mg/100g) and Ca (4.05%). The results of chemical analysis revealed that the processing of fruit wastes contain more of valuable nutrients which are essential for the development of different value added products.

An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Brakachha, Mirzapur during the rainy (kharif) season 2011. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and a set of 12 treatments involving four levels of biofertilizers [No biofertilizer, Rhizobium (Rhizobium, MOR-1),PSB (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PSBBHU01) and Rhizobium + PSB] with 3 levels of fertility (control, i.e. 12 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 10 kg S, 24 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 + 20 kg S and 36 kg N + 70 kg P2O5 + 30 kg S/ha). Blackgram cv. ‘T-9’ was sown @ 20 kg/ha in 45 cm × 15 cm apart. Results showed that application of 36 kg N, 70 kg P2O5 and 30 kg S/ha gave the maximum values of growth parameters, yield attributes and grain yield as well as removal of N, P and S over lower fertility levels. Seed inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was also found to increased growth and yield parameters. Correspondingly, inoculation of the biofertilizers had resulted significant increased 21.4% of grain yield over non inoculation. Removal of N, P, and S was significantly increased with combination of Rhizobium and PSB inoculants as compared with single inoculation of either Rhizobium or PSB and the control (No biofertilizers). Further, under interaction effect the significantly highest grain yield was observed with the treatment combination of Rhizobium + PSB + 36 kg N, 70 kg P2O5, 30 kg S/ha (964.9 kg/ha) but remained at par with medium level of fertility 24 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 20 kg S/ha (941.6 kg/ha) applied along with Rhizobium and PSB. However, the highest net return (₹62369/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.39) were observed under dual seed inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB along with application of 24 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 20 kg S/ha.

Tobacco is an important export oriented commercial crop being cultivated over the years in India. A study was conducted to assess the rate of improvement with respect to area, production and productivity in major tobacco types i.e. FCV (Flue Cured Virginia) and non-FCV along with the total tobacco grown in India. The results indicated that total tobacco cultivated area in India remained more or less constant with increase in production and productivity. There is an increase in the FCV tobacco area and reduction in non-FCV area over the years without any substantial improvement in total tobacco area. FCV tobacco recorded higher rate of increase in production compared to non-FCV and vice versa in productivity. Further, except in NBS/CBS zone, improvement was witnessed in the area and production among the different FCV tobacco zones whereas productivity Improvement is there in all the areas. Productivity improvement in all the FCV areas clearly indicates the positive impact of technological interventions of research like improved varieties and cultural practices on increase of per hectare yields. With the advent of these, leaf yield potential in the FCV cultivars reached to 3000 kg/ha. Estimates of projected yield in FCV, non FCV and total tobaccos were made based on the existing rates of improvement by the year 2025. Nevertheless, the study indicated a wide scope to improve the productivity and realize leaf yield potential in SLS and KLS areas

During present investigation, mature embryos were used as explant sources and cultured on MS medium amended with diverse auxins and cytokinins in varying concentrations as sole as well as in different combinations Culture media MS3D.5B (MS + 3.0 mg. l-1 2, 4 D + 0.5 mgl-1BA + 30.0 gl-1 sucrose + 7.5 gl-1 agar powder) proved well for callus initiation. Culture media MS2N.5iP/MS3N.5ip (MS + 2.0/3.0mg l-1 NAA + 0.5 mgl-12-ip + 30.0 gl-1 sucrose + 7.5 gl-1 agar) exhibited higher response i.e. number of shoot proliferating explants and number of shoot (s) per explant. However, shoot of higher length was recorded on nutrient medium MSB/MS2B (MS + 2.0/3.0 mgl-1 BA + 30.0 gl-1 sucrose + 7.5 g l-1 agar). Higher rooting response (root proliferating efficiency, number of roots and mean root length) was exhibited by rooting medium MS.1IB (MS + 0.1 mgl-1IBA + 15.0gl-1 sucrose + 7.5 g l-1 agar). The plantlets were transferred to pots and hardened in Environmental Growth Cabinet and Net House during initial weaning period and transferred to field successfully. Phenotypic normal plants were recovered.

