To evaluate the effect of different intercropping systems and organic manures on maize stem borers, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and Sesamia inferens, experiment was carried out in college of Agriculture, Shivamogga. The results revealed that maize + cowpea (M1) recorded lowest number of pinholes per plant and least cob damage with reduced yield loss. With regard to interaction effect, maize + cowpea along with the application of neem cake (M1S3) was found to be most effective treatment in reducing pinholes and cob damage with reduced yield loss.

Subsidy is one of the most common agricultural protection policy tool employed by the developing countries, as agriculture remains the important sector for overall development of the economy. In recent years, increased agriculture protection and its impact on agricultural trade have attracted attention at the global level. After the introduction of macro economic liberalization, both India and China have implemented a series of agricultural policy reforms to expand their agricultural sector and increase farm income. Notwithstanding, level of agricultural subsidy has grown overtime in both the countries, but not at the level of developed countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan and European Union. High subsidies in developed countries protect the market in these countries from producers in other countries who are relatively efficient. This protection, which favours a small number of large farmers and farm corporations, aiming at over production. The excess production is then dumped on the world market. The cheap subsidised products drive down world prices and badly affect the chances of developing countries earning from export of agricultural commodities and products. Although, the growth of agriculture subsidies over the years shows an outstanding increase in absolute terms in both countries (except few years in the middle). However, share in agriculture GDP found declined in India after the WTO accession whereas in case of China its share has increased tremendously. With this background, In this paper comparison is made between Indian and Chinese agricultural subsidies and its impacts on macroeconomic indicators and agricultural development. Finally, challenges faced and lessons learnt from each others' experiences is presented.

The effect of plant spacing and pruning intensity on fruiting, flowering and yield of guava was conducted at Horticulture Research Center, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The treatments were consisted of two plant spacing and three pruning intensities i.e., one fourth, half and three fourth shoot pruning with un-pruned treated as control. The highest number of flower bud emergence per plant was recorded with treatment combination 2.0 X 2.0 m plant spacing and 3/4th shoot pruning for winter season crop during both the years. Three fourth shoot pruning proved significantly superior over other pruning treatments for emergence of new shoots and number of flower buds per plant for winter season crop. The treatment consisted of 2.0X2.0 m plant spacing and three fourth shoot pruning was found superior in this regard, significantly, higher fruit set was recorded with treatment combination of 2.0X2.0 m plant spacing and three fourth shoot pruning for winter season crop. Reverse trend was observed in case of per cent flower/fruit drop during both the years. Number of fruits and yield per plant increased with increase in plant spacing. However, yield on the basis of per hectare was found higher with closer spacing (2.0X1.0 m). Treatment combination of 2.0X1.0 m plant spacing and three fourth shoot pruning gave maximum yield during winter season.

The aim of this study was to determine energy consumption pattern and efficiency for oyster mushroom production in a tribal village in Uttar Simlabari, Alipurduar district, State of West Bengal, India. The data used in this study were collected by direct interviewing the mushroom growers of the adopted tribal village. Results revealed that average yield and total energy consumption were 0.79 and 1.1 kg per bags and 253.46 and 266.15 MJ/20 bags of rice and wheat straw, respectively. In terms of energy consumption, highest consumption was recorded in substrate followed by water for sprinkling spawn, fuel wood, human labour and plastic in both rice and wheat straw. The total energy output was higher in case of wheat substrates. However, farmers prefer on rice substrate due to availability of rice straw.

The establishment of an agrarian economy that ensures food and nutritional security for a population of over a billion, raw material for an expanding industrial base, surpluses for exports, and a fair and equitable reward system for the farming community requires commitment driven contract farming which clearly is a viable alternative farming model. Previous literature reveals that several Indian and multinational companies have already begun contract farming initiatives in India and have been broadly successful. We find that their success is dependent on a profitable market, the physical and social environment, and government support. However, effort is needed to reduce negative impacts which arise from contract farming via the active involvement of institutions governing the contract farming business. The overall future of contract farming in India is quite promising due to increasing trend for organised retailing amongst the burgeoning middle class population and the food safety requirements of the export market in developed countries