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ThesisItem Open Access 16S Ribotyping and classification of endophytes of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) genotype JWM1(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-6, 2017) MURMU, MARGREAT; Pande, AnitaThe literature in the public domain shows that all the species of bacillus identified in the present study produce substances of agricultural and commercial importance. Such endophytes have never been reported in finger millet before. The virtues of finger millet which make it hardy crop may be attributed to these endophytes. The actual role of each endophyte needs to be studied especially with respect to the white seeded genotype JWM 1.ThesisItem Open Access 16S Ribotyping and classification of endophytes of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) variety VL149(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-6, 2017) KUNAL, NIDHI; Pande, AnitaThe study could collate information about the colony characteristics and biochemical traits with the 16S rDNA sequences/ITS sequence and tentatively identify 9 different endophytes. From the comparision and information in the public domain, all the 9 endophyte have positive effects on the other crop species they inhabit. Studies on their exact role in finger millet may help to develop a consortium / several consortia which can be introduced into other popular crop species, thus concomitantly transferring desirable traits.ThesisItem Open Access 2-D Electrophoretic profiling of Rhizobium isolates of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) collected from various soil regimes(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2013) Sinha, Nikesh; Dubey, HimanshuOut of several gases present in the atmosphere nitrogen share the major portion (about 71%) and is found in the di-nitrogen (an inert) form. It is the component of many bio-molecules required for the growth and development of all organisms. Most of the eukaryotes are incapable of utilizing nitrogen directly from the environment; only a certain group of prokaryotes are genetically feasible to fix the atmospheric nitrogen into the biologically useful form like ammonia which is further utilized by eukaryotes. Rhizobium a gram negative bacteria associates symbiotically with legume crop and are genetically feasible in reducing (fixing) atmospheric nitrogen for leguminous crop. Legumes in turn provide shelter and energy to them. The specificity of Rhizobia to inoculate legume falls either in broad range host specificity to narrow range host specificity. Several abiotic stresses adversely influence the activity of Rhizobium. Soil pH is one of the stresses which hamper the symbiotic association between the two. As per the reports soil pH in the range of 6.5-7.0 are considered best in the case of leguminous crop for the optimal activity of the bacteria. Soil pH below or above this range minimizes the Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) through Rhizobia. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-D electrophoresis) is a powerful and widely used method for the analysis of complex protein mixtures extracted from cells, tissues, or other biological samples. This technique sorts proteins according to two independent properties in two discrete steps: the first-dimension step, isoelectric focusing (IEF), separates proteins according to their isoelectric points (pI); the second-dimension step, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), separates proteins according to their molecular weights. Each spot on the resulting two-dimensional array corresponds to a single protein species in the sample. Thousands of different proteins can thus be separated, and information such as the protein pI, the apparent molecular weight, and the amount of each protein is obtained. The aim of my work is to perform 2-D Electrophoretic profiling of Rhizobium isolates of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) collected from various soil regimes. Cicer arietinum plant has been taken as a model system for the collection of nodules. Chickpea, as a legume, improves soil fertility through (BNF) biological nitrogen fixation. Chickpea is a crop that provides cash income from its grain. It requires no N fertilizers owing to its ability to fix atmospheric N, and in rotation can improve the N nutrition and yield of subsequent cereals, One of the most important factors that affect the efficiency of symbiosis between Rhizobia and plants is the pH of the soil in which they interact. The host plant to any symbiotic Rhizobium appears to be theThesisItem Open Access A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF CAUDAL EPIDURAL LEVOBUPIVACAINE ALONE AND INCOMBINATION OF DEXAMETHASONE AND TRAMADOL IN BOVINE CALVES(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2022) Brajesh Verma; A.K. Sharma➢ RT, RR and HR exhibited progressive and non-significant decrease in all its intervals in all the groups except group IV where respiration rate and heart rate exhibited significant decrease as compared to base value but remained within normal physiological limits. ➢ HB, PCV, TLC and TEC showed the non significant variation after epidural administration. ➢ A significant increase in netrophils and relative decrease in lymphocytes was the typical feature in group I & III whereas animal of group II & IV exhibited non significant variation. Summary and Conclusion… ➢ A marked and significant increase in glucose was estimated in group II although the values remained within normal physiological limits ➢ Other biochemical paramters viz. ALT, AST, total protein, BUN, Serum creatinine, Alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase exhibited transient and non-significant variations. ➢ A moderate to excellent level of analgesia has been achieved in tail, anus and perineal area in all the groups. ➢ Analgesia was not sufficient in upper and lower thigh, scrotum, cranial and caudal flank as it was varied from mild to moderate level. ➢ Motor in coordination was found to be more for longer period of time in group IV followed by group III, group I and group II. ➢ None of the animal exhibited sedation. ➢ Onset of analgesia was faster in group IV followed by group III, I and II, whereas duration of analgesia was higher in group II followed by group I, III & IV. ➢ On the basis of above findings, it is concluded that levobupivacaine alone and in combination dexamethasone and tramadol exhibited moderate to excellent analgesia in the tail, anus and perineal region sufficient to perform surgery in these area. Levobupivacaine in combination with dexamethasone was found to be better combination in bovine calf in terms of least motor in-coordination, better analgesia and long duration analgesia.ThesisItem Open Access A Comparative Study Of Factor Roductivity On Tribal And Non- Tribal Farms In Ranchi District(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1989) Kumar Dilip; B. K. SinghThe following conclusion and policy implications can be drawn based upon the empirical findings of the present analysis. Tribal farmers are found not using modern inputs like hybrid seed, fertilizers and insecticides and pesticides on their farms. Also the non –tribal farmers are not found using these inputs to the describe levels on their farms. This is due to the fact that both categories of farmers in the study area face severe recourse limitations and generally lack proper Knowledge of modern cultivation practices. In addition, the tribal farmers are not motivated to the adoption of new agriculture practices. They still follow the traditional and conventional method of Cultivation. So, for increasing the farm production it is necessary that the resource constraints of these farmers be resolved by providing subsidies and other economical support to not only tribal but to non-tribal farmers as well . It should further be noted that only increasing resource to farmers may not solve the purpose as they lack the knowledge of new agricultural practices. so both categories of farmers in particular, should be provided the proper technical know-how regarding modern cultivation practices, further, tribal farmers are found very rigid to their traditional method of cultivation and should be motivated to adopt the new package of practices. The Marginal productivities of almost all farm resources are found generally higher on tribal farms than those on non-tribal farms. It implies that tribal farmers use relatively lower levels of farm inputs and should be encouraged to use more and more inputs on their farms. Both the tribal and non – tribal farmers in the area are found to be inefficient allocator of their resources in the profit maximization sense which requires the equality of marginal value productivities of these resources and there corresponding unit costs. The allocative inefficiency is, however, relatively greater on tribal farms than on non –tribal farms in the cultivation of all the crops studied and also in total farm business operations. The existing levels of uses of almost all the farm inputs are found very low when compared with their optimum levels of uses. This is true for both the groups of farmers studied. An exception was, however, observed in human labour utilization in which case tribal farmers were found using this input in excess of what was economically desired. Therefore, it is suggested that the extra resources engaged in this input should be reallocated to other yield increasing farm inputs whose utilization were very low on these tribal farms Now, it can be concluded that the increasing output of crops as well as increased total farm production could be made possible to the tribal as well as non –tribal farms of the area by not only creating additional resources but also by merely readjustment of available farm recourses with farmers when viewed from profit maximizing sense.ThesisItem Open Access A Study On Cross Breeding Of Desi With Landrace And Large White Yorkshire Pigs(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1989) Sharma, Banshidhar; H. R. Misra1.Landrace is more suitable for farm owing to its physical conformation and inherent genetic potential of faster growth at the finishing stage, whereas, Large white Yorkshire being more adaptable to rural condition with comparatively high post-weaning shock tolerance capacities stands ahead of the former for distribution in villages where its halfbreds perform better then Landrace halfbreds. 11. A decrease in magnitudes on pre-weaning body weights and linear body measurements with the increase of litter size at birth seemed to be a decisive factor of considerable importance in selection for phenotypic traits. 111. The lower rate of growth just after weaning in almost all the genetic groups suggested need of special care and management at that stage. 1V. Because of high resistance of weaning shock in halfbreds they excel the exotic over preference for any developmental programme in rural areas. If at all, exotics do not merit such consideration until they have crossed the weaning period at least by over one month. V. A significant superiority in litter size, apart from litter weight at birth and at weaning, is an additional advantage in economic traits by crossing of Desi sows with exotic boars over indigenously bred sows with Desi male.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE MARKET POTENTIAL OF HYBRID CHILLI & TOMATO SEEDS OF VNR SEEDS PVT. LTD. IN JASHPUR DISTRICT OF CHHATTISHGARH(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Rahul Raj; C.S. SinghThe study aims to explore the market potential of hybrid chilli and tomato seeds of VNR Seeds PVT. Ltd. in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. The study was conducted using a mixed-method approach. A survey was conducted among 120 farmers in Jashpur district to gather information about their preferences for chilli and tomato seeds, their willingness to adopt hybrid seeds, and their purchasing behavior. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Additionally, interviews were conducted with 12 seed dealers in the district to understand the market potential for hybrid seeds. The findings of the study suggest that the farmers in Jashpur district have a high demand for hybrid chilli and tomato seeds. About 60% of the farmers surveyed expressed a willingness to adopt hybrid seeds, citing reasons such as higher yield, better quality, and disease resistance. The study found that the farmers' purchasing behavior was influenced by factors such as seed quality, availability, and price. The regression analysis revealed that age, education, and farm size were significant factors that influenced the farmers' willingness to adopt hybrid seeds. The interviews with seed dealers revealed that there is a high demand for hybrid seeds in the district, and VNR Seeds PVT. Ltd. has a good reputation among the farmers. The dealers mentioned that the company's seeds are of good quality, and the company offers timely delivery and after-sales services. However, the dealers also highlighted that the company needs to improve its marketing strategies to increase its market share in the district. In conclusion, the study suggests that there is a high market potential for hybrid chilli and tomato seeds of VNR Seeds PVT. Ltd. in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. The farmers in the district have a high demand for hybrid seeds, and the company's seeds are of good quality. However, the company needs to improve its marketing strategies to increase its market share in the district. The findings of the study can be used by the company to develop effective marketing strategies and increase its sales in the district.ThesisItem Open Access ACCESS OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION THROUGH MOBILE IN JHARKHAND(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2013) Ranjan, Rakesh; Jha, B.K.Mobile has emerged as important communication media in agricultural extension. A number of initiatives have been undertaken by government and non-government organizations. In Jharkhand the services of Kisan Call Centre and voice mail of IIFCO-Kisan Sanchar Nigam Limited are already going on. Birsa Agricultural University has developed guided SMS. Hence, it was thought prudent to conduct a study on “Access of agricultural information through mobile in Jharkhand” with the specific objectives viz. to study the use of different mobile applications by the farmers, to assess farmers’ preference about different types of media-text ,audio, image and video, to assess the quality of receptivity and applicability of different types of information received through different types of mobile applications, to ascertain association of mobile use ,access of agricultural information through mobile, information application and level of satisfaction in getting agricultural information through mobile with socio-personal and economic characteristics of respondents and to study the constraints associated with application of mobile in agricultural extension. The research design was ex-post facto. To make the study representative, Dumka, Palamu and E. Singhbhum districts were selected from agro climatic zone IV, V & VI respectively. One block each from these districts were selected on the criteria of number of IKSL service user and general agricultural development. Twelve respondents each from IKSL and non-IKSL category were selected. Thus sample size became 90. Fifteen independent variables viz. age, family education, social participation, extension contact, mass media and IT exposure, innovation proneness, attitude towards mobile, annual agricultural income, information needs, knowledge about mobile feature, level of aspiration about mobile, and monthly expenditure on mobile service and four dependant variables viz. mobile use, access of agricultural information through mobile, information application and level of satisfaction in getting agricultural information through mobile were selected which were measured through scales and indices already available or were developed under the study. The data were collected through pre-tested schedules. The collected data were analysed and interpreted through statistical tests like frequency, percentage, mean, correlation and regression. Result indicates that there was no significant difference between IKSL and non –IKSL categories of respondents as far as independent variables are concerned. All the respondents had knowledge and skill about call receiving feature. Nokia 1616 and Nokia 1800 were the predominant mobile sets with the respondents. Mobile use and information application were calculated to be 0.84 and 0.69 respectively. Video was the most preferred media. Most sought after, understood and applied information was disease control. Minimum loss from reception to application was reported in varieties. The selected variables could explain the variability to the extent of 25.5%, 63.0%, 41.6% and 47.4% in mobile use, access of agricultural information through mobile, information application and level of satisfaction in getting agricultural information through mobile respectively. Non-availability of mobile number of source emerged to be the most important constraint. Based on the findings of the study it could be concluded that mobile has the potential to transform the landscape of agricultural extension.ThesisItem Open Access Acid Tolerant Rhizobial Strains For Effective Nodulation In Cultivated Grain Legumes Of The Plateau Region(Birsa Agricultural University;Ranchi, 2000) Mandal, Kamleshwari; Sharma, A.ThesisItem Open Access ADOPTION OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF SAFED MUSLI (Chlorophytum borivilianum) IN JHARKHAND - A CASE STUDY(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2011) HEMROM, PRADEEP KUMAR; Bara, NivaThe findings presented in the preceding paragraphs lead to conclude that education was the strongest contributing factor for innovative Safed Musli growers to adopt improved technology and get access of credit, training