The present study was conducted on Rajas Sangh and Forest Department in procurement and marketing of NTFPs with special emphasis on tendu leaves in Rajasthan. The study was based on secondary data. The results of the study revealed that variety of NTFPs species gathered by the tribal people to sustain their livelihood in the state of Rajasthan. In order to avoid exploitation of people by traders, there are 20 NTFPs for which minimum support prices were fixed by RAJAS Sangh. Minimum support prices were increased over the time period, it was highest for Buchanania lanzan–A followed by Buchanania lanzan–B, Dataura stramonium, Sapindus trifolatus, Pongamia pinnata, Emblica officinalis, Cassia tora, Honey, Jatropha curcus, Madhuca indica (seed), Terminalia bellerica and Madhuca indica (flower). The procurement of quantity of minor forest produces by RAJAS Sangh was significantly decreased from 13333.07 quintals in the year 2007-08 to 3641.47 quintals in the year 2013-14. The collection units of Diospyrus melanoxylon (tendu leaves) were declined from 226 (year 1995-96) to 168 (year 2015-16) while its collection rate per standard bag was increased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 750 during the same period. About 172 collection units and 1389 collection centres (Phad) were distributed across the six forest divisions viz., Kota, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Bharatpur for tendu leaves. Among the divisions, Kota and Udaipur divisions were dominant in distribution of collection units and collection centres. The income generated to state from tendu leaves were increased while its production was decreased during the reference period. Rajasthan Forest Department and Government of Rajasthan must undertake plantation of the NTFPs and medicinal plant species in the state in order to maintain ecological balance of the region and to sustain rural livelihoods.

Banana is an important fruit crop of many tropical and subtropical regions of India. It is cultivated for food purpose as well as for the production of fibre used in the textile industry, ornamental purposes etc. India is the largest producer of banana in the world. India’s share in world banana production is around 27.8 per cent followed by China around 9.9 per cent. In India, Tamil Nadu is the leading state with respect to area and production of banana when comparing to all other states. Share of Tamil Nadu in India’s total banana production is around 19.0 per cent followed by Maharashtra around 16.3 per cent. This paper attempts to study costs and returns of banana cultivation under precision farming and conventional farming as well as rate of adoption of precision farming in banana in the study area. The results suggest that profitability of banana under precision farming in terms of net return was more as compared to the profitability of banana under conventional farming. The net return per rupee of investment in precision farming was also higher than conventional farming. So, it is advisable for the farmers to go for precision farming rather than conventional farming. The results also indicate that rate of adoption of precision farming has increased over the years due to increasing yield, gross income and net income in precision farming as compared to conventional farming.

An entrepreneurial economy, whether on the national, regional or community level, differs significantly from a non-entrepreneurial economy in many respects, not only by its economic structure and its economic vigorousness, but also by the social vitality and quality of life which it offers with a consequent attractiveness to people. Present study was carried out in Valsad and Dang districts of southern part of Gujarat state. The selected talukas from the Valsad district were Dharampur and Kaparada, while from the Dang district, Waghai and Subirtalukas were selected. From the each selected taluka, five villages were randomly selected. The 10 cashew nut growers were selected from each village which makes 200 cashew nut growers as respondents. A standard and reliable scale was developed to measure entrepreneurial ability. The education, social participation, economic motivation, risk orientation, scientific orientation, innovativeness, management orientation, farming experience and information input and processing behaviour found positively and highly significantly associated with entrepreneurial ability of cashew nut growers while age found negative but highly significantly correlated with entrepreneurial ability of cashew nut growers.

In recent year demand for the production of high-quality and ready-to-eat products are increased. So keeping in mind about present national and international barriers regarding the use of chemical food additives in food processing and preservation, search for biological and plant derived food additives have also notably increased. So present study was envisaged with the purposes to check the shelf life of goat meat patties incorporating with Amla fruits extract and Amla seed coat extract as natural preservatives and to assess their effect on physico-chemical and sensory attributes of the product under refrigerated (4±1oC) storage. The products incorporated with Amla fruit extract and Amla seed coat extract had lower Thiobarbituric reacting substances (TBARS) value, free fatty acid (FFA) value and pH value than the control. Total phenolic content was decreases as advancement of storage period. The sensory attributes such as colour and appearance, flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability were decreased significantly (p≤0.05) as storage day advances in both control as well as extract incorporated patties. Sensory evaluation scores showed that goat meat patties incorporated with Amla fruits extract and Amla seed coat extract were equally acceptable as reference product and rated good to very good for colour and appearance, flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability. Goat meat patties with Amla fruit and its seed coat extract can be stored safely without much loss in its quality even up to 15 days under refrigerated storage.

The physiological disorders of solanaceous vegetables and bulb root crops are abnormalities in fruit crop, bulb morphology, colour, or both, which are not caused by infectious diseases or insects. The fruit and bulb abnormalities occur as a result of environmental stress on the plant growth. Physiological disorders which may include genetic, environmental factors, nutrition and cultural practices such as watering training and pruning practices. The physiological disorders study included blossom end rot (BER), splitting, abnormal fruit shape sprouting, bolting in garlic and tip burning, thick neck, blast, sprouting, sunscald, premature bulb, bolting, splitting and watery scales, chemical injury and freezing injury in the onion.

Performance traits among dairy animals mainly consist of growth, production, and reproduction traits. A proper awareness regarding these traits among the dairy farmers contributes to the increased milk production and maintenance of good health of the dairy animals i.e. cattle and buffalo. A study was conducted in South–Bihar Alluvial Plain Zone to assess the level of awareness about performance traits of dairy animals. An index was developed to measure the level of awareness based on the response and suggestion of the experts of animal husbandry, including scientists and veterinarian doctors. Awareness index value for different traits as body weight at the birth, average daily milk yield, peak yield, fat percentage, lactation length, dry period, age at puberty, age at first calving, service period, service per conception, calving interval was found to be 0.58, 0.80, 0.60, 0.43, 0.68, 0.40, 0.37, 0.71, 0.31, 0.15, and 0.46 respectively. Similarly, index value for overall level of awareness of the dairy farmers regarding performance traits of cattle and buffalo was found to be 0.55.

The experiment was performed at the Research field of Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, (M.P.) during rabi 2014-15. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design having two environmental conditions viz, open field and naturally ventilated polyhouse with six varieties i.e. Palam Haritika, Palam Kanchan, Palam Samridhi, Palam Vichitra, MSB-12 and Ganesh with three replications. Quality attributes like protein content and ascorbic acid was found maximum in case of variety Ganesh, dry matter content in case of Palam Samridhi, total sugar and non reducing sugar in case of Palam Kanchan whereas reducing sugar in case of PalamHaritika. Among environmental conditions, naturally ventilated polyhouse was found best for quality attributes except dry matter content as compared to open field. Interaction effect of varieties with environmental conditions was significant for all the characters. Variety Ganesh under polyhouse condition was found best treatment combination with respect to total chlorophyll, protein and ascorbic acid content

This study was conducted in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh with the sample size of 120 respondents. The findings revealed that use of pheroman trap (10.83%), use of light trap (12.5 %), Conservation and encouraging of predators (0.83 %), Use of NPV and concentration of spray (4.16 %), Introduction of bio-control agents (10.00 %), Preparation of seed kernel extract (5.83 %), Knowledge about neem seed kernel extract (16.83 %) vegetable growers adopt eco-friendly practices in vegetables cultivation. The area under vegetable crops in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh was about 33.77 thousand hectares in 2010-11, which increased to 6.23 thousand hectares in 2011-12. The production of vegetable crops in Indore district was about 599307 metric tonne in 2010-11 and further increased to 29753 metric ton in 2011-12. (Horti.Dept, M.P.).

A field experiment was conducted using split plot design with the four irrigation level and the biochemical traits like chlorophyll content, carotenoid, protein, free amino acid, proline and glycine betaine were determined. The biochemical parameters like chlorophyll content, carotenoids content and protein significantly decreased under the water stress condition. Significantly highest accumulation of other biochemical parameters such as glycine-betaine, proline and amino acid increased under the stress condition compared to irrigation condition. Among all the six genotypes, GT-102 showed higher seed yield which was followed by C-11 due to accumulation of glycine- betaine and proline was higher under the water stress condition. Thus it enabled the genotype to thrive better in the water stress condition and produce higher yield under water deficient.