and mass media. Further profit making was the prime motive of the Musli growers. Case study further indicated that agri-preneurship like cultivation of Safed Musli requires technical knowledge as well as keen sense of marketing practices, exploitation of opportunities and willingness to the environment. Safed Musli growers under the study reported a number of constraints which could be removed by appropriate measures. It can be concluded that Government and research/extension system should promote end-to-end approach covering input supply, production, post-harvest management, processing and marketing of Safed Musli at par with other commercial crops.ThesisItem Open Access AGRICULTURE MARKETING INFRASTRUCTURE WITH REFERENCE TO E-NAM AND RURAL HAATS/MANDI IN JHARKHAND(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-6, 2018) BARA, SWETA; Job, MintuIn India, there is a need to promote agriculture marketing infrastructure for reducing the involvement of intermediaries and minimizing the post-harvest losses. A robust agriculture marketing infrastructure will ensure better remuneration to farmers and supply of better quality products to consumers and processing industries to sell their produce at profitable price. E-NAM is an online trading platform for agricultural commodities. The market facilitates farmers, traders and buyers with online trading. Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) is to be integrated with e-NAM to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. Hence for the study 10 districts were selected namely Ranchi, Koderma, Lohardaga, Simdega, Jamshedpur, Chatra, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Ramgarh. It was found that the only infrastructures available were administrative building, shops and godowns rest all were lacking behind. As on 27th April 2015, the APMC Act was abolished in Jharkhand therefore farmers and traders were not under the control of the APMC. Due to abolition of the act the market fee was eliminated, therefore, the basic sources of income for APMC were shops and godowns rent. Earlier the APMC used to receive 1% of charge in every transaction. Large number of farmers and traders were registered in e-NAM but only 2% of them were doing trade through e-NAM. The reason behind thiswas that the traders do not buy produce from farmers as farmers do not have quantitative and qualitative produce. Other reason were that the APMC do not provide basic infrastructure facilities to both traders and farmers and distance of APMC from the field were very far so farmers have to bear huge transportation cost and payments were delayed. APMC Ranchi was charging maximum charge of shops and godowns rent i.e. ` 8 per sq.ft. and APMC Jamshedpur was having highest annual income of ` 3,01,51,265. In India, there are 13 crore farmers out of which 1.11crore are registered in e-NAM so the percentage of farmers selling through offline mode is 91.46% and e-NAM is 8.53 %.In term of quantity e-NAM has contributed 0.02 % while offline contributed 99.98% while in terms of monetary contribution of e-NAM were 0.08% while offline contributes 99.92%. E-NAM is used very rarely. Farmers preferred to sell their produce in local haats. So there is urgent need to construct the basic infrastructure in the APMC and manpower to be hired to increase the online trade.ThesisItem Open Access Agrobacterium mediated transformation in Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees for quality parameters(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2011) KAMAL, SWATI; Banerjee, Madhuparnaon P. thyrsiflorus which has not been reported earlier. The total carbohydrate content in hairy roots were also quantified and compared from leaves from mother plant and bacteria infected plant. Aseptic explants for transformation were obtained by inoculating shoot tip of P.thyrsiflorus on MS media supplemented with BAP 5.0 mg/l and AdSO4 50.0 mg/l. Leaves , shoot tips and nodes of in vitro grown plants were used as explants while ATCC 15834 strain of A. rhizogenes Conn was used for transformation. Full loop inocula of A.rhizogenes were grown in YEB (Yeast Extract Beef Extract) medium supplemented with 50 mg/l rifampicin. Optimum growth was observed after 48 h in dark at 28°C. Acclimatization of bacteria culture in MS medium for 4 h was found effective. The explants were treated for different time periods after which those were inoculated in solid MS basal medium and kept at 25 ± 2 °C and 16 h light/ 8 h dark. Successful hairy root induction was observed after 7 days on all 3 explants. Amongst different treatment durations, 225 min was found to be the best for all the three explants. A clear variation in response was observed within different types of explants. Out of three explants, shoot tips were found to be the best with maximum mean percentage of root induction (93.33%) as well as maximum mean number of roots (4.80) per explant. Total carbohydrate content was quantified with anthrone method which revealed that the carbohydrate content was highest (2.9 mg percent) in hairy roots followed by the leaves from bacteria infected plant (2.0 mg percent). However, leaves of mother plant showed comparatively minimum (1.6 mg percent) carbohydrate content.ThesisItem Open Access Agrobacterium mediated transformation in Stevia rebaudiana L. Bertoni for quality parameters(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2011) SAHU, SHWETA KUMARI; Banerjee, MadhuparnaHairy root is a plant disease caused by Agrobacterium rhizogenes Conn, a gram-negative soil bacterium. Hairy root cultures have several properties that have promoted their use for plant biotechnological applications. Their fast growth and genetic and biosynthetic stability offer an additional advantage for their use as an alternative to plant cell suspension cultures, for production of secondary metabolites of interest. Stevia rebaudiana L. Bertoni is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. It is an important plant known for its zero-calorie diterpene