A study was carried out to analyse the knowledge and adoption level of zoonotic diseases among dairy farmers of Banaskantha district. The study was conducted in 6 villages from 3 talukas of Banaskantha district through developed interview schedule or Questionnaire by personally interviewing 120 farmers. The result about knowledge and adoption level for preventing of zoonotic diseases among dairy farmers had low level (55.83 per cent) and very low level (48.33) respectively. The study revealed that low to medium level of knowledge and very low level of adoption for preventing zoonotic diseases.

Land is a key asset for farmers in the countries like India where more than half of the population engaged in agriculture for their livelihood. But, Land acquisition from governments; increase in real estate growth by various private business firms and the continued demand for infrastructure development in the periphery of the urban areas makes a greater impact on peri-urban farmland and their livelihoods. So, the present study was an effort to find the overview of farmland transactions by farmers in peri-urban area of Bengaluru, reasons and their future response on selling of land. Study revealed that out of total 160 respondents, about 58.1 per cent of respondents sold their farm land called sold category (n=93), in that 87 partially sold and 6 completely sold respondents were found and 41.9 per cent completely retained their farmland without any sale (unsold category). In sold category (n=93) nearly 71 per cent of the farmers had sold their land to real estate owners. The main reason to sell the land includes escalation in land prices (15.05%), lack of interest of farmers in agriculture (10.75%). Responses about future selling of land revealed that majority of respondents (55.6%) did not show intention to sell land. This shows that farming in the peri-urban areas in the coming days is likely to face many challenges, which require proper attention by government and need to set up a mechanism to regulate the sale of agricultural land around peri-urban areas to prevent further agriculture land loss.

In presence study four meat Species (Buffalo, Sheep, Goat and Chicken) were selected for identification of raw meat. Mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was use as a marker gene for species identification in multiplex PCR. Common forward primers and species-specific reverse primers were used for the development of multiplex PCR by mixing of primers in the different ratio viz. 2.5:1.5:1.5:1.5:3 for forward: Goat: Sheep: Chicken: buffalo, species-specific reverse primers respectively. PCR primers were designed such a way to give different lengths of amplicon for different species, there is 157 bp for goat, 227 bp for chicken, 274 bp for buffalo and 331 bp for sheep in agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. The present study was undertaken for detection of animal species in meat samples by multiplex PCR assay using cytochrome b gene variability.

Goat raising is gaining popularity as an enterprise in the Philippines, however, very few have taken the initiative to gather data from backyard goat farmers and to analyze their farm performance to understand the viability of the enterprise. In 2008-2010, a research program that was conducted on a national level entitled Goat Farm Production Performance in the Philippines[1] was tasked to establish a national goat farm production performance monitoring system for goat farms to gather and evaluate productive and reproductive performances of locally raised goats without introducing management interventions to the raisers. In 2013-2015, the farmers were trained the technologies of goat production using the Farmer Livestock School-Goat Enterprise Management (FLS-GEM) extension modality primarily to determine the effects of the management interventions on the performance of the goat farms. The Farmer Livestock School-Goat Enterprise Management Modality is an extension modality in which the farmers were trained the goat management interventions by attending barangay classes at their most convenient time. The data were gathered from purposively selected goat raisers with five or more does. Monthly monitoring of the data on productive and reproductive performances were done, analyzed and results were fed-back to the goat raisers. In 2013-2015, in 2008-10 the farmers were trained the management interventions using the FLS-GEM extension modality. Initially, a curriculum was developed by a group of experts in the Philippines. This curriculum served as the material in training the 21 national facilitators coming from Regions 1, 2, 3,8, 10 and 12 in the Philippines. After the national training, each set of regional trainers trained 25 regional facilitators the way they were trained during the national training. These trained regional trainers in turn trained at least 25 farmers on a scheduled basis based on the most convenient time of the farmers, preferably once a week for 4 hours. The training modality allows simultaneous trainings in the six regions, thus allowing more trainees at a specific time. To assess the effects of the extension modality, 10% of the trained farmers served as cooperators in which monthly monitoring of their goat farm performance was done. Based from the data gathered, with technological interventions adopted by the backyard goat raisers who had undergone the FLS-GEM training, conception rate increased from 75%(2008-2010 data) to 82%(2013-2015 data) ; kidding interval was shortened from 251 days to 246.85 days, thereby increasing kidding index from 1.45 to 1.48 kiddings per doe/year. With the inclusion of proper feeding and health regimen, pre-weaning mortality significantly dropped from 21.4 % to 1.60% in the participating sites. Considering the infusion of quality genetic materials either through Artificial Insemination or through natural breeding, there was an increase in average birth weight from 1.7 kg to 2.12 kg and slaughter weight from 16.5 kg to 22.30 kg. In addition, the farmers were able to engage in goat enterprises as waste utilization converted into organic fertilizer, forage enterprise and there were artificial inseminators trained. Based on these findings, it is concluded that backyard goat farm performance significantly improved with appropriate trainings and technology interventions through the Farmer Livestock School- Goat Enterprise extension modality. It is therefore recommended that the FLS-GEM modality be used in training goat raisers to reach more goat raisers at a specific period.