glycosides (stevioside and rebaudiosides), a non-nutritive, high-potency sweetener, and substitute to sucrose. The leaf extract of this plant has been used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes. In the present research work, an efficient in vitro method for hairy root induction on shoot tips, nodes and leaves of Stevia rebaudiana L. Bertoni with A. rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834 was developed. To get aseptic explants for in vitro induction of hairy roots, micropropagation was carried out. Contamination free culture was established by treating shoot tip explants with 0.05% HgCl2 for 15 minutes. Shoot multiplication was induced on MS media supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg/l, AdSO4 25.0 mg/l and citric acid 1.0 mg/l. Bacterial growth on semisolid YEB medium was achieved after 48h incubation at 28 o C in dark. The optimum growth of A. rhizogenes (OD 0.6) was observed after 48h of incubation at 28 o C in rotary shaker in dark on YEB broth supplemented with 50.0 mg/l rifampicin. For inducing hairy root, different period of co-culture were tested. Explants were inoculated into MS supplemented with and without 250.0 mg/l cefotaxime sodium salt. Hairy root emergence was observed after 8 days of infection on all explants. Among different periods of co-culture, 48 h was found to be most effective for root induction in shoot tips and nodal explants, while it was 24h for the leaves. Among different explants, nodes showed best induction percentage (95.83%) while leaves showed maximum numbers of hairy root per explant (32.50). Of the two media tested, MS without cefotaxime was found effective for better root growth while MS supplemented with cefotaxime results in reduction in induction percentage. The level of carbohydrate in hairy roots were quantified and compared with leaves from mother plant as well as leaves from the plant parts treated with A. rhizogenes. The individual carbohydrate content of different plant extract was analyzed in spectrophotometer and expressed in percentage (w/w). The concentration of carbohydrate was estimated 11.5 mg percent and 12.8 mg percent in the leaves from mother plant and from plant parts induced hairy roots respectively (Table:4.9; Graph:4.9). The highest carbohydrate content i.e. 14.8 percent was observed in the induced hairy roots.ThesisItem Open Access Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation in finger millet (variety RAU-8)(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2013) Singh, Vartika; Banerjee, MadhuparnaFinger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a cereal grass mostly grown in dry land. It is a robust, tufted, tillering annual grass, up to 170 cm high. The inflorescence is a panicle with 4-19 finger-like spikes that resembles a fist when mature, hence the name finger millet. Its grain is readily digestible, highly nutritious and versatile: it can be cooked like rice, ground to make porridge or flour or used to make cakes. Finger millet is a popular food among diabetic patients in the country. Its slow digestion indicates low blood sugar levels after a finger millet diet thereby reacting as a safer food for diabetics. Consumption of finger millet prevents constipation and cholesterol. The present study was undertaken to standardize protocol for in vitro Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of finger millet (variety RAU-8). This would enable application of biotechnological tools to this crop in future. Surface sterilized seeds were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with 2.0, 4.0 mg/l 2, 4-D for callus. For shoot multiplication after 15 days callus in a MS medium supplemented with combination of 2.0 mg/l IAA and 2.0 mg/l IBA gave best shoot-root regeneration than 2.0 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l NAA. Out of different concentrations (25.0 mg/l, 50.0 mg/l, 75.0 mg/l and 100.0 mg/l) 100.0 mg/l kanamycin containing medium was found to be the best for transformant selection. Kanamycin tolerance test was done considering 3 stages (1) etiolation, (2) blackening and (3) death. For transformation, the explants were wounded and dipped in the Agro suspension. Co-cultivation was done for different time periods (5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 1 hrs, 2 hrs and 3 hrs) of which 30 min was found to be the best transformation frequency in finger millet. About 25% of explants give rise to entire kanamycin resistant plantlets upon 21 days.ThesisItem Open Access AGROCLIMATIC CHARACTERIZATION AND DROUGHT ASSESSMENT FOR EFFICIENT CROP PLANNING IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SUB ZONE IV OF JHARKHAND(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2017) Balmuchu, Sunny Ashish; Kumari, PragyanAgricultural production worldwide is subject to various risks of which climatic risks tend to be dominant, especially under rainfed conditions. Rainfed agriculture occupies a prominent place in Indian economy and rural livelihoods. At present, about 60% of total net sown area is rainfed, contributing 40% of the total food production. It supports 40% of human and 60% of livestock population. Agriculture in rainfed areas continues to be a gamble and rainfed farmers face several uncertainties like aberrant weather, lack of timely inputs and credit leading to low and unstable productivity and profitability. The crop production in rainfed region has inherent risks because rain is undependable in time and amount. In order to minimize these risks, an attempt to study the agroclimate of two districts viz. Ranchi and Dumka, representing Central and Northeastern Plateau zone of Jharkhand state was undertaken. Of all the climatic factors, rainfall is of greatest concern to population in rainfed agriculture. The variation of monsoonal and annual rainfall in space and time are well known and this inter-annual variability of monsoonal rainfall has considerable impact on agricultural production, water management and energy generation Analysis of annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall of a region is useful to design water harvesting structure. Similarly weekly rainfall analysis give more useful information in crop planning .The cropping patterns are basically dependent on Moisture Availability Index (MAI). The most dependable season for rainfed crop planning in this region is the kharif (SW monsoon) season with 24% and 35% CV for Ranchi and Dumka respectively. Ranchi is more prone to drought in comparison to Dumka. Agricultural droughts are more common in 23 – 26 SMW and 37 – 40 SMW at Ranchi but in Dumka it is less frequent and occurs generally between 37 – 40 SMW. The length of growing season at Ranchi has been observed as 154, 182, 203 and 203 days for Upland, Don III, Don II and Don I, whereas at Dumka it was 168, 196, 210 and 231 days, respectively. Crops of more than 200 days duration can be grow in lowlands of Dumka. The PET at Ranchi and Dumka is 1354 mm and 1269 mm, respectively, therefore crop water requirement for upland and lowland rice and maize is more at Ranchi in comparison to Dumka. Good prospects of water harvesting are also there in both the stations as 8 – 13 weeks 170 – 700 mm of surplus water in Ranchi and 8 – 14 weeks 90 – 570 mm of surplus at Dumka can be harvested during monsoon month. Maximum temperatures showed an increasing trend at both stations whereas, minimum temperature showed a decreasing trend, hence the days are getting hotter and nights getting cooler. The extreme weather events such as cold waves and severe heat waves are increasing in Ranchi and Dumka. High rainfall events are also becoming more frequent. Upland areas of Ranchi and Dumka, which has fairly low moisture retention capacity, less water requiring and tropical crops like pigeon pea and finger millet could be grown successfully. Agro forestry should be recommended for the upland areas of Ranchi and Dumka with sandy type soils. Agro forestry can arrest the erosion of top soil also. In sandy loam type soils rainfed upland rice varieties like Birsa dhan 108, Birsa Vikas Dhan 110, Vandana, Birsa Gora etc. should be adopted. Maize also grows well in slope lands of Ranchi and Dumka. Particularly Dumka with warmer climate suits best for maize cultivation. In the clay loam soil rice is the main crop that could be grown under bunded conditions, medium maturity duration varieties viz. Sahbhagi, Naveen, Lalat etc. are recommended in these soils. This is the potential area for rice cultivation and the potential need to be exploited. Lowland areas with clay soil and moist weather condition deep water transplanted rice varieties should be recommended. Waterlogging resistant long duration varieties like Rajshree, Swarna, BPT-5204 etc. can give higher yield. Ranchi and Dumka have greater chance for water surplus during their rainy season thus offer opportunity for water harvesting and supplemented irrigation to mitigate drought. It can prove beneficial for successive rabi crops also.ThesisItem Open Access AGROCLIMATIC CHARACTERIZATION OF GUMLA DISTRICT FOR CROP PLANNING(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-6, 2018) Ekka, Abhijeet Pankaj; Kumari, PragyanAgriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive sector among all the economic sectors. Despite ongoing improvements in technology and crop varieties, weather and climate remain uncontrollable factors affecting the quantity and quality of agricultural production. The timely onset of monsoon rain and its distribution during June and July decides the area coverage of rainfed crops. Indian agriculture, with 80% of farmers being smallholders (less than 0.5 ha), is monsoon-dependent, rainfed agriculture (58%) and about 30% of population is undernourished, malnourished, migrates from rural to urban regions. Agriculture has become more vulnerable to changed climate or variability situations, huge population is dependent on agriculture. Reduced food grain productivity, loss to vegetable and fruit crops, fodder scarcity, shortage of drinking water to animals during summer, forced migration, severe loss to poultry and fishery sectors have been registered and are threatening the livelihoods of rural poor. In order to minimize these risks, an attempt to study the agroclimate of Gumla district has been carried out for proper crop planning at block level. Of all the climatic factors, rainfall is of greatest concern to population in rainfed agriculture. The variation of monsoonal and annual rainfall in space and time are well known and this inter-annual variability of monsoonal rainfall has considerable impact on agricultural production, water management, energy generation and economic growth. Analysis of annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall of a region is useful to design water harvesting structure. Similarly weekly rainfall analysis give more useful information in crop planning .The cropping patterns are basically dependent on assured rainfall, length of growing period and Moisture Availability Index (MAI). The mean annual rainfall for Gumla is 1096.5 mm and the annual rainfall showed an increasing trend of 6.35 mm/year whereas the maximum rainfall distribution is observed during July and August. Lowest and highest rainfall receiving blocks are Basia (732.1mm) and Raidih (1502.9mm) with 35% and 37% CV, respectively. An increasing trend of maximum temperatures has been observed with stable sunshine hours whereas minimum temperature and relative humidity showed a decreasing trend. Gumla district is prone to mild drought (40.5%) which is maximum at Ghaghra followed by moderate drought observed maximum at Kamdara. Severe drought is observed in Basia and Raidih once in 17 years. Occurrence of Agricultural drought was mostly during early and late season. Sisai block faced maximum early drought, maximum mid season drought at Bishunpur and Gumla affected by late season drought. Initial probability of getting 10, 20 and 50 mm rainfall, above 50%, varies from 16 weeks, 13 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively for different blocks of the district. Most of the blocks come under dry to slightly moist and moist climatic type depending on the land situation whereas Basia and Kamdara come under semi slightly dry climatic condition. Water surplus in Basia and Kamdara are almost negligible in Upland and Don III and very little water can be harvested from Don II and Done I. Water surplus was observed in Raidih followed by Palkot and can be harvested more from all land situations. Productivity of Rice, Maize, Ragi, Wheat and Potato are increasing in Gumla district and is a potential area for Ragi and Potato. For doubling the farmer’s income under available moisture status of different block of the districts there is need to change the cropping pattern and introduce Maize-Potato in cropping system. Short duration varieties are recommended for major crops in the district such as Sahbhagi, Naveen and Anjali for Rice, Birsa makka-1 and Suwan for Miaze, Birsa marua-2, A- 404 for Ragi, K-9107, HDR-77 for wheat, Kufri lima, Kufri surya for potato and Birsa shivam, Shiwani for oilseeds which are of short duration(60 to 90 days) to avoid moisture stress. Gumla has greater chance for water surplus during rainy season thus offer opportunity for water harvesting and supplemented irrigation to mitigate drought. It can prove beneficial for successive rabi crops also.ThesisItem Open Access AGROCLIMATIC CHARACTERIZATION OF HAZARIBAGH DISTRICT OF JHARKHAND FOR WEATHER BASED CROP PLANNING(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2020) Kumar Gupta, Chandan; Kumar Gupta, Chandan; Wadood, A.; Wadood, A.Rainfed agriculture plays most important role in providing food and livelihood security to the world and India. However, rainfed agriculture is highly dependent on rainfall therefore crop cultivation in these areas continues to be a gamble due to uncertainty of rainfall. Further, global warming is leading to climate change and negative impact on crop production. The number of heavy precipitation events has increased in most of the regions of the world while in some regions it has also decreased. This change in precipitation pattern is altering hydrological systems and agricultural production. Therefore agro-climatic characterization at micro/local geographical scale becomes necessary for better crop planning. With this background, present study characterised agro-climatic condition of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand at block level for weather based crop planning. The objectives of the study were (a) to characterize agro-climatic condition of Hazaribagh district at block level, (b) to assess the frequency and intensity of drought and length of growing period at block level and (c) to develop suitable crop plans based on soil and climatic condition. To achieve the objectives of the study, 10 representative blocks of the Hazaribagh district were selected for soil sampling and collection of historical weather data from 1983-2017. The representative soil samples of each selected blocks were collected from up land, mid land and low land agricultural filed by ‗V‘ shape digging of soil up to 30 cm depth. Collected soil samples were analysed for important physical (texture, bulk density, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water capacity etc.), physico-chemical (pH, Org. C) and chemical parameters (avail N, P and K). Several statistical analyses (using Weather Cock v1.0 software) of collected weather data was done to characterise the agro-climatic condition prevailing over Hazaribagh district. Mann -Kendall test was done for trend analysis of surface atmospheric temperature and rainfall. Rainfall data of the blocks were analysed for weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual distribution, occurance of meteorological and agricultural drought, initial and conditional probabilities, and incomplete gamma probability of rainfall. Soil moisture balance and length of growing period was also detrmined. The result showed that the minimum annual temperature of the district varied from 15.30C to 20.60C (Mean19.50C) while maximum annual temperature varied from 27.40C to 31.10C (mean=29.30C) with 2.8% and 6.5% coefficient of variation respectively in the last 35 years. The maximum annual temperature was found increasing with the rate of 0.03 0C per annum while the minimum annual temperature decreased with 0.08 0C per annum. The average annual rainfall of the district in the last 35 years was 1206 mm with 9.5 to 33.5 % coefficient of variation. The rainfall was found spread over about 59 rainy days with CV of 21%, indicating relatively low variability in number of rainy days over the years. Blocks situated in western part of the district received lowest average annual rainfall while blocks situated in central portion of the district received highest average annual rainfall. Negative trend in annual rainfall was observed in most of the blocks (Barhi, Barkatha, Chauparan, Churchu, Hazaribagh and Katkamsandi blocks) except Bishnugarh, Barkagaon, Ichak and Keredari blocks. It was observed that blocks situated in north part of the district are observing faster rate of decrease in annual rainfall while blocks situated in southern part of district is observing slightly increase in annual rainfall. The length of the growing period (LGP) was observed to be 26 weeks for most of the blocks of Hazaribagh district under upland condition. Under Don III Don II land situation LGP was of 29-31 weeks for all blocks. Low land condition possessed 30-31 weeks of LGP at all blocks. Occurrence of mild drought was found to be a common feature in Hazaribagh district (33%). It was observed that almost all blocks of Hazaribagh district faced long spells of late season agricultural drought and frequent early season drought. Water availability was found surplus in all the land situations during active growing period of Kharif crops. Hence, water deficit does not matter for kharif crops, though it would be of great concern as far as the cultivation