The present experiment was conducted at Department of Post-Harvest Technology, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, N.A.U., Navsari, Gujarat. The whole course of study was divided in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted by using different post-harvest dipping chemicals and the second experiment consisted of three packaging materials and three storage conditions. The results of first experiment revealed that the okra fruits dipped in citric acid 500 ppm + sodium benzoate 100 ppm (T8) proved to be the best with respect to maximum shelf life, higher marketable fruits with excellent general appearance of fruits. This treatment was used for experiment second. The second experiment indicated that when the okra fruits packed in LDPE bags of 50 micron thickness with 5% vents and stored at 120C temperature with 95% RH individually as well as in combination had extended the shelf life up to 16 days with maximum ascorbic acid and moisture content also with minimum PLW, TSS and lesser disease incidence. This was followed by the okra fruits packed in same packaging and kept in zero energy cool chambers, which had extended the shelf life of okra fruits up to 12 days

Understanding of spatial variability in soil fertility status is vital for application of site specific nutrient management. For this a total 25 number of Soil samples collected from Vandurga Village, Yadgir District of Karnataka and analysed for Sulphur(S), Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), and Iron (Fe). Here geostatistics used to execute conventional statistical analysis and ArcGIS and Geostatistical software GS+ to get the information about distribution and spatial variability of soil micronutrients. The S of collected soil samples varied from 23.98 ppm to 68.62 ppm with a mean of 42.48 ppm. The CaCO3 ranged from 6.61 ppm to 19.85 ppm with an average of 12.02 ppm. Available Mn ranged from 0.52 ppm to 9.48 ppm with mean of 4.09 ppm. The CV for CaCO3 was 34.28, while for Mg, Zn, and Fe it was 68.52, 104.35 and 96.60 respectively. Geostatistical analysis of study by GS+ (version 10.0) show the results based on the ratio of nugget and sill, soil micronutrient properties in study area, the exponential model is used well to show the spatial structure of Sulphur (S) and the ratio of nugget and sill is 97.2%. This shows the variability of S is weakly spatially dependent. Similarly for Ca and Fe fitted Semi variogram Spherical model and Mn and Zn fitted with Gaussian semivariogram model. For CaCO3 and Fe the ratio of nugget and sill is 51.6 % and 57.5% respectively and for Mn and Zn the ratio of nugget and sill is 84.2 % and 99.8% respectively. This study also show the usefulness of GS+ (version 10.0) and ArcGIS 9.2 to know the spatial variability of soil micronutrients in the study area as well as for spatial interpolation, mapping and geostatistical analysis.

The present study was conducted in the village Kankadkheda Sehore block of Sehore district of M.P. India in the year 2012-13. The main objective of the study is 1) to know the impact of Front Line Demonstration on adoption of chickpea production technology and 2)To find out the association between socio-personal and economic attributes with economic status improved due to Front Line Demonstration. The study revealed that 25.00 per cent farmers decreased in adopter condition over non adopter condition. On the other hand, as observed in low category in partial and full adoption condition 17.50 and 7.50 per cent farmers increased in adopter condition over non adopter condition respectively. Characteristics of adopter of Front Line Demonstration of chickpea growers were found to be positively and significantly correlated with socio economic status.