of winter season rabi crops. Hence, rainwater harvesting during its plenty and its re-use during its scarcity will be good strategy for ensuring sustainable agriculture in the study areas. In view of the different water related conditions in different land situations, crop diversification would be practicable in uplands as well as in medium lands. Direct seeded rice in upland and direct as well as transplanted rice in medium lands may be replaced, to some extent, with less water requiring crops like maize, oilseeds and pulses. Among all the blocks, upland areas of Katkamsandi and Keredari had fairly low moisture retention capacity therefore less water requiring tropical crops like pigeon pea and finger millet can be grow successfully. During, kharif lowland (Don I) in almost all blocks had very high moisture content with waterlogging therefore it is mainly suitable for paddy cultivation and farmers don‘t have much option for crop diversification or replacement. However, crop diversification can be done in rabi season crops after harvesting of paddy.ThesisItem Open Access AGRONOMIC BIOFORTIFICATION OF ZINC AND IRON IN FIELD PEA (Pisum sativum L.)(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 2023) Nikita Kumari; S. KarmakarField pea is one of the oldest domesticated pulse crops, primarily used for human consumption or as a livestock feed. The world production of field pea in 2020 was approximately 14.8 million metric tons. India ranks fifth in global production producing approximately 0.8 million metric tons of field pea. Jharkhand has 0.6 lakh hectare under field pea cultivation with the production of 0.7 lakh ton and productivity of 1210 kg/ha (Directorate of Agriculture, 2020-21). Nowadays agronomic biofortification seeks the attention of researchers because it is a cost-effective and less-time consuming method for increasing the concentration of micronutrients like zinc and iron which are lacking in the diets of poor rural populations. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to zinc deficiency due to their heavy reliance on plant-based diets, while failure to supply the adequate daily iron requirement over an extended period may lead to its deficiency, which affects more than 3 billion individuals worldwide. Keeping these points in view, an experiment entitled “Agronomic Biofortification of Zinc and Iron in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)” was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University Farm, Kanke, Ranchi during Rabi season of 2021-2022 with an objective to study the effect of different modes of application of zinc and iron on growth, yield attributes, yield, nutrient content, uptake and economics of field pea. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice with eight treatments viz. T1:RDF (25:50:25:20 N:P2O5:K2O:S kg/ha) + PSB + Rhizobium) as basal, T2: RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation, T3: RDF + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at preflowering and pod-initiation, T4: RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and podinitiation, T5: RDF + seed priming with 0.05% ZnSO4 solution w/v soaked for 3-4 hours, T6: RDF + seed priming with 0.05% FeSO4 solution w/v soaked for 3-4 hours, T7: RDF + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha, T8 : RDF + soil application of FeSO4 @ 20 kg/ha. Field pea variety Aman (IPF 5-19) was taken as test crop for the experiment. The soil was sandy loam in texture, acidic pH (5.7), low in orgaic carbon (4.4 g/kg) and nitrogen (249.34 kg/ha), medium in available phosphorus (20.65 kg/ha), potassium (161.32 kg/ha), DTPA extractable zinc (0.8 mg/kg), and high in DTPA extractable iron (21.06 mg/kg). Results revealed that maximum improvement in growth and yield attributing characters of field pea like plant height (107.83 cm), plant dry weight (729.87 g/m2), number of nodules/plant (38.20), dry weight of nodules (95.50 mg/plant), number of pods/plant (9.95), number of seeds/pod (6.01), 100 seed weight (13.51g) as well as grain yield (1869.70 kg/ha), stover yield (3931.24 kg/ha) and harvest index (32.25 %) was recorded with the treatment RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation which remained at par with RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and podinitiation and RDF + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha. The content of nitrogen (3.94, 1.76)% and potassium (0.91, 1.33)% in grain and stover of field pea respectively was recorded maximum with application of RDF + foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre-flowering and pod-initiation while, phosphorus content in grain and stover (0.40, 0.19)% was found maximum with foliar spray of 0.5% FeSO4 along with RDF. Zinc content (49.81 mg/kg, 44.88 mg/kg) was found maximum in treatment RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation while, iron content (94.22 mg/kg, 90.29 mg/kg) was found maximum with the application of RDF + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation in grain and stover respectively. Total uptake of nitrogen (141.64 kg/ha), phosphorus (14.32 kg/ha), potassium (67.04 kg/ha), zinc (259.11 g/ha) and iron (518.9 g/ha) were found maximum with RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage. It was also observed that gross return (₹ 84424 /ha), net return (₹ 54013 /ha), and B:C ratio (1.78) recorded maximum with the application of RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage. Physico-chemical properties of soil (available N, P, K, Zn and Fe) were not influenced significantly by the application of different doses of zinc and iron. Based on one year of experimentation, it may be concluded that application of RDF i.e. (25:50:25:20 N:P2O5:K2O:S kg/ha) as basal along with foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 at preflowering and pod-initiation stage would be economically viable option for improving productivity and nutrient uptake as well as fortifying total content of zinc and iron in grain of field pea.